Birds of Eden
Walk among thousands of free-flying birds in the world's largest free-flight aviary, a true sanctuary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active birds
Birds of Eden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active birds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk among thousands of free-flying birds in the world's largest free-flight aviary, a true sanctuary.
"Birds of Eden was an unforgettable highlight of our trip! The aviary is enormous, with well-maintained and comfortable walkways."
Combo Tickets Save Money
Bundle with Monkeyland & Jukani for a better deal! :ticket:
Bring Binoculars & Guide
Enhance your viewing! ID books available for R20. :binoculars:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World's Largest Free-Flight Aviary
Under the 2-hectare dome
Walk among thousands of free-flying birds from over 220 species in a natural forest gorge.
Diverse Bird Species
Throughout the sanctuary
Spot vibrant Turacos, colorful Macaws, elegant Flamingos, and many other unique African birds.
Scenic Walkways and Bridges
Indigenous forest gorge
Explore lush greenery, waterfalls, and suspension bridges on well-maintained, naturalistic paths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Bird Watching
Getting Around Plett
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combo Tickets Save Money
Bundle with Monkeyland & Jukani for a better deal! :ticket:
Bring Binoculars & Guide
Enhance your viewing! ID books available for R20. :binoculars:
Allow Ample Time
Wander slowly for 1-2 hours to truly appreciate the birds. :stopwatch:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths are natural and can be rugged; good walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Combo Tickets Save Money
Bundle with Monkeyland & Jukani for a better deal! :ticket:
Bring Binoculars & Guide
Enhance your viewing! ID books available for R20. :binoculars:
Allow Ample Time
Wander slowly for 1-2 hours to truly appreciate the birds. :stopwatch:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths are natural and can be rugged; good walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Friendly Birds Galore
Expect many unique and friendly birds, some very close! :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Birds of Eden, calling it an unforgettable highlight and a true sanctuary where birds live in paradise. The enormous aviary, lush landscaping, and diverse species are consistently praised. Some minor disappointments include the occasional lack of identification booklets and the challenging accessibility for wheelchairs.
"Loved Birds of Eden! We were taken around by 20 year veteran guide Eric. The aviary is enormous and the birds truly live in paradise. They can freely fly, have plenty of space and water, seed and fruit buffets setup for them in many places. Our tour lasted just over an hour. The landscaping is stunning, so much greenery, a waterfall, suspension bridge. We saw many species of bird including natives to South Africa - my favourite being the Turaco. My all time favourites the Macaw were also there in blue and yellow and scarlet varieties were also here. Flamingoes, scarlet ibis, geese, egrets, lovebirds - all here.
You can buy a bird identification book at the gift shop for only R20. The birds you see on your visit will vary because the aviary is so huge. Reminded me a lot of KL Bird Park in Malaysia - all Birds of Eden is a lot more expensive.
I wish we could have had lunch at the cafe overlooking the lake but our visit was very early in the morning. Bonus - resident cat that lives in the female bathrooms."
Timeshare Chinchilla
"The overall experience was great.. Happy to have supported this institute.
My only dissapoint was that they were not stocked with their booklets that describe the bird species they had."
Alicia Bezuidenhout
"Birds of Eden was an unforgettable highlight of our trip! The aviary is enormous, with well-maintained and comfortable walkways that wind beautifully through the trees. Along the way, we were treated to some stunning views and an incredible variety of fascinating birds. This isn't a place to rush through—it's best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, allowing time to wander slowly, observe, and appreciate the birds in their naturalistic habitat. Highly recommended!"
Melissa Greyling
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Birds of Eden is by renting a car. While Uber is an option, it can be unreliable for reaching attractions outside the main town. Public transport is limited, making a rental car the best choice for flexibility and ease of access.
Visiting without a car is challenging. While some travelers have attempted it using Uber, it's not consistently recommended. Renting a car is the most practical solution for exploring Plettenberg Bay and its attractions like Birds of Eden.
From George Airport, you would typically rent a car or arrange private transport to Plettenberg Bay. Once in Plett, a rental car is still the most recommended option for reaching Birds of Eden.
Within Plettenberg Bay, Uber is available but can be inconsistent for tourist attractions. For reliable access to places like Birds of Eden, consider renting a car or booking tours that include transport.
