birding day trips johannesburg

Etienne Marais Birding

Day trips - johannesburg and pretoria region.

Join Etienne Marais for a world-class birding experience! Outings are tailor-made to your requirements, which can be high diversity birding, or a specific focus on your target species. Etienne is co-author of the acclaimed: “Chamberlain guide to Birding Gauteng” and is a leading birder in Southern Africa, with intimate knowledge of the region around Johannesburg and Pretoria.  The area offers a surprising array of quality birds!  

Tour basics 

From early til late! 

Cost ZAR 3200 (1- 3 pax) 

A light lunch is provided 

Birding can be mostly vehicle based or tailored to include a bird-walk element. 

Mostly on private land and nature reserves  

Top birds found around Gauteng

The area holds surprising diversity from a host of grassland endemics such as Melodious and Eastern Clapper Lark,  to a huge variety of woodland birds such as the striking Crimson-breasted Shrike and Long-tailed Paradise Whydah. Popular species include a variety of Francolins (Shelleys, Orange River and Coqui), Raptors such as Ovambo Sparrowhawk, and wetland species including Red-chested Flufftail and African Rail. Other good birds include White-bellied and Blue Korhaan, Meyer's Parrot and in winter, large congregations of the Blue Crane. We recommend that birders use our annotated list to indicate priorities whether they be new birds or targets for photography. 

Johannesburg Highveld & Wetlands Birding Day Tour

Day Tour Details

Tour summary, detailed itinerary, tour pricing, tour gallery.

Birding Day Trips In Johannesburg, such as the Highveld and Wetlands, host a wide variety of bird species. This means exploring the regions south of Johannesburg guarantees a great day’s birding. Seeing over 100 bird species isn’t unheard of for a full-day birding tour.

Exploring the remarkably wild Suikerbosrand Nature reserve, we target species such as  Marsh Owl ,  Red-throated Wryneck ,  Kalahari Scrub-Robin ,  Sentinal Rock Thrush ,  Red-winged Francolin  and  Orange-breasted Waxbill .

Once we’ve had our fill at Suikerbosrand, we head on over to the Marievale Bird Sanctuary. Marievale is hands down one of the most productive and unique birding sites in all of South Africa. Here we’ll target the likes of  African Rail, Little Rush Warbler, Cape Shoveler, Blue-billed Teal, African Marsh Harrier  and many more.

You don’t need to travel far to enjoy birding day trips in Johannesburg. So join us as we show you the wonders of Johannesburg Highveld.

Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve:

Starting bright and early, we’ll pick you up anywhere in Johannesburg to start the drive to Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. On the outskirts of the reserve, we’ll bird for  Ant-eating Chat ,  Orange River Francolin ,  Marsh Owl ,  Orange-breasted Waxbill ,  Cape Longclaw  and more. Upon entering the reserve we can expect the likes of  Red-throated Wryneck ,  Crested Barbet ,  Cape Rock-Thrush  and  Mountain Wheatear .

After spending some time around the picnic area, looking for  Cape Robin-Chat ,  Cape Bunting ,  White-browed Sparrow-weaver ,  Malachite Sunbird ,  Red Collared Widowbird  and more, we’ll start the one-way route that traverses the reserves mountain ranges, acacia woodland and open grassland. Throughout the reserve, we’ll be looking for specials such as  Secretarybird ,  Eastern Long-billed Lark ,  Nicholson’s Pipit ,  Yellow Canary ,  African Red-eyed Bulbul ,  Wing-snapping Cisticola ,  Cinnamon-breasted Bunting ,  Striped Pipit  and depending on the time of the year,  Fairy Flycatcher .

Marievale Bird Sanctuary:

Once we’ve finished up in Suikerbosrand, we take a 30-45 minute drive to the well-known Marievale Bird Sanctuary. It’s en route to Marievale that we will stop for a quick lunch in the heat of the day, befor.

Throughout the various wetlands, reedbeds and bird hides, we’ll be searching for specials such as  African Rail ,  Arican Snipe ,  Greater-  and  Lesser Flamingo ,  Goliath Heron ,  Fan-tailed Widowbird ,  Black Crake ,  African Reed Warbler ,  Blue-billed- ,  Red-billed-  and  Cape   Teal ,  Little Bittern ,  Pied Avocet ,  Black-winged Stilt ,  Knob-billed Duck ,  Malachite Kingfisher ,  Brown-throated Martin  and many more.

