Montecasino Bird Gardens Entrance Fee & Visitor Guide
Quick Answer: The entrance fee for Montecasino Bird Gardens in Fourways, Johannesburg is R140 for adults (ages 13–59), R95 for children (ages 2–12), R95 for pensioners (ages 60+), and R85 for Montecasino hotel guests. Children under 2 years enter for free. Tsogo Sun Rewards Cardholders and groups of 15 or more qualify for discounted admission rates. The park is open Wednesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays), with daily educational bird demonstrations scheduled at 11:00 and 15:00.
Ticket Prices & Entrance Fees
Montecasino Bird Gardens uses tiered ticket pricing based on age, hotel accommodation, group size, and loyalty card status. Tickets can be purchased at the main entrance gate or online via official Tsogo Sun platforms.
| Visitor Category | Age / Details | Price (ZAR) |
| Adults | 13 – 59 years | R140 |
| Children | 2 – 12 years | R95 |
| Pensioners | 60+ years (ID required) | R95 |
| Hotel Guests | Guests staying at Montecasino Hotels | R85 |
| Infants / Toddlers | Under 2 years | FREE |
| Visitors with Disabilities (Adults) | Valid disability identification | R115 |
| Visitors with Disabilities (Child / Pensioner) | Valid disability identification | R85 |
Group Discount Rates (15 or More People)
For school groups, tour groups, and large parties (minimum 15 visitors, arranged in advance):
- Adults / Teachers: R115 per person
- Children (2–12 years): R85 per person
- Pensioners (60+ years): R85 per person
Tsogo Sun Rewards Cardholder Rates
Members of the Tsogo Sun Rewards programme enjoy special entry rates:
- A-Tier & K-Tier Members: FREE
- Q-Tier Members: R112
- J-Tier Members: R119
- 10-Tier Members: R126
Operating Hours & Show Times
- Operating Days: Wednesday to Sunday
- Operating Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
- Closed Days: Mondays and Tuesdays (except during select school/public holidays)
- Educational Bird Demonstrations: Daily at 11:00 and 15:00 in the Tuscan Amphitheatre (15 to 30 minutes duration)
Highlights & Key Attractions
Located within the Montecasino entertainment complex in Fourways, Sandton, Montecasino Bird Gardens is the only sanctuary of its kind on the African continent.
1. Walk-Through Aviary
Walk through a massive open-air canopy housing over 60 species of birds flying freely above you. Visitors can observe Scarlet Ibises, Royal Starlings, Nicobar Pigeons, and crowned cranes, along with small antelope roaming the lush garden floor.
2. World-Class Cycad Collection
The garden holds the largest and most diverse private collection of South African cycads in the world, featuring over 750 individual plants across 37 distinct species, including rare and endangered specimens.
3. Reptile & Frog Room
An indoor terrarium display showcases venomous and non-venomous snakes, chameleons, geckos, and rare amphibians, as well as arachnids like the Goliath birdeater tarantula.
4. Small Mammals & Primates
Encounter small primates and exotic mammals along the boardwalks, including lemurs, meerkats, sloths, and marmosets in custom-designed naturalistic enclosures.
5. Flamingo Café
Overlooking the flamingo pond where Greater and Lesser Flamingos gather, the Flamingo Café offers light meals, coffee, ice cream, and quick refreshments from 09:00 to 17:00 daily.
Visitor Tips & Practical Details
- Address: Montecasino, 01 Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055, South Africa.
- Parking: Paid undercover and outdoor parking is available across the main Montecasino complex.
- Accessibility: The facility features wide paved walkways and gentle ramps, making it fully wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
- Outside Food: Outside food and picnic baskets are not permitted inside the garden grounds; dining options are available at the Flamingo Café and nearby casino restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is the entrance fee for Montecasino Bird Gardens?
Adult tickets (ages 13–59) cost R140 per person. Children aged 2–12 and pensioners aged 60+ pay R95. Guests staying at Montecasino hotels pay R85, and children under 2 enter for free.
2. What days and hours is the sanctuary open?
Montecasino Bird Gardens is open Wednesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00. The sanctuary is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except on select public holidays.
3. When take place the live bird shows and demonstrations?
Live educational bird demonstrations take place twice daily at 11:00 and 15:00 in the open-air Tuscan Amphitheatre.
4. Can I buy tickets at the entrance gate?
Yes, tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket booth at the garden entrance on the day of your visit, or booked online via official platforms.
5. Is Montecasino Bird Gardens wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes, all main garden pathways, boardwalks, and the walk-through aviary feature paved, step-free surfaces and ramps suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
6. Do Tsogo Sun Rewards cardholders get discounts?
Yes, Tsogo Sun Rewards members receive tiered discounts on entrance tickets, with top-tier cardholders (A-Tier and K-Tier) receiving free admission.
7. How long does a visit to Montecasino Bird Gardens take?
A typical visit lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, providing sufficient time to explore the walk-through aviary, visit the reptile room, attend a live bird demonstration, and enjoy refreshments at the Flamingo Café.