City: Western Cape
Top Things to do in Western Cape
Top 8 Zoos & Aquariums in Western Cape, South Africa
South Africa’s most popular tourist destination offers the urban thrills of Cape Town, its adjacent wine country and an aura of the rich political history of South Africa. The Overberg's perfect whale-watching perches provide excitement of a different nature. The Garden Route's lakes and forests and the Klein Karoo's ostrich-farming towns and vineyards present another take on the Cape. For extra kicks, try bungee jumping or cage-diving among Great Whites.
Restaurants in Western Cape
1. The Alpaca Loom Coffee Shop & Weaving Studio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Enjoy our decadent cakes and a cup of freshly brewed coffee at the coffee shop, while taking in the stunning views of the alpaca herd and Table Mountain in the background. Watch our weavers at work, interact with the alpacas and all the other animals in the petting zoo and have your kids use up all that pent-up energy on the jungle gym or go on an Alpaca Barn Tour. Since 2004, the alpaca herd has grown substantially to over 350 animals. The wool is sent for spinning and is then either hand-woven or woven on a mechanical loom in small runs on the actual farm. At The Alpaca Loom we produce a variety of woven scarves, shawls, blankets and rugs using the beautiful range of natural colours that our alpacas produce. Open daily: 10:00 to 18:00 Alpaca Barn Tours: Meet our alpaca herd up close and find out more about this special animal and its luxurious fiber. Every hour on the hour Alpaca Walks: Explore the farm accompanied by an alpaca on a halter. Daily at 10:00 & 16:00
2. Two Oceans Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5,242 reviews
The Two Oceans Aquarium is a window into the spectacular oceans surrounding the southern African coast. Through displays ranging from the small and almost fantastical Knysna seahorses, to sea turtles and shoals of shimmering fish, the aquarium holds wondrous discoveries around every corner. Come face-to-face with giant spider crabs and have an adventurous tactile experience at the Touch Pool. Be sure to visit the I&J Ocean Exhibit, with its 9m long window, and 10m long full tunnel. Qualified divers can also make use of the opportunity to dive in this exhibit with shoals of fish and turtles. The Jelly gallery is sure to mesmerize and enthrall.
Reviewed By dewaldr - Cape Town Central, South Africa
It doesn't matter what age you are, you will have a fun time while visiting the aquarium. From the info sheets and interactive station to the live feedings and the exhibits, we enjoyed every moment. The entire aquarium is very well laid out with areas spacious enough so you don't feel cramped. We were lucky enough to view both the penguin feeding and the manta ray feeding which was very special and was the cherry on top of the entire experience. Your standard day visitor ticket allows you access for the entire day which is perfect if you want to plan your visit around the feeding times. It is very informative and beautiful to watch. There is also a curio shop which sells various items with either an aquarium, Cape Town or South African theme, if you want to get a gift for loved ones back home. I was very impressed and can highly recommend that you visit if you haven't done so, or haven't been in a while.
3. Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By Bcrs0257
We went to Giraffe House (now Giraffic Park) for our son's birthday and what an experience! We booked a party venue and Alana (the owner) specially organized a private show for us with some of the reptiles. The kids were in awe! We were greeted with a dedicated staff member and Alana also came to greet us. The food was fantastic and all the animals were exquisite to watch. Thank you Alana for giving a memorable experience.
4. The Animal Sanctuary at Butterfly World
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 223 reviews
The Animal Sanctuary at Butterfly World hosts exotic, free flying butterflies. We are a forever home for over 750 exotic animals, such as antelope, iguanas, monkeys, snakes, spiders and much more. Many of our animals roam freely in the gardens. We also offer a skeleton park, restaurant and edu-centre.
Reviewed By lubger - New York City, United States
You may consider this a mini-zoo - however, it is exactly what it's called: a sanctuary. All animals on display have been donated/surrendered by outside parties and are being taken care of by the team that is trying to instill a sense of responsibility into humans, educating the public on dangers of "domesticating" wild animals (dangers to the animals as well as the people). Every step of the way they remind you not to take wild animals home, not to play with them or try to domesticate them - invariably, that story ends either with such animals being discarded by the owners into surroundings the animal is no longer adjusted for, be it wild nature or the streets. Most of animals hosted by the Sanctuary are birds, but you also see lemurs, monkeys, meerkats and other mammals plus reptiles and amphibians. Because they are accustomed to people, all animals are very inquisitive and definitely not shy! This makes for a great entertainment, especially if you are coming with kids. The animals that are not dangerous are presented in open enclosures. Some of them are actively seeking attention. It's quite clear that animals are being tended and cared for. Lots of positive emotions! Come and experience for yourself.
5. Reptile Garden
6. The Shark Lab
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 112 reviews
The Shark Lab is an intimate aquarium that offers an opportunity to swim with two female smooth hound sharks. The aquarium houses a range of exotic tropical coral fish from around the globe and select shark species.
Reviewed By Murry1973
Smile, we have had the most amazing experience diving with 2, two meter Smooth Hound Sharks,was a tick off my bucket list, Love their names, Bonny and Bean, the staff was very hands on and pleasant, the octopus Paddy gave us a beautiful display playing in the open undersea tank, the clown fish are beautiful and we can see a lot of love goes into looking after each fish and sea life in this mini aquarium. When we visit again i am definitely making this a yearly stop. Kind regards Riemer Family
7. Birds Paradise
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Miggs2020
We visited this place with our 2 year old son This place is so beautiful and lots to do and see We saw so many different types of birds, monkeys, swans, ducks, crocodile, snake, goats, zebra (even got to touch it), chickens, lemurs, sheep, springboks, flamingos, guinea pig and pigs This place has to separate park areas Restaurant has lovely food which can also be ordered at the park areas We had so much fun
8. Garden Route Bird of Prey Rehab Centre
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
At the Garden Route Bird of Prey Rehab Centre we rehab injured, sick and orphaned birds of prey, with our main goal being to release them again. We invite you to come join us on the exhibition side of our centre where we will take you on a guided tour, and teach you about all the different birds of prey.
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