The day’s birding will end here, after which we’ll drive back to Johannesburg to drop you off at your specified location.

Join us on one of our Birding Day Trips In Johannesburg, Pretoria or Cape Town. Contact us for more information.

7-10 = ZAR 1,800.00 p/p

4-6 = ZAR 2,350.00 p/p

2-3 = ZAR 3,750.00 p/p

1 = ZAR 5,800.00 p/p

** CONTACT US TO SEE IF YOU CAN BOOK AN ALREADY RUNNING DAY TOUR FOR REDUCED RATES**

Birding Day Tour Inclusions

Day tour exlusions.

• International/domestic flights
• Items of a personal nature
• Soft/alcoholic drinks
• Personal travel insurance

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Want To See What We’re Up To On Our Birding Day Trips?

We keep active bird lists on all of our day tours. You can see what past day tours have offered up on our eBird profile here:

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1-3-day Northeastern Johannesburg/Pretoria Birding Tour

Go to: South Africa Day Tours | Full length South Africa birding tours | Birding Tours in Africa | All our birding tours

Price per day (excludes accommodation and food, includes only guiding fees and transport): R6,000 / $341 / £272 / €317 for one person, then R500 / $28 / £23 / €26 per extra person sharing

Single Supplement: n/a

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Tour Details

Duration : 1-3 days Tour Start : Johannesburg/Pretoria Tour End : Johannesburg/Pretoria

The 1–3-day trip to the northeastern parts of ‘wider’ Johannesburg/Pretoria offers both species richness and species diversity. A day list of 150 in the summer and 120 in the winter even on a 1-day trip is not an uncommon achievement.

One-day Trip – Northeastern Johannesburg/Pretoria area

An early start is always recommended in order to maximize the special sightings and greatly increase our chances for endemics and a higher species total, but a leisurely start to this area, especially in the winter, can also be very productive. The birding sites will include the likes of the Verena grasslands, Mabusa Nature Reserve, and the Wilge River Valley. Each of these three sites has a different ‘main habitat’, and therefore the species differ greatly from site to site. Some of the main target species that we find in the beautiful Verena grassland area include White-bellied Bustard (Barrow’s Korhaan), the endemic Melodious Lark , Red-winged Francolin , and Secretarybird, as well as Long-tailed and Red-collared Widowbirds . In summer we look for Banded Martin and the rare Short-tailed Pipit .

Mabusa Nature Reserve is an incredible destination with rolling grassy hills and broad-leafed and riverine woodland – a true gem, and really underrated on the South African birding scene. Our guides know this reserve very well and can find the likes of Green-capped Eremomela , Flappet and Fawn-colored Larks , Mocking Cliff Chat , Lazy Cisticola , Shelley’s and Coqui Francolins , Half-collared and Woodland Kingfishers , Ovambo Sparrowhawk, and sometimes the rare White-backed Night Heron ! The Wilge River dissects the area and forms the spectacular Wilge River Valley, where we have a good chance of finding many riverine woodland species, including Greater Double-collared Sunbird , White-crested Helmetshrike , Grey-headed and Orange-breasted Bushshrikes , Pearl-spotted Owlet , Grey Tit-Flycatcher , Rock Kestrel , Green Wood Hoopoe , and White-fronted Bee-eater, and sometimes we find Verreaux’s Eagle as well as Little Sparrowhawk .

As mentioned before, this day trip can really give you a balanced day list with species from indigenous grassland areas, riverine woodland, and broad-leaved and acacia woodland to rocky ridges and outcrops. The scenery is also fantastic, and there is always a chance of bumping into a few mammals on the day; some of them include Black-backed Jackal , Black Wildebeest , and Yellow Mongoose .

