Natural Haven
If you are a bird enthusiast, looking to tick off some rare sightings on your twitcher’s list, or just interested in South Africa’s array of magical birdlife, look no further than the tranquil haven that is Birds of Eden! Birds of Eden is a beautiful, free-flight bird sanctuary located on the scenic Garden Route in the Western Cape.
It is one of Plettenberg Bay’s most popular attractions and ensures to be a fun-filled visit for the whole family. The bird sanctuary is the world’s largest single span aviary, complete with a 2 hectare dome, that spans over the Garden Route’s indigenous coastal forest. It is home to over 3,500 birds from over 220 species, making it a haven for any and all birdlife of the area.
Birds to See
The magic of Birds of Eden is found within the whistling of the trees, fluttering of wings and the quiet atmosphere of the sanctuary. It’s a unique gem of nature that allows visitors a glimpse into the wonderful, natural world of birds and their environment. It’s an overwhelming yet cathartic experience to step into the wild, with hundreds of birds flying, swooping and calling to the rhythmic sounds of the forest.
A self-guided tour through the sanctuary will allow visitors to experience the Garden Route’s natural splendour; a wooden walkway leads you along a river and waterfall, which is part of the sanctuary’s mysterious ruin (Indiana Jones, anyone?) to the immaculate dome that emulates thunderstorms, complete with claps of thunder and cloudbursts. Throughout the walk, visitors will be treated to a plethora of interesting birdlife, with sightings of African birds and ground dwellers, as well as tropical and indigenous forest birds.
Popular inhabitants include the boisterous parrot, an array of cranes and flamingos, the Knysna woodpecker, the joyful cape canary and the beautiful cockatoo, to name a few! For twitchers who want to delve deep, there are friendly staff members on hand to specify the species of birds and share some interesting information on them.
The sanctuary offers visitors a chance to sit back and listen to the melodic sounds of the birdlife at their restaurant. There is also a magnificent amphitheatre, which seats 200 and is used for shows or demonstrations.
Conservation and Rehabilitation
Most of the birdlife that calls Birds of Eden home are endemic, but the sanctuary also takes care of previously caged pets and rescued birds. These furry inhabitants are rehabilitated and given the joy of free flight, as there are no cages in sight! Some of the more severe cases go through a rehab program that involves socialization with other birds in large outdoor pre-release aviaries, where the birds can build up their flight muscles and flight control. Then, when the birds are released into the main avairy, the correlating species will immediately welcome the newcomer!
Birds of Eden is the neighbour of Monkeyland, a popular primate sanctuary that is home to various mammals of Mzansi. Together with Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, the trio forms The South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA). SAASA has received numerous accolades for their outstanding work, including the Lilizela Service Excellence Awards of best visitor experience; Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award, as well as the 'Best Animal Welfare Initiative' and overall winner of the World Responsible Tourism Awards.
Be sure to make Birds of Eden part of your Plettenberg Bay holiday; you won’t regret it!
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