Tshwane and Environs – Pretoria National Botanical Gardens
About the Birding
Some of the particularly special species that can be seen here include Thick-billed Weaver (also nesting in the gardens), Fairy Flycatcher (winter), Brown-backed Honeybird, Red-throated Wryneck, Orange-breasted Bush-shrike as well Crimson-breasted Shrike. Some of the more common species include Cape Robin-Chat, Neddicky, Amethyst Sunbird, White-bellied Sunbird, Southern Boubou, Black-backed Puffback, African Paradise-Flycatcher, and both Karoo and Kurrichane Thrush.
Crowned Lapwing is common on the lawns and can be seen in summer sitting on their nests. Blacksmith Lapwing and Spotted Thick-knee also occur here. At the ponds, Common Moorhen and Egyptian Goose can be seen as well as breeding bishops and weavers during the summer months. This is not a place known for raptors, but the occasional Verreaux’s Eagle and African Harrier-Hawk can be seen flying over the gardens – so best to keep looking up!
Key species:
Acacia Pied Barbet, Brown-backed Honeybird, White-throated Robin-chat, Bar-throated Apalis, Fairy Flycatcher (winter), Black-crowned Tchagra, Jameson’s Firefinch, African Green Pigeon, African Paradise Flycatcher, Red-throated Wryneck
About the Birding Site
The Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a 76ha urban oasis where birding is in a relaxed and safe atmosphere with up to 50 species of birds to be seen in a morning’s birding. The best way to observe the birdlife is to walk the undemanding trails that criss-cross the gardens. The garden consists of various habitats including woodland, acacia thickets, extensive lawns, and a few small ponds with a 35m high quartzite outcrop running down the centre.
Key species:
Acacia Pied Barbet, Brown-backed Honeybird, White-throated Robin-chat, Bar-throated Apalis, Fairy Flycatcher (winter), Black-crowned Tchagra, Jameson’s Firefinch, African Green Pigeon, African Paradise Flycatcher, Red-throated Wryneck
Other Related Information
Access and facilities:
One is required to walk within the limits of the gardens, which is generally an exertive process. However, if one sticks to the main paved route around the bottom of the gardens and avoids hiking toward the top of the waterfall, it is a very relaxed walk with basic walking fitness being more than adequate. There are both ablution and restaurant facilities.
Other related information:
Directions:
From Johannesburg International Airport take the R21 north to Pretoria. Take the off-ramp at the intersection with the N1 north to Polokwane shortly before you reach Pretoria and then the Lynnwood/WNNR off-ramp. At the top of the off-ramp turn right and immediately after crossing over the highway turn left into Meiring Naude. Continue until you reach a T-junction with Cussonia. Turn left into Cussonia and you will find the entrance to the gardens immediately on your right.
GPS coordinates: S 25° 44′ 24.00″, E 28° 16′ 35.00″
Times: Every day from 08:00 – 18:00
Entrance Fees: Adults (R22), Students (R12), Children >6 (R8), Children <6 (Free), Pensioners (free on Tuesday).
Text prepared by:
John Kinghorn and Toni Geddes
