World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park
The Basics
The expansive 10-acre (4-hectare) sanctuary can be explored on a self-guided tour that grants you ample time to watch and photograph the birdlife. In addition to informational plaques situated throughout the enclosures, guides are available to tell you more about birds and monkeys so you can gain a deeper understanding of the sanctuary and its residents.
The park can also be visited on a tour that enables you to visit the birds and monkeys along with other nearby attractions such as Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Additionally, entrance to the park is included in the Cape Town City Pass—a flexible pass that allows you to choose from dozens of different attractions for one set price.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The park is frequented by birders and wildlife photographers.
- You can bring your own picnic or purchase drinks and light meals on-site.
- The aviary is wheelchair accessible and entrance is free for people in wheelchairs.
- The kid-friendly site has a playground and strollers for rent.
Trip ideas
How to Get There
Located 12 miles (20 kilometers) outside of Cape Town in the Atlantic Seaboard town of Hout Bay, the sanctuary is easily accessible by car—take Victoria Road to Valley Road. You can also visit on a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city. The sanctuary is located on the bus’ blue route.
When to Get There
The sanctuary is open every day of the year and is especially busy during the summer (December through March). So, if you want to avoid the crowds, steer clear of weekends and holidays during this season. Feeding times begin at 11:30am and continue throughout the day, so check the online schedule to time your visit with a particular feeding.
Things to Do While Visiting World of Birds
Activities at the park range from watching one of the daily feeding times—highlights include the penguins or birds of prey—to visiting the park’s endangered species center. Within the center, you can see the sanctuary’s conservation efforts up close and learn about the breeding and care of endangered species. After your visit to the sanctuary, make time to explore the nearby town and beaches of Hout Bay.
- Imizamo Yethu Township
- Rhodes Memorial
- Hout Bay
- Twelve Apostles
- Duiker Island
- Groot Constantia
- Chapman’s Peak Drive
- Silvermine Nature Reserve
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- Aquila Private Game Reserve
- Camps Bay
- Table Mountain and Cableway
- Clifton
- Iziko South African Museum
- South African National Gallery