Birds of Eden and Monkeyland in Plettenberg Bay are owned and run by the dynamic Lara Mostert and Tony Blignaut. Although these facilities are designed for tourists to visit and enjoy, this committed team has as its main focus the safety and happiness of the animals. This commitment to their well-being makes Birds of Eden and Monkeyland very special experiences for nature-lovers.
To allow visitors to get the most out of both of these facilities, a combined tour is made available. Ordinarily, an admission fee of R150 per person is applicable. However, if you opt for the combined tour, you pay a total of R240 per person for both Monkeyland and Birds of Eden. Children under three years are admitted at no charge, while a reduced fee applies for those between three and 12 years of age.
These facilities are recognised as being genuinely compliant with Fair Trade regulations, making them particularly relevant to animal enthusiasts who want to enjoy animals that are not coerced into human interaction or confined to uncomfortable cages. Rather, the birds, primates and other animals that have made this their home are able to enjoy freedom and privacy as they desire.
Therefore, both places do not allow touching of the animals and are careful to ensure that visitors do not harm or frighten the animals in any way. Still, the inquisitive animals sometimes leave no alternative, as friendly parrots mount a shoulder or cheeky monkeys snatch your chips.
Birds of Eden
The self-guided tour around Birds of Eden takes between one and two hours to complete. It is an easy walk through the beautiful dome, which spans two hectares (making it the largest single dome free-flight multi-species bird aviary in the world). The entire walkway is suitable for a wheelchair, while children and the elderly will have no problem mastering it.
There are several places to sit and relax along the way, with stunning views of the watering holes and forests. There is an amphitheatre overlooking the forest in which visitors can enjoy a few quiet moments of solitude to the chorus of the 3ย 500 birds that occupy the tall trees.
Monkeyland
Guided tours are conducted through the forest sanctuary and take approximately one hour. Guides are experienced and knowledgeable, providing insights into the lives and characteristics of these fascinating animals. They are also adept at seeking the primates out, even when they may be well camouflaged. This gives visitors the opportunity to see many more of the 450 animals up close, learning about them along the way.
Tours can be conducted in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Afrikaans. The pathways are well defined and evenly laid, and should be equipped for those in wheelchairs or with walking aids (depending on the specific aid).
Both facilities have restaurants with fabulous views of the forests and animals, which provide a great rest-stop between the two tours.
Visit Birds of Eden and Monkeyland on your way to your Plettenberg Bay Hotel or Plettenberg Bay Guest House.
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