The 2012 sasol birds & birding fair will be held on 26 & 27 May 2012 at the Johannesburg Zoo.

Entrance fee is R35 per person and the fair will be open between 09h00 and 17h00 on both days.  See below for more information on the programme of events for the weekend.

This is an important annual event for BirdLife South Africa, as it raises awareness for the organisation and its bird and bird habitat conservation projects.

The theme for the 2012 event will be around the Bird of the Year 2012, the African Fish-Eagle.

There will be a wide variety of exhibitors displaying their wares on the Centenary Lawn, including binoculars, camera equipment, bird books, bird feeders and indigenous plants. There will also be a number of conservation organisations present, such as the Endangered Wildlife Trust and FreeMe Rehabilitation Centre. There will also be a children’s activity area on the lawn.

Should you wish to exhibit at the Fair, download the Exhibitor Application Form

Programme of Events

Saturday 26 May – Workshop and Course*

Read more about the Bird Photography Workshop or Raptor Identification Course

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE RAPTOR IDENTIFICATION COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

Saturday 26 May - Lectures

Sunday 27 May - Workshop and Course*

Sunday 27 May - Lectures

* The Photography Workshop and Raptor Identification Course are by bookings only and a fee of R100 per person (including Zoo entrance) will be charged. There will be a photography workshop on both Saturday and Sunday.  The Raptor Identification Course will be one course, run over the two days.

Contact Nikki McCartney on 083 636 1060 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book your place.  Proof of payment will secure bookings.

All lectures are free and on a first-come first-served basis.

Other Activities

Daily on-the-hour guided bird walks by Johannesburg Zoo staff
BirdLife South Africa-branded activity area for kids – colouring-in, games etc

Please note: programme and speakers subject to change

For more information, please contact Nikki McCartney on 083 636 1060 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Bird of the Year 2012 : African Fish-Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)

Download the distinct and well-known call of the African Fish-Eagle to your phone for just R15!  Click here

Visit the Bird of the Year page for more information about the African Fish-Eagle.