Kamfers Dam Flamingo Pan
Once a vital breeding ground for lesser flamingos, Kamfers Dam now faces ecological challenges due to pollution, impacting wildlife presence.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best chance for sunset colors
Kamfers Dam Flamingo Pan
Best Time
Best chance for sunset colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Once a vital breeding ground for lesser flamingos, Kamfers Dam now faces ecological challenges due to pollution, impacting wildlife presence.
"Disappointing as you are unable to get remotely close, and the flamingos are little more than a distant pink."
Roadside Viewing Only
Access is restricted to roadside viewing. Bring binoculars for a better chance to see distant birds. :binoculars:
Check Recent Sightings
Flamingo presence is unpredictable. Look for recent local updates before making the trip. :informationdeskperson:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roadside Flamingo Spotting
Catch a glimpse of lesser flamingos from the N12 roadside, a distant but potentially rewarding sight.
Sunset Views
Even without flamingos, the dam offers scenic sunset vistas along the N12.
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Planning Your Visit
Flamingo Viewing Access
Current Ecological Status
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Roadside Viewing Only
Access is restricted to roadside viewing. Bring binoculars for a better chance to see distant birds. :binoculars:
Check Recent Sightings
Flamingo presence is unpredictable. Look for recent local updates before making the trip. :informationdeskperson:
Sunset Potential
If flamingos are absent, enjoy the potential for beautiful sunset scenery. :city_sunset:
Tips
from all over the internet
Roadside Viewing Only
Access is restricted to roadside viewing. Bring binoculars for a better chance to see distant birds. :binoculars:
Check Recent Sightings
Flamingo presence is unpredictable. Look for recent local updates before making the trip. :informationdeskperson:
Sunset Potential
If flamingos are absent, enjoy the potential for beautiful sunset scenery. :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kamfers Dam, once a vibrant flamingo breeding site, is now largely disappointing due to severe pollution, leading to the birds' departure. While historically significant, current visitors report limited access and unlikely wildlife sightings, though some appreciate the potential for sunset views from the roadside.
"Kamfers Dam, a privately owned dam, located about 6km from Kimberly, Northern Cape, had over the years become a major breeding site for lesser flamingos. The site lies along the N12 road, with the railway carrying tourists on the Blue Train alongside. The Flamingo Casino is a short distance away. The lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) is a species of flamingo occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and western India. Breeding was further fostered by the commendable private initiative of the construction of an artificial 'S' shaped island on dam. According to Wikipedia, "The population of flamingos gathered to breed in May 2020 reached around 71,000 with up to 5,000 chicks hatching during the breeding season." Sadly, the ecological health of Kamfers Dam, a potential tourism drawcard, has rapidly deteriorated, and according to a 2025 report, as well as a France 24 TV channel news segment aired on 27 May 2025, Kamfers Dam, once home thousands of breeding flamingos, has been abandoned after years of pollution. The chances of the migratory flamingos returning to this currently toxic Dam are almost nil - unless something changes fast.
(Images credits: Wikipedia/ Mark D Anderson; Google; France 24)"
Victor Rajkumar
"It's a private dam . So there's a small parking spot next to road but Unfortunately you can't go any further . Didn't see any flamingos . Was a good sunset view tho"
Ugene Sanjit
"It is very difficult to find a place to have a good view!"
Alireza Zarenejad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kamfers Dam is located approximately 6km from Kimberley along the N12 road. There is a small parking area next to the road where you can stop to view the dam.
Public transport options directly to Kamfers Dam are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle, allowing you to stop at the designated roadside viewing point.
No, access to the dam itself is restricted as it is privately owned. Viewing is limited to the roadside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Kamfers Dam as it is a roadside viewing area. Access is free.
As it's a roadside viewing point, there are no official opening hours. However, it is best visited during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
📸 📸 Photography
Given the distance, a telephoto lens or binoculars are highly recommended for capturing clear photos of any flamingos present. :camerawithflash:
While flamingo sightings are uncertain, the dam can offer scenic views, especially during sunrise and sunset, providing opportunities for landscape photography. :sunriseovermountains:
ℹ️ ❓ General Information
Recent reports indicate that Kamfers Dam has been abandoned by flamingos due to pollution. Sightings are currently unlikely unless conditions improve significantly. :sadbutrelieved:
Years of pollution have severely impacted the ecological health of Kamfers Dam, making it unsuitable for the lesser flamingos that once bred there. :biohazard:
An artificial 'S' shaped island was constructed on the dam to foster flamingo breeding. However, its effectiveness has been compromised by pollution.
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rise and Fall of Kamfers Dam as a Flamingo Haven
Unfortunately, this ecological success story has been overshadowed by severe environmental degradation. Reports from 2025 and news segments have highlighted the rapid deterioration of the dam's water quality due to pollution. This toxic environment has led to the abandonment of the dam by the flamingo population, casting doubt on their return unless substantial environmental remediation efforts are undertaken. The current state of Kamfers Dam serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of ecosystems and the impact of human activity.
Visitors hoping to see flamingos at Kamfers Dam should be aware of its current ecological challenges. While the dam is accessible from the N12, viewing is limited to the roadside, and sightings are highly improbable given the recent environmental issues. The focus has shifted from wildlife viewing to understanding the environmental plight of this once-thriving habitat.
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