Johannesburg’s Only Open Safari Vehicle Birding Day Tour
Discover the ultimate Johannesburg Birding Day Tour at Mongena Private Game Reserve, a hidden gem just two hours from the city. Located within the Dinokeng Big 5 Reserve, Mongena lies in a unique biome-transition zone where Kalahari Thornveld, Bushveld, broad-leafed woodland, and wetlands meet—creating a true birding paradise. From the striking Crimson-breasted Shrike and Southern Pied Babbler to the elusive Half-collared Kingfisher and African Finfoot, over 350 species await discovery across this rich and varied landscape.
This is The 360 Birding Day Tour, named for the 360° unobstructed views you enjoy throughout the day from our open safari vehicle. Unlike any other birding experience near Johannesburg, this tour allows you to spot birds in every direction while gliding through bushveld, woodland, and wetland habitats.
Expert guides lead the way, providing insights and tips for beginners and seasoned birders alike. While the focus is on maximizing bird sightings, the chance to view Africa’s iconic Big 5 adds extra excitement to the day. With diverse habitats, high-impact birding, and thrilling wildlife encounters, The 360 Birding Day Tour delivers an unforgettable single-day adventure that is Gauteng’s premier birding experience.
Day Tour Highlights
-
Open Safari Vehicle Birding – Johannesburg’s only birding day tour with unobstructed views and unique access.
-
Big Mammal Encounters – Spot special species like Black Rhino, Cheetah, Leopard, African Elephant, and more.
-
Quick Access from Johannesburg – Just 1.5 hours’ drive means more time birding, less time traveling.
Detailed Itinerary
Morning – Mongena Private Concession (Dinokeng Game Reserve)
Your exciting birding day tour Gauteng is known for begins with an early hotel pickup in Johannesburg. We travel north on a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive to the Mongena Private Game Lodge concession within Dinokeng Game Reserve. Arriving at dawn, the vibrant chorus of birds welcomes us to a pristine African wilderness.
As we enter the reserve, expect to see species such as Lilac-breasted Roller, African Wattled Lapwing, Magpie Shrike, Black-winged Kite, Little Swift, and White-browed Scrub-Robin. Once at Mongena, we transfer to an open safari vehicle—providing unobstructed views as we explore the Kalahari Thornveld habitat. Look out for Southern Pied Babbler, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Burchell’s Starling, Barred Wren-Warbler, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Scaly-feathered Weaver, Ashy Tit, and Violet-eared Waxbill.
Mid-morning, we move to the reserve’s wetland systems where bird diversity flourishes. Species such as Goliath Heron and Black Heron, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Half-collared Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, African Jacana, White-backed Duck, African Swamphen, Black Crake, African Rail, and African Snipe are often seen in these habitats.
Afternoon – Mongena Private Concession (Dinokeng Game Reserve)
After a rewarding morning, we pause at Mongena’s Kingfisher Restaurant for brunch or lunch, with beverages served. Birding continues from the dining area, where you may spot Southern-masked Weaver, Lesser-masked Weaver, and Village Weaver, Malachite Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Egret, Cardinal Woodpecker, Crested Barbet, Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Red-winged Starling, and the resident Black-chested Snake Eagle.
The afternoon is dedicated to the Bushveld area of the reserve, targeting species like Greater Honeyguide, African Grey Hornbill, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Southern Red-billed Hornbill, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Great Sparrow, Red-headed Finch, Purple Roller, Bennett’s Woodpecker, Flappet Lark, Cape Penduline-Tit, Yellow-throated Bush Sparrow, Double-banded Sandgrouse, Golden-breasted Bunting, and many more.
As the sun sets, we begin the 2-hour journey back to Johannesburg, sharing stories and reflecting on the incredible birds and wildlife encountered on this memorable Birding Day Tour Gauteng experience.
