Monkeyland, just outside of Plettenberg Bay, is the world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. Over the course of our tours – which we call “monkey safaris” – you’ll be able to see over 550 primates of various species – Capuchin Monkeys, Ring-tailed and Black-and-white Ruffed Lemurs, Gibbons and Howler Monkeys, to name a few.

The 128-metre suspension bridge, which runs through the forest canopy, gives you the chance to see these primates from another perspective – and not only literally. In addition to the tour itself, Monkeyland has a restaurant, a souvenir store and a viewing deck.

Visitors to Monkeyland are taken on monkey safaris in our indigenous forest by experienced game rangers. On these safaris you can expect to see many species of primates ranging from the Gibbons of Asia and Howlers from South America to the Lemurs of Madagascar. All our primates live in a natural environment. At Monkeyland you are privileged to step into their world to explore and learn fascinating facts about primates first hand

The knowledgeable ranges will tell you all about these fascinating creatures as you encounter them free-roaming in our magnificent forest.

One of the true joys of our safari is finding and observing the various species in the forest, as they go about their daily routine, foraging, chatting and doing those things wild monkeys do. These lovely primates have had to delve deep into their natural instincts to reacquire the knowledge that is necessary for them to live life naturally again. Most of them have lived years in captivity prior to being rehabilitated and released by Monkeyland

Birds of Eden is home to about 220 different types of birds, and more than 3500 birds live in the sanctuary.

Our award winning bird sanctuary provides a forever home where previously caged birds can live a life of free-flight in a habitat as large and natural as is possible.

The feathered inhabitants of the aviary are comprised of a mixture of exotic, as well as African birds. This includes previously caged pets, hand reared and imprinted individuals, which in turn explains why some of our inhabitants, mainly being the parrots, (of which we have 60 different species) are unafraid of human beings and seemingly tame. All new arrivals at Birds of Eden go through a process of rehabilitation before their final release into the main aviary. Most of the birds that arrive at Birds of Eden have a history of being caged in small environments.

Many of the birds we home have never encountered other birds. Therefor the main rehabilitation process involves socialization with other birds in large outdoor pre-release aviaries. Here they are given the chance to build up flight muscles, flight control, i.e. practicing landings, change of direction etc. The rest of the release process is based on instinct and it is rather remarkable – all the birds instinctively know which area of the aviary suits their needs, how and where to look for, and find food, water and shelter from the weather

The Knysna Elephant Park (est. 1994) was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Over the last twenty years, the park has cared for and raised more than forty elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls and ex-circus animals. Some have become part of the resident herd, others have moved onto other reserves and facilities in the Western and Eastern Cape, depending on their personalities, bonds with other animals and welfare needs.

The present KEP herd numbers ten – the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country. Our style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms. Responsible and educational interactions allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, but still give the elephants the space and freedom to choose where they want to move, what they want to eat and who they want to interact with. There are no fences to spoil the close encounter and our environment encourages elephants to exhibit natural behaviours.

Nature Walks

A responsible and eco-friendly experience for the whole family!

Join us on a beautiful walk through our Park with the opportunity of experiencing our herd of 10 elephants, all while continuing to practice social distancing. Let our guides share elephant stories with you while you follow in the footsteps of giants. Take a walk on the Wild side and enjoy a breath of fresh air on a walk like no other in the Garden Route.

Meet the Herd

An opportunity of a lifetime, as our guides take you up close and personal with our gentle giants. Following a short informative video, guests are transported to the field, where they have the chance to feed and walk among our herd of African Elephants. Should you wish to feed the elephants, ‘elephant snack buckets’ are available to purchase at reception.

Responsible and educational interactions enable guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, on elephant terms. There are no fences to spoil the close encounter and our environment encourages elephants to exhibit natural behaviours. Our herd of elephants play a vital role in closing the gap between man and animal, allowing us to better understand the plight of the African Elephant and that of their peers in the Knysna Forest. Visitors leave the park with a sense of awe for these magnificent animals.

Elephant Walks

Experience an incredible scenic walk, meandering through the Park at elephant pace with panoramic views of the Outeniqua mountains and Knysna forest. Join our guides who will relate informative ‘elephant tales’ while you follow in the footsteps of these remarkable animals. Your Elephant Experience will be approximately 45 minutes.

The Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head in Knysna, is the premier eco-experience on the Garden Route.

• Return ferry trip on the Knysna Lagoon to the Western Head.
• 4×4 vehicle & trailer drive up the headland onto the Reserve, stopping at spectacular viewpoints.
• Specialist guide giving information on history, fauna & flora.
• Optional guided 2.2km walk through coastal forest and fynbos into ancient sea caves.
• World renowned buffet lunch at an outdoor restaurant setting under a canopy of Milkwood trees.
• Wonderful family outing, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Featherbed is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage site, No.59. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only.

This spectacular four-hour eco-experience includes a return ferry trip, nature drive and guided walk, ending with a sumptuous buffet lunch at the Food Forest Restaurant.

Featherbed Nature Reserve is a prime example of eco-tourism and in order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty, access to the Reserve is controlled. Numbers are limited and visits are only permitted in the company of the Reserve’s specialist guides.

The Featherbed eco-experience starts with a 25-minute ferry cruise. Your local guide on board will share fascinating tales about the Lagoon, the early shipping industry and oyster cultivation.

On arrival at the Reserve, visitors can enjoy a drive to the top of the Western Head in a 4 x 4 unimog vehicle with trailers, stopping at a magnificent view point en route. Here unsurpassed views of the Lagoon, mountains and Knysna can be enjoyed, whilst our knowledgeable guides explain the history and ecology of the Reserve. After the drive, your specialist guide will take you on an optional 2.2 kilometre downhill walk.

This 4-hour excursion departs daily and reservations are essential. It is a wonderful outing for the whole family – for all ages and fitness levels. Good walking shoes are recommended and remember to bring a camera, with plenty of film, hats in summer and a warm jacket for the ferry trip.

Other shorter boat trips are also available on the Knysna Lagoon  – please enquire 

Almost 30 kilometres outside of Outshoorn in the Klein Karoo, and certainly one of the main reasons for placing this little town on your itinerary, other than the prospect of riding an ostrich, lie the Cango Caves, some of the biggest stalagmite formations in the world set in Precambrian (a time about 4500 million years ago) limestone.

The Cango Caves are a series of dripstone caverns that open into vast halls of towering stalagmite formations with names like ‘the bridal couple’, ‘glass flower fantasy’, ‘weird cango candle’ and ‘the hanging shawl’.

Not all of the caves are open to the public – there is more than one section to the caves that took millions of years to form one of the world’s great natural wonders – but the main sections are available for amazing exploratory subterranean walks that include fumbling around on all fours in an effort to see all that is viewable.

In totality, the extensive system of tunnels and chambers in the Cango Caves stretch for over 4 kilometres, but the section open to visitors, about a quarter of this, takes place as part of supervised tours, including an ‘adventure tour’, which takes about an hour and a half