Top 7 Birding Hotspots Near Johannesburg You Can Visit in a Day
Johannesburg might be South Africa’s largest city, but just beyond its buzzing skyline lies a treasure trove of birding gems. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a nature-loving beginner, the region surrounding Joburg offers a surprising diversity of birdlife — all within a short drive. In this guide, we uncover 7 of the best birding hotspots near Johannesburg that are perfect for a half or full-day trip.
From wetlands to grasslands and acacia woodlands, each location promises unique birding opportunities with a rich mix of resident and migratory species.
1) Marievale Bird Sanctuary/Wetland Nature Reserve
Distance from Johannesburg: ± 60km
Target Birds: African Rail, Red-chested Flufftail, Purple Heron, Little Bittern, Hottentot Teal, African Snipe, Baillon’s Crake, Whiskered Tern, Black-crowned Night Heron, Lesser Swamp Warbler
Best Time to Visit: November to March (wet season)
Highlights: Ramsar site, multiple bird hides, easy access to reedbeds and pans, large diversity of waterbirds and waders.
Guide’s Tip (Our Pro Tip): Arrive at sunrise and go straight to the Duiker Hide. Stay quiet and be patient – flufftails are shy but vocal in the early morning.
2) Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Distance from Johannesburg: ± 60km
Target Birds: Secretarybird, Orange-throated Longclaw, Blue Korhaan, African Fish Eagle, Long-tailed Widowbird, Yellow-crowned Bishop, White-bellied Bustard, Capped Wheatear, Marsh Owl, Cape Grassbird
Best Time to Visit: Summer months (December to February) for breeding displays and raptors
Highlights: Large open grassland reserve with Big 5 game viewing; bird hides around the dam; reliable sightings of grassland specialists.
Guide’s Tip (Our Pro Tip): Spend time around the northern wetlands near the bird hide. Scan open skies for raptors soaring on thermals.
3) Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
Distance from Johannesburg: ± 50km
Target Birds: Ground Woodpecker, Buff-streaked Chat, Cape Rock Thrush, Gurney’s Sugarbird (rare), Wailing Cisticola, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Malachite Sunbird, Mountain Wheatear, Cape Bunting, Bokmakierie
Best Time to Visit: Late summer (February to April) when flowering plants attract nectar feeders and insectivores.
Highlights: Highveld grassland and rocky ridges; excellent hiking trails; dramatic vistas and lesser-seen species.
Guide’s Tip (Our Pro Tip): Head up the higher rocky slopes near the northern loop drive to find Ground Woodpecker and Rock Thrush.
4) Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
Distance from Johannesburg: ± 25km
Target Birds: Verreaux’s Eagle, Green Twinspot, Ashy Flycatcher, Cape Robin-Chat, Black Cuckooshrike, African Paradise Flycatcher, Speckled Mousebird, White-bellied Sunbird, African Olive Pigeon, Grey-headed Bushshrike
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but early spring (August-October) is ideal for song and breeding behavior.
Highlights: Easily accessible; beautiful waterfalls; known for its breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles; great mix of bushveld and riparian birds.
Guide’s Tip (Our Pro Tip): Scan the cliffs for the eagles, then walk the river loop trail for forest edge and thicket species.
5) Modderfontein Nature Reserve
Distance from Johannesburg: ± 20km
Target Birds: African Reed Warbler, Black-headed Oriole, Little Bittern, Malachite Kingfisher, African Purple Swamphen, Yellow-billed Duck, Green-backed Heron, Lesser Swamp Warbler, Diederik Cuckoo, African Stonechat
Best Time to Visit: Summer (November to March) when warblers and cuckoos are most vocal
Highlights: Urban nature reserve with excellent wetland access and woodland paths; close to Joburg; peaceful and uncrowded.
Guide’s Tip (Our Pro Tip): Walk slowly along the dam edge trail with ears open – warblers call from deep in the reeds but are often close to the path.
6) Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Distance from Johannesburg: ± 15km
Target Birds: Fiscal Flycatcher, Cape Grassbird, Red-throated Wryneck, Southern Boubou, African Hoopoe, White-throated Robin-Chat, Neddicky, Speckled Pigeon, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Olive Thrush
Best Time to Visit: Spring to summer (September to February)
Highlights: Great for birding and hiking; very accessible for Joburg residents; diverse habitat from grassland to bush clumps.
Guide’s Tip (Our Pro Tip): Try the Silent Pool Trail early morning. Good chance of hearing bush birds before the reserve gets busy.
5) Mongena Private Game Reserve
Distance from Johannesburg: ± 90km
Target Birds: White-backed Vulture, Kori Bustard, Saddle-billed Stork, African Hawk-Eagle, Gabar Goshawk, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Temminck’s Courser, Burchell’s Starling, Red-crested Korhaan, Brown Snake Eagle
Best Time to Visit: Late summer to early winter (March to July) for clearer views and raptor movement.
Highlights: Big 5 game and birding combo; only free-roaming Big 5 reserve in Gauteng; best for raptors and large terrestrial birds.
Guide’s Tip (Our Pro Tip): Book a full-day drive with a birding guide to maximise your tick list. Look out for raptors on fenceposts early in the day.
Final Thoughts
With so many birding hotspots near Johannesburg, you’re never far from your next great tick. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, these destinations deliver not only in bird diversity but in raw natural beauty.
Looking to Join a Guided Birding Tour?
At One Day Safaris, we offer expertly guided birding day trips to these very destinations. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on spotting lifers, learning calls, and enjoying the bush. Whether you’re chasing a bogey bird or starting your birding journey, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Book your birding tour now or contact us to build your perfect birding day out.