Cape Town is home to an array of colourful, feathered creatures, and whether you’re looking to enter through the doors of bird paradise, or keen on a mini adventure, we’ve got you covered.
Here are a few places to spot some spectacular birds in the Mother City:
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
View this post on Instagram
The Kirstenbosch estate covers 528 hectares, of which 36 ha is cultivated and the rest is a protected area supporting natural forest and fynbos, and a wide variety of spectacular indigenous birds.
More than 125 species have been recorded at Kirstenbosch Garden, a bird lover’s paradise indeed. Make sure to look out for the Sugarbird with its distinctive long tail, Sunbirds with their colourful plumage and the African Dusky Flycatcher, which is often spotted swooping down from the trees to catch flying insects.
Here are a few more birds you might see on your outing:
- A Steppe Buzzard flying high overhead
- The resident Spotted Eagle Owl, often seen near the Dell
- Guinea Fowls
- Egyptian Geese
- Cape Francolin, a common sight throughout the Garden
Garden entrance fees:
Adult (standard): R200
Adult (South African resident with ID*): R80
Child age 6-17: R25
Child age 0 -5: Free
South African Student (with student card): R45
Seniors (South African resident with ID*): Free on Tuesdays excluding public holidays
To claim the lower ticket rate, South African residents can show their ID, a certified paper copy of their ID, an electronic copy of their ID or their driver’s licence.
Entrance tickets can be purchased online by visiting Webtickets here.
Location: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
View this post on Instagram
World of Birds – the name says it all. A must for nature lovers and photographers looking to dip their finger into the jar of bird paradise. The tropical garden setting in the Hout Bay Valley is the environment in which the aviaries are spaced over 4 ha of land.
Over 3 000 birds are uniquely presented in more than 100 spacious landscaped walk through aviaries, allowing you the most intimate closeness with nature.
Here are some of the birds to look out for:
- Barbets
- Bishops
- Bulbuls
- Buzzards
- Cassowaries
- Cockatoos
- Conures
- Cormorants
- Magpies
- Cockatiels
- Owls
- Parrots
- Parakeets
Find the full list here.
Tariffs are as follows:
Adults: R130
Children (age 3-16): R50
Children (age under 3): Free
Pensioners and Students (with card): R85
For group/school bookings, contact the booking office on 021 790 27 30 or e-mail [email protected].
Location: Valley Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town
View this post on Instagram
Intaka Island is a 16-hectare wetland reserve in the middle of the Century City development – a haven for birders, photographers or those who want to enjoy a quiet stroll through nature.
The wetland is home to 212 indigenous plant species (including 24 Red Data species, threatened with extinction) and 120 species of birds, many of which can be observed from two hides overlooking the wetland area. The hides are very popular with bird photographers, especially in the early mornings.
Here are the rates:
Day visitors:
Adult – R26
with boat ride – R80
Children (under 12 years) – R16
with boat ride – R70
Pensioners – R16
with boat ride – R70
Bookings are essential with a boat ride.
Location: Grand Central Precintp, 2 Park Ln, Century City, Cape Town
View this post on Instagram
Boulders Penguin Colony in Simon’s Town is a gem with ancient granite boulders to shield it from the Cape wind and powerful waves, and is home to a unique and endangered land-based colony of African Penguins..
The Boulders section of TMNP consists of 3 pristine beaches, 1 penguin viewing area and 3 boardwalks. The boardwalks were built as a measure to allow for viewing of these wonderful birds, while keeping them safe, so be sure to stay on the boardwalks at all times within the viewing area.
Don’t touch or feed the penguins – they may look cute, quirky and cuddly but their beaks are as sharp as razors.
Conservation Fees for 1 November 2021 to 31 October 2022:
South African Citizens and Residents (with ID): R42 per adult per day; R21 per child, per day
SADC Nationals (with passport): R85 per adult per day; R42 per child, per day
Standard Conservation Fee (International Visitors): R170 per adult per day; R85 per child, per day
Boulders Gates are a cash-free environment and only accepts payments via debit and credit cards.
Location: 4 Boulders Place, Secluse Ave, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
Also read:
Get ready to paddle for animals in need with Paddle for the PAW
Picture: Unsplash