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Montecasino Bird Park: What You Need to Know
The Montecasino Bird Park is an amazing site located inside a sprawling complex composed of hotels, restaurants, and stores in Fourways, Johannesburg. It’s a popular tourist destination, and we’re not surprised why.
This park serves as a home for various birds and has a ton of other activities for you to enjoy. We’ll help you navigate this beautiful park below!
Things To Know
Address: Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055, South Africa
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Contact Number:+27115107000
Cost:
- ZAR 110 for adults
- ZAR 75 for pensioners and children 2 to 12 years old
- ZAR 50 for Montecasino Hotel guests
How to Get There
By Taxi: The most convenient way for you to get to Montecasino Bird Park from Johannesburg City Centre is by taking a taxi to the venue. It’s a bit pricey though at around ZAR 500, but you don’t have to stress about driving to the park for 23 minutes.
By Car: On the other hand, you can also get to Montecasino Bird Park via your car. It will still take you around 23 minutes to get to the venue from Johannesburg City centre but the (fuel) cost will be much cheaper (ZAR 90).
We recommend getting here by car if you’re travelling with a family or a large group or if you plan on buying a ton of souvenirs or items from Montecasino Bird Park and its surrounding stores.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit the Montecasino Bird Park from Wednesday to Sunday, but there are specific times that we recommend you drop by for some interesting activities. For example, we recommend that you visit from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for bird shows.
If you plan on just visiting the aviary or enjoying the gardens and plant life of this park, then we recommend dropping by from May to September. This is the country’s dry season and a visit during this period will let you enjoy the park with a low chance of rain.
What to Do: Activities Offered by the Montecasino Bird Park
1. Watch bird shows
From hazy.snaps
The bird shows you can experience here at Montecasino Bird Park are called Flights of Fantasy. These shows usually last around 15 minutes daily and will feature majestic birds like owls, cranes, vultures, and pelicans.
During the show, you and your family can marvel at these beautiful creatures while the presenter explains and shares more information regarding these different birds such as their habitat, personality, and diet among others.
It’s a great (and entertaining) learning experience that you shouldn’t miss!
| Pro Tip: Ask the park staff about any possible discounts if you’re travelling as a large group or a family with young kids (below 12 years old) and pensioners. You might be able to get special rates. |
2. Animal Watching
From joburg.co.za
Aside from the bird show, you can also enjoy the walk through the park’s aviary. Here, you can spot a ton of different birds (over 100 species in fact), which include such species as Nicobar pigeons and scarlet ibises.
Not only do you get to see this amazing multitude of birds, but you might be able to spot a few small animals in the bushes below such as small antelopes, tamarins, marmosets, and iguanas—truly a mesmerising experience for animal lovers!
| Pro Tip: There’s a nearby cafe here called the Flamingo Cafe where you can grab a quick bite after enjoying the bird show and the aviary. Feast on their delectable food items as you enjoy the view of the Flamingo Pond below. |
3. Stroll through the park’s gardens
From nozipho_sebothoma
The Montecasino Bird Park is home to some of the most unique plants in the world—the South African cycads!
This park features the largest collection of these cycads across the globe and will surely take your breath away especially when viewed with the other flowers and plants at the park’s walkways and aviary floors.
| Pro Tip: If you want to brush up on your South African cycad knowledge before your visit, check out this website. This will provide you with information on the 38 different cycads native to the country so you have an idea of what they look like when you see them. |
Other Nearby Attractions
1. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
From joannaskywalker
Address: Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort, 1724, South Africa
Distance from the Park: 30 minutes
Website: http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu/
Contact Number: +27 (0)12 843 5000
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is another spot you need to check out if you’re a nature lover. Aside from the around 240 bird species you might catch a glimpse of here, you can take in the views of the spectacular waterfalls of the park!
If you’re lucky, you might also spot a few mammals, such as cute honey badgers, aardvarks, and mountain ewes. You’ll also spot a few interesting critters like butterflies, earthworms, and woodlice—amazing if you’re the outdoorsy type!
2. Nelson Mandela Square
Address: 5th St, Sandown, Sandton, 2031, South Africa
Distance from the Park: 19 minutes
Website: https://nelsonmandelasquare.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 11 217 6000
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
After spending a day with Mother Nature at the Montecasino Bird Park, you can head on down to Nelson Mandela Square for a great shopping and dining experience. You can score great finds here ranging from clothes, electronics, and arts and crafts.