Extension: 2-3-day Trip (Overnight Wilge River Valley/Rust de Winter)

As an extension to this brilliant one-day trip to the northeastern parts of Johannesburg/Pretoria we can stay over in the Wilge River Valley and/or the Rust de Winter area. We are then able to extend our birding hours by waking up to the morning chorus and enjoying a cup of coffee while keeping an eye out for cuckoos, robin-chats, and other fantastic woodland species. Of course there are even more benefits to staying the night in these areas; one can be sure to bird the important sites more thoroughly, and we then have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Mkhombo Nature Reserve – one of the absolute local hotspots among Johannesburg- and Pretoria-based birders. A full day’s birding, accessing a few key sites and Mkhombo Dam, can produce over 200 species! The dam and surrounding woodlands offer a multitude of waterfowl as well as some excellent dry acacia specials for the area. Some examples include Goliath and Black Herons , Red-billed and Hottentot Teals , Yellow-billed Stork , Western Osprey , and African Fish-Eagle . The summer months often deliver specials such as Black-winged Pratincole , Greater Painted-snipe , Blue-cheeked Bee-eater , Allen’s Gallinule , Harlequin Quail , and Lesser Moorhen . The drier acacia bush offers Marico Flycatcher , Chinspot Batis , Scaly-feathered Weaver , Southern Pied Babbler , Black-faced Waxbill , Barred Wren-Warbler , Chestnut-vented Warbler , and the uncommon Cape Penduline Tit . We are able to make an excellent two-day and even three-day trip out of these fantastic birding areas mentioned here and in the one-day northeastern itinerary.

Please get in touch with us for more detailed information and about how we can make this trip a success filled with lifers! Download Summary

Black-faced Waxbill

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater

Half-collared Kingfisher

Burchell's Starling

Green-capped Eremomela

Pearl-spotted Owlet

Mocking Cliff Chat

Woodland Kingfisher

Natal Spurfowl

Allen's Gallinule

Red-breasted Swallow

Scaly-feathered Weaver

Shaft-tailed Whydah

Southern Pied Babbler

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill

South africa: 1-day mabusa nature reserve and mkhombo dam birding tour report,   by dylan vasapolli.

This is an example of a typical 1-day northeastern Johannesburg/Pretoria birding trip report. Please email us ( [email protected] ) for more trip reports from this destination.

DOWNLOAD TRIP REPORT

This Johannesburg/Pretoria-based, South Africa, birding day tour takes one to an almost-forgotten corner of the Mpumalanga province. Here lie the mega birding sites of Mabusa Nature Reserve , the Verena grasslands and the Mkhombo Dam Nature Reserve – all of which are frequently overlooked sites, though deserve to be included on the main birding routes around South Africa. Verdant rolling grassy hills line the outside of Mabusa Nature Reserve, and play host to some incredibly sought-after species and are arguably the best areas in the country for the likes of Melodious Lark and White-bellied Bustard , and in the summer months a handful of other species such as Short-tailed Pipit . Mabusa Nature Reserve itself hosts a broad spectrum of birds with diverse broad-leafed woodlands on rocky ground dominating the area, producing scarce species such as Fawn-coloured Lark and Green-capped Eremomela . Mkhombo Dam Nature Reserve, as its name suggests, is based around the large Mkhombo Dam, and while water levels fluctuate widely, it generally hosts a large number of waterbirds, while additionally supporting an excellent suite of acacia thornveld species.

This trip was carried out for a single client. A more detailed account of the day trip is given below, and a total list of species can be seen following this.

Detailed Report:

We departed Pretoria early in the morning, and found ourselves in the Verena Grasslands shortly after sunrise. We had a bit of weather to contend with, though thankfully the light rain soon abated, but cool, overcast and windy conditions persisted. We started off at a wetland where we enjoyed flocks of Orange-breasted Waxbill as they left to forage, along with others such as Purple Heron , Cape Grassbird , Little Bee-eater , Cape Weaver and Red-collared Widowbird . We also enjoyed a variety of warblers with African Reed , Lesser Swamp and Little Rush Warblers all showing. Red-chested Flufftail and African Rail were vocal but remained unseen. We eventually carried on, stopping for a close pair of Coqui Francolins next to the road, along with a brief Melodious Lark sighting, a Buffy Pipit next to the road, a Greater Kestrel , and a mixed flock of hirundines that included Banded and Brown-throated Martins and Greater Striped , South African Cliff and White-throated Swallows . Further stops yielded a lovely family of three Blue Cranes , South Africa’s national bird, Fawn-coloured Lark , Cloud and Desert Cisticolas , and a pair of White-bellied Bustards . This must surely rank as the best location within South Africa to view the latter species!

