Time spent with animals can promise both adventure and serenity. From wildlife sanctuaries to marine excursions to child-friendly farmyards, the Western Cape’s offerings go beyond the ordinary, inviting visitors to embark on unforgettable journeys into the heart of nature. Whether strolling through lush reserves, encountering marine life along the coastline, or partaking in guided wildlife experiences, the range of animal encounters in and around Cape Town creates a tapestry of experiences as diverse and vibrant as the region itself. Here are some of our favourites!
Higgeldy Piggeldy Farm Yard
Higgeldy Piggeldy Farm Yard is Cape Town’s most popular authentic farm experience for children of all ages. Conveniently located in sight of Blue Water Café, little ones are encouraged to visit the Farmyard for outdoor and educational entertainment.
Under the scenic old pine trees overlooking the vineyards, children (and adults!) have the opportunity to meet, interact with and feed a variety of friendly farmyard animals including ponies, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, emus, rabbits and an assortment of feathery friends. The Farmyard is also ideal for birthday parties.
Where: Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie Rd, Kommetjie, Cape Town
When: Mondays to Sundays, 9am – 4pm
Cost: From R20
Alpaca Loom
The Alpaca Loom is an alpaca sanctuary with a range of activities including a petting zoo, an alpaca barn tour and alpaca feeding. These animals with their big eyes, long eyelashes and super soft fleece never fail to capture the hearts of young and old. There is even an obstacle course in which visitors are challenged to guide an alpaca up, over and around a series of obstacles on a lead.
A cup of feed will get you the attention of David, Moondust, Picasso and their alpaca friends in the petting zoo. They often come running to greet you and will gently muzzle the feed out of your hands. The Coffee Shop serves great coffee, delicious cakes, homemade pies and fantastic quiches all accompanied by a picturesque view of Table Mountain.
Where: Suid Agter Paarl Road, Southern Paarl
When: Mondays to Sundays, 9am – 5.00pm
Cost: Activities range from R20 – R150
Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is the crown jewel in South Africa’s recreational relationship with the ocean. Guests can walk from exhibit to exhibit, even through an underwater glass tunnel and meet a vast array of sealife along the way, from penguins to anemone fish to spider crabs. With a number of interactive experiences, kids can make their own discoveries and learn about the animals under the sea. The Predator Exhibit allows a close encounter with ragged-tooth sharks and other formidable predators, while the Kelp Forest Exhibit highlights the beauty of the Southern African coastline.
The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School offers a variety of guided boat and shore scuba diving options, an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in marine life. With a valid South African ID you can even visit The Two Oceans Aquarium for free within a week of your birthday.
Where: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
When: 9.30am – 6pm every day.
Cost: From R110 – R235
World of Birds
World of Birds is the largest bird park in Africa with over 3000 birds of 400 different species including numerous birds of prey, as well as reptiles and monkeys. More than 100 spacious walk-through aviaries offer visitors the chance for highly educational and interesting close-up encounters with a variety of birds and animals.
A tropical garden setting in the Hout Bay Valley is the environment in which the aviaries are spaced over four hectares of land, framed by the back of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, Constantiaberg, Chapman’s Peak and Little Lion’s Head. A paradise for nature lovers and photographers, the World of Birds is one of Cape Town’s premier tourist attractions.
Where: Valley Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town
When: 9am to 5pm (Latest entry 4pm)
Cost: R85 Adults / R55 Pensioners & Students (with card) / R40 Children / Children under the age of 3 have free entry
Cape Point Ostrich Farm
Cape Point Ostrich Farm and Reptile Rehabilitation Centre is a Cape Dutch style family farm which is home to more than 40 breeding birds, with guided tours offered daily. The Farm has a variety of facilities, such as their restaurant, the Osto-rante, a leather shop with an array of ostrich leather items on sale as well as an artisanal egg shop. During the breeding season, visitors can also watch the hatching of ostrich chicks.
The Park’s goal is to contribute to saving species of both ostriches and a range of reptiles from extinction, as well as protecting the natural environment that these animals depend on. The sanctuary provides a platform for species relocations with their catch and release programme. This also serves as an opportunity for anyone interested in learning and observing some of the most fascinating reptile species to visit.
Where: Plateau Rd, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town
When: 9.30am – 5.30pm every day.
Cost: No entry fee
Giraffe House
The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness centre provides easy access to some of the continent’s wildlife and bird species. Focusing on African wildlife, Giraffe House aims to provide a place for people to enjoy the outdoors, whilst experiencing and learning about animals and why they are special. Education is the Centre’s primary focus, and they cater from preschool and school groups to older groups.
Their wildlife education programs are presented in an informative, educational and entertaining manner, sure to hold the interest of any group. Giraffe House is an open-air facility, so it is strongly advised to prepare in advance for the weather.
Where: Cnr R304 & R101, Muldersvlei, Cape Town
When: 9am – 5pm every day.
Cost: R85 adults / R55 children / R60 seniors
Vergenoegd Duck Parade
A ‘working flock’ of over 1200 Indian Runner Ducks makes Vergenoegd the managers of a spectacular “integrated pest management programme”. The ducks parade three times daily as they head into the vineyard to forage for snails and insects under the watchful eye of their herder. There are also educational tours available of the duck pens and breeding room for those interested in learning about the system.
