Birding Day Tours

Marsh Owl seen on a birding day tour near Johannesburg (Johannesburg Highveld & Wetlands Birding Day Tour)

The Classic Johannesburg Birding Day Tour

Explore the grassland ridges and wetland hides of Suikerbosrand and Marievale, two of Gauteng’s most iconic birding hotspots. From flamingos and rare waterbirds to a variety of highveld specials, these habitats deliver incredible diversity. With skilled guiding and a full day in the field, spotting 100+ species is common, making this one of the most rewarding birding days near Johannesburg.

From ZAR 1,899.00 p/p

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater seen on a birding day tour near Johannesburg (Mongena Big 5 & Birding Day Tour Johannesburg)

The 360 Birding Day Tour

Gauteng’s only open safari vehicle birding tour!
Discover Dinokeng Reserve, home to over 350 bird species, from bushveld and acacia woodland to expansive wetlands. Experience 360° unobstructed views from our open safari vehicle, giving you the best possible vantage for spotting and photographing birds. Large mammals add extra excitement, but the focus is on maximizing your birding experience in comfort and style.

From ZAR 2,299.00 p/p

Black-chested Snake Eagle seen on a birding day tour near Pretoria (Rietvlei Nature Reserve Birding Day Tour)

The Birding & Big 5 Half-Day Tour

Bird from an open safari vehicle in prime Big 5 habitat, just 1.5 hours from Johannesburg. Explore bushveld and riverine woodland where raptors soar, rollers perch, and bushveld specials thrive. While the focus is on birding, you’ll also enjoy close encounters with iconic African mammals, making this half-day adventure an unforgettable combination of bird diversity and safari atmosphere.

From ZAR 2,199.00 p/p

Black Crake seen on a birding day tour near Johannesburg (Marievale Wetland Bird Photography Birding Day Tour)

The Wetlands Birding Special

Discover Marievale Nature Reserve, Gauteng’s top wetland hotspot, on this focused half-day birding tour. From hides overlooking reedbeds and open water, search for flamingos, herons, bitterns, crakes, and a wide range of waterfowl. With its excellent accessibility and reputation for rarities and wetland specials, Marievale is a must-visit destination for birders seeking unforgettable sightings.

From ZAR 1,399.00 p/p

White-quilled Bustard seen on a birding day tour near Pretoria (Rietvlei Nature Reserve Birding Day Tour)

The Half-Day Birding Break

Just minutes from Johannesburg & Pretoria, Rietvlei Nature Reserve offers a quick escape into grassland and wetland habitats rich with birdlife. Spot waterfowl, raptors, and grassland specials while enjoying easy access hides and open views. With rhino, antelope, and other large mammals also present, this half-day tour delivers a refreshing taste of wild birding close to the city.

From ZAR 1,299.00 p/p

Bokmakierie seen on a birding day tour near Johannesburg (Johannesburg Highveld & Wetlands Birding Day Tour)

Birding On The Fly

Make the most of your stopover with a 3–4 hour birding escape from OR Tambo International Airport. Just a short drive away, Rietvlei Nature Reserve offers wetlands and open grasslands where you can spot waterbirds, raptors, and grassland specials, plus rhino and antelope. Designed for tight schedules, this quick tour ensures you enjoy quality birding before heading straight back to the airport.

From ZAR 1,599.00 p/p

Crested Barbet seen on a birding day tour near Johannesburg (Mongena Big 5 Game Reserve Birding Day Tour)

Underground Hide Bird Photography

Experience exclusive bird photography from a private underground hide at Mongena Private Game Reserve, accessible only through One Day Safaris. This half-day tour lets photographers capture waterbirds, bushveld specials, and rare species up close, while also enjoying sightings of elephants, antelope, and other wildlife. Limited access ensures an intimate, undisturbed photography experience in a unique setting.

From ZAR 2,200.00 p/p

About One Day Safaris?