We eventually pressed onwards to Mabusa Nature Reserve , where we concentrated on more woodland-based birding. With the sun now out, things were on the quiet side, but our patience paid off as we enjoyed a bustling bird party filled with the likes of Green-capped Eremomela , Brubru , Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird , Southern Black Tit , Lazy Cisticola and Southern Black Flycatcher , amongst others. Nearby, a confiding pair of Short-toed Rock Thrushes showed well, as did Mocking Cliff Chat and Familiar Chat . We carried on birding, searching for various other species such as Bushveld Pipit and Red-headed Weaver that we were still missing, but things were awfully quiet and we only added various widespread species, and our last notable sighting before leaving the area was of a large flock of nesting White-fronted Bee-eaters .

We then transited to the Mkhombo Dam Nature Reserve where we spent the remainder of the day. The water level had risen substantially in the recent days/weeks, as the waterline now infringed on the treeline and grasslands that once dotted the edge. This made navigating the dam’s edge tricky as it was not clear where the water actually ended, and also meant that the overall waterbird numbers were low as many waterbirds and shorebirds had probably sought out more attractive areas. Aside from Blacksmith Lapwings and Black-winged Stilts , there were no shorebirds to speak of, however eventually we were able to track down some waterbirds congregating in a specific area, which included White-faced Whistling Duck , Red-billed Teal , Yellow-billed Stork , Great Egret , Black Heron , African Spoonbill and African Swamphen , amongst others.

With virtually all of the waterbirds exhausted, we made our way into the acacia thornveld that surrounds the dam, where we spent some time working the area. A short and sharp rain shower brought things to life, and we enjoyed a supremely productive end to our day. Small, colorful seedeaters were present in large numbers, with Blue Waxbill and both Jameson’s and Red-billed Firefinches dominating the numbers, though we also managed to find Green-winged Pytilia , Violet-eared Waxbill and Cut-throat Finch . We did well to pick up a scarce Great Sparrow amongst a group of more common Southern Grey-headed Sparrows . A lively group of Cape Penduline Tits played hide and seek with us for a bit, eventually showing well, and we were also pleased to find both Burnt-necked Eremomela and the regionally rare Yellow-bellied Eremomela . Marico Flycatchers perched on the tops of the trees, as did an Acacia Pied Barbet and Kalahari Scrub Robin , before a Gabar Goshawk dashed through the area. A surprise Double-banded Sandgrouse was seen on our way out, and brought to a close a fun and successful day out.

‘We went out to Marievale with Dylan to (re)connect with some South African birds after some years away from SA. It was a wonderful experience. Dylan was charming, helpful and incredibly knowledgeable about the birds. We saw over 50 species in a morning and learned a lot about the birds. We would highly recommend Birding Ecotours for an excellent birding experience.’

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BUSTARDS BIRDING TOURS (Johannesburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

• Ekala Eco Tours contact
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South Africa Birding Tours

Birding tours – private bird watching eco tour – south africa.

Bird Safari

South africa birding tours  – bird watching nature eco and safari – johannesburg pretoria gauteng – pilanesberg and kruger national game reserves, avitourism – south africa – birding destination par excellence – birding tours and eco safaris​..

Photographic experience paired with comfortable accommodation and a great overall birding and nature Eco tour experience.

Birding enthusiasts actually wish to spend more time at a sighting to get the perfect pictures.

As our South Africa birding tours and Eco safaris are private, you can take all the time needed to get that photo. Ekala will thus position the vehicle in the best manner to allow you to get that bird photo.

Birding Eco Safari tours in South Africa National Parks:

Indeed, some of the best birding experiences are in our National parks Pilanesberg and Kruger.

As a full-day birding experience from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg is certainly the best option.

Pilanesberg’s bird hides are fantastic.

Bird counts are typically high, and a great place to sit for some time for the best sightings.

Private, professional, and reliable tailor-made birding Eco tours.

Gauteng birding sites:

Johannesburg/Pretoria.

This area offers spectacular birding diversity. Over 420 regularly species with 68 endemic species or near endemics are present in the region.   Accordingly the perfect nature area for a short birding tour and very worthwhile for birders with limited time.

