South Africa is a bird lover’s paradise. However, if you can’t afford the time to go away on a full birding getaway, you should consider visiting a bird park where you can find all of South Africa’s greatest birds under one roof. Here are some of South Africa’s famed bird sanctuaries in a city near you:

World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park, Western Cape

The World of Birds, in Hout Bay, is the largest bird park in Africa and one of the few large bird parks. It features over 3,000 birds in over 100 spacious walk-through aviaries. Visitors can witness feeding times of penguins, pelicans, cormorants, and birds of prey. There is a playground and curio shop. World of Birds is open 09h00 – 17h00 daily.

Eagle Encounters, Western Cape

Eagle Encounters is a bird of prey rehabilitation centre at Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. The birds are kept in a “weathering area” where you can view and photograph them. Visitors can enjoy 4 interactive falconry flying shows daily. Eagle Encounters is open 09h30 – 17h00 daily.

Birds of Eden, Western Cape

Birds of Eden, near Plettenberg Bay, is the largest free-flight bird aviary in the world, spanning 2.3 hectares of indigenous forest.  It is home to over 3500 exotic and indigenous birds. The 1.2km walkways offer visitors the ideal vantage point. Birds of Eden offers guided tours and a café.  The park is open daily from 08h00 – 17h00.

Umgeni River Bird Park, KwaZulu-Natal

The Umgeni River Bird Park is built in an old quarry on the banks of the Umgeni River near Durban.  Visitors can see a variety of birds in walk-through aviaries or open paddocks. Enjoy hourly feedings, watch the goings-on in the baby room, or attend bird shows at 11h00 or 14h00. The Cockatoo Café fills any empty tummy. Umgeni River Bird Park is open 09h00 – 17h00 daily.

1000 Hills Bird Park, KwaZulu-Natal

1000 Hills Bird Park is nestled in Botha’s Hill and features a large variety of birds, from parrots to Loeries. There is an ice cream shop, sweet shop, farm stall, braai facilities, picnic areas, and a 150m zip line offering a unique way to spot the birds in large aviaries, landscaped gardens, and open paddocks. 1000 Hills Bird Park is open Tuesday to Sunday, 08h00 – 16h00.

Addo Raptor and Reptile Centre, Eastern Cape

The Addo Raptor and Reptile Centre is a rehabilitation centre in Addo. It boasts over 12 species of raptors, including kestrels, owls, hawks, eagles, buzzards, and crows. There is also a reptile centre, bird shows, a guided tour, and a restaurant and shop nearby. Addo Raptor and Reptile Centre is open 09h00 – 18h00, Tuesday to Sunday.

Montecasino Bird Gardens, Gauteng

The Montecasino Bird Gardens, situated at Montecasino in Johannesburg, offers a walk-through aviary with over 60 species of birds, including the Scarlet Ibis and Nicobar pigeon, as well as a variety of reptiles and small mammals. A daily Flight of Fantasy show is held in the Tuscan amphitheatre. The garden is open Monday – Friday, 08h30 – 17h00; weekends and public holidays, 08h30 – 18h00.

Bester Birds and Animals Zoo Park, Gauteng

Bester Birds and Animals Zoo Park in Pretoria has over 55 species of birds and 40 varieties of animals. There is a petting zoo and a tuck shop. Bester Birds and Animals Zoo Park is open Tuesday to Sunday, 09h00 – 17h00.

What bird sanctuary do you wish to visit in South Africa?