Rondebult Bird Sanctuary

About Rondebult Bird Sanctuary

In the East Rand, which is considered to be part of greater Johannesburg, there can be found a variety of industrial giants, retail malls and suburban areas. However, this part of the Gauteng Province is also a treasure trove of natural delights, boasting an impressive variety of reserves and sanctuaries that showcase some of the natural abundance of South Africa in the heart of the city centre.

The Rondebult Bird Sanctuary is conveniently located, close to Germiston and a number of important motorways and thoroughfares. Being so accessible makes this attraction fantastic for locals and visitors that are looking for an escape from the nonstop city vibe without having to drive long distances or put aside much time.

Spanning 95 hectares, the Rondebult Bird Sanctuary comprises wetlands and grasslands that were established as a renewal endeavour, salvaging an old sewerage site. The three large pans were set up as the natural habitat of choice for a number of bird species, and there are eight separate, secure hides scattered around the dams to allow visitors to enjoy the avian antics around them.

These are well camouflaged, so as not to compromise the activities or frighten the wildlife. Some of the almost 200 recorded species here include the maccoa duck, greater flamingo, black-crowned night heron, orange-breasted waxbill, African snipe, marsh owl (during the winter months), African wattled lapwing, great reed-warbler, purple gallinule and avocet. Rondebult also receives a number of migrant species every year, such as an array of warblers, swallows and cuckoos.

In addition to the birds, there are some antelope species (such as reedbuck and springbuck), as well as other delightful little residents that are always fun and rewarding to spot.

Ablution facilities and picnic spots make the Rondebult Bird Sanctuary an ideal spot for families to enjoy the South African fauna and flora, even in the heart of an urban epicentre.