Rondebult Bird Sanctuary.

Mainly water birds in a series of large ponds.

Kloofendal Nature Reserve.

150 ha Reserve, 30 minutes west of Johannesburg, consisting of typical Highveld vegetation and rocky outcrops and ridges.   Circular walking trails take you around the reserve, past a dam and then a bird hide.   Indeed, birds encountered include Malachite Sunbirds, Black Cuckoo Shrike, Spotted eagle and Barn Owl, Lesser and Greater Honeyguides, Klaas’s cuckoo, Diedericks cuckoo, Bokmakierie and Fairy Flycatcher.

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

Excellent birding location with bird list of over 220 species. Including a breeding pair of Verreaux’s’ Eagles, African Black Duck, Cape Rock-Thrush, Half-collared Kingfisher, Mocking Cliff-Chat, Rock Kestrel, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting and Cape Bunting.

Blesbokspruit Nature Reserve

A Key wetland system of international importance running from Kempton Park and flowing into the Vaal River. Bird list of over 250 species additionally substantial numbers of waterbirds.   Accordingly acting as a sanctuary for many species in an extremely industrialized urban environment.

Marievale Bird and Nature Sanctuary

Ramsar wetland site accidentally created by mining. Part of the Blesbokspruit wetland, modified high-altitude wetland consisting of a large pan and then home to many water birds.   Bird list of over 280 species, including the Painted Snipe, African Spoonbill, Pied Kingfisher, Slaty Egret, Grass Owl, Baillon’s Crake, Cape Shoveller and Yellow Canary.

Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve – Ekala Guest House close by.

Gauteng’s largest nature reserve, 45 minutes South East of Johannesburg with a huge diversity of habitats. Over 13 000 hectares with excellent hiking trails and a bird list of over 260 species.   Including Yellow-tufted Pipit, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Red-capped Lark, Black Harrier, Ground Woodpecker, Black Eagle, Red-throated Wryneck, Grey-winged and Red-winged Francolins, Orange River Francolin, Striped Pipit and Black-throated Canary.

Bullfrog Pan

While one of the most natural and attractive looking pans in the area, birding is quite unpredictable.   Over 140 species can be found at different times of the year. However a bonus is the appearance of the giant bullfrog after heavy rains.

Steward’s Pan

An excellent site for the grey headed gull.

Korsman Bird Sanctuary

Natural pan bounded by residential area. Good urban bird watching site.

Ezemvelo Nature Reserve and Bronkhorstspruit Dam

10000Ha Nature Reserve of excellent grassland habitat, riverine bush and acacia veld. Bird list of over 200 species and then a haven for waterfowl. Species include Buffy and Plain backed Pipits, White backed Duck, Great Crested Grebe, White-bellied Korhaan, Blue Korhaan, Orange River Francolin and Red breasted Swallow.

Dinokeng (North East Gauteng)

A wide variety of grasslands and woodland habitats and then the 12 500 ha Dinokeng Game Reserve.   Dinokeng is a bird watcher’s paradise, with the highest species diversity in the South Africa besides the Pilanesberg and Zululand – Northern KwaZulu-Natal Natal.

Austin Roberts Memorial Bird Sanctuary

11 hectare bird sanctuary. Wetlands attract over 160 bird species. A bird hide, then makes for excellent bird watching.

Best ability to contact Ekala for birding tours: [email protected]

We will respond within 24 hours. In most cases less. However, depending on time differences.

Difficult to deal with specifics on a cell phone. Due to the time difference, or we may all be on tour and thus unable to answer your call at that time. Thus, email works perfectly.

North West Province:

Vaalkop Dam and Borakalalo Nature Reserve.

A wide diversity of water, bushveld, and woodland birds. Three hundred-plus species, a high Raptor count, and then a summer list of 120 species.

Pilanesberg National Park:

One of the largest National Parks in South Africa covering an area of 55 000 hectares with approximately 200 km of well-maintained roads while having the greatest variety of animals per square km in South Africa.

All dams in the park, the largest being Mankwe dam, have bird hides , indeed perfectly suited for bird watching. Over 300 bird species, with 120 being easily found in a summer morning tour.

Pilanesberg is indeed the best birding option

If travelling from Johannesburg or in the city for a short time.

