World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park
Valley Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7806
There’s more to Africa’s wildlife scene than big game, and you don’t have to get far from Cape Town to discover it. Set in Hout Bay, the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park provides dynamic habitats for 400 different species. The largest aviary in Africa, the sanctuary is home to 3000 birds and monkeys living in walk-through enclosures.
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.
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.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!