Best of Both Habitats: Zaagkuilsdrift & Dinokeng Birding Day Tour
Experience one of the most rewarding birding tours near Johannesburg with our full-day adventure through two distinct ecosystems — Zaagkuilsdrift and the Dinokeng Game Reserve.
We begin early with a hotel pickup in Johannesburg before heading north toward Zaagkuilsdrift’s dry acacia bushveld. This area offers exceptional Kalahari-type birding just 90 minutes from the city. Expect species like Crimson-breasted Shrike, African Grey Hornbill, Orange-breasted Bushshrike, and Southern Pied Babbler as we bird the quiet rural roads on foot and from the vehicle.
By midday, we shift into the lush wetlands and thornveld of Dinokeng Game Reserve. Here, we explore the exclusive Mongena Private Concession — the only site near Gauteng offering open-vehicle birding and Big 5 bush experiences. Target species include Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Half-collared Kingfisher, Golden-breasted Bunting, and Scaly-feathered Weaver, with elephants, giraffes, or buffalo often spotted along the way.
This is the perfect tour for birders looking to maximize species diversity in a single day — blending dry and wet habitats, vehicle and on-foot birding, and the possibility of big game encounters. All within easy reach of Johannesburg.
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.
-
Two Ecosystems In One Day – Bird both arid thornveld and lush bushveld habitats in a single outing
Detailed Itinerary
Early Morning – Zaagkuilsdrift’s Acacia Thornveld
Your birding day begins with an early hotel pickup in the Johannesburg area. After a relaxed 1.5-hour drive, we arrive at Zaagkuilsdrift right as the first rays of sunlight ignite the Kalahari-style bush. This is one of the premier birding tours near Johannesburg for dry-country specialists.
Along the famous Zaagkuilsdrift back road, bird activity starts immediately. We’ll scan for Desert Cisticola, Northern Black Korhaan, Rufous-naped Lark, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, and Lesser Grey Shrike. Scattered Acacia thickets reveal species like Barred Wren-Warbler, Southern Pied Babbler, Olive-tree Warbler, Brubru, and the striking Crimson-breasted Shrike.
As we bird along the route, we also search for Scaly-feathered Weaver, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Cuckoofinch, Great Sparrow, and Red-capped Lark. The birding is rich, varied, and offers great photographic moments from the roadside.
Midday & Afternoon – Mongena Concession, Dinokeng Game Reserve
As the heat rises, we shift habitats and head to Mongena Private Concession inside Dinokeng Game Reserve. Before the next session, we pause for a well-earned lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant. While dining, you might still spot species like Malachite Kingfisher, Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Crested Barbet, and even the resident Black-chested Snake Eagle.
In the afternoon, we switch to an open safari vehicle, giving you panoramic views for spotting birds and big game. Wetlands around Mongena offer a fresh wave of birdlife: Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Half-collared Kingfisher, African Jacana, Black Crake, Goliath Heron, African Rail, and more.
Back in the Bushveld, we focus on species like Golden-breasted Bunting, Greater Honeyguide, Purple Roller, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Flappet Lark, and Double-banded Sandgrouse. There’s no shortage of targets.
As a bonus, large mammals often make appearances. Lion, Cheetah, African Elephant, Rhino, Hippo, and Giraffe are all possible on this private concession — a rare mix for birding tours near Johannesburg.
We wrap up the day with a relaxed return drive, chatting about lifers, photo highlights, and the species count from this productive dual-habitat tour.
Traveler Reviews
-
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 BUZDUGANALEXANDRA
4 June, 2024 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 Navigate16478560915
5 August, 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 – ZAR 6,400.00 P/Person
2-3 –ZAR 4,800.00 P/Person
4-6 – ZAR 3,000.00 P/Person
7-10 – ZAR 2,300.00 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:
Best of Both Habitats: Zaagkuilsdrift & Dinokeng Birding Day Tour
Experience one of the most rewarding birding tours near Johannesburg with our full-day adventure through two distinct ecosystems — Zaagkuilsdrift and the Dinokeng Game Reserve.
We begin early with a hotel pickup in Johannesburg before heading north toward Zaagkuilsdrift’s dry acacia bushveld. This area offers exceptional Kalahari-type birding just 90 minutes from the city. Expect species like Crimson-breasted Shrike, African Grey Hornbill, Orange-breasted Bushshrike, and Southern Pied Babbler as we bird the quiet rural roads on foot and from the vehicle.
By midday, we shift into the lush wetlands and thornveld of Dinokeng Game Reserve. Here, we explore the exclusive Mongena Private Concession — the only site near Gauteng offering open-vehicle birding and Big 5 bush experiences. Target species include Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Half-collared Kingfisher, Golden-breasted Bunting, and Scaly-feathered Weaver, with elephants, giraffes, or buffalo often spotted along the way.
This is the perfect tour for birders looking to maximize species diversity in a single day — blending dry and wet habitats, vehicle and on-foot birding, and the possibility of big game encounters. All within easy reach of Johannesburg.
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.
-
Two Ecosystems In One Day – Bird both arid thornveld and lush bushveld habitats in a single outing
Detailed Itinerary
Early Morning – Zaagkuilsdrift’s Acacia Thornveld
Your birding day begins with an early hotel pickup in the Johannesburg area. After a relaxed 1.5-hour drive, we arrive at Zaagkuilsdrift right as the first rays of sunlight ignite the Kalahari-style bush. This is one of the premier birding tours near Johannesburg for dry-country specialists.
Along the famous Zaagkuilsdrift back road, bird activity starts immediately. We’ll scan for Desert Cisticola, Northern Black Korhaan, Rufous-naped Lark, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, and Lesser Grey Shrike. Scattered Acacia thickets reveal species like Barred Wren-Warbler, Southern Pied Babbler, Olive-tree Warbler, Brubru, and the striking Crimson-breasted Shrike.
As we bird along the route, we also search for Scaly-feathered Weaver, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Cuckoofinch, Great Sparrow, and Red-capped Lark. The birding is rich, varied, and offers great photographic moments from the roadside.
Midday & Afternoon – Mongena Concession, Dinokeng Game Reserve
As the heat rises, we shift habitats and head to Mongena Private Concession inside Dinokeng Game Reserve. Before the next session, we pause for a well-earned lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant. While dining, you might still spot species like Malachite Kingfisher, Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Crested Barbet, and even the resident Black-chested Snake Eagle.
In the afternoon, we switch to an open safari vehicle, giving you panoramic views for spotting birds and big game. Wetlands around Mongena offer a fresh wave of birdlife: Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Half-collared Kingfisher, African Jacana, Black Crake, Goliath Heron, African Rail, and more.
Back in the Bushveld, we focus on species like Golden-breasted Bunting, Greater Honeyguide, Purple Roller, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Flappet Lark, and Double-banded Sandgrouse. There’s no shortage of targets.
As a bonus, large mammals often make appearances. Lion, Cheetah, African Elephant, Rhino, Hippo, and Giraffe are all possible on this private concession — a rare mix for birding tours near Johannesburg.
We wrap up the day with a relaxed return drive, chatting about lifers, photo highlights, and the species count from this productive dual-habitat tour.
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 – ZAR 6,400.00 P/Person
2-3 –ZAR 4,800.00 P/Person
4-6 – ZAR 3,000.00 P/Person
7-10 – ZAR 2,300.00 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: