We recently spoke with Marc Cronje, the man behind the binoculars, renowned for his expertise as a bird guide with deep knowledge of birds, spanning local and international species. Marc is based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga and often leads bird watching walks at Likweti Bushveld Farm Estate.
Marc was born in Johannesburg and humorously recalls his childhood as growing up in a “zoo” due to his father, Phillip Cronje, working as a curator of Primates and small cats at the Johannesburg Zoo. This unique environment ignited Marc’s love for nature and animals. In 2005, at the age of 15, Marc’s family moved to Nelspruit, where his father became the Sanctuary Manager at The Jane Goodall Institute SA (Chimp Eden), the first Chimpanzee Sanctuary in South Africa. Initially reluctant about moving to a small town like Nelspruit, Marc quickly fell in love with the Lowveld’s beautiful landscapes.
While still in school at Lowveld High School, Marc completed the FGASA Level 1 course and began working at Chimp Eden, where he led tours. After school, he traveled through Europe for four months before returning to Chimp Eden. Marc studied nature conservation, and during his practical sessions in the Kruger National Park, his passion for birding took flight.
In November 2015, during a trip to Kruger, Marc encountered a stunning Pel’s fishing owl, a rare sight in the area. This encounter sparked his interest in birding, and by January 2016, he decided to observe birds more consciously. Since then, he’s joined Birdlife Lowveld and dedicated himself to birdwatching tours, transcending from wildlife guiding to a profound specialization in ornithology.
To date, Marc’s bird guiding has taken him to 25 countries. His lifetime bird species list stands at 3015 globally, with 451 species recorded in the Kruger National Park. Marc has a personal goal of seeing at least half of the world’s birds before he turns 50. One of his fondest trips was to Costa Rica, where he encountered many neotropical species, including hummingbirds. This vast experience means Marc has extensive knowledge of birds, both locally and internationally.
Marc emphasizes though that birding is not just about lists and numbers. He finds immense joy in witnessing his guests experience the thrill of seeing a “lifer” or a specific bird they were hoping to spot. He believes it is important to never lose one’s passion and he continues to learn new things daily. It should be about enjoying the experience, not just ticking off a list.
Marc is also an avid photographer, capturing special moments from his birding expeditions. Uganda is a favorite destination for him, having visited over ten times, but the Kruger National Park remains close to his heart.
Looking ahead, Marc is excited about the future of birding in South Africa and globally. He jokes that birdwatching is no longer just for “old folks” and is now engaging younger generations. This shift can be attributed to people like Faansie Peacock, one of southern Africa’s best-known birders and talented bird artists, who has authored or co-authored six books and significantly impacted children. The digital evolution of birdwatching, with numerous apps and online communities, has also attracted younger enthusiasts. Birdlife South Africa and local clubs have contributed significantly to this growing hobby, helping to change the stigma around birding.
Garden or backyard birding is still birding. You don’t have to travel the world to enjoy birdwatching; start where you are and find joy in the birds around you.
Stay updated on all the bird watching walks led by Marc at Likweti Bushveld Farm Estate by following us on Social media.
