Animal & Bird Sanctuaries in and around Pretoria
- Click on the name to go directly to the website -

• Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary
  Around 170 species have been recorded and birders will see around 40 species in a short morning visit. The main attraction is the dam where an excellent hide is situated.
  How to get there:
  From the Fountains Circle (on the R21), take the George Storrar turn-off. Travel east passing Koningin Wilhelmina Avenue, where George Storrar Drive changes into Middel Street. Turn left at the first robot, Dey Street, and then left again at Boshoff Street. The entrance to the sanctuary is on the left.
  For a location map please click here
   
• Bester Birds & Animals Zoo Park
  This small private zoo breeds exotic birds and animals which it supplies to zoos, safari parks and collectors worldwide. Besides a variety of birds, animals and reptiles, there is also a farmyard where children are allowed to handle, cuddle and feed bunnies, guinea pigs, ducks and chicks.
  Open 09:00-17:00 Tuesdays to Sundays. Closed on Mondays, except during school holidays.
  44 Simon Vermooten Road, Willow Glen, Pretoria - Tel: 012 807 4192
  For a location map please click here
   
• Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort Dam
  The Elephant Sanctuary provides a safe haven for elephants, whilst also offering a unique platform for guest education and interaction. Guests will not only learn about elephants, but also get to touch, feel, feed, walk trunk-in-hand and even ride the elephants.
  How to get there:
  Follow route to Hartbeespoort Dam. Travel through tunnel. At the four-way stop at the Craft Market, continue 2.5km to The Elephant Sanctuary. We are on the left hand side of the road.
  For a location map please click here
   
• Faerie Glen Nature Reserve
  Bird life is abundant in this reserve, and includes crested barbet, hamerkop and some canary species. The reserve is a transition zone between Bankenveld (grassland), sour mixed bushveld and sour bushveld (acacia veld).
  How to get there:
  From the N1, take the Atterbury Road off-ramp, turn east and drive up to Genl Louis Botha Drive. Turn left here and follow the signs to the reserve.
  For a location map please click here
   
• Groenkloof Nature Reserve
  The wildlife on the reserve includes zebra, jackal, duiker, kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, blesbuck, red hartebeest, ostrich, giraffe and sable. The rich bird life will keep bird lovers busy for hours on end.
  How to get there:
  Groenkloof Nature Reserve is reached via the entrance to the Fountains Valley Resort. Follow the R21 to the Fountains Circle; take the Fountains/Centurion turn-off into Christina de Wit Road. About 500 m further, turn left at the entrance to the Fountains Valley Resort. Over weekends and on public holidays visitors use the alternative entrance gate 800 m from the Fountains Valley Resort main entrance gate.
  For a location map please click here
   
• Lory Park Midrand
  The Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary in Midrand is open to the public from Monday to Sunday - 10am to 4pm. The Park has a wide variety of Birds (including Birds of Prey, Herbivores (plant eaters), Omnivores (plant and meat eaters) and Carnivores (meat eaters) on display.
  180/1 Kruger Road, President Park, Midrand.
  Office telephone: 011 315 7307
  For a location map please click here
   
• National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
  The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is the largest zoo in the country and the only one with national status. More than 600 000 people visit the zoo annually. The 80 hectares accommodate 2 586 specimens. An aquarium and reptile park form part of the zoo. A cableway provides a panoramic view of the gardens and the modern enclosures in which the animals are kept. The walkways cover about six kilometres, but golf carts can be rented.
  232 Boom Street, Pretoria - Tel: 012 328 3265
   
• Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve
  Take the 'R28 / N14' (Pretoria / Krugersdorp) highway towards Krugersdorp - at the first traffic lights intersection turn right - drive ahead for approximately 8km (5 miles) on the 'N14' and find the 'Kromdraai' sign on the right-hand side. Turn right at the Kromdraai sign and follow the road for approximately 7km (4 miles) until the tar road becomes dirt road at a low water bridge - drive straight on for another 800m to find the Rhino And Lion Nature Reserve main entrance on the left-hand side.
  Tel: 011 975 0349
   
• The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, De Wildt
  The Centre was established in South Africa in 1971, in the past known as the De Wildt Cheetah Centre it has recently been changed to The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre as a tribute to the woman who has devoted her life to the survival of the cheetah species.
  Tel: 012 504 9906
   
• Wonderboom Nature Reserve
  This forms part of the Magaliesberg Range and is easily accessible. The natural vegetation on the hill slopes supports Mountain Wheatear, Neddicky, and Cinnamon-breasted Bunting. Shelley's Francolin has been recorded. A Verreauxs' Eagle pair is resident on the opposite side of the Poort and may be seen flying overhead. Vervet Monkeys and fruit bats are common. The lower slopes consist of picnic areas and here robins, shrikes (incl. Grey-headed Bush-Shrike), canaries, African Green-Pigeon and flycatchers (Fiscal Flycatcher, Chinspot Batis) are to be seen. Braai and ablution facilities are available and a small entrance fee is payable. There are two short walks up the hill, allow 1-2 hours.
  How to get there:
  Drive northwards on Paul Kruger Street (R101) and Mansefield Avenue for about 6 to 7kms from the city centre. Immediately after the road goes through the gap in the Magaliesberg range turn right onto the M1 and cross the Apies River. The entrance is on the right about 300 metres from the R101.