Many local tour operators in Plettenberg Bay offer packages that include transport to Birds of Eden and other nearby attractions like Monkeyland. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices can vary, purchasing combo tickets for Birds of Eden, Monkeyland, and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary often provides better value. It's advisable to check their official website or inquire upon arrival for the most current pricing.
It's recommended to check the official Birds of Eden website for online ticket purchasing options. This can sometimes save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons.
Combo tickets for multiple SAASA sanctuaries (Birds of Eden, Monkeyland, Jukani) are generally more economical than purchasing individual tickets. Look out for these package deals when planning your visit.
Birds of Eden typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to confirm the exact opening and closing times on their official website or by contacting them directly, as these can change seasonally.
Yes, Birds of Eden is generally suitable for all ages. Children will be fascinated by the variety of birds, and the walkways are designed for easy exploration, though some sections might be challenging for strollers or wheelchairs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Birds of Eden is best explored at a leisurely pace on a self-guided tour. Allow 1-2 hours to wander the scenic walkways, observe the birds in their naturalistic habitat, and enjoy the lush surroundings.
While self-guided exploration is common, some visitors have mentioned guides like Eric who offer insights. It's worth inquiring about guided tour options upon arrival for a more in-depth experience.
You can see over 220 species of birds, with a focus on African species. Expect to see Turacos, Macaws, Flamingos, Scarlet Ibis, geese, egrets, lovebirds, and many more.
The pathways at Birds of Eden are generally well-maintained, but some sections can be rugged, making them challenging for wheelchairs or strollers. It's not fully wheelchair-friendly for a completely smooth journey.
Facilities include well-maintained walkways, benches for resting, and a cafe near the exit overlooking a lake. There's also a gift shop where you can purchase bird identification books.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a telephoto lens to get close-ups of the birds. Be patient, as many birds are active and can be photographed in flight or interacting with their environment. Early morning light is often best.
Yes, professional cameras and equipment are generally allowed. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Focus on capturing the natural behavior of the birds.
There are typically no major restrictions on personal photography. However, always be respectful of the animals and the environment. Avoid using flash photography directly at the birds, as it can startle them.
Popular shots include close-ups of unique bird species, birds in flight within the large aviary, and scenic views of the lush forest and walkways. Capturing interactions between birds is also rewarding.
It can be challenging due to the birds' natural movement and the vastness of the aviary. Patience and a good zoom lens are key. The friendly nature of some birds can make it easier to get closer shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The natural setting with walkways and bridges adds an element of adventure to the visit. Remember to bring snacks or plan to eat at the cafe after your walk, as the main route doesn't allow for immediate dining. Consider purchasing the combo tickets that include Monkeyland and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary for a full day of animal encounters.
🐦 Bird Enthusiasts & Photographers
Bringing binoculars and a good zoom lens is essential to get the most out of your visit. To maximize your photographic opportunities, aim for early morning or late afternoon visits when the light is softer and birds are often more active.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
It's a perfect place to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Garden Route. Consider combining your visit with other nearby attractions like Monkeyland for a varied day out. The scenic walkways and the unique environment offer a romantic or contemplative backdrop.
The cafe overlooking the lake provides a lovely spot to relax and reflect on the experience after your exploration. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sanctuary's Mission and Ethos
+1 The primary focus is on African birds, offering them a safe and enriching environment. This ethical approach sets it apart from traditional zoos, emphasizing conservation and the well-being of its avian residents. Visitors are encouraged to understand the sanctuary's mission, which involves rehabilitation and providing a natural setting for birds that may not survive in the wild. The self-guided walks allow guests to witness firsthand the success of this conservation effort, observing birds interacting naturally within the expansive enclosure. Supporting Birds of Eden means contributing to the welfare of these rescued birds and the preservation of their species.
The sanctuary's commitment extends to educating the public about avian conservation. By experiencing the freedom and natural behaviors of the birds within the dome, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for these creatures and the importance of protecting their habitats. The integration of the aviary with the surrounding indigenous forest ensures a biodiverse and immersive experience for both birds and guests.
Navigating the Aviary and What to Expect
Within the expansive two-hectare dome, over 3,500 birds from more than 220 species are housed.
The environment is rich with greenery, waterfalls, and strategically placed food and water stations to encourage natural foraging and activity. While the walkways are generally sturdy, some sections can be rugged, making them less accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. As the aviary is so large, the specific birds you encounter can vary. To enhance the experience, purchasing a bird identification book for R20 from the gift shop is highly recommended.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit