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Garden Route Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Garden Route Family-friendly activities

Garden Route National Park: Tsitsikamma Zipline Canopy Tour

1. Garden Route National Park: Tsitsikamma Zipline Canopy Tour

This unique eco-wilderness adventure takes place in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest. Most of the platforms are located in giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. The scenery and bird life are spectacular and professional guides provide interesting facts about the forest ecology throughout the tour. The concept of guiding people through the upper canopy of a rainforest originated in Costa Rica, where adventurous biologists devised new methods for accessing the forest canopy in order to conduct research on the undiscovered canopy ecosystem. The idea soon developed into a breathtaking form of eco-tourism which allowed people to enter and experience a previously inaccessible natural environment. The tour begins with a detailed safety briefing followed by a kitting-up session where full body harnesses, pulleys, and climbing equipment are issued and checked. A short drive into the Tsitsikamma forest and it is time to monkey around. From the start on the launch platform, a new world unfolds as one gently glides on a steel cable to the first tree platform. All groups are escorted through the forest canopy by a lead guide and a follow guide to ensure your safety as you slide from tree to tree. The platforms are built high up in the giant Outeniqua Yellowwoods and provide an unbelievable view of this enchanting new world, any fear of heights is soon lost as you gather in your new surroundings.

Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Jukani - Animal Sanctuaries

2. Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Jukani - Animal Sanctuaries

There are three sanctuaries to choose from, each home to vast array of wild animals there to captivate you. Monkeyland = Approaching Monkeyland the world's first free-roaming, multi-species Primate Sanctuary, you are filled with excitement as you hear the various primates chattering away. Monkeyland is a forever home to ex-captive primates. The aim of the sanctuary is to afford these wonderfully intelligent creatures a healthier, more natural life and aims to raise public awareness about primates. Over 550 apes, monkeys and lemurs live at Monkeyland where you will tour with one of the most experienced primate guides in South Africa. During the one hour guided tour the guides will point out the array of primates living out their natural lives in the 12-ha indigenous forest and regal you with stories about them as well as some fun facts. Birds of Eden = The spectacular and awe-inspiring Birds of Eden is the largest free-flight aviary in the world. The sanctuary encompasses 2.3ha of partly forested land, covered by a 3.2ha mesh and with a 1.2km walkway. Visitors are welcome to explore at their own pace. The sanctuary is home to 220 different species & subspecies of birds totaling over 3500 birds. From the indigenous and beautiful Knysna lourie with its awkward call for such a gracious bird, the other lourie (Turaco) species, parrots, parakeets, waterfowl, flamingos, starlings, robins and graceful cranes. The sanctuary includes a deep gorge with a waterfall and the aviary is approximately 50m high, covering all the treetops and allowing ample flying space for its winged inhabitants. Being a sanctuary where many previously pet caged birds have now been given the opportunity to spread their wings, this is their first chance to make adequate use of their wings and to experience natural avian behavior. This is certainly one of the places you must visit when in the Garden Route! You can spend an entire day at any of the sanctuaries. Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary = Admire magnificent and majestic big cats of the world – Lions, Tigers, Leopards and Jaguars. The animals - at their forever home – Jukani, have been rescued or re homed from facilities that could no longer care for them. At Jukani they can now explore their large natural habitat, designed, and built around each individual animal’s needs. They are free of exploitation and the stress caused by human interaction. They can be appreciated and photographed in all their magnificence. On your 90-minute walking safari with one of our entertaining and knowledgeable guides you will also find Raccoons, a Honey badger, Caracal, some Zebra and Springbok and ferocious predators such as the Spotted Hyena. The lightning fast Cheetah and agile tree climbing Pumas are a delight to see. You will find hope in #TrueSanctuaries and be made aware of the plight of these animals – realizing that through lifestyle changes and choices you can contribute to a chance at a better future for them.

Wild Cat Experience 1-Hour Tour

3. Wild Cat Experience 1-Hour Tour

Join a guided 1-hour tour to get up close to the indigenous wild cats of South Africa, including servals, caracals, cheetahs, lions and leopards. Catch a glimpse of other animals such as meerkats, marabou storks, and many more. Enjoy this unique opportunity to see incredible wildlife, as you learn about conservation efforts in the region from your informative guide.  Follow your guide through the various habitats of the different cats as you listen to interesting facts about each species. See and photograph the wild cats at close range from a raised walkway. Your tour includes a visit to the penguin pool, where you'll discover more about marine conservation and wildlife rehabilitation as you watch these playful animals.

Plettenberg Bay: 1.5-Hour Wildlife Family Tour

4. Plettenberg Bay: 1.5-Hour Wildlife Family Tour

Plant the love of wildlife in your children on a safari adventure at Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation & Awareness Centre. On this 1.5-hour tour, you and your young family will be introduced to an array of South Africa’s wildest animals. Prepare to be entertained and inspired with an introduction to the conservation efforts of the facility before setting off to meet meerkats and learning why—despite their cute demeanor—they make miserable pets. Walk through the owl house and visit Digger the friendly warthog. After this, you will visit penguins and other marine animals. The family will then be taken to visit the African wildcats, which you will have to spot using techniques and trail signs taught to you by your expert guide. Spot slender servals and camouflaged caracals on a walkway tour that leads up to the leopard and cheetah enclosures, designed to safely get you up close and personal with these majestic creatures. Finally, bid farewell to a grand white lion before your kids are awarded an EcoKidz certificate.

From Thesen Island: Knysna Lagoon Luxury Cruise

5. From Thesen Island: Knysna Lagoon Luxury Cruise

Take in the sunshine aboard the BellaVita luxury lounge cruiser. Marvel at the two tall cliffs which stand above the lake. Appreciate the beauty of the Outeniqua mountains. Decide how long you want to spend cruising. Play your own music aboard the cruiser. Choose how long you want to spend on your cruise. Come to the departure point at Sirocco Restaurant on Thesen Island. Board your luxury lounge cruiser. Cruise around and explore the amazing Knysna Lagoon. Admire the peaks of the Outeniqua mountains as you relax in the company of your friends. Take advantage of the opportunity to pre-order champagne and oysters. Jump into the clear water for a swim. Keep an eye out for herons, African fish eagles, kingfishers, and other birds. Bring your own music aboard to entertain yourself. Finish your lagoon cruise and disembark at the starting point.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Garden Route

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What people are saying about Garden Route

Very helpful and enthusiastic guide, can't remember his name. It was for us a new experience to see such wonderful animals, and how they have been rescued, and being looked after so well. Well done to the team over there!

This is a must do bucket list item. The guides were gracious and informative regarding the nature around us. We all felt very safe and was definitely in good hands. Thank you Luciano en Emo.

Was for my granddaughter who has not stopped talking about it. The group she was with found the staff so friendly and so at ease.

Such a good tour our guide was full of information about the animals

Great fun, well run and very professional. A must do!