Tailor-made ecotourism and birding tour experiences that thus cater for solo travellers, couples, families, and group birding tours.

Mpumalanga Province

Kruger National Park – Covering an area of over 20, 000 square km. Is approx. 60 km wide and 350 km long. More than 500 bird species, 146 mammals, then with more than 190 species of reptiles, fish and amphibians.   Over 23000 plant species have been recorded in this conservation area. Kruger is the Flagship national game park of South Africa and indeed a conservation area of unparalleled diversity.   Graskop-through spectacular Blyde River Canyon panorama route Kruger National park.   Always best to travel to Kruger through this area with some of the most spectacular scenery in South Africa.   An extensive and varied range of habitats, providing a home to over 74 bird families with an astounding bird list of over 500 species, 8 of these are endemic to the region. 85% of South Africa’s Raptor species are additionally found in this area.

Drakensberg Mountain range – Awe-inspiring birding setting with amazingly dramatic scenery.

South Africa’s highest mountain range (3,482 metres) and then most prominent geological feature, stretching for some 1,000 kilometres.

The Mountain range divides the coastal plain of savannah woodland from the high-lying grasslands of the interior.

This broad variety of habitats ensures a remarkable species diversity, with a total current bird count of over 400 species. Some 150 are common and 30 are endangered or highly endangered.

Appreciation of South Africa’s natural and wildlife diversity

Ekala’s South Africa birding tours and Eco safaris are structured to accommodate specific and personal requirements.

KwaZulu-Natal

The following nature and bird sites are considered to be of South Africa’s best birding sites.

Pongola Bush Nature Reserve and Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve

This region provides the birdwatcher with about 340 species, while 50 of these endemic or near-endemic. With grasslands in the west and bushveld to the east. Large catchment area with additionally many wetlands and mountains, ideal birders location.

Amatikulu Nature Reserve

2100ha coastal reserves of forested dunes and grasslands. Situated at convergence of Amatikulu and Nyoni rivers and is thus one of the few coastal (Indian Ocean) forested reserves in South Africa.   Numerous diverse habitats with a bird list of over 300 species.

Unique habitat diversity, bordering on St. Lucia Wetland Park. Then the ability to walk within the reserve, makes this a birders paradise.   With a list of over 360 species, including a number of Southern African endemic species and additionally 4 east coast endemic or near-endemic species.

Dlinza Forest – Eshowe

Prime forest birding spot of 250ha.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park

 Varied landscape and habitat diversity, with a bird list of over 360 species. With daily summer time lists of 100 birds indeed possible.

Ithala Game Reserve

Variable altitudes and diversity have thus resulted in an excellent range of birds.

Mkuze Game Reserve

Covering 40 000 ha, Mkuze is one of Kwazulu Natal’s top birding sites. Protected area with a wide diversity of habitat, then with a bird list of over 450 species.

Coastal and swamp forest, mangroves, lagoons and grasslands. All thus making for excellent birding opportunities.

Ndumo Game Reserve

Bordering Mozambique with the Usuthu River and additionally has the Pongola River that flows through the reserve.   Then an extensive wetland has resulted in an amazing range of aquatic bird life. Acacia Savannah, thick bush and extensive forests have resulted in a bird list of close to 420 species.

Ongoye Forest

3900ha of stunning coastal forest stretching for about 20 km overlooking the Indian Ocean Richard’s Bay – One of South Africa’s largest estuaries and thus a top water bird area and an attraction for migrants down our East Coast.   In spite of increasing industrialization in the area, birding is excellent with a diverse range of habitats. A summer day can produce a bird list of 100 plus species.

St Lucia iSimangaliso Wetland Park

South Africa’s most definitive Eco-tourist experience. Covering a land area of about 240,000 ha and a Marine ecosystem of 84,000ha – accordingly our third largest National Park.   Wetland park with exceptional species diversity. Over the course of the year over 500 different bird species can be counted.

The Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park can actually be described in five recognized ecosystems.

Marine System . 280 km of Indian Ocean coastline and marine ecosystem. Endangered leatherback turtles return to the area year after year to lay their eggs on the beach.

