Attention all birders! Spend a weekend birdwatching at Maropeng

Mar 1, 2017

Maropeng, the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, is fast becoming a popular spot for those interested in birdkind.

Located just an hour outside of Johannesburg, the diverse local habitat surrounding Maropeng – a mixture of highveld, bushveld, montane and riverine – make it an attractive option for a birdwatching weekend.

Common sightings include the African finfoot, African grass owl, blue crane (South Africa’s national bird), malachite sun bird, Cape vulture and striped pipit.

Grass Owl Adult
African grass owl. (Image: Hayleyk)
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African finfoot. (Image: Francesco Veronesi)
Blue Crane Courtship Dance
Blue crane. (Image: Roland Bischoff)
Cape Vulture
Cape vulture. (Image: Ingrid van den Berg / www.ardea.com)
Nectarinia Famosa (Malachite Sunbird)
Malachite sun bird. (Image: Steve Garvie)
Pipit Striped Alan Manson 2011 06 18 Italagr
Striped pipit. (Image: Alan Manson)

Bird nerds welcome!

We recently hosted the Witwatersrand Bird Club, known as the “bird nerds”, for a day of birdwatching. They explored our walking trail, which includes a bird hide at the constructed wetland system.

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Hitting the walking trail. (Image: Witwatersrand Bird Club)

Altogether, the 22 birders saw over 60 different species during their visit!

“I would certainly recommend the area for future outings,” said Henderick Bornman, head of the club.

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Gathered at the deck after a successful outing.(Image: Witwatersrand Bird Club)

For the real “early birds”, you can start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Maropeng Hotel before setting out. Or, for those “night owls”, extend your visit and spend an evening here for a real treat!

Contact us to find out more about birdwatching opportunities at Maropeng.