Traveler Reviews
-
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 zoetrekker
10 June, 2024 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. William Billy W
5 June, 2024 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 matteade2018
10 May, 2024
Prices & Info
1 – Birder
ZAR 6,299.00 P/Person
2-3 – Birders
ZAR 4,899.00 P/Person
4-6 – Birders
ZAR 3,199.00 P/Person
7-10 – Birders
ZAR 2,299.00 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
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:
Johannesburg’s Only Open Safari Vehicle Birding Day Tour
Discover the ultimate Johannesburg Birding Day Tour at Mongena Private Game Reserve, a hidden gem just two hours from the city. Located within the Dinokeng Big 5 Reserve, Mongena lies in a unique biome-transition zone where Kalahari Thornveld, Bushveld, broad-leafed woodland, and wetlands meet—creating a true birding paradise. From the striking Crimson-breasted Shrike and Southern Pied Babbler to the elusive Half-collared Kingfisher and African Finfoot, over 350 species await discovery across this rich and varied landscape.
This is The 360 Birding Day Tour, named for the 360° unobstructed views you enjoy throughout the day from our open safari vehicle. Unlike any other birding experience near Johannesburg, this tour allows you to spot birds in every direction while gliding through bushveld, woodland, and wetland habitats.
Expert guides lead the way, providing insights and tips for beginners and seasoned birders alike. While the focus is on maximizing bird sightings, the chance to view Africa’s iconic Big 5 adds extra excitement to the day. With diverse habitats, high-impact birding, and thrilling wildlife encounters, The 360 Birding Day Tour delivers an unforgettable single-day adventure that is Gauteng’s premier birding experience.
Day Tour Highlights
-
Open Safari Vehicle Birding – Johannesburg’s only birding day tour with unobstructed views and unique access.
-
Big Mammal Encounters – Spot special species like Black Rhino, Cheetah, Leopard, African Elephant, and more.
-
Quick Access from Johannesburg – Just 1.5 hours’ drive means more time birding, less time traveling.
Detailed Itinerary
Morning – Mongena Private Concession (Dinokeng Game Reserve)
Your exciting birding day tour Gauteng is known for begins with an early hotel pickup in Johannesburg. We travel north on a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive to the Mongena Private Game Lodge concession within Dinokeng Game Reserve. Arriving at dawn, the vibrant chorus of birds welcomes us to a pristine African wilderness.
As we enter the reserve, expect to see species such as Lilac-breasted Roller, African Wattled Lapwing, Magpie Shrike, Black-winged Kite, Little Swift, and White-browed Scrub-Robin. Once at Mongena, we transfer to an open safari vehicle—providing unobstructed views as we explore the Kalahari Thornveld habitat. Look out for Southern Pied Babbler, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Burchell’s Starling, Barred Wren-Warbler, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Scaly-feathered Weaver, Ashy Tit, and Violet-eared Waxbill.
Mid-morning, we move to the reserve’s wetland systems where bird diversity flourishes. Species such as Goliath Heron and Black Heron, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Half-collared Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, African Jacana, White-backed Duck, African Swamphen, Black Crake, African Rail, and African Snipe are often seen in these habitats.
Afternoon – Mongena Private Concession (Dinokeng Game Reserve)
After a rewarding morning, we pause at Mongena’s Kingfisher Restaurant for brunch or lunch, with beverages served. Birding continues from the dining area, where you may spot Southern-masked Weaver, Lesser-masked Weaver, and Village Weaver, Malachite Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Egret, Cardinal Woodpecker, Crested Barbet, Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Red-winged Starling, and the resident Black-chested Snake Eagle.
The afternoon is dedicated to the Bushveld area of the reserve, targeting species like Greater Honeyguide, African Grey Hornbill, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Southern Red-billed Hornbill, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Great Sparrow, Red-headed Finch, Purple Roller, Bennett’s Woodpecker, Flappet Lark, Cape Penduline-Tit, Yellow-throated Bush Sparrow, Double-banded Sandgrouse, Golden-breasted Bunting, and many more.
As the sun sets, we begin the 2-hour journey back to Johannesburg, sharing stories and reflecting on the incredible birds and wildlife encountered on this memorable Birding Day Tour Gauteng experience.
Traveler Reviews
- 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 btravel2010
4 July, 2025
Prices & Info
1 – Birder
ZAR 6,299.00 P/Person
2-3 – Birders
ZAR 4,899.00 P/Person
4-6 – Birders
ZAR 3,199.00 P/Person
7-10 – Birders
ZAR 2,299.00 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
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: