Eco-Lite Mini-Trip: Cango Wildlife Ranch, Oudtshoorn

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Tara

Are you a busy executive traveling through and need a break from work? Are you traveling with kids too small to take on expeditions in the bush but want to let them see bird up close? Do you want a closer look at the birds you saw/will see in the wild? Then Eco-Lite Mini-Trips are for you!

OVERVIEW

Cango Wildlife Ranch is much more than just an aviary and offers some exciting natural encounters with South African animals. You can pat a cheetah or tiger cub and hold a snake if you want. Bird lovers will enjoy the lorikeet enclosure where you can feed the birds. They are friendly and curious and always hungry!

HOW DO YOU GET THERE?

Cango Wildlife Ranch is a few km out of Oudtshoorn. A Google map is available.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

Standard Ticket

Adult: R140.00

Child: R90.00 (5 – 13 years)
Premium Ticket (includes entrance and 1 encounter of choice)

Adult: R270.00

Child: R180.00 (5 – 13 years)

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND THERE AND WHAT SHOULD YOU SEE?

We were there for about 2 hours and saw the main attractions and did an Animal Encounter with the cheetahs as you will see in the photos below. You could easil spend more time here if you want to cover all the animals and do more encounters.

VALUE TO CONSERVATION

Very extensive involvement in several conservation programs. Details are on their website.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY ON POINTS

Oudtshoorn is a fairly small town and has no major international chain hotels. Most people stay in local guesthouses and backpacker places. You can earn airline miles if you go through PointsHound.

PHOTOS

Through the jaws!

Meerkat Manor

Walkway leading to crocodiles, fish tanks and other smaller exhibits.

Big cats have their own large enclosures.

Tiger cubs

Stunning eyes!

Lorikeet Aviary – you can feed them and they will come to you.

Snack bar

Animal Encounter with Cheetahs. This costs extra but is worth it! The money raised goes to their conservation fund.

Eco-Lite Mini-Trip: World Of Birds, Hout Bay, South Africa

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Tara

Eco-lite Mini-trips are for everyone! Families with small kids, busy business travelers who need a break or eco-tourists who want to see the birds up close to be able to recognize them in the bush!

OVERVIEW

World of Birds is the largest bird park in Africa and one of the few large bird parks in the World. Over 3 000 birds (and small animals) of 400 different species are uniquely presented in more than 100 spacious landscaped walk through aviaries, allowing you the most intimate closeness with nature. A tropical garden setting in the Hout Bay Valley
is the environment in which the aviaries are spaced over 4 ha of land, framed by the back of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, Constantiaberg, Chapman’s Peak and Little Lion’s Head. A paradise for nature lovers and photographers, the World of Birds is one of Cape Town’s premier tourist attractions which no visitor should miss.

HOW DO YOU GET THERE?

The Hout Bay Fishing Village and Fishing Harbour just 10 km outside Cape Town can be reached either along the scenic routes of the Coastal Drive via Camps Bay and Llandudno or via Kirstenbosch and Constantia, or on the way to and from Cape Point Nature Reserve via the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

Entrance fees are:

Adults R95
Children R45
Pensioners and Students (with card) R55

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND THERE AND WHAT SHOULD YOU SEE?

We spent a couple hours there leisurely wandering through the aviaries. It looks like it has grown since we were there in 2009 so maybe allow 3 hours.

VALUE TO CONSERVATION

World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary is an independent institution.

Preservation, breeding, education and research projects undertaken by World of Birds can be supported through
The Wild Bird Trust (Reg. No. T834/91)

(Wild Birds & Small Mammals Preservation, Education & Scientific Research Trust)

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY ON POINTS

Numerous options are in Cape Town.

PHOTOS

Here is a day we spent exploring this wonderful bird park where we got a close glimpse of many African species we normally wouldn’t get to see up close. Originally published on Feathered and Free which is now being merged to MTTW.

Eco-lite Mini-trip: Bird Land/Hot Park, Goiania, Brazil

Posted on April 4, 2016 by Tara

OVERVIEW

Hot Park is mostly a family theme park sort of like Busch Gardens in Florida but they do have one fun attraction that appeals to bird lovers – Bird Land. Bird Land is a large walk-in aviary that you pay extra to enter. There are lots of different Brazilian parrots flying freely and they will land on you. You aren’t allowed to take your own camera inside, you have to pay for their photographer to take a photo of you with the birds. I couldn’t resist a shot with a friendly Golden Conure.

HOW DO YOU GET THERE?

