Situated on the roads that split to Stellenbosch and Paarl in the Western Cape, the Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre promises a fun day out for young and old alike. This centre is not only home to its nameโs sake, the giraffe, but also to a huge diversity of birds, predators, mammals and more. ย
In essence, its aim is to allow people to enjoy quality time with friends and family within natural surrounds, being privy to the fascinating habits and characteristics of some of South Africaโs most intriguing species. In addition, there is an enormous focus on conservation and the responsibility that each of us, as individuals, has with regard to caring for the earth and its plants and animals.
Because of the commitment to educating young ones about the world and its natural resources, the Giraffe House is ideal for families with children, although the parents probably have even more fun here than their young ones.
Guided tours are available, and enable visitors to become better acquainted with various species. It also means being able to ask questions and receive personal attention from an experienced, qualified person.
Every day, animal encounters are conducted. These are usually at 11h00, 13h00 and 15h00 and allow the visitors to meet, hold and interact with some of the animals that have the Giraffe House as their home. These shows are conducted from Monday to Friday, but visitors are urged to confirm their times prior to their arrival as they may change to accommodate large school groups, for example.
There is an area for picnics, so families are invited to bring along their picnic baskets and enjoy the glorious Western Cape summers under a clear blue sky. There is a play area for children (including a giraffe jumping castle), guaranteeing hours of fun. A refreshment kiosk provides some basic snacks and cold drinks, but no alcohol is allowed onto the premises.
Because the Giraffe House is less than 40 kilometres from the heart of Cape Town, it is accessible and convenient for a morning, afternoon or day out.
Here are some of the animals that can be seen at the Giraffe House:
- Vervet Monkey
- Meerkat
- A number of antelope species
- Giraffe
- Zebra
- Serval Cats
- Caracal
- Bat-Eared Fox
- Cape Fox
- Farmyard animals
- South African Snakes
- Nile Crocodile
- Ostrich
- Blue Crane
- White Storks
- Yellow Billed Storks
- Lovebirds
- African Parrots
- Cape Teal
- Red-billed Teal
- Ducks
- Spurwinged Goose
- African Starlings
- Bearded Barbed
- Owls
- Rock Kestrel
Useful Links
- Paarl Accommodation
- Stellenbosch Accommodation
- Cape Winelands Accommodation
- Accommodation in Western Cape
- Accommodation in South Africa
Contact Detail & Info
Location: Koelenhof, Exit 39 off the N1 at the intersection of the R304 to Stellenbosch and the R101 to Paarl.
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday from 09h00 to 17h00 (on weekends birds shows at 11h00 and 15h00 and a snake show at 13h00). Closed on Christmas Day.
Telephone: +27 (0)21 884-4506
