GETTING away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, while taking in the sights and sounds of African Dawn, animal species mainly found in the wild can be viewed from close-up – all of this while getting a first-hand experience.
It is a safe sanctuary for cheetahs, servals, caracal, monkeys, squirrels, mongooses, meerkats and a crocodile, as well as numerous buck species including grysbok, grey duiker and blue duiker,
Bird lovers can sit around and hear the calls of birds such as the Knysna loerie, the laughing dove and the vibrant bishop.
Visitors can marvel at the beauty of the majestic black eagle and handsome Cape vultures, as well as the endangered blue and crowned cranes.
And do not forget to say hello to their numerous parrot species, including the African Grey, Macaws and Cockatoos.
Being home to over 250 species of birds indigenous to South Africa and further afield, African Dawn boasts the largest aviary in the Eastern Cape.
It also serves as a sanctuary which takes in unwanted pets such as parrots and monkeys.
Apart from the animals, the entire family can be kept entertained for an entire day with braai and picnic facilities. There is even a restaurant.
Situated near Thornhill just off the N2 between Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth, African Dawn is open seven days a week from 09:00 to 17:00, including public holidays.
The entrance fee is R65 for adults, R30 for children between 6 and 16 years, and R15 for children between 3 and 5 years. Children under three enter free.
Contact African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary in Thornhill at 042 286 0710.
