South Africa Animal Parks

The 1000 Hills Bird Park offers an enchanting experience with rare and exotic feathered friends. The riotous chorus of calls, colourful plumage and character of these birds is a magnet for kids and adults alike. Visitors can admire their spectacular paint-box colouring and quirky antics, either from outside contained aviaries or strolling in walk-through aviaries, landscaped gardens and paddocks. An exciting new feature is the 150-metre zip slide. Bring your own picnic basket or order a snack hamper two days in advance. Braais facilities are available. Open Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays 08:00 – 16:00.

Cuddle a snake, count all 64 teeth of a Nile crocodile and get up close to a sky predator. Emphatically not a zoo, the Addo Raptor and Reptile Centre is a rehabilitation and education facility providing a home and veterinary care for rescued birds of prey and reptiles. Daily live shows and guided tours allow visitors to come face to face with the venomous Cape Cobra and numerous other deadly African snakes. A large component of their work is educating authorities, the public, retailers and young folk. The focus is to create a better understanding and awareness of these misunderstood and largely misaligned creatures. Some of the animals and birds were rescued from the pet trade or are injured and not able to be returned to the wild. Others are sourced from reputable reptile breeders. +27 (0) 82 332 3499 Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 - 18:00 Feeding tours: Tuesday to Sunday 18:00 (bookings are essential).

Home to eleven of the twelve owl species, five of the eight vulture species and numerous magnificent raptors found in Southern Africa, the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary is well worth a visit. Dedicated to conserving indigenous raptors, the haven is also a base for continuing research, breeding and rehabilitation projects for birds of prey, mostly run ‘behind the scenes’. There is also a large selection of captive-bred or ‘non-releasable rehabilitation’ birds. These feathered friends can be viewed in their ‘micro-environment’ visitors keen to discover more about South Africa’s beautiful aerial predators. Specially trained birds wow spectators with their daily flight displays, given to educate and facilitate awareness of effective conservation of our environment and its creatures. These demonstrations allow the winged beauties themselves to become both teachers and ambassadors for their wild counterparts, giving the audience a first-hand experience of these rare and elusive birds. Open Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 – 16:00. Closed on Christmas Day and during the Comrades Marathon. Flying Display Times: weekdays (except Mondays) 10:30, weekends and public holidays 10:30 and 15:00. 'Gobble and Squabble' Vulture Feeding Sessions: weekends 12:00 (phone and confirm should this be your primary reason for visiting). Entrance fees: adults R35, children under 13 years R20. Cash and cards are accepted. www.africanraptor.co.za +27 (0) 31 785 2981 or (0) 82 925 3023.

Cuddle a baby crocodile and count all 68 teeth If you’re feeling brave you could even feed the big toothy predators. Situated on a scenic avocado farm outside Tzaneen, Agatha Crocodile Ranch is a definitely worth a visit. On offer are adventurous daily tours, an opportunity to touch a baby crocodile and also to feed the enormous adults. Tours include a fascinating talk about the behaviour, conservation and breeding of the Nile crocodile, followed by a feeding show and guided tour of the breeding dam and enclosures. Who’s your daddy? Of all the 220 Nile crocodiles on the ranch, Rufus is the biggest at 4.2 meters long and is probably 49 years old. Daily tours and feeding shows are between 09:00 – 16:00, Monday to Sunday. Tours last one and a half hours and promise lots of thrills. Agatha Crocodile Ranch also features a local art gallery and curio shop. +27 (0)15 307 4398

Also known as the Umdoni Bird Park, the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary is well worth a visit. A large expanse of shimmering water is flanked by rolling lawns and lush plantings on the one end and indigenous forests on the other. Picnic spots and pleasant 30 minute self-guided trails meanders through the forest. The sanctuary is a haven for birdlife and visitors have the chance of spotting many of the 150 bird species including resident spurwing geese, white faced duck, greenback heron, giant kingfisher, brown-hooded kingfisher and hamerkop. Look out for Narina trogons and the endangered spotted ground-thrush. Rare blue duiker and Cape clawless otter also frequent the park. +27 (0) 31 903 7498 Umdoni Road, Amanzimtoti.

Bambelela offers two and a half hour guided tours offering in-depth knowledge and first-hand experiences about hand-raising wild animals and primates. Some of the animals can be touched and there are great photo opportunities. Orphaned and injured African animals are cared for with the aim of rehabilitating them back into the wild. Bambelela are working on being officially recognized as a Vervet Monkey Sanctuary in the Waterberg. Tours are by appointment only. Cost per adult is R100 and R50 for kids (under 4 years free).