Goiania is a few hours drive from Brasilia or you can fly in on Gol or Tam. Once in Goiania, you need to rent a car to get to the Hot Park.

Goiania

HOW MUCH IS IT?

Online – – – R$ 110,00
Ticket Office – – – – – – R$ 140,00

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND THERE AND WHAT SHOULD YOU SEE?

Allow around 1 hour for the aviary so you can get a good look at some very nice parrots up close. You will probably also want to relax in the hot pools and walk around the rest of the park having come this far.

VALUE TO CONSERVATION

No affiliations that I can see. It’s a nice place to take kids as there is lots for them to do and getting close to the parrots can foster an interest in seeing them in the wild.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY ON POINTS

No points hotels. Hot Park has a resort attached to it. We ended up staying at a hotel of dubious reputation as it was almost midnight and I was so tired from driving and we didn’t have anywhere booked. We just stopped at the first place we saw that had a safe car park. Looking back, the “safety” is probably intended more to conceal the cars from passers-by than to protect the cars from thieves!

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We stopped here for breakfast, it’s near the Hot Park. 0Z-4

PHOTOS

The entrance to the park. While waiting in line, we saw some Peach-fronted Parakeets flying overhead and in the trees near the ticket office.

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There are maps and information boards all over the park – you won’t get lost!

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I’m not sure what this bus is for. 3HP-08

Hot pools 3HP-03 3HP-04 3HP-09

Bird Land Walk-in Aviary 3HP-06 4BL-05 4BL-06 4BL-07 5DSC_7553 5DSC_7559

It was a very pleasant day and I really enjoyed seeing the birds up close as I usually see them darting rapidly overhead!

Eco-Lite: Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

Posted on August 15, 2015 by Tara

OVERVIEW

Located in the serene and scenic famous Lake Gardens, the KL Bird park is also well known as “World’s Largest Free-flight Walk-in Aviary”, offers a 20.9 acres of verdant valley terrain to be explored.

HOW DO YOU GET THERE?

The park is located about a 20 Ringgit taxi ride from the central Kuala Lumpur area. Beware of taxis trying to overcharge on departure, walk down the road and hail a taxi passing by as the private ones operated just outside are very expensive. Use miles and points to get to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

Adults 50 MYR, Children 41 MYR.

Credit cards accepted.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND THERE AND WHAT SHOULD YOU SEE?

It’s a fairly large park and has several shows so try to give it at least half a day.

VALUE TO CONSERVATION

There aren’t any particular projects mentioned on their website. The park does give an opportunity to see some rare Malaysian species, especially hornbills up close which can later help you identify them in the wild. It’s a great place to bring kids and exhibits are well-signed.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY ON POINTS

Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, Wyndham and Marriott all have hotels in Kuala Lumpur, however unless you really need a posh hotel, I recommend paying for a hotel as prices are so low here.

PHOTOS

Eco-Lite: Casela Nature Park, Mauritius

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Tara

Mauritius is a destination that appeals to all kinds of travelers with its beautiful beaches and family friendly atmosphere. The Casela Nature Park is a great option for families and others who want a quick look at some local and exotic birds. There are no Echo Parakeets here.

OVERVIEW

Out of sight down Rivière Noire road, lies 14 hectares of lush green which is now home to a big variety of fauna and flora. Some 1,500 birds, a selection of wildcats, zebras, giant tortoises, long-tailed monkeys, among other species, can be watched on site. There are also plenty of activities like canyoning or hiking Via Ferrata, double and triple ziplines and the adventurous cable bridges. It kind of reminded me of Busch Gardens in Florida, same kind of appeal to families in particular.

HOW DO YOU GET THERE?

Casela Nature Park is easily reached from the main road between Curepipe and Flic en Flac. There is a small shopping centre on the intersection of the A3 and Flic en Flac road and the park is signposted.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

Basic admission is fine if you just want to see the birds. There are additional charges for other activities.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND THERE AND WHAT SHOULD YOU SEE?

We arrived pretty late in the afternoon and had just under an hour to scurry around and see the birds. This turned out to be enough time for what we wanted. We only saw the birds, didn’t have time to see or do anything else.

VALUE TO CONSERVATION

No affiliation with any conservation projects.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY ON POINTS

Flic en Flac is the closest town although no where is really far on Mauritius. The Hilton in Flic en Flac has rooms starting at 40,000 Honors points.

PHOTOS

The highlights for me was seeing the wild birds such as this Madagascar (not Mauritian) Fody flying around the grounds.

Eco-Lite: Birds Of Eden Revisted – Part 2

Posted on December 27, 2014 by Tara

Continuing on from yesterday, we pick up the virtual stroll through the Birds of Eden walk-in aviary at the first pond where you can see Scarlet Ibises and other water birds, then past the grassy area to the main pond and the area surrounding the Jandaya Cafe. Sadly, the Jandaya Cafe is now screened in and the birds no longer are able to join you for lunch. The food was good though!

(Don’t look if you are under 18!)

Birds wondering why they can’t get into the cafe. Maybe because they don’t have credit cards?

Eco-Lite: Birds Of Eden Revisted – Part 1

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Tara

A little over a year ago, I shared some pics of the many gorgeous birds you can see flying freely in the huge Birds of Eden walk-in aviary and details of how you can visit them. If you are using miles, Port Elizabeth makes a great gateway city as you can easily get award flights there and redeem hotel points for free stays as I wrote in my main Port Elizabeth blog post.

Just last month, we got to revisit this awesome bird park and spend the whole day there. Since today is Boxing Day in Australia and tomorrow will also be a busy post-Christmas day, I will hold off on travel posts and simply enthrall you with some photos of beautiful birds!

I have WAY too many photos and not time to caption them so just relax and enjoy them!

In this part, I will show you the forest walkways and the birds that you can see there. Tomorrow, I will show you the Jandaya Cafe area, the ponds and the birds in those areas.

Eco-Lite: Loro Parque, Tenerife, Spain

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Tara

Eco-Lite: Devils@Cradle

Posted on October 19, 2014 by Tara

OVERVIEW

Devils @ Cradle is a unique Tasmanian conservation facility focusing on Tasmania‘s three carnivorous marsupials, whilst concentrating primarily on the Tasmanian devil but including both the Eastern and Spotted – tail Quoll. The sanctuary is located adjacent to the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park.

HOW DO YOU GET THERE?

Fly into Hobart or Launceston and drive to Cradle Mountain. The sanctuary is located adjacent to the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND THERE AND WHAT SHOULD YOU SEE?

If you get there early, have a wander around. The guide will begin at 5:30 and lead you around the exhibits while feeding the Devils and other animals. You’ll need a couple hours at least.

VALUE TO CONSERVATION

The sanctuary conducts a number of in-situ conservation programs within the Cradle Mountain area and by combining resources with the State Government, U-TAS, Parks and Wildlife Service, Tasmanian Wildlife Parks, local operators and the community we aim to make a significant contribution to the conservation of these species. Details on their website.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY ON POINTS

There are no hotels nearby you can use points for. Chain hotels are available in Hobart or Launceston. You may be able to earn points for your stay at Cradle Mountain if you book via Pointshound or Rocketmiles.

PHOTOS

Eco-Lite: Rainbow Jungle, Kalbarri, Australia

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Tara

OVERVIEW

Gorgeous landscaped walk-in aviary with dozens of brightly coloured Aussie birds of many different species. They also have display cages for certain species. Good for getting a close up look at the birds you are hoping to see in the wild so you can identify them more easily. Also a great place to bring kids to see and appreciate the beauty of Australian birds (and a few exotics) in a family-friendly setting. More details on their website.

HOW DO YOU GET THERE?

It’s about 10 km south of Kalbarri on Red Bluff Road. You’ll need a car as I didn’t see any sign of bus service.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

Rainbow Jungle is open seven days a week (except Christmas Day) 9am to 5pm / Sundays 10am to 5pm Last admission 4pm – Telephone: (08) 9937 1248 – Admission Adults $14 – Sen/Concession $12 – Child $5

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND THERE AND WHAT SHOULD YOU SEE?

By the time we got there – around 4pm, we only had an hour to look around and I could have easily stayed 2 hours or more as I like to sit back, relax and watch the birds go about their business. You can get really good photos and while the birds are not tame, they aren’t terribly skittish either. Some of the highlights were the Cockatoos, Princess Parrots, Gouldian Finches and more – see photos below!

VALUE TO CONSERVATION

They don’t have a conservation program. The main value in a walk-in aviary such as this is to become familiar with the various species, educate your kids and then move on to seeing them in the wild. The signs are nicely done and show the range of the birds.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY ON POINTS

There aren’t any chain hotels in Kalbarri. You can earn points by using Pointshound to book hotels such as Palm Resort where we stayed. Rocketmiles doesn’t currently serve this location but worth a try as they seem to be adding lots of new properties.