Barberspan is a large, shallow pan of approximately 2,000 hectares located in the North West Province of South Africa, situated between the towns of Delareyville and Sannieshof. Together with the adjacent Leeupan, connected by a shallow channel, the combined wetland system extends over 4,000 hectares. The pan is fed intermittently by the Harts River and consists of shallow alkaline waters set within flat, undulating grassland and agricultural land. It was designated one of South Africa's first Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance in March 1975 and remains the only Ramsar site in the North West Province.

Canoes and rowboats are permitted on the pan, but paddling is restricted to the southern portion of the reserve. Power boats are not allowed. Paddlers are advised to bring their own canoes, as the reserve does not appear to provide rental equipment. Fishing from boats is confined to a designated area of the pan, which may affect route planning for paddlers.

The pan sits in an arid climatic zone with an average temperature of 18°C and annual rainfall averaging 557mm, falling primarily during the hot summer months. Winters are cool and dry, with an average of 31 frost days per year in the province. Annual temperatures range between 9°C and 27°C. Waterbird concentrations are highest during the dry season from April through October, when surrounding wetlands dry up and large numbers of waterfowl congregate at Barberspan. Summer brings the rains and dispersal of birds to breed in temporary pans nearby.

The wildlife viewing from a canoe is a primary draw, with over 360 bird species recorded including flamingos, pelicans, African fish eagle, Goliath heron, Caspian tern, maccoa duck, chestnut-banded plover, and black-necked grebe. The pan regularly supports in excess of 20,000 individual birds. Game including black wildebeest, zebra, springbok, and blesbok can also be seen along the shoreline grasslands. The terrain is flat throughout, and an extensive network of gravel roads within the reserve allows access around the pan. Several well-positioned bird hides are located along the shoreline.