Discover South Africa’s incredible birdlife with expert guidance, customised itineraries, and unforgettable experiences
South Africa is home to nearly 1,000 bird species, around 70 of which are endemic or near-endemic, spanning diverse habitats from wetlands and rivers to grasslands and woodlands. Our private birding tours departing from Johannesburg are fully customised to your interests, whether you wish to spot rare endemic species, follow migratory patterns, or photograph wildlife in their natural setting. Each excursion combines expert guidance, personalised pacing, and flexibility, so you can focus entirely on the birds, the ecosystems, and the joy of discovery.
These tours are perfect for amateur and advanced birders alike, wildlife photographers, or anyone with a passion for South Africa’s natural heritage. Whether it’s your first visit or you are returning to explore new sites, we tailor every itinerary to your level of experience, your desired pace, and your preferred habitats. Families, small groups, and solo travellers are welcome, with group sizes limited to ensure intimacy and personalised attention.
Unlike larger, scheduled tours, our excursions are entirely private and flexible. You will visit lesser-known birding hotspots as well as classic reserves, with access to habitats often overlooked by standard tours. With over 30 years of experience in South Africa’s ecosystems and registered credentials in guiding, we provide insights into bird behaviour, local ecology, and conservation. All logistics, including transport, meals, and permits, are handled for you so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience. We also regularly visit different important bird areas, even without clients, ensuring that we are up to date as to facilities, infrastructure and habitat conditions, and will advise whether specific areas could be avoided at certain times to maximise your sightings.
Tours range from half-day excursions to multi-day adventures, depending on your targets and availability. Departures are from Johannesburg, with door-to-door transport included. On longer days, we provide comfortable seating, pillows, and blankets for rest during travel between sites.
Each tour includes field guides, binoculars, refreshments, and meals where appropriate, with all entrance fees and logistics handled. You only need to bring your passion, camera, and appropriate clothing.
Birding in Gauteng and neighbouring provinces is rewarding year-round. late-spring through to early autumn (November–March) bring peak activity, especially for migratory and wetland species, while winter still offers sightings of resident birds across woodlands and grasslands. We plan your itinerary based on seasonal patterns, ensuring the best opportunities to spot target species without compromising comfort or experience.
Private birding tours start from approximately ZAR 2,500 per person for half-day trips and ZAR 7,500 per person for full-day excursions for two participants, depending on the destination, group size, and inclusions. Multi-day itineraries are priced based on custom requirements. Every experience is designed to maximise sightings, comfort, and personalised service.
“This hike which in the end we covered just over 6kms, was abundant with bird life. You could find shelter under a cool tree and listen to all the amazing cacophony of bird calls. Mark from MS Touring is a specialist in taking care to point out our South African Fauna and Flora. Definitely a worthwhile outing to Kloofendal. Thanks to MS Touring“– Doug, South Africa (2025)
“Yesterday I had an incredible day at Rietvlei with MS Touring. Mark was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable and professional. I had the best birding experience to date with some amazing sightings. I would highly recommend Mark Stanton and MS Touring. I only had one day, but I can’t for my next trip with MS Touring. Hopefully to Pilanesberg National Park. Thanks Mark! Excellent!“
– Kevin, Cape Town/USA (2024)
“One week ago Mark Stanton and I had never met. But he responded on my call to go out birding together. That’s how it goes in the birders’ community. We had a nice day at Boons Road with Scaly Feathered Weaver, Eastern Clapper Lark and 60+ other birds. Unfortunately, we could not trace the Rufous-eared Warbler, probably because of the strong winds. Yesterday we visited Hoogland/Schurveberg. Mark Stanton found the Short-toed Rock-thrush for me – which was high on my wish list. And together we found two very vocal Black Cuckoos near the Spa. But other than that, Mark Stanton shared his knowledge on geology and plants, and we shared the love for moths, butterflies bugs, beetles and other small stuff. Great day. And Mark Stanton is highly recommended, also for (international) visitors and expats who are looking for excursions with every aspect of nature in and around Gauteng.” – Jan, Netherlands (2025)
