{"id":385,"date":"2026-04-21T12:22:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T12:22:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/?page_id=385"},"modified":"2026-04-21T12:23:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T12:23:43","slug":"birds-of-eden","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/?page_id=385","title":{"rendered":"Birds of Eden"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Header&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#242e42&#8243; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sight-seeing-49.png&#8221; background_size=&#8221;contain&#8221; background_position=&#8221;bottom_center&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|||||&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;0px||5vw&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;&#8221; box_shadow_vertical_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; box_shadow_vertical_phone=&#8221;&#8221; box_shadow_vertical_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; text_font=&#8221;Lato||||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; header_font=&#8221;PT Serif|700|||||||&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;80px&#8221; header_line_height=&#8221;1.2em&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; text_font_size_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_font_size_phone=&#8221;18px&#8221; text_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; header_font_size_tablet=&#8221;60px&#8221; header_font_size_phone=&#8221;36px&#8221; header_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h1>Birds of Eden<\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; divider_weight=&#8221;5px&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; max_width=&#8221;100px&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb image=&#8221;https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ClaireKnysnaLoerie.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; title_text=&#8221;ClaireKnysnaLoerie&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Deep in the heart of\u00a0<strong>The Crags<\/strong>, near Plettenberg Bay, lies a hidden world where the sky is enclosed by a shimmering, two-hectare mesh dome\u2014the largest of its kind in the world.\u00a0<strong>Birds of Eden<\/strong>\u00a0is a globally recognized, award-winning sanctuary dedicated to providing a permanent, free-flight home for birds that once lived in cages. Spanning a natural gorge of indigenous forest, it offers an immersive journey into a thriving ecosystem where thousands of birds have rediscovered the joy of flight.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A Marvel of Engineering and Nature<\/strong><br \/>The sanctuary\u2019s most striking feature is its\u00a0<strong>two-hectare mesh dome<\/strong>, the largest single-span free-flight aviary in the world.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Structure:<\/strong>\u00a0Constructed over four years at a cost of R9 million, the dome uses\u00a0<strong>3.2 hectares of wire mesh<\/strong>\u00a0suspended from 28 masts reaching up to\u00a0<strong>55 metres high<\/strong>. This immense volume allows birds to fly at high altitudes, mimicking their natural environment.<br \/><strong>The Landscape:<\/strong>\u00a0Roughly\u00a0<strong>70% of the forest<\/strong>\u00a0within the dome is restored\u00a0<strong>Afromontane forest<\/strong>. The terrain includes a deep gorge, natural streams, seven dams, and a\u00a0<strong>walk-behind waterfall<\/strong>\u00a0that is part of the sanctuary\u2019s \u201cmysterious ruin\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>A World Under One Dome<\/strong><br \/>The sanctuary is home to over\u00a0<strong>3,500 birds<\/strong>\u00a0from more than\u00a0<strong>220 species<\/strong>, including vibrant\u00a0<strong>Blue-and-yellow Macaws<\/strong>, elegant\u00a0<strong>Caribbean Flamingos<\/strong>, and the elusive\u00a0<strong>Knysna Turaco<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Experience:<\/strong>\u00a0Visitors explore via a\u00a0<strong>1.2 km wooden walkway<\/strong>, much of which is elevated to offer a bird\u2019s-eye view of the canopy.\u00a0<strong>Beyond Birds:<\/strong>\u00a0Keep your eyes peeled for\u00a0<strong>giant fruit bats<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>golden-handed tamarins<\/strong>, and the tiny\u00a0<strong>blue duiker<\/strong>\u00a0antelope that roam the forest floor.\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Award-Winning Ethical Tourism<\/strong><br \/>As a core member of the\u00a0<strong>South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA)<\/strong>, Birds of Eden is a pioneer in ethical wildlife encounters. The sanctuary operates under a strict\u00a0<strong>no-touch, no-petting policy<\/strong>, ensuring residents are never harassed. This dedication has earned global recognition, including the\u00a0<strong>World Responsible Tourism Award<\/strong>\u00a0and the\u00a0<strong>Sk\u00e5l International Sustainable Tourism Award<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Plan Your Visit<\/strong><br \/>Birds of Eden remains an all-weather facility, open every day of the year, including public holidays.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Opening Hours:<\/strong>\u00a008:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 17:00, all visitors out by 18:00).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accessibility:<\/strong>\u00a0The main walkways are fully\u00a0<strong>wheelchair accessible<\/strong>. Wheelchairs are available on-site at no charge for those with walking disabilities (pre-booking recommended).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Guided Tours:<\/strong>\u00a0While most visits are self-guided, guided walks can be pre-arranged for groups at no additional cost.<\/li>\n<li>Entrance is a\u00a0<strong>day rate<\/strong>, allowing you to spend as much time as you wish inside.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Special Rates:<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>Persons with disabilities enter for free<\/strong>. Seniors (60+) receive a 10% discount, or 50% on \u201cSenior Day\u201d Tuesdays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BlueDuiker-and-Fowl.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;BlueDuiker and Fowl&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BOE.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;BOE&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_gallery _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; gallery_ids=&#8221;390,394,395,396,397,398&#8243; show_title_and_caption=&#8221;off&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_contact_form _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; _unique_id=&#8221;dd3c2f11-dd58-4ec2-aef1-35477720d156&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_contact_field field_id=&#8221;Name&#8221; field_title=&#8221;Name&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; button_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_contact_field][et_pb_contact_field field_id=&#8221;Email&#8221; field_title=&#8221;Email Address&#8221; field_type=&#8221;email&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; button_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_contact_field][et_pb_contact_field field_id=&#8221;Message&#8221; field_title=&#8221;Message&#8221; field_type=&#8221;text&#8221; fullwidth_field=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; button_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_contact_field][\/et_pb_contact_form][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Birds of EdenDeep in the heart of\u00a0The Crags, near Plettenberg Bay, lies a hidden world where the sky is enclosed by a shimmering, two-hectare mesh dome\u2014the largest of its kind in the world.\u00a0Birds of Eden\u00a0is a globally recognized, award-winning sanctuary dedicated to providing a permanent, free-flight home for birds that once lived in cages. Spanning [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-385","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/385","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=385"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/385\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":399,"href":"https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/385\/revisions\/399"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gosouthernafrica.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=385"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}