Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary
Discover a world of snakes and reptiles at Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary, offering educational tours and thrilling interactive encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Engaging tours and lively atmosphere
Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary
Best Time
Engaging tours and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a world of snakes and reptiles at Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary, offering educational tours and thrilling interactive encounters.
"An incredible, educational, and thrilling experience with passionate guides and the chance to touch snakes!"
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience educational and entertaining!
🤝 Get Hands-On
Don't miss the chance to safely touch and hold snakes – a thrilling highlight for many visitors!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Guided Educational Tours
Engage with passionate guides who share deep knowledge about snakes and reptiles, making learning fun and interactive for all ages.
Interactive Snake Handling
Safely touch and hold various snakes under expert supervision for a thrilling and memorable wildlife encounter.
Diverse Reptile Collection
Discover a wide array of local and exotic snakes, lizards, and other reptiles in clean, well-maintained enclosures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Educational Adventure
Embrace the Reptile Encounter
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience educational and entertaining!
🤝 Get Hands-On
Don't miss the chance to safely touch and hold snakes – a thrilling highlight for many visitors!
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Fun
An educational and interactive experience perfect for all ages, with child-friendly tours.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera to document the fascinating reptiles and your unique encounters.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience educational and entertaining!
🤝 Get Hands-On
Don't miss the chance to safely touch and hold snakes – a thrilling highlight for many visitors!
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Fun
An educational and interactive experience perfect for all ages, with child-friendly tours.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera to document the fascinating reptiles and your unique encounters.
💚 Support the Sanctuary
Consider donating or sharing their story to help with funding and conservation efforts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary for its educational and interactive experiences, highlighting the knowledgeable and passionate guides. The opportunity to safely touch snakes is a major draw, and the well-maintained enclosures and clear focus on conservation are highly appreciated. While generally a positive experience, some visitors might wish for even more exotic species, though the local collection is extensive.
"We had an incredible time at Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the experience both educational and entertaining. Despite the drizzle, we never felt rushed, which allowed us to fully enjoy and appreciate the tour.
The highlight was getting to touch the snakes—a thrilling and unique experience! The sanctuary is well-maintained, and it's clear that the staff genuinely care about the reptiles.
Definitely worth the visit and great value for the price. Highly recommend for anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures."
Rivana Kooblal
"The guide was very friendly and informative, and you even get the chance to safely touch the snakes if you want. It’s a fun, exciting, and educational experience for adults too. The snakes seemed well cared for in clean, comfortable terrariums. I’d happily visit again!"
Corinna Pfei
"Such a wide variety of local and exotic snakes. Very nice and educational for all ages. Our guide (Tiago) was absolutely amazing and has such a love and passion for what he does. Really worth a visit."
Q Abrahams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary is conveniently located along the N2 highway, just off the main road at The Crags, near Plettenberg Bay in South Africa. It's easily accessible by car, making it a straightforward stop for those exploring the Garden Route.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the sanctuary, making your arrival smooth and convenient.
Absolutely! Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary is a popular stop for many Garden Route tours, offering a unique wildlife experience amidst the stunning scenery. 
The sanctuary is situated near Plettenberg Bay, a popular coastal town. Knysna is another nearby town, approximately an hour's drive away.
Yes, the sanctuary is easily accessible by road, with clear signage from the N2 highway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific hours can vary, the sanctuary is generally open daily. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
The sanctuary offers great value for money. While prices can change, visitors consistently praise the experience as being worth the admission fee.
Booking in advance is not always necessary, but it's recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or if you wish to arrange a private tour. This ensures you can experience the sanctuary at your preferred time.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized, but family-friendly tours are available, making it an accessible option for groups.
Specific refund policies are best confirmed directly with the sanctuary. It's advisable to review their terms and conditions or contact them prior to purchase.
🎫 🐍 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a diverse collection of both local South African and exotic snakes, including various species of pythons, cobras, and more, housed in well-maintained enclosures. +1
Yes, besides a wide variety of snakes, the sanctuary also houses other reptiles such as lizards, including monitor lizards and tortoises.
Absolutely! A highlight for many visitors is the opportunity to safely touch and even hold certain snakes under the careful supervision of knowledgeable guides.
Yes, the tours are highly educational and interactive, making them very suitable and engaging for children of all ages.
A typical visit, including a guided tour, can last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, allowing ample time to explore and learn.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and visitors are encouraged to capture the fascinating reptiles and their encounters.
While generally permitted, it's always wise to be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid using flash photography directly at the animals, as it can startle them.
The well-maintained enclosures offer great opportunities for photos. The interactive sessions also provide unique chances to capture memorable shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in wildlife sanctuaries to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to inquire directly with the sanctuary about their specific policies.
Yes, the interactive sessions where you can safely hold snakes offer fantastic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Plan for about 1-2 hours for your visit, which is a good duration for younger attention spans. The accessible location makes it an easy addition to any Garden Route itinerary. Remember to encourage your children to ask questions and engage with the guides, making the experience even more enriching for them.
🐍 Reptile Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to participate in the interactive sessions where you can get up close and personal with various snakes. This is an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your understanding and appreciation for these fascinating creatures. Many long-time visitors return year after year, always learning something new.
🚗 Day-Trippers on the Garden Route
Allocate about 1-2 hours for your visit. The guided tours are highly recommended to make the most of your time, providing fascinating insights and interactive opportunities. It's a perfect way to add an educational and thrilling element to your day trip, offering a different perspective on South Africa's incredible biodiversity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Importance of Guided Tours
These tours are designed to be interactive, allowing visitors to ask questions and participate actively. The guides' enthusiasm is infectious, and their ability to handle the snakes safely and confidently adds an extra layer of excitement. Many reviews highlight specific guides by name, underscoring the personal touch and dedication they bring to their roles. For anyone looking to truly understand and connect with the world of snakes, a guided tour is an absolute must-do at Lawnwood.
Conservation and Education Focus
+1The sanctuary's commitment to the well-being of its residents is evident in the clean and well-maintained enclosures. Visitors frequently comment on the excellent condition of the facilities and the apparent care given to the reptiles. This dedication to conservation is a key reason why many visitors feel a strong connection to the sanctuary and are motivated to support its ongoing efforts, especially during times of financial need.
Unique Interactive Experiences
This interactive element is particularly popular with families and those seeking a truly unique adventure. It transforms a passive viewing experience into an active engagement with wildlife. The guides ensure that these encounters are not only exciting but also educational, explaining the specific characteristics of the snakes being handled. It's a chance to create lasting memories and gain a newfound respect for the animal kingdom.
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