Birdlife at its best at Birds of Eden

If you're a budding ornithologist or bird lover, a trip to Birds of Eden in Plettenberg Bay will be akin to paradise for you. Even if you're not a "bird person", you'll be amazed at the beauty and sense of peace you find here. Home to hundreds of indigenous and exotic species of birds, Birds of Eden provides a haven for former pets and a place for previously mistreated birds to live as nature intended them to. 

A free-flight sanctuary

The first thing you'll notice about Birds of Eden is that there is not a cage in sight. The sanctuary is a massive dome that creates as natural an environment for the birds as possible. While you get the chance to walk through the dome on a series of easy-to-navigate wooden walkways - observing and marvelling at the birds as you go - it does not feel remotely like a zoo or a bird park. It is quite possible to imagine yourself being in the midst of a tropical jungle.

While birds may choose to perch on the railings of the walkways close to where you walk, touching them or interacting with them directly is not allowed, which gives former pets the freedom to become wild birds again. Incidentally, at two hectares in size, this dome is the largest of its kind in the world.

Birds of Eden is situated in a tropical forest and the walkway takes you almost to the base of the awe-inspiring trees and then rises to a plateau almost in line with the tops of the trees. The jungle-like landscape, complete with water features, flowers and shrubs, would be Instagram-worthy even without the birds.

A huge variety of birds to see

There are at least 3 500 birds that call Birds of Eden home and around 220 species are represented. From cranes and flamingos to forest birds, tropical birds and 60 different types of parrots, there's never a shortage of different types of birds to watch and admire. Because most new arrivals of Birds of Eden come from a history of being caged or mistreated, they go through a process of rehabilitation before being released into the sanctuary. For many, it is the first time they are coming into contact with others of their own kind.

Thanks to not being in cages, the birds at Birds of Eden are free to fly around and explore their environment as they would in the wild. You can often see birds of the same species forming flocks, displaying all the characteristics you would expect from a family.

Everything you need to know before visiting Birds of Eden

• There is one golden rule at Birds of Eden: you may not touch the birds. You are welcome to take as many photos and videos as you like, but please respect the birds' status as wild animals. Having been former pets, some birds may take an interest in you, but their freedom must never be compromised.
• Visitors to Birds of Eden usually wander through the sanctuary on their own, but for those who prefer, guided walks can be arranged.
• Birds of Eden is one of three affiliated animal sanctuaries in the Plettenberg Bay area. You can also visit Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, where you'll meet an array of rescued big cats, and Monkeyland, where you can learn more about primates in a natural setting.

Proximity to Birds of Eden and a plethora of other wildlife sanctuaries is just one of the amazing benefits that come with calling Plettenberg Bay your home. The Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty team has its finger on the pulse of Plett real estate and is waiting to help you find your piece of paradise. Contact us today for more information.