Best Birding Spots in Gauteng: 5 Places Worth the Early Start
Gauteng is South Africa’s smallest and most built-up province, but it is surprisingly good for birds. Highveld grassland, wetlands and rocky ridges all sit within an hour of Johannesburg and Pretoria, so a proper birding morning rarely needs more than a full flask and an early alarm. These are five of our favourite places to go.
1. Marievale Bird Sanctuary, Nigel
Marievale is part of the Blesbokspruit wetland east of Johannesburg, a Ramsar site of international importance, and it is usually the first place Gauteng birders head. A series of hides and a track along the reedbeds put you close to the action.
Look for: Greater and Lesser Flamingos, African Swamphen, Little Bittern, African Rail, Whiskered Tern and large numbers of ducks and Red-knobbed Coots. Scan the reeds for an African Marsh Harrier quartering low over the water.
Tip: Go at first light and take something warm. Highveld wetlands are bitterly cold on winter mornings.
2. Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria
Around 3,800 hectares of open grassland wrapped around a dam on Pretoria’s southern edge. It is one of the best places near the city for grassland birds, and there is a hide overlooking the water.
Look for: In summer, Long-tailed Widowbirds and Southern Red Bishops in full breeding colour, with cisticolas and larks calling from the grass. On a lucky day you may find a Secretarybird striding through the veld. The dam draws herons, cormorants and African Fish Eagles.
3. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Roodepoort
This garden is famous for its pair of Verreaux’s Eagles, which nest on the cliffs beside the Witpoortjie Waterfall. Watching them glide along the ridge is a classic Johannesburg birding moment, and the rest of the garden is easy, gentle walking.
Look for: The eagles, of course, plus sunbirds among the flowering plants, Cape Robin-Chats in the undergrowth and a good mix of garden and bushveld birds along the stream.
Tip: Arrive when the gates open, before the picnic crowds, especially on weekends.
4. Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Heidelberg
Rolling grassland and rocky ridges just south of Johannesburg, with a long circular drive and hiking trails. It feels far further from the city than it is.
Look for: Cape Longclaw in the grassland, Mountain Wheatear and Ant-eating Chat on the open slopes, Cape Rock Thrush on the rocky ridges, and Jackal Buzzards hanging in the wind.
5. Korsman Bird Sanctuary, Benoni
A small pan surrounded by suburban houses, with a path around the edge. It is proof that you don’t have to leave town for good waterbirds, and a great spot for beginners or a quick hour before work.
Look for: Herons, egrets, grebes and ducks year-round, and flamingos when the water levels suit them.
When to go birding in Gauteng
Summer (roughly October to March) is the richest season. Migrants such as European Bee-eaters, Amur Falcons and Barn Swallows arrive, and bishops and widowbirds moult into their breeding plumage. Winter is quieter but clear and dry, which makes it a good time for raptors and for waterbirds that gather on the remaining water. In any season, the first two hours after sunrise are the best.
What to pack for a Highveld birding morning
Highveld mornings swing from freezing to hot by ten o’clock. Wear a warm hoodie in the hide and keep a cap for later. A wide canvas and leather binocular strap is kind to your neck over a long morning on your feet, and a leather field guide cover keeps your field guide in one piece on the back seat.
