Drakenstein Lion Park
Drakenstein Lion Park was established in 1998 to provide lions in distress with sanctuary, where they could live in safety, free from abuse and persecution, and be treated with the compassion and respect they deserved.
The Park is situated in the scenic Cape Winelands and comprises of 50 acres of sprawling lion habitat.
The Park is actively involved in improving the quality of life of lions in captivity, locally as well as internationally, either by offering these animals a lifetime home or working in conjunction with other animal welfare organizations to secure a safe future for individual animals in dire need.
The Park is not involved in commercial breeding or trade and offers lifetime care to all of it's animals. All the animals brought to the Park are captive bred / hand reared and cannot be rehabilitated to the wild. The animals at the Park are assured a chance of living out their natural lives in an enriched and safe environment.
Visit : http://www.lionrescue.org.za
Butterfly World Tropical Garden
Butterfly World Tropical Garden, one of the more unique attractions of the Western Cape Winelands, consists of a tropical garden in a 1000 m2 green house. This luxuriant paradise makes the free flying exotic butterflies feel right at home along with many other interesting animals who now call Butterfly World Tropical Garden their home.
Visit : http://www.butterflyworld.co.za/
PAARL MOUNTAIN NATURE RESERVE
Enjoy the beautiful landscape of fynbos and massive rounded granite rock formations set among wild olives, and various trees. Take a hike, follow one of the many hiking trails, visit Millwater Wild Flower Garden where 15 species of protea may be viewed, catch trout or bass for dinner or enjoy mountain biking or picnics. Fishing permits available at Paarl Municipality. Hours: Summer: 07h00-19h00; Winter: 07h00-18h00
Drakenstein Correctional Centre
The Drakenstein Correctional Centre was formerly known as Victor Verster Prison and is an unofficial attraction linked to the life and times of Nelson Mandela. Situated between Paarl and Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands, it was here, on a house on the property, that Nelson Mandela spent the last 14 months of his 27 years in prison.A low-security farm prison, it was previously used for lower-risk political prisoners on their way to being released. Mandela was transferred there from Cape Town’s Pollsmoor Prison in December 1988.Instead of being locked up in a cell, he was held in a warder’s home on the property – a house whose design he duplicated for his post-release home in the Eastern Cape village of Qunu. Mandela and his wife, Winnie, walked triumphantly through the gates of the prison on 11 February 1990. A bronze statue of Mandela by sculptor Jean Doyle stands at the prison gates, depicting him on the day of his release. The house where he lived can also be viewed by the public.
Two Oceans Aquarium in the Waterfront
Whether you’re a small fry or a big fish, an escape into the enchanting world of the Two Oceans Aquarium is bound to be an unforgettable experience.
With more than 3000 creatures and 88 species on show, the aquatic entertainment land gives both adults and little ones the chance to come face-to-face with predators of the deep, fish as multi-coloured as the most vibrant rainbow, crabs the size of toddlers and feathered friends so lovable they don’t mind a soft pat on the head.
Boulders Beach
Swimming with penguins at Boulders Beach on the
Cape Peninsula , near Cape Town , is a real thrill. A small public beach is set apart from the main penguin colony that resides here (on Foxy Beach), but that doesn't stop the penguins from sitting on your beach towel or darting around your legs while you take a refreshing dip in the Ocean. Penguins like to walk about and generally ignore fences. A boardwalk has been built around the dunes so you can get a great close up look at the entire colony eating, breeding, preening, swimming and chatting away.
