Water Thick-Knee seen on a birding day tour near Johannesburg (Mongena Boat Cruise Photography Birding Day Tour)

360 Birding Day Tour: Johannesburg’s Only Open Safari Vehicle Birding Experience

Immersive, unobstructed birding in a Big 5 wilderness—just 90 minutes from the city.

Species

100-120+ Species

Exclusivity

Private Safari Vehicle

Duration

8-10 Hours (Full Day)

Pricing

From ZAR 4,599 P/Perosn

Unobstructed Views: A New Perspective on Highveld Birding

Most birding tours in Gauteng are conducted from behind glass. The 360 Birding Day Tour changes the game as the only open safari vehicle birding experience in Johannesburg. Based in the private Mongena Concession of the Dinokeng Game Reserve, this tour offers an uncompromising 360° field of vision, allowing you to track flight paths, hear subtle calls, and capture world-class photography without the interference of window pillars or glare.

Located in a rare biome-transition zone where Kalahari Thornveld meets broad-leafed woodland and pristine wetlands, Mongena is a biodiversity hotspot boasting over 350 bird species. From the vibrant Crimson-breasted Shrike to the secretive African Finfoot, every sighting is enhanced by the elevated vantage point of a professional safari vehicle. While our mission is strictly ornithological, the presence of the Big 5—including Lion, Elephant, and Rhino—adds an authentic safari atmosphere that is unmatched anywhere else in the province.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater seen on a birding day tour near Johannesburg (Open Safari Vehicle Birding)

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater – Merops persiccus

Top 10 Target Species

  • African Finfoot (The ultimate Mongena wetland prize)

  • Half-collared Kingfisher (Specialised riverine resident)

  • Crimson-breasted Shrike (The icon of the Kalahari Thornveld)

  • Southern Pied Babbler (Social Kalahari endemic)

  • Goliath Heron (The world’s largest heron, often seen at the dam)

  • White-backed Duck (A specialised wetland target)

  • Black-chested Snake Eagle (Resident raptor special)

  • Shaft-tailed Whydah (Stunning summer breeding plumage)

  • Barred Wren-Warbler (Thicket specialist easier to hear from an open vehicle)

  • Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (The charismatic “banana bird”)

Top 10 Target Species

  • African Finfoot (The ultimate Mongena wetland prize)

  • Half-collared Kingfisher (Specialised riverine resident)

  • Crimson-breasted Shrike (The icon of the Kalahari Thornveld)

  • Southern Pied Babbler (Social Kalahari endemic)

  • Goliath Heron (The world’s largest heron, often seen at the dam)

  • White-backed Duck (A specialised wetland target)

  • Black-chested Snake Eagle (Resident raptor special)

  • Shaft-tailed Whydah (Stunning summer breeding plumage)

  • Barred Wren-Warbler (Thicket specialist easier to hear from an open vehicle)

  • Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (The charismatic “banana bird”)

Trusted by International Birders & Photographers

  • star rating  Amazing one day birding trips with Wian! - During a short visit to Johannesburg area, I had the chance to do a few birdwatching day trips and I was very lucky to find Wian and his One Day... read more

    avatar thumb codrinbucur
    23 December, 2025

    star rating  Layover safari 😊  - We did the flight layover birding safari and it was great! Wian is excellent! Knowledgeable, funny and prompt! It made the long Johannesburg layover very enjoyable!

    avatar thumb lansang98
    6 November, 2025

    star rating  Best Layover Ever!  - My wife and I had a FANTASTIC experience with Wian! With a full-day layover in Johannesburg on the way back from a safari trip in Madikwe, we both were itching... read more

    avatar thumb Pioneer51190524371
    5 November, 2025
  • star rating  Grateful for birding in ZA with a real Pro! Safari Wian!  - I was quite lucky to have found Professional Birding Guide, Safari Wian, by searching on-line before making the long journey from San Francisco, California to Johannesburg for a few days... read more

    avatar thumb Trail61157909477
    27 September, 2025

    star rating  Unforgettable Birding Safari with Wian – A Perfect Birthday Surprise!  - I booked a half-day bird viewing safari with Wian as a birthday gift for my wife, who is a passionate bird watcher – and it was fantastic! Wian’s super... read more

    avatar thumb Norman H
    26 September, 2025

    star rating  An unforgettable experience.  - Had the privilege to have Wian as a guide on a private reserve. His skills and knowledge unlocks the hidden gems of the bushveld. An unforgettable experience for me and... read more

    avatar thumb Trek08725781785
    18 September, 2025
  • 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
  • star rating  Amazing one day birding trips with Wian! - During a short visit to Johannesburg area, I had the chance to do a few birdwatching day trips and I was very lucky to find Wian and his One Day... read more

    avatar thumb codrinbucur
    23 December, 2025
  • star rating  Layover safari 😊  - We did the flight layover birding safari and it was great! Wian is excellent! Knowledgeable, funny and prompt! It made the long Johannesburg layover very enjoyable!

