World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park is one of Hout Bay’s best-known family attractions, offering close-up encounters with birds and small animals across a large network of landscaped walk-through aviaries.
World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park is set within the Hout Bay Valley, surrounded by the mountains of the Cape Peninsula. The sanctuary describes itself as Africa’s largest bird park, with more than 3,000 birds and small animals representing around 400 species across more than 100 landscaped walk-through aviaries.
Visitors follow paths through tropical gardens and aviaries containing an impressive variety of birdlife, including parrots, flamingos, pelicans, owls, eagles, hornbills, cranes, waterfowl and birds of prey. The sanctuary also cares for mammals and reptiles, with animals such as monkeys, marmosets, meerkats, porcupines and tortoises among those visitors may encounter.
Beyond being a visitor attraction, World of Birds operates as a sanctuary, hospital, orphanage and breeding centre. It provides care for injured and displaced wildlife while supporting the breeding of several threatened bird and animal species. This combination of wildlife viewing, education and rehabilitation makes it one of the most distinctive attractions in the Hout Bay area.
Highlights
- Explore more than 100 landscaped walk-through aviaries.
- See an extensive variety of birds from around the world.
- Visit the interactive Monkey Jungle during its designated opening periods.
- Discover mammals and reptiles alongside the bird collections.
- Walk through tropical gardens framed by the Hout Bay mountains.
- Support a sanctuary involved in wildlife care, rehabilitation and breeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I allow for World of Birds?
Allow approximately two to three hours for a relaxed visit. Visitors particularly interested in wildlife photography or scheduled feeding sessions may wish to stay longer.
Do I need to book before visiting?
No. The sanctuary currently states that advance booking is not required and admission tickets are available at the entrance. Visitors should still check the official website for the latest visitor information.
Is World of Birds suitable for children?
Yes. The walk-through aviaries, varied wildlife and Monkey Jungle make it particularly engaging for families, although children should remain supervised around animals and open enclosures.
Are there animals other than birds?
Yes. The sanctuary also houses mammals and reptiles, including monkeys, marmosets, meerkats, porcupines, tortoises and other small animals.
Can visitors enter the Monkey Jungle at any time?
No. The Monkey Jungle operates during specific periods. The official website currently lists sessions from 11:30 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 15:30, but visitors should verify the schedule before travelling because operational times may change.