Eastern Shores . Lying east of Lake St. Lucia, consisting of grassy plains, wetlands and coastal dune forests extending the full length of the reserve.   These dunes, then form a natural barrier between the wetland and the Indian Ocean. Lake St. Lucia. Largest Estuarine system in the world.

Extensive lake with an average depth of 1 metre, 85 kilometres long, and home to numerous life forms.

Mkuze Swamps Expansive reed and papyrus wetland on northern end of Lake St. Lucia.

Western shores . This is driest part of wetland park – comprising savanna and thornveld.   Each of these ecosystems offering a diverse range of birds and St Lucia is then an important breeding area for water birds.   Supporting large numbers of flamingos, pelicans and storks. Summer day lists of over 100 are achievable.

Tembe Elephant Park

30000Ha reserve of thornveld, scrub bush and sand forest habitat with a bird list of over 345.

Different birding tour options available – structured around your requirements and timing to create a multi-day local bird watching tour package:

Only one day is available in Johannesburg, the best birding experience would be a day in the Pilanesberg.

One night minimum would be best, however, as a single day birding experience does work.

Sanctuaries:

Ann van Dyk – De Wildt Cheetah Sanctuary – cheetah and wild dog experience .

Interaction elephant tour that is compatible with wildlife conservation.

Experiencing monkeys in a natural environment – NO interactions with primates.

National Park safari

Pilanesberg:

The best option for a single day or single night birding tour

Private safari within the greater Kruger National Park.

Great birding area. However, requires a minimum of 2 nights.

Panorama route tour as a day tour en-route to the Kruger

Ekala’s guides are well-spoken, providing interesting detail and clarity while on a bird watching tour.

While active engagement is encouraged between guide and guest.

Solo safari and travel:

South African safari and Eco tour holiday then catering for the single/solo traveller.

Indeed, for all diverse interests and ages.

Then, accompanied by Ekala’s professional guides.

As a solo traveller, the private safari or tour is customised to your needs.

Hence, providing quality time on your interests and requirements.

While striving to make long-lasting memories for you.

Johannesburg birding site with a bird list of over 250 birds:

Ekala Guest House and Farm

Private – even for 1.

Then also family wildlife and birdlife safari tailored to keep the safari alive and inclusive for everyone.

[email protected]

Superior bird watching, photographic opportunities, paired additionally with highly experienced professional guides.

Thus providing a unique private birding experience.

Ekala Family & Guides

Ekala Family & tour guides

We pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge of South Africa’s nature and wildlife.

Thus, we focus where our experience and expertise lies – in South Africa only.

Highly Experienced Guides

Accordingly, with our vast experience and expertise, we will bring the birding tours to life.

Additionally, sharing our love and knowledge of South Africa’s nature, wildlife, and national parks.

Ensuring, as a result, you leave full of the best memories.

Thus, Ekala will endeavour to personalise your birdwatching tour package according to individual requirements/interests as well as available time.

Personal touch

Consequently, you get an enhanced understanding of South Africa’s nature and wildlife

Thus, the best South African birding experience

Our safari/bird tours are non-invasive

Focusing on the national parks and reserves – naturally wild.

Promote conservation through education.

As Kruger and Pilanesberg National Game reserves.

An experience to be remembered for the right reason

We do not support private – commercially based “parks”

South Africa is a country known for great hospitality, colourful people and indeed fantastic food.

Then let Ekala Eco Tours provide the gateway to your discovery of South Africa and its birdlife.

Come with us and experience the rhythm of South Africa as well as our birdlife.

South Africa’s breathtaking beauty and then the unforgettable hospitality of your hosts.

The planning stage of South Africa safari/tour/trip

So if you are in the planning stage of a South African trip, we can help.

Please supply the duration that you are looking at, group size, then your estimated dates and duration.

Then additionally what you wish to include in this time, and we can advise using our extensive experience.

Enjoying and respecting South Africa’s national assets.

A Birding Eco safari tour to remember for the right reason

Ekala’s safari vehicles

Vehicles provide advantageous views of scenery and additionally are all air-conditioned.

Far superior for birdwatching and best photos.

Private ‘small group’ safaris enjoyed in all-weather 4×4 vehicles.

Furthermore, our vehicles provide a more intimate and exclusive safari experience.

