Highveld to Hides – A Big Day of Birding Near Johannesburg
Looking for a high-impact birding experience near Johannesburg? The Classic Bird Watching Day Tour is a premium Birdwatching Day Tour Johannesburg that takes you deep into the wild heart of Gauteng’s Highveld and wetland ecosystems—all in a single unforgettable day.
We begin the morning in the rugged Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, where rolling grasslands and rocky ridges host sought-after species like the Marsh Owl, Red-throated Wryneck, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Red-winged Francolin, and Orange-breasted Waxbill. This reserve provides prime habitat for grassland specialists and Highveld endemics, with fantastic photography opportunities and an authentic wild experience.
After a rewarding morning, we head to Marievale Bird Sanctuary, a legendary wetland hotspot less than an hour away. With its network of hides and flooded reedbeds, Marievale is renowned for its incredible diversity, even on short visits. Expect to spot African Rail, Little Rush Warbler, Cape Shoveler, African Marsh Harrier, Blue-billed Teal, and over 80 additional species.
Whether you’re a visiting birder or a local enthusiast, this tour delivers exceptional birding close to Johannesburg. Seeing 100+ species in a day is not uncommon, making The Classic Bird Watching Day Tour one of Gauteng’s top birding adventures.
Day Tour Highlights
-
From Grassland To Wetland – Explore diverse habitats and bird hotspots in one unforgettable day.
-
Multiple Bird Hides – Enjoy up-close viewing from some of SA’s best-positioned wetland hides.
-
Highly Localised Species – Target rare and range-restricted birds unique to the Highveld region.
Detailed Itinerary
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve: Grassland & Mountain Birding
Your birding day begins early with a pickup from anywhere in Johannesburg. We head straight to the beautiful Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, where the grasslands just outside the gate may offer sightings of Ant-eating Chat, Orange River Francolin, Marsh Owl, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Cape Longclaw, and more.
Inside the reserve, birding picks up quickly with chances to see Red-throated Wryneck, Crested Barbet, Cape Rock-Thrush, and Mountain Wheatear. Around the picnic areas, we’ll be on the lookout for Cape Robin-Chat, Cape Bunting, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Malachite Sunbird, and Red-collared Widowbird.
As we drive the scenic one-way loop through mountain slopes, acacia thickets, and wide grasslands, we’ll target key species like Secretarybird, Eastern Long-billed Lark, Nicholson’s Pipit, Yellow Canary, Wing-snapping Cisticola, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, and in the right season, the elusive Fairy Flycatcher.


