Connecting Birds.
People.
Places.
Africa's first avitourism conference and expo. Ekurhuleni, South Africa — 25–26 November 2027.
Register Your InterestPartner With UsThe case for Avitourism Africa
Avitourism, travel undertaken specifically to view birds in their natural habitat, has grown from a niche hobby into a substantial slice of global nature tourism.
Be in the roomAfrica's natural advantage is unmatched, from the Rift Valley lakes to the Cape Floral Kingdom. Yet its share of the industry built around that habitat remains modest.
The gap we want to close
Strong conservation policy already exists across Africa: national biodiversity strategies, Ramsar frameworks, Important Bird Area programmes. What is comparatively thin is tourism policy specific to avitourism, the layer that turns protected habitat into sustainable livelihoods, jobs and visitor revenue.
A platform to bring together
Government, conservation bodies and industry in one room: close the policy gap between conservation and tourism, share knowledge through global market briefings and African country case studies, and keep the data current.
A global industry, waiting for its African chapter
Africa holds some of the richest bird habitat on Earth. It does not yet hold a matching share of the industry built around it.
Estimates vary by research provider. Avitourism is a young, loosely standardised research field, and Africa-specific data is even less current. Keeping that data current is part of what this event is for.
One event, three ways in
Market analysis, case studies & policy
Market analysis, country case studies, policy and conservation-and-commerce panels.
See the programme ↗
Where supply meets demand
Where tour operators, destinations, tourism boards and suppliers meet the people who buy and use what they offer.
See the programme ↗
32 markets. One continent still finding its share of a global industry
From Albertine Rift forests to Sahelian wetlands, Africa's bird diversity is unmatched. The data below, compiled by Rendzo Network from a range of sources, shows the scale of the opportunity across the continent.
| Country | Approx. species | Endemism highlight |
|---|
"With over 200 water bodies, golfing facilities and art deco buildings, the City of Ekurhuleni is well poised to become Gauteng's tourism destination of choice."MMC for Finance and Economic Development, City of Ekurhuleni
Gauteng's water-rich gateway
Best known for O.R. Tambo International Airport and its industrial heritage, Ekurhuleni is also one of South Africa's most water-rich metros. For delegates, that means a Ramsar wetland field day inside the metro itself, from the conference floor to world-class birding without leaving the metro.
Land and you are already in the host metro.
Gauteng's only Ramsar site.
Across the metro, plus golfing facilities and art deco buildings.
A policy conference, a trade expo, and a field day
Indicative programme. Subject to confirmation.
Industry analysis, Africa focus and policy
- Opening plenary and City of Ekurhuleni keynote
- Global avitourism market briefing
- "Avitourism in Africa": country case studies
- Government policy panel: closing the continental policy gap
- Conservation-and-commerce panel
- Evening welcome reception at Germiston Lake
Choice of birding field excursions
- Blesbokspruit / Marievale and Korsman Bird Sanctuary
- Soweto (excursion description to be confirmed)
The people who set policy, sell destinations, buy them, and equip them
Avitourism Africa brings all four groups together for the first time on the continent.
Delegates
Government tourism and environment officials, provincial and municipal authorities, conservation and biodiversity-economy practitioners, academic institutions and development finance institutions.
Register as a Delegate →Trade
African and international birding tour operators, destination marketing organisations and tourism boards, wholesalers, specialist agents, hospitality and DMC partners.
Exhibit or Sponsor →Consumers
Enthusiastic and casual birders, wildlife photographers and nature-tourism visitors, drawn especially by the Expo and Experience days.
Visitor Updates →Suppliers
Optics and photography brands, publishers, technology platforms, apparel and outdoor-equipment brands, and corporate conservation sponsors.
Partner With Us →Put your brand where African avitourism is being shaped
Avitourism Africa puts you in front of decision-makers and buyers who rarely share a room: government officials, destination marketers, tour operators and passionate birders.
Download Partnership ProspectusContact the Partnerships Team- Reach tourism and environment decision-makers from across the continent.
- Meet birding tour operators and specialist agents looking for new destinations.
- Showcase products to an engaged consumer audience during the Expo and Experience days.
- Be associated with conservation and sustainable tourism in a fast-growing sector.
Be in the room where African avitourism takes shape
Speaker announcements, destination spotlights and avitourism market insights will be published here. Sign up and we'll keep you posted.