VulPro Vulture Centre
A vital conservation centre dedicated to protecting vultures, offering unique wildlife viewing and educational experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Scheduled events for public viewing
VulPro Vulture Centre
Best Time
Scheduled events for public viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital conservation centre dedicated to protecting vultures, offering unique wildlife viewing and educational experiences.
"An amazing experience! The vultures were so beautiful to see up close, and our guide was so knowledgeable."
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Essential for an unforgettable experience. Guides are incredibly knowledgeable!
⏳ Be Patient at the Hide
Vultures are cautious. The wait for feeding is worth it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vulture Restaurant Feeding
Bird Hide
Witness up to 200 wild vultures feeding in a fascinating spectacle. Weather dependent, but worth the wait!
Guided Tours & Expert Knowledge
VulPro Centre
Learn about the vital conservation work and the diverse vulture species from knowledgeable guides.
Diverse Avian Encounters
VulPro Centre
Beyond vultures, spot fish eagles, condors, owls, storks, egrets, crows, and ibis.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Patience for the Vulture Restaurant
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Essential for an unforgettable experience. Guides are incredibly knowledgeable! +1
⏳ Be Patient at the Hide
Vultures are cautious. The wait for feeding is worth it!
🥪 Pack Snacks & Drinks
A Lapa area is available for visitors to enjoy their own refreshments.
💰 Support Conservation
Consider a monthly donation to aid their vital work.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Essential for an unforgettable experience. Guides are incredibly knowledgeable! +1
⏳ Be Patient at the Hide
Vultures are cautious. The wait for feeding is worth it!
🥪 Pack Snacks & Drinks
A Lapa area is available for visitors to enjoy their own refreshments.
💰 Support Conservation
Consider a monthly donation to aid their vital work.
🚗 Easy Drive from Cities
A perfect day trip from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise VulPro for its essential conservation work and the unique opportunity to witness vultures feeding. The knowledgeable guides and the chance to see a variety of birds of prey are frequently highlighted as memorable aspects of the visit. While patience is needed for the feeding spectacle, the overall experience is described as inspiring and highly recommended.
"It was an amazing experience!The vultures were so beautiful to see up close, and our guide was so knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting to see and learn more about vultures, especially anyone touring SA for the first time. The hide takes some patience, as we learned the vultures are particularly cautious eaters, but it is so worth the wait when they do come down to feast. What a wonderful experience :D"
Shellie Badenhorst
"We visited as part of Birdlife Northern Gauteng, and it was a magnificent visit. The work they do is so essential and so inspiring, we had a wonderful time. Thank you Clarence for guiding us and showing us around."
Liesl de Swardt
"We thoroughly enjoyed our 1st visit to Vulpro. The guide was knowledgeable and the guided tour an unforgettable experience.
Not only do they have a variety of vultures, but a fish eagle, condors and owls too.
There is a vulture restaurant and it can be observed from a bird hide with one way glass, where vultures visit, as well as Marabou Storks, egrets, crows and ibis.
It is a well maintained NPO and I can highly recommend a visit to their premises. An appointment is advised. They do hold open days.
There is restrooms, which are clean and a Lapa area, should you wish to take colddrinks or sandwiches along.
I am sure a monthly donation to ensure the future of Vultures will be highly appreciated."
Karin Swanepoel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
VulPro is conveniently located in Hartbeespoort, a scenic drive of about 45 minutes to an hour from Johannesburg. Many visitors make it a day trip.
Yes, the centre is accessible by car, and there is parking available for visitors. The drive itself is part of the charm of visiting the Hartbeespoort area.
Absolutely! VulPro is one of many attractions in Hartbeespoort. You can combine it with activities like the cable car, dam cruises, or wildlife parks.
From Pretoria, expect around a 45-minute drive, and from Johannesburg, it's typically an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic.
Public transport options are limited. It is generally recommended to travel by private vehicle or to arrange transport for a smoother experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking in advance is highly advised, especially for guided tours, to ensure availability and a better experience. Check their website for open days.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official VulPro website for the most up-to-date information on visiting times and scheduled events. They often hold specific open days.
Admission fees contribute to their conservation efforts. It's recommended to visit their website or contact them directly for current pricing details.
