Ethical Animal Sanctuaries To Visit Along South Africa's Garden Route
I think it's fair to say that most travellers to South Africa want to experience a wildlife encounter during their trip. Over recent years, ethical animal encounters have been at the forefront of visitors' minds, and opinions have run high regarding the acceptable level of interaction.
Gone are the days of elephant back riding and big cat petting. In their place are sanctuaries that provide animals with more humane treatment while allowing visitors to have educational encounters.
Along South Africa's Garden Route, I am pleased to say that some fantastic ethical animal experiences can be enjoyed, knowing that the animals' welfare is at the forefront of each establishment.
The places highlighted in this post are internationally recognised as following ethical sanctuary guidelines (such as those established by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and World Animal Protection).
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How to Identify an Ethical Animal Sanctuary
Here are some essential questions to ask yourself.
Why are the animals at the sanctuary?
Learn where the animals come from and what happened in their previous lives. Were they bred in captivity or removed from the wild? If the answer is yes, then you should be raising some questions. Animals arrive at sanctuaries only after they become orphans or suffer a similar tragedy.
What condition are their living areas in?
Now they are in a sanctuary; are their sleeping and recreational areas similar to the spaces to which they are familiar? It is not a good sign if the animal is caged or in a confined outdoor space. Animals should have the same freedom as they would in the wild, where they can hunt and exercise in a natural environment.
How is their behaviour?
How are they acting? Are they pacing? Do they seem to lack energy or enthusiasm? Assuming the animals live in a comfortable environment, they should be spritely and content, with no unusual changes in their behaviour.
If you can touch the animals, be extremely cautious; this is not a practice condoned by the ethical wild animal code.
When will they be released?
Some will never be released, as they have been bred in captivity and are unaware of any difference. The animals will, therefore, live the remainder of their lives in a sanctuary.
Others, however, will be rescued, rehabilitated and released under the guidelines for the sanctuary.
All your questions should be answered transparently regarding the release of an animal. If you feel they are not, you are within your rights to insist on correct and truthful information.
You are not only your voice but a voice for the animals.
Exploring the Garden Route
The top places to experience ten ethical animal encounters along the Garden Route are all run as rehabilitation sanctuaries or education centres.
The Garden Route follows the N2 highway between Mossel Bay and Storms River, with scenic stops including George, Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
The majority of animal centres are close to one another, so you can stay in accommodation in Plettenberg Bay or Knysna and visit a selection over a few days.
You can plan your stops along the Garden Route to coincide with the centres you wish to visit, as I did.
Garden Route Animal Sanctuaries
Birds of Eden, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay
Visit this free-flight bird sanctuary in the Crags and enjoy a self-guided walk around the site.
The indigenous forest is sheltered underneath a two-hectare dome (the largest in the world) and is home to over 3,500 birds and 220 species.
Walking around the boardwalk will take you to different levels, some dense and some more open, enabling you to see the birds in a natural habitat.
Birds of Eden website for visitor information on times, pricing and directions.
Driving on the N2 Garden Route, you will see the signposts for the turning to Birds of Eden.
Monkeyland, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay
The world's first free-roaming habitat for multiple species of primates.
Its goal is to teach visitors about the different primates and the threats they face in the wild. The monkeys roam freely, and no feeding or petting is allowed.
It is home to 500 monkeys and 11 different species. Your interaction will be in the form of taking photographs and magical memories away with you.
Monkeyland website for visitor information on times, pricing and directions.
Located next to Birds of Eden, a combined entry ticket will allow entry to both.
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay
Rescued and re-homed big cats can roam in natural habitats designed for their specific needs.
A non-interactive walk is available, meaning you can photograph the cats but not touch them, which causes them stress and anxiety.
The sanctuary educates visitors about the plight these majestic animals face and, by doing so, hopes to raise awareness for future generations.
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary website for visitor information on times, pricing and directions.
Located next to Birds of Eden and Monkeyland, a combined ticket gives entry to all three sanctuaries.
Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation - The Crags, Plettenberg Bay
Experience conservation wildlife tours from 1 hour to a full day at this sanctuary. Born into captivity, these big cats are non-releasable and are cared for at this non-profit centre alongside many species of birds and other indigenous creatures.
The centre takes in 250-300 injured animals each year with the ethos of rescue, rehabilitation and release.
Photography tours are available to capture images of the big cats without any up-close interaction.
Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation website for visitor information on times, pricing and directions.
Amakhala Game Reserve - Off N2 between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown (65km outside Port Elizabeth)
At the far end of the Garden Route, this game reserve highlights the type of ethical animal encounters that allow you to view wildlife in natural surroundings.
I had the pleasure of spending three nights on this reserve at Quatermain's Camp, and it was one of the most magical animal encounters I have ever had or probably ever will.
Thank you for showing an interest in the kinds of ethical animal encounters that can be part of your travel plans.
As you travel along the Garden Route, it is worth stopping to discover some of these standalone ethical animal encounters. Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Birds of Eden.
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
This is such a great post for South Africa. Seeing the animals is my dream. these pics are incredible. I just love these. thanks for sharing this amazing article about the best south Africa animal.
I am glad that you found it useful. I hope you get the chance to visit some of the featured animal experiences.
I am so glad we are talking about ethical animal encounters especially when we travel. It is so important to be aware and to do the right thing no matter where we go especially when we are spending tourism money that could do harm rather than good!
Fabulous list! I'm planning the vacay for next year and it's a yes please to all these encounters. Thanks for doing the hard work. I absolutly love meerkats!
Thank you for this! It's on the bucket list and you saved me the time of researching ethical sanctuaries to visit (which is difficult to find).
You will love the garden route, it is one of my all-time favourite destinations. The wildlife encounters are amazing.
LOOKIT THESE CUTE BABIESSS!!! 😍 Your pictures are absolutely incredible! I'm always looking for ethical places to visit the animals, i'm pinning this! 💜
Glad you found it useful 😃
I love all the beautiful images you have found!
Have to admit, this kind of trip makes me green with envy. I am not much of a natureperson, but if you mix in some beautiful animals, I am totally sold!
I loved everything about South Africa. Especially the wildlife!
Love this. I’ve been planning a trip to South Africa for ages. Doubt it will be this year though. But I love wildlife encounters so was surprised to discover there were quite a few in South Africa that weren’t ethical, so pleased now to discover a list of ethical sites. Thank you
I hope that you get there one day. South Africa is such a magical country.
I totally agree with helping and supporting ethical animal encounters - I feel it makes it more meaningful. It's been many years since I drove the garden route but am thinking of adding a couple of these places to my destination list next time I head that way! Thanks!
That's great. I hope that more ethical animal places start appearing around the world. I think people are finally getting the message that riding elephants and taking selfies with tigers is not the right thing to do.
Thank you for sharing this. I love animals but it so hard to see people doing things that harm them or make their lives terrible just for our entertainment. I agree with Shafinah that we need more coverage on ethical animal encounters. So many people share their encounters but it makes you question how they got that selfie. I will save this for when I go to South Africa. Thank you!
I am pleased you found it useful and glad you will refer to it on a South Africa visit. It breaks my heart when I see people taking selfies with tigers and then saying it's ok it was in a monastery or the tiger likes it!! Drugged and declawed animals have no say in their existence so it is good that conservation centres are set up to teach people how to have an encounter with an animal in the correct manner.
I love this! I think ethical animal encounters is a topic that can really do with more coverage in the travelling industry and I feel so, so, so happy whenever I chance upon someone who actually does something about it. I've always wanted to write something but just really never knew where to start - super duper kudos to you for charting the path! ❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words. It makes blogging so worthwhile when you are told you are making a difference and helping people with useful information.
This is such great info. The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, but I didn't know there were also so many wildlife sanctuaries and opportunities for ethical encounters. Thanks for sharing - I'm definitely saving this for reference on my next trip.
I'm glad it has proved useful for your next visit.
I love visiting animal sanctuaries, so finding out more about how to look for the good ones is definitely helpful! Thanks so much for this! <3
You are welcome
I am so happy to have come across this post. It is hard to find sift between the actual ethical sanctuaries and the ones that have very good marketing. This was really useful thank you!
Thank you.
This is such a great post for South Africa. Seeing the animals is my dream, but I would hate to support a company that wasn’t ethical.
I think that some companies hide what is really going on beneath clever advertising and visitors inadvertently think they are visiting somewhere reputable. I hope this post helps visitors to this are know that these locations are run using ethical practices.
Love this post! I've always wanted to go on a safari, but I've been worried about which one has ethical practices. This is a great list to see all those majestic creatures!
If you can go on safari it is one of the most magical experiences you will ever have. I hope you get there one day.
All these places look really great and safe to visit! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I had no idea there were so many animal sanctuaries in South Africa. And I really appreciate that you identify only the ones that are ethical and explain why. I would love to see some of these place when I get to South Africa.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I hope you will get to visit South Africa at some point.
South Africa has so much to offer and you really have highlighted the best parts, the animals, a great read and gutted to have missed out on some of these amazing sanctuary’s along the garden route. Another great read Angie, keep them coming 😁
Thank you Nic. Perhaps one day if you return you could check out some of the sanctuaries that you didn’t visit on your last trip.
Love this post 😍 so good to see someone encouraging others to visit protective and educational wildlife sanctuaries! Had a look at quatermaine’s camp too it looks brilliant! I think i’ll be on my way to SA very soon! Thanks for the post 🦁🐵🐢🐆🦩
I am so glad you enjoyed the post. South Africa is just a magical place so I hope that you make it there one day.