Parks & gardens

Maloof Skate Plaza, Kimberley

Test your skills at the world-class Maloof Skate Plaza in Kimberley, which has hosted skateboard pros from around the world in the Maloof Money Cup. more
Shepstone Gardens, Johannesburg

Shepstone Gardens is a tranquil green haven in the heart of old Johannesburg. more
Emmarentia Dam, Johannesburg

Emmarentia Dam is where you can watch an open-air music concert, paddle around in a canoe, try your hand at sailing, or simply have a peaceful stroll along the banks. more
Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Johannesburg

For a great escape from the bustle of Johannesburg without having to venture too far, head to the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. more

More about Parks & gardens

KwaZulu-Natal Botanical Gardens

At the KwaZulu-Natal Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg, you can see plants indigenous to the province, including many traditional medicinal plants, and enjoy biodiversity walks and birding. more

South Africa's botanical gardens

It's not just an enormous variety of plants that you will see when visiting the botanical gardens of South Africa, but many birds, mammals and reptiles too. more

Pretoria Botanical Gardens

The Pretoria Botanical Gardens are an urban oasis, housing hundreds of tree, plant, bird and mammal species in the heart of the capital city. more

1Nylsvley, Limpopo

This wetland site covers some 4000 hectares across the Nyl floodplain in Limpopo Province and is one of South Africa’s most important and prolific birding sites

2Langebaan, West Coast, Western Cape

Langebaan tidal lagoon is the ‘richest stretch of water in South Africa’, visited annually by 60 000 birds, with around 200 species to delight bird-lovers at any time.

3Mkhuze Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

Over 420 species are found in the Mkhuze Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. Qualified local community guides will help you identify rare and shy species.

4Sani Pass, Drakensberg escarpment into Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal

A fantastic variety of endemic birds; 4 species here are not found elsewhere in Southern Africa. Look out for the winged king of these mountains, the Bearded Vulture.

5Wakkerstroom/Amersfoort, Mpumalanga

A favourite grassland birding spot in South Africa, many of South Africa’s endemic bird species (including a number of exciting larks) can be seen here.

6Pelagic birding trips, Western Cape & KwaZulu-Natal

This is one of the world's best locations for a pelagic tour, with up to 10,000 seabirds of 25 species. See Wandering Albatross’, endemic coastal and migratory oceanic species, and petrels. Sightings of marine mammals are an added bonus.

7Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Northern Cape

If raptors are your thing, then Kgalagadi is the place to be – over 40 species have been identified in this region.

8Overberg, Western Cape

If you'd like to see South Africa's national bird, the endemic (and elegant) blue crane, head to the scenic Overberg, not far from Cape Town.

9Limpopo Province

Limpopo province as a whole has over 600 recorded species, and 90% of all raptor species. The areas around Magoebaskloof leading to the Drakensburg escarpment are noted regions for bird watching.