A Day at the Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre
Our month of animal-themed adventures concluded with a remarkable visit to the Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre in Paarl. From the moment we arrived, the calm surroundings and variety of animals made it clear we were in for a memorable experience.
Starting the Day at the Giraffe House
We kicked off our visit with a freshly brewed cup of coffee from the on-site kiosk. With caffeine in hand, we made our way to the reptile section. Towering baobab trees marked the start of our walk, followed by an exhibit of venomous snakes. Among them were a puff adder, two boomslangs, a Cape cobra, a black mamba, and a green mamba. I found the reptiles fascinating and took several photos, although Angelique wasn’t as enthusiastic about that part.
From Feathers to Fur
Next, we moved on to see a range of birds and small mammals. The duikers were shy yet elegant, and the birds added color and song to the atmosphere. The ostriches, however, stole the show. One even tried to peck at my phone, much to our amusement. With their wide eyes and expressive faces, they were surprisingly endearing.
Goats and llamas shared another enclosure. Their curious personalities and friendly behavior made them a highlight for us. We also saw a black crow, along with some owls and flamingos, which added a beautiful contrast to the otherwise earthy tones of the setting.
A Familiar Duo: Timon and Pumbaa
Continuing our walk, we encountered a meerkat and a warthog who, amusingly, were named Timon and Pumbaa. The meerkat stood upright, alert and observant, while the warthog slept nearby. This pair drew a crowd, and for good reason. Not far from them were crocodiles relaxing near the water and more meerkats scattered around the habitat.
Larger Wildlife in a Peaceful Setting
As we ventured further, we saw zebra, eland, and bison. The eland stood out immediately due to its size and strength. It was an impressive animal to see up close. Then we spotted one of South Africa’s most iconic animals: the springbok. Known for its speed and elegance, it was a proud moment to witness our national symbol in person.
The Main Attraction: The Giraffes
The highlight of our visit, without a doubt, was spending time with the giraffes. We stayed near them for over 30 minutes, watching them move gracefully around their enclosure. With their long necks, soft eyes, and quiet presence, they were captivating. Their size made us feel tiny by comparison, and their calm nature created a sense of awe.
Planning Your Visit
The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry fees are R55 for adults, R40 for seniors, and R35 for children between 2 and 15. Children under 2 enter free of charge.
If you’re planning a trip, consider attending one of the interactive animal sessions held at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. While there is no full-service restaurant on-site, the refreshment kiosk offers light snacks and drinks. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic meals, though alcohol is not permitted. For more information, visit their official website: Giraffe House.
Looking Back—and Ahead
Our visit to the Giraffe House wrapped up our month-long journey focused on animals. Each destination offered something new, and the experience was both educational and uplifting.
If you’d like to catch up on our earlier adventures, take a look at our previous post here: Eat and Sleep News.
May doesn’t have a set theme yet, so if you have ideas or topics you’d like us to cover, feel free to share them. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog, and remember, we also help you book accommodation, activities, wine farms, restaurants, and even wedding venues.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming post on the Lion’s Head scene later this week!
