Monkeyland & Birds of Eden

From Jukani we headed to Monkeyland and Birds of Eden. If you’re looking for a fun few hours – these two tours are not to miss!

Monkeyland is the world’s first free-roaming primate sanctuary, and if you love monkeys you’re bound to squeal a bit while wandering the forest. Monkeyland aims to rehabilitate and free previously caged monkeys, by introducing a gorgeous, natural forest as their new home. Just as Jukani was established for the animals, Monkeyland ensures that the various monkey species are never used as a commodity, but that they’re safe and comfortable. Monkeys are one of those unpredictably amusing animals – when you observe them during your tour, you’re bound to see something interesting.

Birds of Eden took the longest of the three sanctuaries because you could move along at your own pace; a guide is not required. There are innumerable bird species, and it’s great for people of all ages. Birds of Eden is an incredibly clean tent full of various free-roaming birds. It’s a beautiful enclosure that you could spend hours walking through, as it’s easily navigable. Expect to see birds that you didn’t know even know existed – we sure did!

Thanks for the tours Vijver!

The South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA) consisting of Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and The Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary are the current winners of the Lilizela Service Excellence Awards – Best Visitor Experience ‘Wildlife Encounters’; Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award – Best Major Attraction; winner of the ‘Best Animal Welfare Initiative’ and overall winner of the World Responsible Tourism Awards.

 

Hungry Hungry Hippos (and Crocs too!) – Heritage Tours

Did you know that the closest living relative to a hippo is a whale? Or, that hippos actually walk the streets of St. Lucia on cooler afternoons? Well, we didn’t before taking a hippo and croc cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary, offered by Heritage Tours. Heritage Tours charters one of the smallest boats available on the Estuary, the Shoreline, which instantly made for a more personable experience. Dennis, our skipper, not only pointed out hippo families, but crocs and numerous bird species as well. While they do not guarantee crocs, they sure work hard to find them for you. In fact, we spotted three (with one of them being the second largest croc species in the world)!

Aside from the crocs, we so enjoyed sitting and watching the groups of hippos relax while virtually submerged underwater. It’s quite interesting – they look so calm and peaceful while laying in the water, yet they’re quite dangerous. For what it’s worth, the hippo is actually responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any other large mammal. We learned that hippos feed underwater, breathe underwater, and even give birth underwater.

The tour is suitable for all ages and the perfect amount of time. Dennis provided endless facts and stories throughout our route, all with much humor and enthusiasm. It’s definitely worth spending your morning in St. Lucia with Dennis along the Estuary! After our second day with Heritage Tours, it was clear that they are passionate about what they do and try to give their clients the best experience possible. Highly recommended.