Aside from shopping and dining, Nelson Mandela Square also features a ton of activities like music fests and art exhibits.
3. Cycle Lab Bike Park
Address: Libertas Rd, Bryanston, Sandton, 2191, South Africa
Distance from the Park: 8 minutes
Website: https://www.bikepark.co.za/
Contact Number: +27105919273
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
If you want to enjoy something more challenging near the Montecasino Bird Park, you need to check out what Cycle Lab Bike Park has to offer. Aside from their mountain bike courses, you can also enjoy running and walking around the facility.
You can ask the park staff which bike trails are suitable for you and your family, as the trails have different difficulty levels.
In addition, check their Facebook for any possible promotions and events (like free bike vouchers for families).
4. Johannesburg Botanical Garden
From senaarh.mile
Address: Olifants Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg, 2195, South Africa
Distance from the Park: 22 minutes
Website: https://www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com/services-facilities/botanical-gardens/about
Contact Number: +27117126600
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Once you’ve had your fill of the South African cycads of the Montecasino Bird Park, you can enjoy some more flowers and plants at the Johannesburg Botanical Garden. This is one popular tourist destination in the city thanks to the tons of flora you’ll see onsite.
It has well-maintained grounds filled with trees and lush green grass. Hence, you’ll see a ton of other guests here running, taking a stroll, picnicking, or just relaxing and taking in the beauty of the park.
5. The Teatro
From clifford.dcosta
Address: Montecasino, Teatro Road, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055, South Africa
Distance from the Park: 6 minutes
Website: https://www.montecasino.co.za/entertainment/theatre/teatro/
Contact Number: +27115107472
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, Open 24 hours
If you’re up for a world-class theatre spectacle, check out The Teatro. It’s just 6 minutes away from the bird park, making it an accessible attraction if you want something different after you tour the park’s aviary and garden.
Here, you can sit back and relax as you watch and appreciate a drama, comedy, tragedy, or musical. Take in the vibe of the theatre’s interiors and facade too, as both areas are elegant to look at and are perfect for your group photo or a selfie.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants Near Montecasino Bird Park
1. Donatella’s Montecasino
Address: Monte Casino Corner Witkoppen &, Winnie Mandela Dr, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055, South Africa
Distance from the Park: 3 minutes
Website: http://www.donatellas.co.za/
Contact Number: +27115111986
Operating Hours:
- Monday, 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday, 12:00 NN to 10:00 PM
- Friday, 111:30 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday, 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday, 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Visit Donatella’s Montecasino if you want to feast on Italian and Mediterranean fare after you visit the bird park. You can try their pizza, pasta, and fried hake served with baked mussels in creamy white sauce for a filling meal!
2. Fireroom Montecasino
Distance from the park: 1 minute
Website: https://fireroom.co.za/restaurant/montecasino/
Contact Number: +27 11 465 0587
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, and Sunday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Fire Room Montecasino is one of the best restaurants to visit if you want to enjoy a fantastic meal with a great view of the area while seated at their second-floor viewing deck. Check out their meat menu items such as rump and sirloin for something filling!
3. The Hussar Grill Montecasino
Address: Shop E3, Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Magaliessig, Johannesburg, 2191, South Africa
Distance from the Park: 4 minutes
Contact Number:
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 12:00 NN to 11:00 PM
- Saturday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 MN
- Sunday, 10:00 AM
If it’s steak that you’re after, then the Hussar Grill Montecasino is the restaurant you need to check out after your trip to the nearby bird park. Aside from their steaks, they also have light fare such as burgers, fried fish fillets, and fries!
4. Thava Indian Restaurant
Address: Shop No: 13 &, 14 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Sandton, 2055, South Africa
Distance from the Park: 1 minute
Website: http://www.thava.co.za/
Contact Number: +27114651306
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Thava Indian Restaurant is the answer to your Indian food cravings when in Sandton. Sink your teeth into some of the freshest Indian dishes on this side of South Africa with menu offerings like samosas, tikka masala, and different kinds of curries!
5. Verdicchio Restaurant and Wine
Address: Shop 9 Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Sandton, 2047, South Africa
Distance from the Park: 3 minutes
Website: https://www.verdicchio.co.za/
Contact Number: +27115111969
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Cap off your trip to the bird park with top-notch food and fantastic wines at Verdicchio Restaurant and Wine. You can order their divine Caesar salad, baked salmon with mashed potatoes, or their t-bone steak paired with their red or white wine!
