Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary is the third sanctuary in the Plettenberg Bay group alongside Monkeyland and Birds of Eden, and it sits about seven kilometres from Birds of Eden. It takes in rescued predators and other animals, and the visit is a walking tour of around an hour and twenty minutes with a ranger. You view the animals from raised platforms over the enclosures, which keeps people safely above the animals and gives clear views of the animals below. The sanctuary houses big cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and pumas, as well as hoofed animals such as zebras and springbok. The ranger tells the story of the individual animals, and explains why a sanctuary of this kind exists. It is a good fit for a family day because the walk is short, the animals are easy to see, and the commentary keeps children engaged. As with any wildlife sanctuary, the quality of the visit depends on the animals' mood on the day, so you may see cats lazing in the shade as well as pacing along the fence.
What to expect
The tour is guided, so you join a group at the entrance and walk the platforms together. The route is fairly short, takes in the order of an hour and twenty minutes, and is largely on elevated walkways, so it is easier on small legs than a long forest hike. Rangers answer questions, and the viewing platforms make photography straightforward, though the mesh and railings can get in the way of the lens, so bring a camera that can shoot through gaps or a phone with a good zoom.
Choosing a sanctuary
The group sells single tickets for one sanctuary, a combo for any two and a hopper for all three, so decide which you value most before you buy. If you only have time for one, many visitors pick Monkeyland or Birds of Eden for the forest setting and add Jukani when they want to see big cats.
Jukani is the least walking of the three, which makes it a useful choice for a hot afternoon or a family with small children. The sanctuaries are normally open from early morning to late afternoon unless other times are arranged in advance, but confirm before you drive.
Practical points
Wear closed shoes and sun protection, carry water, and arrive a little before the tour starts. Children need to be able to stay behind the railings and follow the ranger's instructions. Treat the visit as a chance to learn about the animals and the work of keeping them rather than a close encounter, since the aim is to give the animals space. Combine it with the nearby aviary and primate sanctuary for a half day, and finish with lunch back in Plettenberg Bay or at a farm stall on the N2.
Tips for visiting
Arrive a little early so that you can use the facilities and join the right group, and listen carefully to the briefing, which explains where you may stand and what to avoid. The animals are most active when the temperature is mild, so morning and late afternoon tours often give the best views.
Children enjoy spotting the cats from the platforms, but they should not climb on the railings or dangle items over the edge. If you plan to see the other sanctuaries nearby, ask about the combined tickets at the start, since they may not be available once you have paid for a single entry.
What to expect
The experience
A ranger-led walking tour of about an hour and twenty minutes on raised platforms above enclosures holding big cats and other animals.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon, when the animals are more likely to be on the move and the heat is gentler.
How long
About an hour and a half including the briefing.
Tips
Choose between a single ticket, a combo for two sanctuaries or a hopper for all three before you pay, and keep your hands and cameras behind the railings.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and wildlife fans who want to see big cats without a long walk.
- Families
- Short, guided and largely on raised platforms, so it suits most children who can follow safety instructions.
- Couples
- A relaxed add-on to a day at the other sanctuaries, best followed by a seaside lunch.
- Pair with
- Monkeyland and Birds of Eden, or a seal trip or beach afternoon in Plettenberg Bay.
- Time needed
- Two hours, or half a day with another sanctuary.
Good questions
How long is the Jukani tour?+
The ranger-led walking tour takes roughly an hour and twenty minutes, with the animals viewed from platforms over the enclosures.
Which animals will I see?+
The sanctuary houses lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and pumas, along with zebras and springbok. Which animals are active on the day varies.
Can I buy one ticket for all three sanctuaries?+
Yes, single tickets cover one sanctuary, a combo covers any two and a hopper covers all three. Check the group's rates page for the current options.
Is it open every day?+
The sanctuaries are normally open from early morning until late afternoon unless other times are arranged in advance. Confirm before you travel.
How far is it from Birds of Eden?+
About seven kilometres, so the sanctuaries are easy to combine in one half-day outing near Plettenberg Bay.
