Bird Guides

Bird Guides of the World: Raymond Rampolokeng, South Africa

October 6, 2026 by Editor No Comments

What is your favorite bird species?

The Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius). Watching this terrestrial raptor stride across the Highveld grasslands hunting prey is always a thrill. Its regal appearance, striking crest, and unique hunting strategy make it an unforgettable encounter for visiting birders.

What is your name, and where do you live?

I am the founder and lead guide for Africa Bird Tours and Bay of Grace Tours. I am based in Gauteng, South Africa.

What are the main regions or locations you cover as a bird guide?

My guiding primary hubs focus on key biodiversity hotspots in central and eastern South Africa:

  • Gauteng & Highveld Wetlands: Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Marievale Bird Sanctuary, and Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve.
  • Mpumalanga Highlights: Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site, wetlands, and surrounding escarpment.
  • Greater Johannesburg & Soweto: Cultural, heritage, and urban birding experiences.

How long have you been a bird guide?

I have been working professionally in the regional tourism and guiding industry for over two decades, focusing on specialized birding itineraries, field practicals, and flora/fauna field identification.

Lilac-breasted Roller

How did you get into bird guiding?

My path started through a deep passion for South Africa’s natural heritage and wildlife conservation. Combining practical field tracking, grassland botany, and ornithology led naturally into guiding. Expanding into heritage and overland transport allowed me to design complete, end-to-end itineraries for international birders.

What are the aspects of being a bird guide that you like best? Which aspects do you dislike most?

Best: The moment a guest gets a lifer, alongside introducing international birders to complex South African grassland biomes.

Dislike: Unfavorable weather conditions like heavy Highveld summer downpours that cut a productive field morning short.

Little Bee-eater

What are the top 5–10 birds in your region that are the most interesting for visiting birders?

  • Secretarybird (Endangered grassland specialist)
  • African Rail (Marievale wetland target)
  • African Marsh-Harrier (Cruising open reedbeds)
  • Blue Crane (South Africa’s national bird)
  • Goliath Heron (World’s largest heron species)
  • Malachite Kingfisher (Jewel of local waterways)
  • Red-throated Wryneck (Intriguing woodpecker relative)
  • Cape Longclaw (Vibrant grassland endemic)
  • Sentinel Rock-Thrush (High-altitude rocky ridges)
  • White-backed Duck (Specialized wetland target)

African Finfoot

Can you outline at least one typical birdwatching trip in your area?

  • Trip Title: Gauteng Grassland & Wetland Day Loop
  • Duration: 1 Day (6:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
  • Locations Covered: Marievale Bird Sanctuary & Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
  • Location Focus & Key Species:
    • Morning: Marievale Bird Sanctuary Exploration of shallow pans and reedbeds via hides. Key targets: African Rail, Goliath Heron, African Marsh-Harrier, Yellow-billed Duck, and various rails and crakes.
    • Midday Local stopover / Lunch Scenic break at a regional cafe or bird hide picnic site.
    • Afternoon Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve Highveld grassland and acacia woodland loop. Key targets: Secretarybird, Blue Crane, Cape Longclaw, Mountain Wheatear, and Sentinel Rock-Thrush.

What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in your area?

  • Best Season: October to March (Summer). Palearctic and Intra-African migrants arrive, plumage is at its peak, and breeding activity is high.
  • What to Bring: Good quality 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars, a dedicated field guide (Roberts or Sasol Birds of Southern Africa), neutral-colored field clothing, and warm layers for early Highveld mornings.
  • Local Insight: Combine birding with regional cultural heritage for a richer experience of South Africa.

Giant Kingfisher

If any readers of 10,000 Birds are interested in birding with you, how can they best contact you?

Readers can reach out via:

Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?

Gauteng and its surrounding reserves prove that world-class birding can exist right on the doorstep of major urban centers. Whether exploring shallow wetlands or hiking rolling Highveld hills, South Africa offers incredible biodiversity that welcomes both novice and seasoned birders alike.