Parrots at the Bird Gardens at Montecasino (Image: Waleed Alzuhair)
Montecasino in Fourways, northern Johannesburg, is renowned for its gaming, shopping and entertainment facilities. The complex also houses a variety of restaurants that serve 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 – the Montecasino Bird Gardens.
Montecasino Bird Gardens is the only sanctuary of its kind on the African continent and a real asset to tourism South Africa. The garden is home to more than 60 species of birds, reptiles and small animals – more than enough to keep any animal-loving visitor enthralled. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along splendid walkways and through the main aviary, which houses colourful scarlet ibises, royal starlings and Nicobar pigeons.
Pelicans lounge about on the greens (Image: Waleed Alzuhair)
A host of amphibians, mammals, antelope, reptiles – including puff adder and black mamba – and more unusual animals, such as a sloth and lemur make a visit to Montecasino a worthwhile family experience on weekend getaways in Gauteng or just your regular day visit. The garden also boasts a spectacular collection of African cycads – more than 500 plants from 37 species – including an encephalartos middelburgensis plant said to be one of the oldest surviving plants.
For family fun the venue presents 40-minute educational and entertaining bird shows at 11am and 3pm on weekdays and 11am, 1pm and 3pm on weekends and public holidays.
Flamingos (Image: Waleed Alzuhair)
Admission
Adults and children aged 11 years and older: R 64
Children aged two –10 years old: R 36
Children under 2 enter free.
Pensioners and hotel guests: R36
Visiting hours
Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5pm
Weekends and public holidays: 8.30am to 5pm
