Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Jukani.   Within a few minutes’ drive from Moon Shine on Whiskey Creek you will find these 3 world class animal sanctuaries. 

Birds of Eden's unique 2 hectare dome (the world’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. Currently it is home to over 3,500 birds from over 220 species, with the main focus being African birds. Visits to Birds of Eden are usually self-guided, however guided walks are offered on request.

What we loved:

• It’s a spectacular gorge of indigenous forest which you traverse on elevated wooden walkways while watching beautiful, usually caged, birds in flight.
• Walking without a guide means you can linger where ever and whenever you choose.
• Brilliant photo opportunities.

Monkeyland is the world’s first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. Its mission is to educate and foster greater understanding of our primate cousins and the threats and challenges they are facing.

What we loved:

• the monkeys are not caged as such, they have access to all 12 hectares within the sanctuary.
• you can really appreciate their agility as you see them swing from tree to tree.
• you can access the coffee shop at Monkeyland and see quite a good selection of the monkeys without having to commit to the safari straight away.

Jukani’s mission is to maintain and manage a sustainable wildlife sanctuary, with the focus on creating widespread awareness about the plight of large predators in captivity, in South Africa and all over the world.

What we loved:

• Although the cats are in enclosures, the space is big enough for the cats to have privacy when they choose.
• There is no interaction between the cats and the visitors, you are there simply to look and admire these beautiful creatures.
• Excellent guides.