VulPro does hold open days, which are excellent opportunities for the public to visit and learn more about their work. Keep an eye on their announcements.
While guided tours offer in-depth knowledge, you can also visit to observe the vulture restaurant and other areas. However, booking a tour is highly recommended for the full experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of vulture species, as well as other birds of prey like fish eagles, condors, and owls. The 'vulture restaurant' is a major highlight.
A guided tour typically lasts a couple of hours, but you might want to allocate extra time to observe the vulture restaurant and explore the centre.
The activity at the vulture restaurant is weather-dependent, as vultures are cautious. Patience is key, and the sight of them feeding is incredibly rewarding.
Yes, VulPro has clean restrooms and a Lapa area where visitors can enjoy refreshments they bring along.
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of the birds and avoid using flash, especially during feeding times or close encounters.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
VulPro does not typically have a restaurant on-site. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy in the designated Lapa area.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own cold drinks and sandwiches to enjoy during your visit.
Hartbeespoort offers a variety of restaurants and eateries. You can find options ranging from casual cafes to more formal dining experiences nearby.
Hartbeespoort has diverse dining, from lakeside restaurants to bushveld eateries. Many offer scenic views and local cuisine.
Definitely. Many visitors combine their trip to VulPro with lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Hartbeespoort area.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light. Observing the vulture restaurant feeding is a prime photography opportunity.
While photography is generally permitted, it's important to be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash, especially during feeding or close encounters.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing detailed shots of the birds, especially from a distance or within the hide.
Yes, VulPro houses other birds like fish eagles, condors, and owls, which also make for excellent photographic subjects.
The bird hide overlooking the vulture restaurant is a prime location. Guided tours may also lead you to optimal viewing and photography points.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to book a guided tour to ensure the children get the most out of the visit, as guides can tailor information to different age groups. Bringing snacks and drinks is recommended, as on-site dining options are limited. The relatively short travel time from Johannesburg and Pretoria also makes it a manageable day trip for families.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Combining a visit to VulPro with a relaxing spa treatment, a sunset cruise on the dam, or a fine dining experience can create a memorable romantic getaway. The tranquility of the natural surroundings also adds to the appeal for couples seeking a peaceful escape.
🌍 First-Time Visitors to South Africa
It's an excellent opportunity to learn about the country's natural heritage and the challenges faced by its wildlife. The centre's location near Johannesburg makes it an accessible addition to an itinerary, offering a meaningful and educational experience that complements other South African attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Crucial Role of Vulture Conservation
Visitors can learn firsthand about the challenges vultures face, such as poisoning and habitat loss, and understand the importance of their survival. The centre provides a unique opportunity to see various vulture species up close and learn about their specific needs and behaviors. This educational aspect is a key part of VulPro's mission, aiming to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of these often-misunderstood birds.
Supporting VulPro through visits and donations directly contributes to their ongoing conservation efforts. The dedication of their team, including researchers like Caroline who is pursuing her PhD on vultures, highlights the scientific rigor and passion behind their work.
Experiencing the Vulture Restaurant
Visitors observe the feeding from a specialized bird hide, which provides a discreet vantage point. This setup ensures minimal disturbance to the birds while allowing for incredible close-up views. The patience required to witness the feeding is often rewarded with a spectacular display of dozens, sometimes hundreds, of vultures descending to feast. This is a truly awe-inspiring sight that underscores the importance of these birds in the ecosystem.
Beyond vultures, the feeding area also attracts other opportunistic scavengers like Marabou Storks, egrets, crows, and ibis, adding to the biodiversity on display. The experience is not just about seeing the birds; it's about understanding their role and the conservation efforts needed to protect them.
A Day Trip to Hartbeespoort
Hartbeespoort Dam and its surrounding Magaliesberg Mountains offer a wealth of activities beyond VulPro. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, explore local markets, take a cable car ride up the mountain for panoramic views, or embark on boat cruises on the dam. The area is also known for its adventure activities like quad biking, ziplining, and horse riding, catering to a variety of interests.
Many visitors combine their trip to VulPro with other attractions in the region, creating a full day of exploration and enjoyment. The accessibility and diverse offerings make Hartbeespoort a popular getaway for both locals and tourists looking for a blend of wildlife, adventure, and natural beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit