Bird gardens at Montecasino
Montecasino in Fourways, northern Johannesburg, is renowned for its gaming and entertainment facilities. The complex also houses a variety of exquisite boutiques and fine restaurants that serve sumptuous local and international cuisine. But Montecasino is not just about gaming, retail and gastronomic delights: the complex is also home to a top-rated natural attraction.
Parrots at the Bird Gardens at Montecasino. Photo courtesy Waleed Alzuhair
Montecasino Bird Gardens is the only sanctuary of its kind on the African continent. The garden is home to more than 1 000 birds, reptiles and small animals – more than enough to keep any animal-loving visitor enthralled. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along splendid walkways and through the main aviary, which houses colourful scarlet ibises, royal starlings and Nicobar pigeons.
A host of amphibians, mammals, antelope, reptiles – including puff adder, black mamba and a 6m python – and more unusual animals, such as sloth and lemur, make a visit to Montecasino a worthwhile experience. The garden also boasts a spectacular collection of African cycads – 750 plants from 37 species – including an encephalartos middelburgensis plant that is estimated to be about 2 500 years old.
For those looking to broaden their knowledge of birds, the venue presents 40-minute educational and entertaining bird shows at 11h00 and 15h00 on weekdays and 11h00, 13h00 and 15h00 on weekends and public holidays.
Montecasino Bird Gardens offers family entertainment in suburban Johannesburg – an opportunity to experience the pleasure of nature and birdlife within city bounds.
Admission
Adults and children over 10: R45
Pensioners and children up to 10: R25
Visiting Hours
Monday to Friday from 08h30 to 17h00; Saturday and Sunday from 08h30 to 18h00
Directions
Off William Nicol Drive, in Fourways
Contact Details
Tel: +27 (0)11 511 1864
Fax: +27 (0)11 511 0477
Email: mbirds@mweb.co.za
Physical Address
Corner of William Nicol Drive and Montecasino Boulevard
Fourways
Johannesburg