Memel

Memel means 'surrounded by water'. This small pristine country village is situated in the NE corner of the Free State close to the Drakensberg escarpment, only 240 kms from Johannesburg and 300 kms from Pietermaritzburg.

Seekoeivlei
The spectacular Seekoeivlei Wetlands

The area is noted for mainly three things:

1. Its breathtaking scenic beauty. To the east and the south of the village you drive within minutes into the majestic and picturesque mountains, with their rocky hillsides, sandstone cliffs, high altitude grasslands, through valleys and alongside clear mountain streams and lakes. On the Drakensberg Escarpment at Moorefield, only 25 kms from Memel, big areas with unspoilt indigenous forest are to be found. To the north and west the landscape comprises mainly undulating grasslands and includes the extensive 5000 ha Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve.

2. The spectacular internationally important 2000 ha Seekoeivlei Wetlands - listed as a Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR) - which is situated in the Reserve along the Klip River. The wetlands is made up by an extensive meandering floodplain and is now once again home to the hippo, 100 years after the last one was shot in the area.

3. The district is also noted for its estimated 350 bird species including many 'specials' and 15 Red Data listed species. Memel is becoming a great birding destination.

At certain time of the year thousands of water birds congregate on the wetlands, and the grassland areas abound with bird life, making the area a true birding paradise. Scarce and endangered species such as the Wattled, Blue and Crowned Crane may be seen and sometimes roost together in the same part of the wetland. Special birds of the grasslands include Southern Bald Ibis, Blue Korhaan, Rudd's and Botha's Larks and Yellow-breasted Pipit.

birdwatching

The village is the central hub of the local farming community, and has a rich history going back to the Anglo-Boer war and earlier.
An eight million Rand development project is underway in the Seekoeivlei Reserve, which on completion will boast some of the best birding facilities in South Africa.

The development includes up-market chalets and six bird hides interlinked with walkways.
Breathtaking scenic beauty

A variety of accommodation facilities are available from basic to up-market guest houses and self-catering establishments in the village and on farms in the area.