Welcome to One Day Safaris — your go-to day tour specialists for immersive birding experiences in Gauteng and beyond.

With over a decade of guiding experience across Africa, we offer premium half- and full-day birding tours designed for both casual birders and serious listers. From open-vehicle birding drives to exclusive access at top reserves, every tour is crafted to deliver exceptional sightings and intimate encounters with a wide variety of bird species.

We are proudly the only day tour operator in Gauteng offering open-vehicle birding experiences with exclusive access to Mongena Private Game Reserve, one of the region’s best-kept birding secrets.

Whether you’re after rare species, wetland specials, or simply the joy of spotting over 100 species in a single day, One Day Safaris brings you unforgettable birding moments — expertly guided, fully tailored, and all within a single day.


Latest Reviews

  • star rating  Excellent One Day Safari. - We had an extra day in Johannesburg and chose One Day Safari for a day trip. We booked a private full day safari with Wiam who picked us up... read more...

    avatar thumb btravel2010
    4 July, 2025

    star rating  Rewarding 1/2 Day Birding Safari in Rietveli Nature Reserve - I had an extra day in Johannesberg and was happy to connect with Wian for a 1/2 day birding tour to the Rietveli Nature Reserve. The Rietveli was an easy... read more...

    avatar thumb Susan R
    14 May, 2025

    star rating  Once in a lifetime, do it!  - Fantastic experience with knowledge, fun, informative guides. Wian and Val took us right through the bush, we saw lion, elephant, rhino, buck all on foot. It was an incredible... read more...

    avatar thumb Departure57939724483
    23 April, 2025
  • star rating  Walking in the wild with the big 5 at Dinokeng.  - This was an unforgettable experience walking in the wild. The guides made us feel safe and gave us interesting facts about nature. Everyone enjoyed the walk. Seeing Lions and... read more...

    avatar thumb Navigator12095682551
    23 April, 2025

    star rating  Johannesburg Birding  - While on holiday, I organised a days birding in the Johannesburg area with One Day Safaris. On meeting Wian, I quickly realised that I had made the right decision... read more...

    avatar thumb dandl54
    8 February, 2025

    star rating  Breathtaking  - Best game drive I would ever ask for. I’ll definitely do it again when I get the chance. Amazing view, I saw the big 5 which was extraordinary in my... read more...

    avatar thumb Navigate16478560915
    5 August, 2024
  • star rating  Unforgettable experience - I can’t even describe how amazing this experience was!! Thanks so much Wian for making this possible. He always made sure I got the best angles of all the animals,... read more...

    avatar thumb Ebner F
    4 July, 2024

    star rating  Amazing Safari Day  - The safari trip was an incredible experience! We had a great day full of excitement and encounters with wild nature. We managed to see a lot of animals, including lions.... read more...

    avatar thumb Joanna D
    27 June, 2024

    star rating  Great half/one-day safari at Mongena, easily accessible from Joberg, with lots of animals to see!  - Perfect day safari at Mongena Private Game Reserve with Wian. From initial contact whilst organising the trip, right through to the tour itself, Wian was friendly, accommodating (of our changing... read more...

    avatar thumb zoetrekker
    10 June, 2024
  • star rating  A great day of birding  - I had a terrific birding tour in Gauteng with Wian as guide. He was very knowledgeable about species and habitat, delivering a most enjoyable day. I would recommend him.

    avatar thumb William Billy W
    5 June, 2024

    star rating  The best 1 day safari experience  - Wian was such a surprise. As a person that has been to Joburg so many times with work, i always had less expectations from it. But Wian gave us the... read more...

    avatar thumb BUZDUGANALEXANDRA
    4 June, 2024

    star rating  Excellent day! - Wian was a top guide and also a wonderful person. We got on so well straight from the off and throughout the day his expertise in his field shone through,... read more...

    avatar thumb matteade2018
    10 May, 2024
  • star rating  Great Day's Birding At Marievale & Suikerbosrand - I spent the day birding at Marievale Bird Sanctuary and Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve with Wian. He was extremely knowledgeable about the local birds, both by sight and by call. Wian... read more...

    avatar thumb PaulFreeman11
    22 April, 2024

About One Day Safaris?

