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South Africa is located in the southernmost part of Africa which is known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. South Africa is one of the best holiday destinations to visit and is known for the various types of wildlife sanctuaries, there are many wildlife sanctuaries in South Africa to visit which promise an unforgettable wildlife experience. These wildlife sanctuaries are the best places for people who are enthusiastic about animals, love animals and thrill seekers.
Top 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries In South Africa
Here are some of the wildlife sanctuaries in South Africa to have an amazing experience exploring the wildlife amidst the beautiful nature.
1. Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Olga Ernst / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, located in South Africa, is an amazing place to visit that is built especially for animals in need. This wildlife sanctuary is home to various Apex cats, predators and hoof animals. It takes nearly one and a half hours to take a tour along with a professional and trained guide to explore the entire sanctuary, walking past the beautiful pathway and learning about the interesting facts about the animals seen. There is also a night safari available with expert guides in this wildlife sanctuary, which is a very thrilling experience while witnessing many tigers and other wildlife.
Location: Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, N2, The Crags, 6600, South Africa
Timings: 9 AM – 3:45 PM
2. World Of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Derek Keats / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Cape Town, South Africa, is an avian, reptilian and wildlife sanctuary. The primary focus in this wildlife sanctuary is on the birds, but there is also a monkey park where there are a variety of monkeys seen. This Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest African bird park with one of the highest numbers of bird species in the world. There are nearly 400 animal species in the sanctuary. Along with being an exhibition showcasing animals, this sanctuary is also a breeding Centre for threat species and wildlife rehabilitation for injured birds.
Location: World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary & Monkey Park, Valley Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
3. African Dawn Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Derek Keats / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
African Dawn Wildlife Sanctuary, located in South Africa, is known for its various animals and wild birds. Hundreds of animals have been treated in this century and released back into the wild. There are volunteer programs in this wildlife sanctuary to spend time with the animals and support further conservation efforts. There is also a small restaurant located at this wildlife sanctuary with ample space for small family picnics amidst nature.
Location: African Dawn Wildlife Sanctuary, Lot 13 Strandfontein, Thornhill, 6375, South Africa
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
4. Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
Photo: Domenico Convertini / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary is an environmentally friendly sanctuary located in South Africa that is known to have rescued many big cats. This sanctuary is run by a non-profit organisation that provides a permanent home to nearly 28 animals. Along with these, there are also various types of wildlife spotted in this sanctuary, like white lions, brown lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, and many more. Most of these animals are rescued and are protected and taken care of for the rest of their lives.
Location: Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, GGVJ+WQ, Stanford, South Africa
Timings: 9 AM – 10:45 AM, 4 PM – 5:45 PM
5. Marakele Animal Sanctuary
Photo: Domenico Convertini / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Marakele Animal Sanctuary, located in Thabazimbi, South Africa, is known for its wide variety of predators and small animals located in this place. There are various types of exotic animals present in this place that are given a second chance to live and rehabilitate indigenous animals in the wild. Not all the animals are sent back to the wild from this sanctuary, but they are taken good care of here.
Location: Marakele Animal Sanctuary, kwaggas vlakte portion 51, Thabazimbi, 0380
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM, 8 AM – 3 PM
6. The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Bernard DUPONT / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary, located in South Africa, is one of the most beautiful places to visit. It is situated on an area of 23 acres of forest, which is a sanctuary and also a forever home for various wildlife species. This sanctuary has ecotourism, child-friendly activities, guides and also educators during the visit. The first adventure in this wildlife sanctuary is an amazing experience to take a drive towards the lush green sugar cane fields while sporting various wildlife roaming freely in the forest.
Location: The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary, Salt Rock Rd, Ballito, 4399, South Africa
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
7. Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary
Photo: Linda de Volder / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Monkey Sanctuary, located in South Africa, is a privately owned multispecies rehabilitation centre that is known to provide an amazing environment for monkeys to have their freedom in the natural surroundings. This sanctuary is famously known as the Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary and takes in donated and rescued animals. This sanctuary also encourages the primates to have their freedom in their lives in a wild environment, which encourages them to search and hunt for food themselves. It is an amazing place to visit to get to know more about the various types of monkey species available.
Location: Monkey Sanctuary, Hartbeespoort in South Africa, R104 Old Rustenburg Road Zandfontein
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
8. Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Domenico Convertini / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary, located in South Africa, is a self-sustaining African carnivore sanctuary that is for wildlife species preservation. This wildlife sanctuary is home to many lions, leopards and hyenas rescued from captive breeding. There are also guided tours available at this sanctuary to learn more about this place. There are also volunteer options available at this wildlife sanctuary. Kevin Richardson, the lion whisperer, is a well-known conservationist in the world. He and his team, out of an interest in working with animals for commercial filming industries and making documentaries, generate income to fund this wildlife sanctuary.
Location: Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary (Lion Whisperer), Cullinan, South Africa
Timings: Open during the day
9. SanWild Sanctuary
Photo: Louise Joubert / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary, located in South Africa, is a wildlife rehabilitation Centre that is located in an area of 50 square km. Animals are often bought for various issues, like being hit by hunters, drivers, or shot at. This wildlife sanctuary also has 10 lions, which are its home, that were rescued from South Africa’s hunting and poaching industry. Along with lions, there are also various other wildlife spotted in this sanctuary, like African leopards, cheetahs, African bush elephants, Southern white rhinos and many more.
Location: SanWild Sanctuary, Leydsdorp Road, Gravelotte, 0895, South Africa
10. Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort
Photo: South African Tourism / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort located in South Africa is an amazing place for African elephants. This place is considered a haven for the elephants. There are various guided activities and educational programs about elephants organised in the sanctuary. The main motto of this sanctuary is to educate visitors about elephants and elephant husbandry with a vision to release them into the environment to make them more independent. This sanctuary also has an overnight elephant experience with an Indo-African-style lodge.
Location: Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort, Hartbeespoort Dam Zandfontein, Hartbeespoort
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
South Africa, which is known for its rich flora and fauna, has many wildlife sanctuaries to visit. Most wildlife sanctuaries in South Africa act as a safe space for the animals to be taken care of. There are various activities organised for the visitors at these wildlife sanctuaries to learn more about the animals and nature including safaris, educational programs and many more. To know more about these places and for further information, visit TripXL.
Cover Photo: Benh LIEU SONG / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
