
African Bird of Prey Sanctuary
A sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and public awareness of Africa's indigenous raptors, offering thrilling shows and up-close encounters.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing

African Bird of Prey Sanctuary
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and public awareness of Africa's indigenous raptors, offering thrilling shows and up-close encounters.
"What an incredible experience at the African Raptor Centre! Their new location is absolutely stunning."

🎯 Bring Cash for Payments
The sanctuary primarily accepts cash or EFT. Come prepared as cards may not be accepted .
🧢 Hat & Water for Summer
Essential for comfort during the bird show and exploring the grounds, especially in warmer months .

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 595 reviews
Type
Park
Website
africanraptor.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spectacular Bird Show
Main Arena
Witness magnificent raptors in flight, learn fascinating facts, and be thrilled by their aerial displays.

Vulture Feeding Experience
Vulture Enclosure
An unforgettable encounter with these giants of the sky, highlighting their vital ecological role.

Up-Close Raptor Encounters
Various Enclosures
See a diverse range of Africa's indigenous raptors, from the smallest to the largest, in natural bush settings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Essential Info: Cash & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Cash for Payments
The sanctuary primarily accepts cash or EFT. Come prepared as cards may not be accepted.
🧢 Hat & Water for Summer
Essential for comfort during the bird show and exploring the grounds, especially in warmer months.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be exploring a natural bush setting, so sturdy footwear is a must for a pleasant visit.
⏰ Check Showtimes
Arrive a bit early to check the schedule for the bird show and feeding times to maximize your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Cash for Payments
The sanctuary primarily accepts cash or EFT. Come prepared as cards may not be accepted.
🧢 Hat & Water for Summer
Essential for comfort during the bird show and exploring the grounds, especially in warmer months.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be exploring a natural bush setting, so sturdy footwear is a must for a pleasant visit.
⏰ Check Showtimes
Arrive a bit early to check the schedule for the bird show and feeding times to maximize your visit.
🧥 Warm Layer for Shows
Even on warm days, a chilly wind can pick up during the bird shows, so a light jacket is advised.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary's stunning new location and the passionate team. The bird show and vulture feeding are highlights, offering thrilling and educational experiences. While the facilities are clean and well-maintained, some note the need for cash payments and suggest bringing layers for shows.
"What an incredible experience at the African Raptor Centre! Their new location is absolutely stunning, and it’s clear to see just how much dedication and passion the team has poured into creating such a special place.
From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed not just by the staff’s warmth but also by the impressive presence of some of Africa’s most iconic birds of prey. The bird show is an absolute must-see — it’s both thrilling and educational, giving you the chance to witness these magnificent raptors in flight while learning fascinating facts about their behaviour and conservation.
Another highlight is the vulture feeding, an unforgettable experience that brings you face-to-face with these often misunderstood giants of the sky. Watching them feed while hearing about their vital role in the ecosystem really leaves you with a newfound appreciation."
Stu Moffat
"Had a great experience at the Raptor Center! They are hard at work building more enclosures for their birds and it’s looking like a great new spot for them! Was not able to see the flight show or feeding but would have loved that. We got a very informative tour and was very nice to see these birds up close! I believe the majority are rescued and they are working on breeding to help with population numbers as well! Awesome place!"
Shelby Dushanek
"So when it comes to sanctuary’s this place is just stunning! Their cages are so beautiful and you can see they go through effort to give the birds the best. The birds and the faculty are excellent. TAKE A HAT and a bottle of water if you’re going in summer and they don’t take cards so you can only pay with cash or eft."
Eloni O'Dell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sanctuary is located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. It's accessible by car, and many visitors use GPS navigation. It's often mentioned in conjunction with Pietermaritzburg.
Yes, ample parking is typically available for visitors. It's recommended to arrive a little early to secure a good spot, especially on busier days.
Public transport options might be limited. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange private transport for easier access.
The specific route will depend on your starting point, but it's generally well-signposted. Using a reliable GPS app is advised.
The sanctuary is located in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal region, offering opportunities to explore other natural attractions and the city of Pietermaritzburg.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, and it's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing. Visitors have mentioned it's a great value for the experience.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for group visits or during peak seasons, is a good idea to ensure entry and availability.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's crucial to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on operating times.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or group bookings. Inquire directly with the sanctuary for details.
No, the sanctuary primarily operates on cash or EFT payments. It's essential to bring cash with you as card facilities may not be available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a wide variety of Africa's indigenous raptors, including eagles, owls, and vultures, in natural bush settings. The sanctuary focuses on conservation and public awareness.
Yes, a spectacular bird show is a major highlight, showcasing the birds in flight. Vulture feeding is also a popular and educational experience.
Absolutely! It's a wonderful educational outing for children, with a bird show and often a jungle gym area. They learn a lot about wildlife.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the bird show, explore the enclosures, and perhaps have a bite to eat. You might want to allocate more time if you're particularly interested in photography or birdwatching.
Yes, informative tours are often available, providing deeper insights into the birds and the sanctuary's conservation efforts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a coffee shop on-site that offers basic but tasty food at great value for money. It's a convenient option for a meal or snack during your visit.
The offerings are typically simple and satisfying, suitable for a casual meal. Expect items like sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check with the sanctuary if outside food is permitted. However, the on-site coffee shop is a convenient and affordable option.
It's best to inquire directly with the coffee shop staff about specific dietary options available on the day of your visit.
The coffee shop's operating hours usually align with the sanctuary's opening hours. It's a good idea to confirm this upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The bird show offers dynamic opportunities for action shots. The enclosures also provide chances for close-ups, but be mindful of the birds' well-being and avoid flash photography.
Yes, a telephoto lens can be very useful for capturing details of the birds in their enclosures or during the flight show, allowing you to get great shots without disturbing them.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash photography directly at the birds, as it can startle them.
Lighting conditions will vary depending on the time of day and weather. Mornings often provide softer light, while midday can be harsher. The natural bush setting offers dappled light.
Absolutely! The sanctuary houses a variety of species, including Cape vultures and various owls, offering excellent opportunities to photograph them in their habitats.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit