Axel Bührmann, a regular reader and now contributor to the Portfolio Travel Blog, gives his views on the Montecasino Bird Gardens in his neck of the Gauteng woods. His always wonderful images illustrate the story...
Montecasino Bird Gardens are interesting, in that the birds - we were told - were rehabilitated or rescued birds of all kinds.
It's very easy to get to; outside rush hour there are no traffic problems of any kind. My recommendation is to go early because it fills up quite quick and gets terribly crowded (many, many people plus
"over 142 species of birds -- Montecasino Bird Gardens is home to over 1 000 birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and other small creatures"
as the website says -- and you get to feel rather claustrophobic...)
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| Fly, Forrest! Fly! |
At the Bird Show |
(Images: Axel Bührmann. Creative Commons License)
Not only can you get up close and personal with many species of birds (and other goggas*, if you're that way inclined), you can also feed the hummingbirds.
Except, of course, they're not hummingbirds in the South African context (you could have fooled me; they certainly look like the stereotypical hummingbird!), they're sunbirds and they come and eat / drink / slurp sugary liquid from a cup you'll hold in your hand.
There's also bird show twice a day; the one we went to (in the morning) you can actually touch - interact with - some of the birds.
Sadly, they emphasised the apparent sheer stupidity of the owl species - I would have preferred to live in my old fallacious world, where owls are wise and politicians aren't corrupt and don't steal from the people.
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| No need for mascara... |
Feeding time |
(Images: Axel Bührmann. Creative Commons License)
They also keep amphibians in a special enclosed area (I'm sure there's some scientific word for it), but if you go during a public holiday or on the weekend, this area could be so crowded that it becomes uncomfortable.
It's worth the trip, particularly considering that these birds have apparently not been captured in the wild, but have been rescued and so on.
In my opinion, it's also a less depressing visit than the bird sanctuary in Hout Bay (sorry, Capies!), which I found dirty, dank and almost completely depressing. (Ed: Last time I was at the Hout Bay Bird Sanctuary my son was 2 and loved every second of it... but it was a bit dark. The owls there are wonderful though, and the monkeys entertain small fry)
Not to worry, though, because once you hear how South Africa's wetlands are being devastated (not "decimated", which means something else entirely - devastated), you may also walk away from the Montecasino Bird Gardens a far more thoughtful person than when you went in.
*goggas = SAfrican for creepy crawlies / insects
Need to Know
Flight of Fantasy show times
Cafe Flamingo
Visitors can also relax and enjoy a meal at Cafe Flamingo; this 90-seater restaurant overlooks the Flamingo Pond. This venue also caters for kiddies birthday parties (max 30 people).
For bookings contact Mandy +27 (0) 11 511 1203.
Montecasino Bird Gardens Opening Hours
08h30 - 17h00 Daily
Contact Details
Tel:+27 (0) 11 5111864
Email: mbirds@mweb.co.za
Tariffs: (from 1 April 2008)
* Adults & Children over 10yrs: R32.50
* Pensioners & children under 10yrs: R18.50
* Special group rates available (Groups by arrangement only)
School Tours
Since opening, the Bird Gardens has proved to be the preferred destination for school groups. We offer specially conducted tours for schools during which experienced guides take learners through the fabulous world of interactive learning with birds and animals.