Welcome to One Day Safaris — your go-to day tour specialists for immersive birding experiences in Gauteng and beyond.

With over a decade of guiding experience across Africa, we offer premium half- and full-day birding tours designed for both casual birders and serious listers. From open-vehicle birding drives to exclusive access at top reserves, every tour is crafted to deliver exceptional sightings and intimate encounters with a wide variety of bird species.

We are proudly the only day tour operator in Gauteng offering open-vehicle birding experiences with exclusive access to Mongena Private Game Reserve, one of the region’s best-kept birding secrets.

Whether you’re after rare species, wetland specials, or simply the joy of spotting over 100 species in a single day, One Day Safaris brings you unforgettable birding moments — expertly guided, fully tailored, and all within a single day.


Latest Reviews

  • star rating  Excellent One Day Safari. - We had an extra day in Johannesburg and chose One Day Safari for a day trip. We booked a private full day safari with Wiam who picked us up... read more

    avatar thumb btravel2010
    4 July, 2025
  • star rating  Rewarding 1/2 Day Birding Safari in Rietveli Nature Reserve - I had an extra day in Johannesberg and was happy to connect with Wian for a 1/2 day birding tour to the Rietveli Nature Reserve. The Rietveli was an easy... read more

    avatar thumb Susan R
    14 May, 2025
  • star rating  Once in a lifetime, do it!  - Fantastic experience with knowledge, fun, informative guides. Wian and Val took us right through the bush, we saw lion, elephant, rhino, buck all on foot. It was an incredible... read more

    avatar thumb Departure57939724483
    23 April, 2025
  • star rating  Walking in the wild with the big 5 at Dinokeng.  - This was an unforgettable experience walking in the wild. The guides made us feel safe and gave us interesting facts about nature. Everyone enjoyed the walk. Seeing Lions and... read more

    avatar thumb Navigator12095682551
    23 April, 2025
  • star rating  Johannesburg Birding  - While on holiday, I organised a days birding in the Johannesburg area with One Day Safaris. On meeting Wian, I quickly realised that I had made the right decision... read more

    avatar thumb dandl54
    8 February, 2025
  • star rating  Breathtaking  - Best game drive I would ever ask for. I’ll definitely do it again when I get the chance. Amazing view, I saw the big 5 which was extraordinary in my... read more

    avatar thumb Navigate16478560915
    5 August, 2024
  • star rating  Unforgettable experience - I can’t even describe how amazing this experience was!! Thanks so much Wian for making this possible. He always made sure I got the best angles of all the animals,... read more

    avatar thumb Ebner F
    4 July, 2024
  • star rating  Amazing Safari Day  - The safari trip was an incredible experience! We had a great day full of excitement and encounters with wild nature. We managed to see a lot of animals, including lions.... read more

    avatar thumb Joanna D
    27 June, 2024
  • star rating  Great half/one-day safari at Mongena, easily accessible from Joberg, with lots of animals to see!  - Perfect day safari at Mongena Private Game Reserve with Wian. From initial contact whilst organising the trip, right through to the tour itself, Wian was friendly, accommodating (of our changing... read more

    avatar thumb zoetrekker
    10 June, 2024
  • star rating  A great day of birding  - I had a terrific birding tour in Gauteng with Wian as guide. He was very knowledgeable about species and habitat, delivering a most enjoyable day. I would recommend him.

    avatar thumb William Billy W
    5 June, 2024

Not Sure Which Day Trip Is Right For You? Get In Touch And We’ll Help You!

get in touch or email us at info@onedaysafaris.com

Not Sure Which Day Trip Is Right For You? Get In Touch And We’ll Help You!

get in touch or email us at

info@onedaysafaris.com