The vibrant township of Soweto, which has rich political history, is increasingly becoming the go to place to discover a multitude of bird life, thanks to Raymond Ramapolokeng and his team at Bay of Grace Tours. Rampolokeng, or ‘McBirdie’ as referred to for his passion and knowledge of birds throughout Johannesburg, is the first and only bird guide in Soweto.
He is the director and bird guide at Bay of Grace Tours. He is changing perceptions around the township and showing residents and visitors alike the incredible natural surroundings available in the township spaces.
McBirdie says that apart from Soweto’s already famous reputation for good food, festivals and fun, the urban settlement with over 2 million residents now offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of birding while enjoying other fauna and flora.
“The experience is for those who are more in touch with nature but also the individuals who are looking for a quieter and calmer experience of Soweto,” he adds.
He says the township has become known as a unique area to go birding. Most birds are spotted at some of Soweto’s most popular heritage and tourist attracting sites.
“Bay of Grace Tours has decided to train and give visitors a different yet exciting birding exhibition. With bird sightings happening at well-known places, it makes the journey even more worth it,” says McBirdie.
Key areas for birding in the township is around the iconic painted towers of Orlando Power Station, and includes excellent wetland and Highveld koppie birding. Another site to see a variety of bird life is at the wetland at Orlando Dam, which offers Little Grebe, grey-headed gull, Levaillant’s Cisticola, Blacksmith Lapwing, Little Rush Warbler and Lesser Swamp-Warbler, amongst others.
Swallows and swifts can also be spotted ever so often and birders can also be on the lookout for Rock Martin and white-throated swallow. In addition to Bay of Grace Tours’ birding experience is a visit to the Enoch Sontonga hill that is situated adjacent to the University of Johannesburg Campus and is named after the composer of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.
“A walk on the hill can provide the siting of number of exciting birds to see, such as the Diederik Cuckoo, Cape Sparrow, Black-chested Prinia, Red-throated Wryneck, Bokmakierie, Brown-backed Honeybird and Crested Barbet,” he points out.
Other mentionable sites include Thokoza Park and Moroka Dam.
Bay of Grace Tours offers different kinds of bird tours. Each tour lasts around two or more hours and includes lodging, meals and drinks, access fees to reserves, parks and other birding sites. Guests can choose to hike, cycle or drive during the birding experience.
Rampolokeng established Bay of Grace Tours in 2018 in hopes of realising the global competitiveness of tourism in Soweto through product development for tourism and economic development. He says his interest in birds started at a young age. “My friends and I would catch birds and release them again once we have checked their patterns, colours and different beaks and feathers.”
His favourite bird is the Cape sparrow, which is the only bird that is clearly marked with the letter C on its head. These birds are the most common to spot and can be sighted in backyards, gardens and other common public areas.
“The Cape sparrow is my personal favourite because it is patient and enjoys its own space, much like myself. The bird and I have that serenity in common. It is also the logo used for Bay of Grace,” he explains.
Rampolokeng has a birding certificate (BirdLfe South Africa) and environmental education qualification.
To enjoy an amazing birding experience with Soweto’s one and only McBirdie, contact Rampolokeng on 072 947 3311 or send an email to bayofgracetours@gmail.com.
You can also book online at https://gobirding.birdlife.org.za/raymond-rampolokeng/
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
05/10/2022