Although Bayworld Oceanarium’s two dolphins, Dumisa and Domino, have winged it off to Hong Kong, the aquarium remains one of the star attractions in Nelson Mandela Bay. Situated in the heart of the Port Elizabeth beachfront, Bayworld continually dishes up a feast of education and entertainment to thousands of visitors each year. Kids love the little colony of rescued Cape fur and Sub Antarctic seals. These web-footed friends provide an up-close experience, giving visitors a chance to see them swimming and feeding. Interactions with their trainers and related stories present their amazing adaptations to the aquatic environment. The African and rock-hopper penguins never fail to amuse with their awkward waddling on land but never fail to impress with their exceptional agility in the water. Be thrilled by the adult ragged-tooth sharks displaying jagged jaws of eating tools as they cruise around the circular tank. There’s lots to see but don’t miss the tiny Knysna seahorses and the wily octopus. Open 09:00 – 16:30 every day of the year, except on Christmas Day, 25 December.

Fascinating but fearsome to some folk, reptiles are always a hit with kids. The Bayworld Snake Park has been around since 1919 and is home to numerous reptiles, many of which are indigenous to the Nelson Mandela Bay area. The slithery and scaly collection includes the longest species of snake in the world, the deadliest snake in Africa and a cunning snake that pretends to be dead so as to avoid being attacked. There are also some of the common species which you might find in your back garden while staying in the Bay. Informative signs help you identify the snakes so if you do happen to meet one of them, you’ll know whether it is dangerous or not. Along with the amazing snakes, you will also be able to see lizards, crocodiles, tortoises and terrapins. Open 09:00 – 16:30 every day of the year, except on Christmas Day, 25 December.

Birds of Eden is the Garden Route’s very own world class free flight bird sanctuary. Boasting the largest dome on the planet, the unique two hectare dome spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall. Another feature is its amphitheatre, which has the ability to seat over 200 visitors.Like Monkeyland, the popular primate sanctuary next-door, Birds of Eden features a canopy walk. Slightly shorter than the 128 meter bridge at Monkeyland, it is higher and hangs above the clouds. The decision to develop Birds of Eden stems from the need to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds and miniature monkeys. The sanctuary also enables bird owners to apply to release their pet birds into the sanctuary, after undergoing rehabilitation.Birds of Eden opened its doors to the public December 2005. Currently over 3500 birds live at the sanctuary.

Walk through an indigenous forest on elevated wooden walkways and see a variety of exotic monkeys in an exquisite natural environment. Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary takes in rescued primates that have been raised as pets or have been bred or imported for the pet trade. Their mission is to rehabilitate them for relocation to an environment that is natural to them and where they can lead normal, happy, and productive lives.Need to know? All tours are structured and guided - perfect for family, corporate and educational outings.

Take an inspirational walk through the tropical house of Butterflies for Africa. This lush and spectacular environment brings visitors into close contact with free-flying indigenous and exotic butterflies. Butterflies for Africa flies high with some of the top butterfly houses from around the globe with some unique offerings. The complex features a walk-through butterfly house, craft shop, art gallery, coffee bar, African art and craft centre, butterfly nursery and a garden planted with a big variety of food plants for butterflies. +27 (0) 33 387 1356 37 Willowton Rd, Willowton, Pietermaritzburg Tuesday to Friday 09:00 – 16:30 Saturday 09:30 – 15:30 Sunday 10:30 – 15:30 Closed on New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Experience the vibrant colours and fascinating flight of numerous butterflies in a lush, tropical garden.Butterfly World, one of the more unique attractions of the Cape Winelands, consists of a tropical garden in a 1000 m2 green house where free flying exotic butterflies feel right at home.The butterfly park is located at the cross roads of the Paarl, Stellenbosch and Wellington Wine Routes, near the small Boland town of Klapmuts. Just off the N1 at Exit 47 on the Route 44 (300m to the south), it is very accessible to the many tourists visiting the area.In a separate enclosures visitors walk in between birds, common marmosets, green iguanas and a couple of blue duiker, all free to roam the garden where they want. The Spider Room displays indigenous and exotic spiders and scorpions in locked glass terraria and teaches the public to respect and appreciate these animals. A new wing to the tropical garden is the Reptile Bay where Madagascan chameleons and lizards, tortoises, Australian skinks and bearded dragons and a couple of noisy parrots are housed.The gift shop has butterfly related items for sale and the Jungle Leaf Café provides light meals and refreshments for those taking a break from butterfly watching.The beautiful outdoor garden hosts a lapa for children’s activities, a meerkat enclosure and lots of free range ducks and chickens, waiting for children to feed them with packets of seeds and fodder bought from the gift shop.Opening hours:09:00 – 17:00Monday to SundayOpen all public holidays except 25 December and 1 JanuaryEntrance fee from 1 December 2009:R39.00 per adultR22.00 for children over threeR100.00 per family (two adults, two children)R33.00 for pensioners/college students.Discount for groups (conditions apply)Children under three enter free.Entrance fee from 1 December 2010:R43.00 per adultR25.00 for children over threeR111.00 per family (two adults, two children)R37.00