    avatar thumb lansang98
    6 November, 2025
  • star rating  Best Layover Ever!  - My wife and I had a FANTASTIC experience with Wian! With a full-day layover in Johannesburg on the way back from a safari trip in Madikwe, we both were itching... read more

    avatar thumb Pioneer51190524371
    5 November, 2025
  • star rating  Grateful for birding in ZA with a real Pro! Safari Wian!  - I was quite lucky to have found Professional Birding Guide, Safari Wian, by searching on-line before making the long journey from San Francisco, California to Johannesburg for a few days... read more

    avatar thumb Trail61157909477
    27 September, 2025
  • star rating  Unforgettable Birding Safari with Wian – A Perfect Birthday Surprise!  - I booked a half-day bird viewing safari with Wian as a birthday gift for my wife, who is a passionate bird watcher – and it was fantastic! Wian’s super... read more

    avatar thumb Norman H
    26 September, 2025
  • star rating  An unforgettable experience.  - Had the privilege to have Wian as a guide on a private reserve. His skills and knowledge unlocks the hidden gems of the bushveld. An unforgettable experience for me and... read more

    avatar thumb Trek08725781785
    18 September, 2025
  • 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

Inclusions

  • Professional Specialist Birding Guide (Expert Call/I.D.)

  • Use Of Private Open Safari Vehicle (No Sharing With Strangers)

  • Private Transport (Pick-up & Drop-off from JHB/Pretoria)
  • All Conservation & Entrance Fees (Suikerbosrand & Marievale)
  • Lunch & Refreshments

  • Binocular Rental (Available on request)
  • Digital Trip List (eBird/Checklist provided post-tour)

Pricing

Group Size Rate Per Person
Solo Birder (Private) ZAR 10,699
2 – 3 Birders ZAR 6,899
4 – 6 Birders ZAR 4,599
7+ Birders Request a Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

An open vehicle is a game-changer for serious birders. It removes the barrier of glass, allowing you to hear birds before you see them—a critical advantage for locating ‘skulkers.’ For photographers, it offers an elevated, 360-degree platform to track birds in flight and maneuver for the perfect light angle without the restrictions of a standard car.

Because we traverse multiple habitats (Thornveld, Woodland, and Wetland) in one day, the species count is exceptionally high. A typical day yields 100–130 species, while peak summer days can push toward 150+. With over 350 species recorded on the concession, there is always something high-value to target.

Safety is our absolute priority. Our specialist guides are FGASA-qualified and highly experienced in reading animal behavior. The open vehicle allows for an immersive connection to nature while maintaining a safe and respectful distance from iconic megafauna like Lion, Buffalo, and Elephant.

Since you are exposed to the elements, we recommend a hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and a windbreaker (mornings can be chilly). We provide blankets for the early hours and professional rain covers for the vehicle should the weather change.

We understand that travel plans can change unexpectedly. Because we are a boutique specialist service and commit our guides and vehicles exclusively to your private booking, we operate with the following professional cancellation policy:

  • Cancellations more than 4 weeks before your tour: You will receive a 50% refund of your total booking amount.

  • Cancellations within 4 weeks of your tour: These bookings are non-refundable.

Booking Terms: To secure your date, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 4 weeks before your departure. For last-minute bookings made within the 4-week window, full payment is required to confirm the tour.

We highly recommend that all guests take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, as this ensures you are protected financially should an emergency arise.

An open vehicle is a game-changer for serious birders. It removes the barrier of glass, allowing you to hear birds before you see them—a critical advantage for locating ‘skulkers.’ For photographers, it offers an elevated, 360-degree platform to track birds in flight and maneuver for the perfect light angle without the restrictions of a standard car.

Because we traverse multiple habitats (Thornveld, Woodland, and Wetland) in one day, the species count is exceptionally high. A typical day yields 100–130 species, while peak summer days can push toward 150+. With over 350 species recorded on the concession, there is always something high-value to target.

Safety is our absolute priority. Our specialist guides are FGASA-qualified and highly experienced in reading animal behavior. The open vehicle allows for an immersive connection to nature while maintaining a safe and respectful distance from iconic megafauna like Lion, Buffalo, and Elephant.

Since you are exposed to the elements, we recommend a hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and a windbreaker (mornings can be chilly). We provide blankets for the early hours and professional rain covers for the vehicle should the weather change.

We understand that travel plans can change unexpectedly. Because we are a boutique specialist service and commit our guides and vehicles exclusively to your private booking, we operate with the following professional cancellation policy:

  • Cancellations more than 4 weeks before your tour: You will receive a 50% refund of your total booking amount.

  • Cancellations within 4 weeks of your tour: These bookings are non-refundable.

Booking Terms: To secure your date, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 4 weeks before your departure. For last-minute bookings made within the 4-week window, full payment is required to confirm the tour.

We highly recommend that all guests take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, as this ensures you are protected financially should an emergency arise.

See What We’re Up To On Our Specialist 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: