In recent months, we’ve heard a lot of great things about the Benoni Monkey and Bird park from friends and family, who have visited and just people recommending it for a visit in the streets and on social media. After seeing the tiger feeding video online (which has more than 500k views on Facebook alone) we decided that it’s time to go see for ourselves what it’s all about. Nestled in the heart of Benoni or more specifically in Rynfield, this charming park boasts an impressive collection of over 200 species, ranging from playful raccoons and adorable fennec foxes to captivating ring-tailed lemurs and a colorful array of macaw species. With recent additions of Australian Wallabies, two white tigers, and a Bengal tiger, as well as various other fascinating creatures like alligators, caimans, llamas, and an assortment of rare duck species from across the globe, the park promises an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages. Which should’ve happened a long time ago already. The Park is now in its 6th year and is ever-expanding. When it comes to delightful outings in nature, the Benoni Monkey and Bird Park stands out as a haven of biodiversity and entertainment.
The Cost of Admission
An enchanting day at the Benoni Monkey and Bird Park doesn’t come with a hefty price tag, making it a fantastic option for an affordable family outing. The park’s management is committed to ensuring that visitors of all ages can experience the wonder of wildlife without breaking the bank. The entrance fee is wallet-friendly with pricing of less than R250 for 2 adults and 2 kids, specifically R70 per adult and R40 per child, and once inside, you’ll find a plethora of attractions to explore. Children, in particular, will be thrilled to discover three play areas, a jumping castle available on weekends, and there is also a bunny pen where kids get to interact and feed bunnies, with bags of food being available for R10 at the gate and the Tuck shop. The park’s commitment to wildlife conservation is evident through its regular charity events, where visitors can contribute to noble causes while having a blast. They offer Free entrance to Pensioners on Wednesdays.
How to Get There?
The Benoni Monkey and Bird Park’s is located on the corner of Barbet and Swallow Road in Benoni Agricultural Holdings, If you’re traveling by car, simply input the park’s address into your GPS, we were able to find it quite easily on Waze and Google Maps, and you’ll be led straight to its welcoming gates. The Entrance to the park is conveniently located at the back of the Loolilocks petshop, there were no ques and card or cash were both accepted at the entrance. Alternatively, I was lead to believe that public transportation is a viable option, with Taxis specifically going to the area from Benoni Central and Daveyton.
What Animals to See?
The true highlight of the Benoni Monkey and Bird Park lies in its diverse and captivating animal inhabitants. As you explore the park’s well-designed enclosures, you’ll encounter fascinating creatures from all corners of the world. Admire the grace and beauty of the white tigers and the raw power of the Bengal tiger, both awe-inspiring symbols of the wild with scheduled feeding times between 15h00 – 15h30 on weekends which is a site to behold. The Australian Wallabies are equally enchanting, showcasing their playful antics and endearing charm.
Animal enthusiasts will be thrilled to encounter the park’s diverse aviary, home to nearly all the macaw species. Watch in awe as these colorful and intelligent birds fill the air with their vibrant plumage and incredibly loud yet equally joyful calls. For those with a penchant for reptiles, the alligators and caimans offer an up-close glimpse into the intriguing world of these ancient creatures, and true to its name there are multiple types of monkeys and Lemur, ranging from more commonly known species like capuchin and marmoset (albeit one of the cutest) to incredibly rare such as Lar’s gibbons also known as white-handed gibbons with a very unique call predominantly heard in the mornings and late afternoons.
The Benoni Monkey and Bird Park goes beyond its name, as it also houses adorable farm animals like goats and ponies, adding a touch of countryside charm to the experience. Kids, especially, will revel in the opportunity to interact with these friendly creatures and create cherished memories, Kids can also enter a bunny pen for interactive play with the bunnies and guinea pigs. Additionally, there are also 4 Jungle gyms available for kids to play and a jumping castle on weekends.
Is there a Restaurant and Can you bring your own food?
Exploring the park’s fascinating wildlife can work up quite an appetite, but worry not – the Benoni Monkey and Bird Park has you covered. The on-site restaurant offers a variety of reasonably priced dishes that cater to different tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a heartier meal, you’ll find satisfying options on the menu. they have a selection of burgers, Boerewors Rolls, Toasted Sandwiches, and Baskets to cater to most needs. While the portion sizes are decent, the service can be a bit slow during peak hours, sit down and relax, your order will be called. It is however wise to plan accordingly and make the most of your time at the park. One thing we really liked about the setup is the fact that all the kid’s play areas are set up around the restaurant. Allowing the adults to take a well-deserved break and relax while the kids play. The restaurant has 2 seating areas, one under shade netting and the other under a few large oak trees, the restaurant operates on a tuck-shop style principle which means it is self-service but they do have cleaners to clear tables, as well as lots of chickens adding to the country feel who will gladly keep the area clear of any fallen chips.
As mentioned, I expected the food to be somewhat expensive as you really have no other choice but to buy there but was pleasantly surprised to find that they don’t have a single meal for over R100, I believe you are also allowed to bring in a picnic basket as there was a huge lawn available in the tigers area and saw quite a few people carrying cooler boxes, but this was not confirmed. Additionally, they do also a party venues available for kids’ parties and a braai area, both of which need to be booked in advance, if you’re interested you can check out their details here.
Enjoyable Activities for All
Aside from the captivating animals, the park offers a plethora of entertainment options for visitors. The free-roaming reindeer is a unique feature that adds an element of wonder to your visit. Children, in particular, will delight in the opportunity to observe and even feed these majestic creatures. The overall experience was great, we intended to only stay for 2 hours, but we ended up leaving after 5. There is plenty to do and you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg. In all honestly the entire day worked out to be less than R600, this included entrance, drinks and all activities which was a lot cheaper than expected. For those who enjoy a relaxing outdoor meal with family and friends, the park provides an option to book a braai area. Take advantage of this facility to enjoy a leisurely barbecue while immersed in the beautiful natural surroundings, if you’re planning a special celebration for your little one, the Benoni Monkey and Bird Park offers venues for kids’ parties. While there is an additional fee for booking these venues, the experience is sure to be memorable and worth every penny.
Was it worth it?
In conclusion, a day spent at the Benoni Monkey and Bird Park promises an enchanting adventure for nature enthusiasts, animal lovers, and families alike. With its remarkable assortment of over 200 species, entertaining play areas for children, delicious and reasonably priced food, and opportunities for special celebrations, the park offers something for everyone.
The captivating encounters with wildlife, from the mischievous monkeys to the majestic tigers, leave a lasting impression and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of our natural world. So, plan your visit to the Benoni Monkey and Bird Park and embark on a memorable journey into the realm of wildlife wonderment. Experience the magic firsthand and create cherished memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.
One Factor we really liked is that they offer free entrance to Pensioners on Wednesdays, this might seem small to some, but my parents are retired and there’s something to be said about the owner willing to do something like this. Really, Really big ups to them!