Experience the thrill of being almost tooth-to-tooth with a Nile crocodile or wrap yourself with a python at the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Valley of Ancients in the heart of the Little Karoo!Far more than just a petting zoo, this endangered species breeding facility is the oldest and largest cheetah contact centre on the planet. Visitors have the opportunity of interacting with hand-reared cheetahs as well as getting actively involved in conserving endangered species.Take a stroll on the ‘catwalk’ and view lion, cheetah, puma, white Bengal tigers, meerkats, pygmy hippos and many bird species. You can also visit rare and rather large reptiles at the snake park and crocodile pools.Run the race against extinction whilst having the time of your life and get involved with the Cheetah Preservation Foundation. Founded in 1988, the principal aim is to ensure the survival of the cheetah and other endangered species, as well as educating visitors as to the plight of the these animals.

Join a heart-warming educational experience and support the gentle wildlife residents at Crag’s View Wild Care Centre. Situated on Crag’s View Farm, Crag’s View Wild Care Centre is the only official wildlife rehabilitation centre serving the lower South Coast region. Animals and birds that have sustained injuries or are orphaned mainly due to human influence are rehabilitated for release into the wild. Patients include the rare blue duiker, bush buck, other antelope and a variety of birds and small mammals indigenous to the area. Crag’s View Wild Care Centre offers their educational talk and experience from Monday to Sunday at 10 am by appointment only. +27 (0) 39 311 2488 wildlife@cragsview.co.za Crag’s View Farm, Izingolweni Road, Port Edward.

Find out how many teeth crocodiles have and other amazing facts. Daily crocodile tours offer a fascinating experience where visitors can learn about the lifestyle of crocs from newborn hatchlings to 100-year-old giants during their feeding times at 11:00 and 15:00. The lush park comprises gardens and indigenous forest where numerous reptiles, mammals and birds can be viewed safely in their natural habitats. A farmyard section offers young visitors an experience of a variety of domesticated animals including sheep, goats and horses. On site is a curio shop and the Crocodilian Restaurant with great views over the park.

Be enchanted by the Harley-Davidson purr and graceful moves of the spotted felines at the Daniell Cheetah Breeding Project. This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers an interesting, personalised tour and the chance to interact with the cheetah. Visitors are encouraged to touch the cats and have photographs taken with a few of them. Established in 2001, the project started with only three cats and has grown in leaps and bounds. The maintenance of pure genetic lines and public awareness of the importance of conserving this amazing species is the chief focus. The Cheetah Walk experience costs R150 and includes a slice of cake and beverage at the Padstal. Walks need to be booked at least two days in advance. Children 12 years of age and older are allowed to participate. Open seven days a week, the Daniell Cheetah Breeding Project can be found on the R75 National Highway 80 kilometres from Port Elizabeth Airport. On site is The Padstal offering light meals, refreshments and a gift shop. +27 (0) 42 2320 539

The Donkey Sanctuary will warm your heart. The Sanctuary provides a home for abused, neglected and elderly donkeys. Here they can live out their lives with respect and dignity, surrounded by their own kind in a protective and natural environment. You can even adopt one of the donkeys. Facilities include a restaurant, farm stall and kids playground.

The Elephant Sanctuary offers an exciting elephant experience. Here you can walk trunk-in-hand with four Africa elephants and hand-in-hand with a child or loved one. They offer an exclusive, 'hands-on' educationally oriented experience where you can learn more about elephant habits, behaviour, different personalities and anatomy through up-close and personal interaction. You will also get an opportunity to touch, brush down and feed these magnificent animals.

Meet the Elephant Sanctuary’s gentle giants. During the “Trunk in Hand” programme, an experienced guide introduces visitors to the elephants. Guests are able to touch, feel, feed, interact and walk trunk-in-hand with the elephants. After the interaction visitors can opt for a short elephant ride – a privilege historically reserved for kings! It is a truly awesome experience to ride these magnificent animals. This amazing sanctuary provides a halfway house for young African elephants in need of a temporary home. The sanctuary’s vision is to release all their elephants into an environment where they can be more independent when they are mature. The Elephant Sanctuary is conveniently situated 5 km from Hazyview and 10 km from Kruger National Park’s Phobeni Gate. Facilities include elevated wooden walkways, beautifully constructed decks overlooking the river and a curio shop. View www.elephantsanctuary.co.za for bookings and details of various experiences.

Get up close and personal with six magnificent elephants on the banks of the Sabie River. The Elephant Whispers experience allows you to touch, exchange trunk greetings and offer tasty treats to tame and trained elephants varying in ages from nine to twenty six years. Visitors can also enjoy a thrilling elephant ride meandering down shady paths and enjoying the view. Several excursions are available – view http://elephantwhispers.co.za for more details.

Check out the coolest of Africa's cats Just outside Hluhluwe is the only wild cat rehabilitation facility in Zululand, situated on Emdoneni Lodge and Game Farm, a private game reserve with sand forest vegetation. Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre offers twice-daily educational tours, with informative talks by an experienced guide and feeding during the afternoon. Orphaned or injured wild cheetah, serval, African wildcats and lynx are rehabilitated for release back into their natural habitat where possible.Funding for the project comes from tour fees or an ‘adoption’ programme which allows visitors to contribute to the centre. These funds go directly to veterinary care, feeding, camp and fence maintenance, as well as workers’ salaries. By implementing a system based on donations, it is hoped to improve each cat’s stay at the centre.The aim of the project is to keep as few cats as possible in captivity. Once their numbers increase, suitable animals are released back into the wild.

Last chance to see? Hopefully not but don't miss seeing some of the rarest of Africa’s breeding wildlife at an amazing centre in the Limpopo. Situated on over 100 hectares within the Kapama Private Game Reserve, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre was initially established as part of a breeding programme for cheetah.Today the centre has expanded to breed and conserve other African species for reintroduction into the wild. You will be able to see breeding cheetah and wild dog; both on the critically endangered species list. Fanatical attention is given to create perfect conditions for the sensitive cheetah to breed.Day trippers are treated to an in-depth tour of the centre. Hourly trips in safari vehicles with knowledgeable guides take visitors to the various enclosures to view cheetah, wild dog, lion, black-footed cat, African wild cat, ground hornbills, sable antelope and more.Watching the feeding sessions of rare African vultures swooping down into the ‘vulture restaurant’ is an awesome experience. Here you can see white-backed vultures, hooded vultures, occasionally the lappet-faced vulture and Cape Griffon, Marabou Stork and bateleur eagles.Visitors also have the option of going on an elephant-back safari, enjoying excellent wildlife viewing from the elephant’s high vantage point. These trips take place in the early morning or late afternoon and are always an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience. The Camp Jabulani herd of elephants are renowned for their lovely temperaments and excellent physical condition.Contact Reservations for daily tours - Tel: +27 15 793 1633 Mobile: + 27 83 654 2299 Email for the Elephant Back Safaris: campjabulani@campjabulani.com

Take the kids to enjoy a quiet, relaxing farm environment and wide range of animal interactions at Ikkos Equine Sanctuary and Animal Haven Petting Farm. Meet horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, an angora goat, sheep, miniature pot bellied piglets, guinea pigs and rabbits. Come and pet them and feed them and even have a ride on one of the horses. It's an amazing, unique, interactive experience for the whole family!Older kids can walk with the horses and everyone can feed and pet the donkeys, sheep and goat or cuddle one of the friendly guinea pigs or the rabbit. Also on offer are short horse rides led by the owner in an enclosed camp - which makes for many great photos and memories.Ikkos Equine Sanctuary and Animal Haven Petting Farm help neglected and abused animals. The Greek word for horse is Ikkos, it also means the "Great Light", and the sanctuary aims to provide visitors with an enlightening all round equestrian experience.So, what goes on at Ikkos Equine Sanctuary?Rescue of abandoned and abused equines and other animals.Ikkos equine therapy - come and walk with their equines as well as groom, feed them and get to know them.Ikkos riding tuition - learn about horses in a fun and interesting way AND learn to ride.Ikkos eco horse riding trails and tours – absolutely stunning trails in natural veld private game reserve with a variety of game and stunning views!Adopt an equine or another animal here at the sanctuary – a unique gift for yourself or a loved one.Need to know? If you would like to make a booking (at least the day before) please send an SMS mobile text message to 076 6001115 to confirm your visit and get directions. The cost is R50 entrance fee that includes a tour round the farm to meet the animals, there is the option of pony riding at R40 per person and feeding the animals at R20.All entrance fees and donations go directly back into Ikkos Equine Sanctuary and Animal Haven Petting Farm for the care of the animals and towards the rescue of other animals in need of help.

Johannesburg Zoo is a top attraction in Parkview, a leafy, upmarket northern suburb in Johannesburg. The zoo is internationally accredited and highly respected for its husbandry practices, which includes maintaining a high standard of animal welfare, nutrition and ethical conduct, ensuring the physical and psychological well- being of all its animals. The zoo was opened in 1904, when a piece of land was donated to the citizens of Johannesburg as a recreational venue. The land came with 10 animals and today the zoo has seven classes of animal life: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects and arachnids, amounting to 365 species (1868).The zoo’s animal collection includes charismatic White and Tawny Lion, Cheetah, Puma, Polar Bear, Brown Bear, Ringtailed Lemur, Siamang and Forest Cobra. See also the Spectacled Bear, Snow Leopard and Stripped Hyaena, which are rare in zoos. Endangered species are: Siberian Tiger, Margay, Wild dog, Lowland Gorilla, Sumatran Orang-utan, Red panda, Black and white Ruffed Lemur, Wattled Crane, and Cape vulture. In addition to animals from other parts of the world, there is a large collection of South African animals such as African Hippo, Giraffe, Zebra, Baboons, Meerkat, Honey Badger, Springbok, four of the big five - Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant and Lions and majestic birds such as Secretary Birds and the Bald Ibis. In the walk- through aviary, visitors can almost touch the birds. The zoo’s plant collection consists of public gardens and landscapes plants in animal exhibits, which recreate their natural habitat and indigenous & historical gardens such as Medicinal, Rose and Herb gardens.The zoo also provides Animal Talk and Feeding sessions about Chimpanzees, Vultures, Polar Bears, Wild Dogs and more. These take place every weekend and public holiday from 9h30 and run through out the day. Zoo keepers narrate personal stories of zoo animals, how they live, their relationships, origins and social norms. Children can visit the farm yard where they can see and even touch friendly farm animals such as Nguni and Bapedi Sheep. There are very small to giant breeds such as Shetland pony and Shire horse. Children can also play on the zoo’s play ground gyms.The zoo offers a range of excellent guided tours: Day, Night, Dinner and Behind the Scenes Tours, which allow for splendid experience of seeing, smelling and hearing real animals. Each tour is different and has its own unique features.Day Tours start with everyone getting on a zoo ferry to visit several areas, like the apes, Amazonia, Heart of Africa and the pachyderms. A Tour guide introduces you to the animals by sharing facts and interesting stories and giving some animals a treat. This tour is charged on a sliding scale of R85, R75 and R65 for groups of 15, 20 and 35 sizes. School groups are charged a flat rate of R50.Night Tours allows visitors to see the zoo’s night life explore their world, such as Honey Badger, Owl, Tiger, Lion, Hippo, Civet, Caracal, Margay, Porcupine, Genet, African Wild Cat, Red Panda, Serval, etc. Visitors bring a picnic meal, torches and wear comfortable shoes and get ferried around the zoo on a journey of discovery. The Tour guide explains the nocturnal animals’ natural behaviour as the group sees it happen.After the tour, everyone enjoys their picnic and the zoo provides a hot cuppa and marshmallows to toast around a camp fire. See a different and wonderful life at night. This tour is charged on a sliding scale of R95, R85 and R75 for groups of 15, 20 and 35 sizes. School groups are charged a flat rate of R50.Dinner Tour is an opportunity to enjoy an outdoor meal while listening to the zoo’s night sounds, like the dominant lion Numzaan’s gruff roar. The group visits several camps, similar to camps visited by the night tour. Tour cost R200.Behind the Scenes Tours provide a chance to get close to zoo animals where only Keepers are allowed. The tour visits the zoo kitchen, where animal feed is prepared, the hospital, where veterinary care and a place to recuperate are provided, and night rooms used by animals to relax and shelter from inclement weather. This tour shows the importance of zoos and lets you get closer than ever before. Tours cost R 85.Opening Hours: 8:30 – 17:30 with the last entry at 16:00Admission price: Adults – R50 Children & pensioners – R30

This herpetological haven is well worth a stop! Formerly known as Swadini Snake Park, Khamai Reptile Park is home to some of South Africa’s deadliest snakes. Experienced guides will show you the scariest beasts - black and green mambas, boomslangs and Mozambique Spitting Cobras. If that isn’t enough to get your pulse racing then check out the Nile crocodiles and water lizards or get up close and personal with scorpions, baboon spiders and puff adders. You can also check out an awesome array of reptiles and amphibians from the rest of the planet. Khamai Reptile Park is owned by Donald Strydom, who has appeared as the ‘house expert’ in a number of BBC, Discovery and Animal Planet channels television features. A well-known black mamba handler, he also worked with the BBC to enable the filming of some unique footage of the Nile Monitor Lizard in its natural habitat. Donald and his team also capture and relocate over 300 ‘problem’ snakes in the region. In addition to that, Khamai Reptile Park have an educational programme for locals about the vital role reptiles play in the ecosystem and to dissuade the ‘kill on sight’ approach to the venomous snakes.

Founded in 1994, and the first of its kind in South Africa, the Knysna Elephant Park provides a home for orphaned elephants and offers visitors a glimpse of a bygone era when vast elephant herds once roamed. Join the elephants in their controlled free-range environment where you will be able to appreciate their magnificent presence up-close-and-personal. Whether you chose a daily tour, elephant back ride; exclusive safari or overnight accommodation; this is an experience that will stay with you forever. The Knysna Elephant Park is open every day of the year. Guided daily tours take you to the elephants every half hour from 08:30 to 16:30. Here you will have the opportunity to touch, feed and photograph these gentle giants. There are no barriers or fences to spoil your close encounter, and when the elephants chose to wander off again into the field, you are welcome to walk with them and watch them for as long as you wish. Elephant back rides offer the once in a lifetime opportunity to sit atop these incredible creatures. As you traverse through indigenous Cape fynbos, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Outeniqua Mountain range. Booking is essential.

At Kragga Kamma Game Park just outside Port Elizabeth all the animals roam freely in natural surroundings. This owner-operated park allows no hunting or other disturbances and that means you can always get close-up views and great photo opportunities of the animals.Lush coastal bush and grassland is home to vast herds of African wildlife including white rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, nyala, bontebok, impala and many more species.Knysna loeries are plentiful and more than 200 species of wild birds and waterfowl have been documented.The Kragga Kamma Game Park is open every day from 08:00 to 17:00 for entry. Gates are locked at 19:00 in summer and 18:00 (from 1 April) in winter.Visitors are welcome to drive around on the well-maintained roads in their own vehicle or opt for a two hour game drive with a professional guide.Also on offer is an up-close interaction with Duma, the tame cheetah. Duma's pen is situated at The Bush Café, which serves light meals and beverages.Bush Café: +27 (0)41 379 5646

Meet, touch and feed the friendly animals at Mangela Animal Touch Farm Jacob the donkey and the miniature ponies Maya, Misty, Pepe and Inca are waiting for small visitors with crunchy apples and carrots. Mangela Animal Touch Farm also has ostriches, emus, pot-bellied pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, rabbits and more!Pony rides are available with supervision by friendly and helpful staff. The crew at Mangela pride themselves on their management of the animals and the environment. There is no better way for children to safely learn about them. Mangela also specialise in children's parties with different themes, birthday cakes and kiddies gift boxes available together with a jumping castle, jungle gym, self-drive toy cars and other fun activities. Mangela Animal Touch Farm, Tea Garden & Curio Shop offers activities and fun for kids and adults alike.Need to know? Mondays to Fridays 9:00am to 5:30pm Saturdays & Sundays 9:00am to 5:30pm.

A visit to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a moving and worthwhile experience It's also a convenient day excursion if you’re visiting the Orpen Gate side of Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Pilgrim's Rest, Graskop or Sabie. The centre provides a home for abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife and is a respected contributor to wildlife conservation. Animals that you may see are lion, leopard, serval, cheetah, hyena, honey badger, eagles, vultures and various baby animals.How it all beganMoholoholo started from small beginnings in 1990 – with a crowned eagle and a day old zebra. Word got out that the manager was able to care for and release wild animals and birds, and so Moholoholo grew.Sadly, some of the animals are not suitable to be released back into the wild and remain as ‘permanent residents’ at the centre. They give visitors an ‘up close and personal’ experience, highlighting the problems that wildlife are facing. The main focus at Moholoholo is to create awareness in order to preserve our wildlife.Often Moholoholo receive calls to rescue animals such as baby rhino that have been abandoned or leopards that have been injured by cars or caught in snares. The team are also actively involved in collaring and relocating ‘problem animal’ control on farms and tribal areas. Many leopards’ movements have been monitored with these collars.Moholoholo have tagged and released hundreds of vultures brought in due to poisoning or electrocution. Tracking harnesses were fitted to some individuals, astonishing researchers with the range of their movements.Another important function of the centre is breeding. Staff have successfully bred and released crowned eagle, serval and many other endangered animals.Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is self funded and also covers all the relocation costs of 'problem animals'. There is a small fee for guided tours which last about two hours – your visit to the centre helps this awesome project.

One of the most popular and heartwarming places to visit along the Garden Route is Monkeyland. This unique sanctuary endeavors to rehabilitate and free previously caged primates into a harmonious forest environment.Entry to Monkeyland is free – this entitles you to spend time on the forest deck, which also doubles as a restaurant named The Blue Monkey Cafe. Primates moving about the forest are always seen and heard from the deck. An amazing thing to do is go on a monkey safari with one of the rangers (for which there is a fee).These walking safaris take visitors into the forest where the primates are free roaming. The rangers will track the primates and impart interesting information about them, the forest and anything else you come across. Part of the safari route takes you across the 128 meter canopy walk which rises above the forest canopy for a birds’ eye view of this primate paradise. The safaris last an hour and depart from reception each half hour. The tours depart daily, every half hour and are open-ended which means that you can go on more than one tour on the same day. Safari guides are multi-lingual. German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, French, Xhosa, Swedish and Finnish tours can be arranged by contacting Lara 082 979 5683 lara@monkeyland.co.za

Load up the family and take them to visit Mystic Monkeys & Feathers Wildlife Park on your next holiday. Friendly guides will take you on a fascinating tour of the enclosures where you will learn more about chimpanzees, white lions, tigers, cheetah and 38 playful primate species. The park is also home to numerous colourful exotic birds and lemurs. The park boasts 50 species of lemurs of which 17 are on the endangered species list including the brown, ring-tailed and ruffed lemurs. Mystic Monkeys & Feathers Wildlife Park is open 365 days a year from 9am to 4pm. Guided tours usually take two to three hours. Also on offer are informal play sessions, a curio shop, short game drives and school tours.

Be fascinated by the mysterious world of reptiles at Perry's Bridge Reptile Park. ‘From inspiration springs conservation’ is the mantra of dedicated workers at the park and their passion is contagious. Knowledgeable guides unlock the secrets of these often misunderstood creatures and reveal their elegance, magnificence, specialisation, and adaptability. Do you ever wonder what the largest serpent in the world is? Or want to find out how and what they eat? Here you will find these answers and a whole lot more intriguing discoveries. Perry's Bridge Reptile Park is home to a variety of venomous snakes, large constrictor lizards, crocodiles, tortoises and frogs in surroundings simulating their natural environments as closely as possible. Check out anacondas, reticulated pythons, deadly black mambas, green mambas, rattlesnakes, boomslang, gaboon adders, cobras, iguanas, ancient leopard tortoises, poison dart frogs, and enormous Nile crocodiles. Small visitors will love Pum Pum, Peaches and Pumpkin, the potbellied pigs; Daisy and Gandalf the goats; Letitia and Lancelot, the peacocks; and an assortment of ducks and geese. Perry's Bridge Reptile Park is open daily 10:00 – 17:00 and offers demonstrations at 11:00 and 15:00. Crocodile feeding is on Sundays at 14:00. Where? Perry's Bridge Tourist Centre, corner of R40 and R536, Hazyview – 14 km from Phabeni and Numbi gates of the Kruger National Park. +27 (0) 13 737 7680.

PheZulu Safari Park boasts a crocodile and snake park offering guests interesting tours led by knowledgeable guides. Learn fascinating facts about fearsome crocodiles and snakes, meet 'Junior' their 102-year-old Nile crocodile and have a hands-on experience with Cleo, their lovely Burmese python who weighs in at 42 kilograms and is 3.2 metres long. Don’t miss the chance of ogling many snake species including African rock pythons, green and black mambas, boomslang, vine snakes, puff adders, spitting cobras, rinkhals, forest cobras, Egyptian cobras, bush snakes, night adders, spotted house snakes, southern brown egg eaters, olive house snakes, Burmese pythons, anacondas and boa constrictors. +27 (0) 31 777 1000 Old Main Road, Botha's Hill, Valley of 1000 Hills, KwaZulu-Natal.

One of the top ten zoos in the world, The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa offers animal lovers a staggering 9 500 animals to view. Situated on 85 hectares in the heart of ‘Jacaranda City’, it’s the largest zoo in the country and is home to mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians alike. The spacious grounds house some rare species of antelope, white rhino, elephant, hippos, lions, cheetah, gorillas and even bats!Over 600 000 people visit the zoo every year, and there’s so much to see. It’s worth enquiring about what tours are on offer. You can hire a golf cart or take the Zoo Choo-Choo Tractor Train if you’re not up for the six kilometres of walkways. For a birds-eye view, take the cableway and ride above the zoo and on both sides of the Apies River.The largest inland marine aquarium in the country, The Aquarium and Reptile Park, also form part of the zoo facility. Kids will love watching the endangered Komodo dragon, ragged-tooth sharks and other weird and highly poisonous beasties.Dotted around the zoo are a number of picnic spots where you can relax under giant shade trees. Braai facilities are available at the picnic area on the banks of the Apies River. You can also opt for a sit down meal at the restaurant.Visiting hours:Open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tickets are sold from 8:30 to 16:30 daily and the zoo closes at 17:30.

