If you find yourself in Plettenberg Bay in South Africa, you should absolutely visit Birds of Eden. This incredible sanctuary is home to around 220 different types of birds and more than 3.500 birds actually live here. What we especially loved about Birds of Eden is that the sanctuary provides a home for previously caged birds. This means that the many birds now live a life of free flight. In the aviary, you will find a huge mixture of exotic birds, some of them aren’t even afraid of humans due to their earlier parts of life. Walking around the sanctuary is an amazing thing to do and something you must experience when visiting Plettenberg Bay.
Everything you need to know for a visit to Birds of Eden
We have gathered everything you need to know before visiting the many birds of Eden. With this guide in mind, you are able to wander around the bird sanctuary without a safari guide.
Getting to Birds of Eden
Getting to Birds of Eden is quite simple – especially if you are staying in Plettenberg Bay. From the city is a 16-kilometer ride. A car would therefore be ideal as a way of transportation – and you might even have one if you are doing a Garden Route road trip.
From Plettenberg Bay, you must take the N2 and continue past Keurboomstrand onto The Crags. While driving along the N2 you will see a Birds of Eden sign – near the BP Garage. Here you must turn off and from there follow the signs towards Monkeyland for about 2 kilometers. The Birds of Eden is situated right beside Monkeyland. However, you must drive a gravel road to reach the 2 animal sanctuaries. The signage is very good, and you will not miss it.
Opening hours
The opening hours of Birds of Eden in Plettenberg Bay are from 8:00 to 17:00 every day. Please note that the last entry to the sanctuary is at 16:00.
Entrance fee
The Birds of Eden is part of a larger corporation under which Monkeyland and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary also are part. So, when it comes to the entrance fee you have a few options. You can either buy a single ticket, which is only valid for 1 of the sanctuaries. You can buy a combo ticket, which gives you entrance to 2 of the sanctuaries, or you can buy a triptic ticket that allows you to visit all 3 of the animal sanctuaries. It is worth noting that it will be cheaper for you to buy a trptic ticket rather than 3 separate single tickets. If you end up buying a combo ticket or and triptic ticket you do not need to visit the 3 places in one day. The tickets will be valid for a couple of days, so you are able to visit whenever it fits into your schedule.
| Type of Ticket | January 2024 – December 2024 | January 2025 – December 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ticket (1 Sanctuary) | R 380.00 (adult) R 190.00 (child 3 – 12 years) | R 410.00 (adult) R 205.00 (child 3 – 12 years) |
| Combo Ticket (Any 2 Sanctuaries) | R 610.00 (adult) R 305.00 (child 3 – 12 years) | R 660.00 (adult) R 330.00 (child 3 – 12 years) |
| Triptic Ticket (All 3 Sanctuaries) | R 760.00 (adult) R 380.00 (child 3 – 12 years) | R 820.00 (adult) R 410.00 (child 3 – 12 years) |
| Children (2 years and younger) | Free | Free |
NB: It seems that the prices rise every year. It is always a good idea to look on the websites for the current entrance fees.
Each of the sanctuaries is worth a visit if you ask us. So, if you have the money to spare and want to contribute to a good cause you should definitely visit all 3 animal sanctuaries in Plettenberg Bay.
Time spent at Birds of Eden
The Birds of Eden is a bit bigger than you might think when you first arrive. There is a lot to take in and smaller paths to wander along. Therefore, we would recommend you set aside 2 hours for your visit to the Birds of Eden in Plettenberg Bay. However, you could easily use more time at the sanctuary if you are really into birds or just want to take in the experience with the beautiful and colorful birds.
The best time to visit Birds of Eden in Plettenberg Bay
If you are visiting the other animal sanctuaries in Plettenberg Bay as well, we would actually recommend you start with Monkeyland (it is right next to the birds) and then head over to the Birds of Eden around midday. The bird sanctuary is the only one where you do not need a guide to walk around the place. So even if there are a lot of people it is easier to avoid them by walking around by yourself. We visited around midday and had the experience that many visited either came in the early morning or later in the afternoon. Therefore, we would say the best time to visit Birds of Eden is around midday. But no matter what time of the day you visit, you will probably have a good experience with the crowds.
Other animal sanctuaries in Plettenberg Bay
As it has been mentioned a few times now there are 2 other animal sanctuaries near Plettenberg Bay. And they are definitely also worth a visit.
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
At Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary you will see everything from lions, leopards, jaguars, tigers, puma, cheetahs, and caracals. All these animals have been rescued from people’s homes, where people have had them illegally, or from circuses around the world. When you visit Jukani you must join a guided tour. This lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes and is definitely worth the time since the guides are very knowledgeable.
Monkeyland
Monkeyland is actually the world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. Here, the primates are also rescued and call Monkeyland their forever home. During your visit to the sanctuary, you must join a guided tour around the jungle. This lasts about 1 hour – in which you will learn more about the monkeys, as well as the challenges and threats they are facing.
