Due to the efforts of a pioneering local birder, Soweto has become known as a fascinating area to go birding. Key areas for birding center around the iconic painted towers of Orlando Power station, and includes excellent wetland and Highveld koppie birding.

The wetland at Orlando Dam offers Little Grebe, Grey-headed Gull, Levaillant’s Cisticola, Blacksmith Lapwing, Little Rush Warbler and Lesser Swamp-Warbler amongst others. Swallows and swifts are numerous…watch for Rock Martin and White-throated Swallow.

The Enoch Sontonga hill is situated close by – adjacent to the University of Johannesburg Campus and is named after the composer of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. A walk on the hill can produce surprising birds including Diederik Cuckoo, Cape Sparrow, Black-chested Prinia, Red-throated Wryneck, Bokmakierie, Brown-backed Honeybird and Crested Barbet.

Other good sites in Soweto include Thokoza Park and Moroka Dam. Orlando Dam is reached from just north of the Bara Mall on Chris Hani Rd.

• Note: Children under 12 get 50% off

What to bring

Water,hat,sun-screen and comfy shoes

Raymond Rampolokeng, or ‘McBirdie’ as he likes to be called, is the first and only bird guide in Soweto. His mission is to change the perceptions around the township and to show people the incredible natural surroundings that persist in these spaces. He is also passionate about youth education and climate change. He runs Bay of Grace Tours.