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.

Malachite Kingfisher seen on a birding day tour near Johannesburg (Johannesburg Higveld & Wetland Birding Day Tour Johannesburg)
Malachite Sunbird seen on a birding day tour near Johannesburg (Johannesburg Higveld & Wetland Birding Day Tour Johannesburg)

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

  • 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

    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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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

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.

Videos & Webinars

Booking Form

Name & Surname
Select Day Tour

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

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:

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.

Malachite Sunbird seen on a birding day tour near Johannesburg (Johannesburg Higveld & Wetland Birding Day Tour Johannesburg)

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.

Malachite Kingfisher seen on a birding day tour near Johannesburg (Johannesburg Higveld & Wetland Birding Day Tour Johannesburg)

Traveler 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

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.

Videos & Webinars

Booking Form

Name & Surname
Select Day Tour

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

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: