A part of the Fourways District of Johannesburg, the Monte Casino Bird Park boasts of hundreds of species of birds and tiny animals and is an exciting destination for families. The most popular names inside the aviary, which is the largest of its kind in the African continent, include Nicobar pigeons, royal starlings and scarlet ibises along with sloths, lemurs, antelopes and rather scary reptiles like black mambas. These creatures live inside structures that emulate their natural habitat. Some 500 plants can also be found in the Bird Park with Encephalartos middelburgensis, one of the oldest living plants in the world, taking the cake. A noteworthy feature is how this place has worked hard to educate children about our wondrous environment and the urgent need to conserve it.

Monte Casino Bird Park has regular bird shows (called the ‘Flight of Fantasy’) that are around 40 min long and packed with entertainment. You can catch them at 11 AM and 3 PM on weekdays and at 1 PM and 3 PM on weekends. If you are someone who loves bird watching, this park is just the right place for you to spend a few good hours. If hunger pangs strike, ‘Cafe Flamingo’ serves excellent coffee.