If you’re on holiday with kids along the Hibiscus Coast drive them straight to Pure Venom Reptile Park. Here they can eyeball some of the most fearsome and venomous snakes on the planet; count all 70 teeth of a crocodile and stroke the scales of an iguana. If you’re brave enough you can even have your mug shot taken while holding a python, mamba, cobra or viper! The park is situated on an old estate in Izotsha near Shelly Beach. The beautiful grounds are graced by enormous wild olive trees that date back to the 1800s. Publicized as the biggest reptile farm in Africa, it is home to an awesome collection of indigenous and exotic reptiles. This includes nine species of rattlesnake, the largest variation of this species outside the USA, and five species of crocodile. The highly threatened giant sungazer lizard breeds here and you might even witness the mating and courtship rituals of gaboon vipers, boomslang and mambas. Kids big and small will be thrilled as they get up close and personal with numerous snakes, iguanas and crocodiles. Pure Venom Reptile Park also presents an interesting educational experience. Here you will find out funky facts about snakes including the fact that egg-eating snakes have teeth in their necks and mole snakes have up to ninety five babies! Guided tours and snake demonstrations are on offer daily. Don’t miss witnessing the fascinating spectacle of crocodiles and alligators being fed on Sundays. +27 (0) 39 685 0704 Open daily 09:00 – 17:00.

If you’re travelling with kids on the Garden Route, wing them straight to Radical Raptors. Guaranteed to thrill the kids, a visit to Radical Raptors bird of prey sanctuary is a fun educational experience suitable for the whole family. Time your visit to coincide with the flying displays that take place three times a day. Several trained birds of prey are free flown around and to you. This presents a wonderful opportunity for you to watch, interact and photograph these amazing birds in the outdoors. Radical Raptors is a non-profit organisation and rehabilitation centre that focuses on community awareness and the rescue, rehabilitation and release of birds of prey. +27 (0) 44 532 7537 Show times – 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 Closed on Mondays except public and school holidays.

Home to over 200 adult Nile crocodiles and numerous juveniles, Riverbend Crocodile Farm has become a popular spot for families holidaying in Southbroom. A number of bird species also share the space on this beautiful estate that has landscaped breeding enclosures similar to the feisty reptiles’ natural habitat. The snake house houses some of the southern Africa’s most deadly and handsome snakes. On Sundays and more frequently during the holiday season, interesting and informative snake presentations take place. The education centre’s displays uncover the mysteries and life cycle of crocodiles and snakes. It also gives an overview of the daily activities on the farm. The highlight of any visit is feeding time and when the crocodiles hatch during January and February. +27 (0) 39 316 6204 Old Main Road, Southbroom, KwaZulu-Natal.

The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, SANCCOB is a non-profit sea bird rehabilitation centre based in Cape Town. Their primary focus is to conserve and protect South Africa's sea birds, especially threatened species, for the benefit of present and future generations.SANCCOB rehabilitate ill, injured, oiled and orphaned sea birds on a daily basis, prepare for and manage the rehabilitation of sea birds during a major oil spill, raise awareness about conservation through environmental education and collaborate on research projects. SANCCOB has treated more than 83 000 sea birds throughout the last 37 years.Private groups may book an exclusive “behind the scenes” tour at SANCCOB. The tour includes a short video about the infamous Treasure oil spill and a tour of select areas of SANCCOB’s rehabilitation centre. Please note that some areas of the centre are restricted. Tours are 45 minutes in length. The maximum number of people per group is 8.

Situated just 25 kilometres from the Port Elizabeth beachfront and associated attractions, Seaview Game and Lion Park offers a unique experience. Visitors can play with tame lion cubs varying in age from four to nine months depending on the time of year. Along with this rare interaction, guests can have a close-up viewing experience of wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, antelope, jackals and wildebeest in their natural habitat. Lynx, warthogs and meerkat live in large, individual enclosures in the sanctuary area. Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the restaurant taking in the panoramic views of the wildlife to the north and ocean to the south. Whales and dolphins can often be spotted from this vantage point. From the restaurant there is an elevated boardwalk where you can view the animals at close quarters. Open daily 08:00 – 17:00 Lion feeding time is on Sunday at 12:00 +27 (0) 41 378 1702

Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre offers guests the opportunity for a close, safe, inter-active encounter with indigenous cats of South Africa. Guests will meet leopard, cheetahs, caracal, Serval, African wild cats and black-footed cats. The Tenikwa encounter is a great follow-on to a game reserve or safari experience to study these beautiful creatures at close quarters. Tenikwa also has a Meerkat Meander where visitors can see meerkats and tortoises and there is also a variety of indigenous waterfowl, Blue Cranes and Marabou Storks to delight bird watchers. Programs include one hour guided tours and cheetah walks. Entrance fees fund Tenikwa’s NPO Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release Programme. Open 09:00 – 17:00 daily 365 days a year, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Amenities include a tea garden for light meals, parking, wheelchair friendly, Mothers Corner and liquor licence. +27 (0) 44 534 8170 +27 (0) 82 486 1515 info@tenikwa.co.za www.tenikwa.co.za