10 Reasons Why Crocworld Conservation Centre is a Top Tourist Attraction on KZN South Coast

No visit to Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast is complete without a stop at Crocworld Conservation Centre! Dedicated to rescuing wildlife, educating about conservation, and protecting vulnerable species, Crocworld is a wildlife haven and the ultimate family day out.

“While we’re home to many interesting Nile crocodiles – as the name suggests – Crocworld Conservation Centre offers so much more for visitors,” explained Susan Badat, Crocworld Conservation Centre Manager. “Many of our first-time visitors are astounded by the variety of wildlife we have at Crocworld, as well as the great facilities and many activities and interactions on offer. For those who haven’t visited the centre before, we’re sharing 10 reasons why it’s the go-to destination for holidaymakers and local residents.”

1. Daily Animal Interactions

Every day, there’s a chance to interact and engage with animals at Crocworld! The informative team gives talks and performs daily vulture feedings for the crowd. There are also crocodile feedings and the chance to interact with juvenile crocodiles and many other reptiles, making this a memorable experience for all ages.

2. Meet the Oldest Crocs

Crocworld is home to one of the oldest known Nile crocodiles in captivity – in the whole world! Henry, who arrived at Crocworld in 1985 and weighs more than 500kgs, will be celebrating his 125th birthday later this year. Not to be overlooked is fellow Nile legend, Colgate, another Crocworld resident who is well into his 90s!

3. Catch the Sardine Run

Winter on the KZN South Coast means the annual Sardine Run is in full swing! This world-renowned phenomenon, which sees shoals of silver sardines swimming close to the shoreline – hunted by a variety of marine predators – can be viewed from Crocworld’s Whale Watching Walkway or Fish Eagle Café’s wraparound deck. From May to November, visitors can also look out for migrating humpback whales with frolicking dolphins, a year-round sighting!

4. Meet the Farmyard Animals

The barnyard section at Crocworld houses a range of furry farmyard critters, including bunnies, goats, guinea pigs, pigs and tortoises. There’s also a nearby playground with swings, slides and see-saws to keep the young ones entertained.

5. Home to a Range of Unique Animals

Crocworld houses a variety of rescued, rehabilitated, and protected animal species in its quest for conservation and as a member of Species360 - a global conservation entity which facilitates information collection from 1,200 aquariums, zoos, and other facilities worldwide. Visitors can meet and interact with many different types of wildlife – feathered, furry, and scaled - in a close-up, safe environment.

6. Explore with the New Ranger Guide

The Crocworld Conservation Centre experience has been enhanced with the launch of an interactive Ranger Guide booklet, sponsored by WildED in collaboration with Wild Alliance Africa. Bought from Crocworld Curio Shop, this user-friendly booklet is a great Crocword souvenir, with lots of educational enrichment activities focusing on the iconic animals found at Crocworld, as well as the indigenous fauna and flora. All proceeds from the book sales fund educational initiatives run by WildED’s Learner Hub.

7. Go Ziplining at Jikaleza

Based at Crocworld Conservation Centre is the only aerial experience of its kind on the KZN South Coast – Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures. There are two courses available: the Kulula Course and Impi Course, for participants aged 7 and up, with a minimum height of 1.3m. Visitors will zipline through the treetops and engage in fun aerial obstacles, making this a really exhilarating workout. Both courses are designed with the Coudou Pro safety system from Italy, which meets European Union standards.

8. The Ultimate Birdwatching

Crocworld is a birdwatcher’s paradise, both inside the centre and throughout the surrounding indigenous coastal forest, where more than 200 local bird species reside. The aviary, and its extended Raptor Wing, is home to a variety of interesting birds, including Booted Eagles, Eurasian Eagle Owls, Harris Hawk, and Jackal Buzzards. Wandering around the centre are five new peafowls, and the resident egrets can be seen nesting in the trees overhanging the crocodile dams. Norris, the Marabou Stork, and his mate, Merry, are also colourful characters who call Crocworld home.

9.  Have an Award-Winning Meal

The Fish Eagle Café at Crocworld is the perfect spot to sit, relax, enjoy a meal and a drink while taking in the most incredible sea views. Run by Executive Chef and Manager, Morne van Zyl, Fish Eagle Café was awarded the illustrious Recommendation Badge by Restaurant Guru - one of the world’s most renowned foodie platforms with over 30 million monthly users.

10. It’s Open 364 Days a Year

Crocworld isn’t just a holiday destination, it’s open every single day of the year to the public – except for Christmas Day! This makes it ideal, not just for a once-off visit, but repeat visits, with Crocworld offering great discounts through its annual membership. Members get free entrance to the centre from the date of purchase, and any guests accompanying the cardholder also receive a 10% discount on their entry tickets during off-peak periods. In addition to the 10% discount on venue hire for cardholders, Crocworld members get a 10% discount on all non-perishable and non-discounted items in the Crocworld Curio Shop!