
The 2023 edition of the African Bird Fair was held on 22 July at the Country Club Johannesburg (CCJ) – Woodmead in partnership with MSC Cruises and what a successful day it turned out to be. The in-person event was a sell-out and the virtual element provided for those tuning in from around Africa and, indeed, the world.
The jam-packed programme started at dawn with guided bird walks around the beautiful bushveld areas of the CCJ. They were followed by birding workshops and a full day’s programme of talks on birds, birding and bird conservation, with opportunities in between for attendees to explore the exhibition area with its art, merchandise, bird food and books. An exclusive camera, optics and hospitality area was available too, and authors Faansie Peacock, Vernon Head and Hélène Loon were on hand to sign their books. The day ended with our renowned African Bird Fair Quiz, which provided a good ‘wine down’ and lots of laughs. Attendees were certainly spoilt for choice, while those who couldn’t make it in person had the option of tuning in to the live stream of the programme, thanks to top-of-the-range equipment provided by Canon.
We had the pleasure of announcing the winners of the BirdLife South Africa Photography Competition, in partnership with Canon, and also ran an online auction, with a wide variety of items on offer from our many generous auction sponsors, and with all funds raised going to conservation.
We would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the African Bird Fair 2023: MSC Cruises, Ford Wildlife Foundation, ZEISS, Italtile, Canon, Chamberlain and Mail & Guardian.
BirdLife South Africa would also like to extend its gratitude to the Country Club Johannesburg for hosting us, and to all the volunteers, speakers, exhibitors and attendees.
We hope to see you again next year!
With thanks to the following sponsors:
Headline Sponsor:
MSC Cruises South Africa
Platinum Sponsors:
Ford Wildlife Foundation
ZEISS
Italtile
Gold Sponsors:
Canon
Chamberlain
Mail & Guardian