Ekala’s vehicles easily manoeuvred for outstanding photography opportunities.

Moreover, individual interests can be met within small private groups.

Accordingly, our vehicles are comfortable, practical, and suitable for photographic birding tours/safaris and South Africa’s variation in weather and seasons.

No birding tour/safari prices on our website as a result of unique and specialised requirements for each birdwatching tour we supply.

Thus, Ekala structures our birding tours around the client’s requirements.

 Responsible and ethical tourism/consumerism.

A short selection of Ekala Eco Tours most popular package safari and tour options

Safari tour packages

Private – Professional – fully guided day and multi-day tours and bird watching safaris

Touch Africa Safaris

South African Day Trips, Tours and Safaris

Birding Tours

Touch Africa Safaris offers several standard bird watching day trips, tours and safaris. You are welcome to inquire about any modifications or combinations that may be of interest to you.

Birding Tours From Johannesburg

• Half Day Bird Watching
• Full Day Bird Watching
• Two Days Bird Watching
• Three Days Bird Watching
• Kruger National Park Bird Watching
• Kalahari Bird Watching

Check the Possible Birds Species Count

There are several Bird Sanctuaries and Highveld Pans near Johannesburg that make for good  3-6 hr. bird watching tours.

These areas are within easy reach of Johannesburg International Airport (O.R. Tambo):

Korsman Bird Sanctuary Bullfrog Pan Bonaero Park Pan

We will pick-up and drop-off from Johannesburg International Airport, or any hotel in the Johannesburg / Pretoria area.

Day Trips From Johannesburg

Ideal if you have a lay-over between flights

Pick up at 06H00, return approx 19H30 Bushveld Day Tour: See the Pilanesberg 1 Day Safari

Other Tours - Pick up at 09H30, drop off at 17H00 Urban Day Tour: Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens Grassland Day Tour: Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve Wetlands Day Tour: Rondebult Bird Sanctuary and Highveld Pans Grassland & Wetland: The Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve and Marievale Bird Sanctuary

Two Days Bird Watching From Johannesburg

Pilanesberg Bushveld Tour See the Pilanesberg 1 Night Option Overnight Pilanesberg

2 Day Twitchers Special Suikerbosrand, Marievale, Seringveld Conservancy, Tswaing Meteorite Crater Overnight Cullinan

2 Day Endemic Special Tswaing Meteorite Crater, Pienaarsrivier Route, Borakalalo National Park, Pilanesberg Overnight Borakalalo

3 Days Bird Watching From Johannesburg

3 Day Maxi-Birding Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Marievale Bird Sanctuary, Ezemvelo Game Reserve. Seringveld Conservancy, Pienaarsrivier Route, Borakalalo, Pilanesberg Game Reserve Overnight Ezemvelo

BUTTERFLY TOURS

“whether you're an experienced lepidopterist or not, let's get out there and learn about africa's butterflies”.

Day Trips Gauteng & Surrounds

The Pretoria and Johannesburg areas can produce good numbers of butterfly species at the right times of year. Some of the better area's include the northern 'bushveld' regions. Site's such as Loding near Mkhombo Dam, Dinokeng and various sites along the Magaliesburg can be excellent. Suikerbosrand Nature reserve surrounds and both Pretoria and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens are all well worth visiting. Rates for Gauteng based day-trips can be seen below

Longer Tours South Africa

With over 670 species of Butterflies, it is safe to say that South Africa has a lot to offer the experienced Lepidopterist and the general enthusiast.  Popular destinations include: The midlands and zululand of Kwa Zulu Natal. Escarpment forest and high-altitude grasslands in Mpumalanga. Lekgalameetse, the wolkberg and the soutpansburg area within Limpopo province.  Please contact me directly for Itineraries as well as costs

Rates for Gauteng-based Butterfly day-Trips: 

R2000 (1 person) + r500 for every additional person           (max 3 persons) includes: driver guide 4x4 clearance vehicle fuel + tolls costs entrance fee’s coffee & tea bottled water  picnic style breakfast + lunch + basic drinks can be organised for an extra cost of r180pp. excludes:  food drinks gratuities please note: you will need a valid permit if you are wanting to collect. .

Pretoria South Africa 0178

Email: [email protected]      Cell / What's app: +27 82 585 2252

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