Knysna wildlife tour: Primates, elephants & birds of Eden

Walk among primates and touch rescued elephants in a single morning

A full-day tour in Knysna combines three wildlife sanctuaries: a 45-minute guided walk through Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary watching primates in the forest, close interaction with rescued elephants including the chance to touch them and walk trunk-in-hand, and time inside Birds of Eden, the southern hemisphere's largest free-flight aviary. An English-speaking guide leads the group of up to 12 in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary2h · entry included
2. Birds of Eden2h · entry included

Forest sanctuary and wildlife encounters

• Guided walk at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary
• Interact with rescued elephants
• Visit Birds of Eden aviary

The experience

The day starts at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary with a 45-minute guided walk through the forest, where you watch primates in their natural habitat and learn how the sanctuary operates. From there, you move to the elephant encounter: described as up close and personal with the giants of the forest, where you can touch them, walk trunk in hand, or ride them. The sanctuary focuses on rescued animals and their care and conservation.

Birds of Eden fills the afternoon. It holds the largest dome in the southern hemisphere and is filled with birds of every description, which you experience up close. The tour operates in all weather, so bring appropriate clothing. Lunch is optional and available at the Twitter open air restaurant inside the Bird Sanctuary, paid separately on the day.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and holds a maximum of 12 people per booking. Children from age 9 are welcome, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need them. The entire experience runs eight hours.

What’s included

• All fees and taxes.
• air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking guide.
• 45-minute guided walk at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary.
• elephant encounter with close interaction.
• entry to Birds of Eden aviary.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (16 to 65 years) · Child (9 to 15 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Eco Afrika Tours

Is this one for you?The tour runs eight hours with a 45-minute walk and standing time in two large aviaries, so it suits travelers with a full day free and comfort being on their feet for stretches. Children from age 9 onward are welcome, making it a family option when younger kids can manage the pace.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (9 to 15 years). Children under 9 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary like?

Monkeyland is a forested sanctuary where primates live in their natural environment. Your 45-minute guided walk takes you through the forest to watch and learn about the animals and how the sanctuary cares for them.

Can I actually touch the elephants?

Yes. The elephant encounter is described as up close and personal, and you can touch them, walk trunk in hand, or ride them. The sanctuaries focus on rescued animals and teach visitors about their care and conservation.

How big is Birds of Eden?

Birds of Eden holds the largest dome in the southern hemisphere and is filled with birds of every description that you can see up close throughout the aviary.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included, but you can eat at the Twitter open air restaurant inside the Bird Sanctuary and pay for it separately on the day.

What's the maximum group size?

A maximum of 12 people travel per booking in the air-conditioned vehicle with your English-speaking guide.