The Estate is also a habitat for a variety of bird life. Ornithologists are welcome to make use of birding opportunities on the Estate. A R10 contribution per person upon arrival may be redeemed against any purchase from the farm and goes towards the Integrated Pest Management and Duck Research Programme, the results of which will be made available to other vineyards or farms around the world that may opt for natural pest and snail control by Runner Ducks.
Where: Wine Route, Baden Powell Dr, Faure, Stellenbosch
When: Mondays to Fridays every week
Cost: Free (Tours R40, U12 R30)
Waterfront Charters Seal Snorkelling
The Seal Snorkelling trip begins with a speed boat ride to the Cape fur seal colony at Oudekraal, past Camps Bay. During this ride it is common to see whales, penguins, sunfish and seabirds out and about. Once at Oudekraal there is an informative briefing on the seals before you don the snorkelling equipment and dive under. The whole trip is under the supervision of a certified professional who is happy to answer any questions about the dive.
After the dive there is hot chocolate, biscuits and bottled water provided. Regrettably no children under 10 years old are allowed and group sizes are limited to between 4-8 snorkelers. No experience is necessary, except being a competent swimmer.
Where: Shop 5, Quay 5, V & A Waterfront 8002 Cape Town
When: either 8.30am-10:30am or 11am – 1pm every day.
Cost: R1700 for the whole group.
Exotic Animal World
Exotic Animal World (formerly Butterfly World Animal Sanctuary) in Stellenbosch is a sanctuary for a variety of exotic animals, including spiders, snakes, monkeys, meerkats, scorpions, dozens of species of bird and many more. Every animal at Exotic Animal World was either donated by their previous owners, or were confiscated by local authorities and placed under the centre’s care.
View and interact with over 700 creatures including rare and exotic species of lemurs, meerkats, marmosets, chinchillas and owls. The Creepy Crawly Room is home to tarantulas, scorpions and other fascinating insects. There are four broad aviaries, some of which are walk-through exhibits where all are encouraged to see the birds up close. Birds, Koi fish and terrapins can also be seen in the Tropical Garden. The park encourages interaction with many of the creatures and is a child-friendly space where photography is allowed.
Where: Route 44, Stellenbosch
When: 9am – 5pm every day.
Cost: R88 Adults / R49 Children / R79 Students and Pensioners / Children under 3 have free entry
Hermanus Whale Watching Walking Tour
Witness the largest migration of whales in the world on the Hermanus Whale Watching Walking Tour. The tour begins with an introduction to the whales at the Whale Museum. Here a whale expert who has studied and photographed these magnificent animals for many years provides an educational talk before the tour begins.
The clear views along the tour’s path make it easy to see as many as a hundred whales in one day, and photography is encouraged. The guide continues explaining the myths and facts about whales and their life cycle during the observation. The tours take place within the grounds of a whale sanctuary, which includes sights of hidden coves and inlets where whales raise their young. All tours are personalised and wheelchair friendly, and a complimentary coffee, cappuccino or beer is included.
Walker Bay Adventures, the tour operator behind the experience, also offers monthly full moon whale walking tours, where guests hear the echoes of the whales along the hills. It offers a different perspective, at times the exhaling whales form a halo over their heads when phosphorescence appears in the water. Guides reveal the array of star clusters, such as the Milky Way and Southern Cross, visible in the southern hemisphere night skies.
Where: Old Harbour, Marine Dr, Hermanus
When: 9am / 12pm / 3pm every day
Cost: R1 000 per group
Marine Big 5 Trip
Dyer Island Cruises offers a voyage around the renowned Dyer Island where it is common to spot all of the Marine Big 5 – the Southern Right Whale, the Great White Shark, the Cape fur seal, the African Penguin and the Bottlenose Dolphin. Other marine animals commonly spotted here include Humpback whales, Bryde’s Whales and various visiting dolphin species as well as a wide variety of seabirds.
On arrival for the Dyer Island Cruise, coffee or tea and muffin are served, along with an in-depth briefing regarding the island, Marine Dynamics’ conservation work and safety protocols. Every passenger is equipped with an inflatable life jacket and wet weather gear in case of cooler weather conditions, and is transported in a custom-designed whale-watching vessel. The cruise includes an onboard biologist and experienced crew to provide an educational, life-changing experience.
Where: 5 Geelbek Street, Kleinbaai, Western Cape
When: From 7am every day
Cost: From R950 per person
Cape Shark Adventures
The expert team at Cape Shark Adventures offers a thrilling shark cage diving experience, for a chance to meet and learn about a wide range of underwater animals such as copper sharks, seals, penguins, stingrays and (between June and November) even whales and great white sharks.
The Great White Shark and other shark species found around the rugged coast of the Cape are the subject of ground-breaking research. Young scientists and university students from around the world gain valuable experience in the field for their careers in marine science in these waters.
Where: 1 Swart Street, Kleinbaai, Gansbaai, Van Dyks Bay
When: From 9am every day
Cost: R2200 – R2950