Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary
The Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary was named after South Africa’s greatest ornithologist mammalogist, J Austin Roberts. J Austin Roberts was born in Pretoria in 1883, he received his grounding from Thomas Ayres, a famous pioneer amateur ornithologist based in Potchefstroom.
The University of Pretoria presented Roberts with an honorary doctorate for his many achievements.
On 26 February 1985 The Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary was officially proclaimed as a nature reserve.
The sanctuary was fenced in June 1970 and became a valuable civic amenity with recreational and educational value.
Activities and Facilities:
- Wide variety of bird life that can be observed from the bird hide.
- Guided walks can be arranged and there is an exhibition hall.
Wildlife:
Unique birds such as the crowned crane and the blue crane.
Vegetation:
The veld type of the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary is mixed bushveld.
Visiting hours:
- Summer ( September – April): 06:00 – 18:00
- Winter ( May – August): 07:00 – 17:00
How to get there:
From the Fountains Circle (on the R21), take the George Storrar turn-off. Travel east passing Florence Ribeiro (Koningin Wilhelmina Avenue), where George Storrar Drive changes into Middel Street. Turn left at the first traffic lights, Dey Street, and then left again at Boshoff Street. The entrance to the sanctuary is on the left.
Tarrifs:
Entrance Fees Bird hide:
Entrance to bird hide has no charge
Guided walks:
R 55 per person up to 12 people per group
Bookings and Contact Numbers Reservations: Call 012 440 8316,
Fax 012 341 0591 or e-mail groenkloofnaturereserve@tshwane.gov.za
Bookings are only necessary for the guided walks – preferably 4 weeks in advance
Enquiries:
Tel: 012 440 8316 / 012 341 0591
Fax: 012 341 0483
Email: davidb@tshwane.gov.za
Bird Watching in Pretoria |