Birds of Eden

Birds of Eden is a mesh dome stretched over a gorge of indigenous forest at The Crags, enclosing about 2.3 hectares, up to 55 metres high, and from its opening in 2005 until 2026 the largest free-flight aviary in the world; about a kilometre of raised boardwalk runs through the canopy and down to a waterfall and lake. The birds are largely rescued and rehomed - many were cage birds surrendered by owners, which is the sanctuary's stated founding purpose - and around two hundred species live loose in the same space, from turacos and hornbills to macaws, ibises and flamingos. The effect is that you walk through the forest rather than past enclosures, and the birds are close and unbothered. It shares a site and a combined ticket with Monkeyland next door. Weather matters: the mesh keeps birds in, not rain out, and in wet weather the boardwalk is slippery and the birds are quiet.

Highlights

• A domed forest - two hectares of indigenous gorge under mesh.
• The boardwalk - about a kilometre through the canopy to a waterfall and lake.
• Rehomed birds - largely surrendered cage birds, the sanctuary's founding purpose.
• Around two hundred species - living loose in one shared space.

When to go

All year; mornings are most active. Two hours. Avoid rain if possible.

What to expect

The mesh does not keep rain out and wet days are poor. Birds are dispersed in two hectares, so sightings are not guaranteed in every section. Entry is not cheap and the combined ticket pushes it higher. The boardwalk has steep sections.

Nearby

Monkeyland is on the same site; Plettenberg Bay is west.

Key facts