Marievale Bird Sanctuary: Wetland Wonderland
After a great morning in the highveld, we continue the day with a short 30–45 minute transfer to Marievale Bird Sanctuary, one of Gauteng’s premier wetland birding destinations. We’ll stop for a quick lunch along the way before exploring the network of bird hides and reed-lined pans.
Here we’ll shift focus to wetland specialists like African Rail, African Snipe, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Black Crake, Goliath Heron, Blue-billed Teal, Cape Teal, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Malachite Kingfisher, Little Bittern, Knob-billed Duck, Pied Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, and African Reed Warbler.
Marievale’s tranquil bird hides give incredible photographic opportunities, and it’s not uncommon to see 100+ species in a single day across both reserves.
Traveler Reviews
Prices & Info
1 – Birder
ZAR 5,899.00 P/Person
2-3 – Birders
ZAR 3,799.00 P/Person
4-6 – Birders
ZAR 2,399.00 P/Person
7-10 – Birders
ZAR 1,899.00 P/Person
Included:
- Professional Birding Guide
- All Entrance & Conservation Fees
- Transport (Pick-up & Drop-off)
- Bottled Water, Tea & Coffee
- Lunch
Not Included:
- International/domestic flights
- Visas
- Items of a personal nature
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
Payments & Refunds:
To confirm your booking, a 50% deposit is required. The remaining balance is due no later than 4 weeks before your scheduled tour date.
For bookings made within 4 weeks of the tour, full payment is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations:
-
If you cancel more than 4 weeks before your tour, you’ll receive a 50% refund.
-
Cancellations made within 4 weeks of the tour are non-refundable.
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Booking Form
Highveld to Hides – A Big Day of Birding Near Johannesburg
Looking for a high-impact birding experience near Johannesburg? The Classic Bird Watching Day Tour is a premium Birdwatching Day Tour Johannesburg that takes you deep into the wild heart of Gauteng’s Highveld and wetland ecosystems—all in a single unforgettable day.
We begin the morning in the rugged Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, where rolling grasslands and rocky ridges host sought-after species like the Marsh Owl, Red-throated Wryneck, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Red-winged Francolin, and Orange-breasted Waxbill. This reserve provides prime habitat for grassland specialists and Highveld endemics, with fantastic photography opportunities and an authentic wild experience.
After a rewarding morning, we head to Marievale Bird Sanctuary, a legendary wetland hotspot less than an hour away. With its network of hides and flooded reedbeds, Marievale is renowned for its incredible diversity, even on short visits. Expect to spot African Rail, Little Rush Warbler, Cape Shoveler, African Marsh Harrier, Blue-billed Teal, and over 80 additional species.
Whether you’re a visiting birder or a local enthusiast, this tour delivers exceptional birding close to Johannesburg. Seeing 100+ species in a day is not uncommon, making The Classic Bird Watching Day Tour one of Gauteng’s top birding adventures.
Day Tour Highlights
-
From Grassland To Wetland – Explore diverse habitats and bird hotspots in one unforgettable day.
-
Multiple Bird Hides – Enjoy up-close viewing from some of SA’s best-positioned wetland hides.
-
Highly Localised Species – Target rare and range-restricted birds unique to the Highveld region.
Detailed Itinerary
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve: Grassland & Mountain Birding
Your birding day begins early with a pickup from anywhere in Johannesburg. We head straight to the beautiful Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, where the grasslands just outside the gate may offer sightings of Ant-eating Chat, Orange River Francolin, Marsh Owl, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Cape Longclaw, and more.
Inside the reserve, birding picks up quickly with chances to see Red-throated Wryneck, Crested Barbet, Cape Rock-Thrush, and Mountain Wheatear. Around the picnic areas, we’ll be on the lookout for Cape Robin-Chat, Cape Bunting, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Malachite Sunbird, and Red-collared Widowbird.
As we drive the scenic one-way loop through mountain slopes, acacia thickets, and wide grasslands, we’ll target key species like Secretarybird, Eastern Long-billed Lark, Nicholson’s Pipit, Yellow Canary, Wing-snapping Cisticola, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, and in the right season, the elusive Fairy Flycatcher.

Marievale Bird Sanctuary: Wetland Wonderland
After a great morning in the highveld, we continue the day with a short 30–45 minute transfer to Marievale Bird Sanctuary, one of Gauteng’s premier wetland birding destinations. We’ll stop for a quick lunch along the way before exploring the network of bird hides and reed-lined pans.
Here we’ll shift focus to wetland specialists like African Rail, African Snipe, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Black Crake, Goliath Heron, Blue-billed Teal, Cape Teal, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Malachite Kingfisher, Little Bittern, Knob-billed Duck, Pied Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, and African Reed Warbler.
Marievale’s tranquil bird hides give incredible photographic opportunities, and it’s not uncommon to see 100+ species in a single day across both reserves.

Traveler Reviews
Prices & Info
1 – Birder
ZAR 5,899.00 P/Person
2-3 – Birders
ZAR 3,799.00 P/Person
4-6 – Birders
ZAR 2,399.00 P/Person
7-10 – Birders
ZAR 1,899.00 P/Person
Included:
- Professional Birding Guide
- All Entrance & Conservation Fees
- Transport (Pick-up & Drop-off)
- Bottled Water, Tea & Coffee
- Lunch
Not Included:
- International/domestic flights
- Visas
- Items of a personal nature
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
Payments & Refunds:
To confirm your booking, a 50% deposit is required. The remaining balance is due no later than 4 weeks before your scheduled tour date.
For bookings made within 4 weeks of the tour, full payment is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations:
-
If you cancel more than 4 weeks before your tour, you’ll receive a 50% refund.
-
Cancellations made within 4 weeks of the tour are non-refundable.

















