It’s time to start planning some festive season activities and Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh is the place to start! This scenic centre will host the Crocworld Carols by Candlelight Day and Night Market in December, with daily animal interactions and the newly launched Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures promising something for the whole family.
“The festive season is such an amazing time on the KZN South Coast and we’re looking forward to welcoming holidaymakers and our regular guests for some new and exciting activities at Crocworld,” said Susan Badat, Crocworld Conservation Centre Manager. “The sunny days call for time spent outdoors in nature, meeting our charismatic animals and enjoying a really great day out for the whole family. Add in the craft market and ziplining adventures and there’s no better place to be than Crocworld this summer holiday!”
Crocworld Carols by Candlelight Day and Night Market
Date: Saturday, 14 December
Time: 11am to 9pm
Venue: Crocworld Parking Lot
Cost: R10 per person (all proceeds go towards the Crop Team NPO to help families in need)
Stall bookings: General stalls are R200 | food stalls are R250
Contact: Lorna on 072 507 8773 or Nibia on 074 274 4624
Don’t miss this festive market that will include live entertainment by violinist, Marianna, from 5pm, as well as food stalls, craft stalls, and festive Christmas lights. There will be a Bubble House for the little ones, with Jikaleza Aerial Adventures, the on-site ziplining adventure, running all day and after dark. Guests can enjoy food stalls and a Beer Garden hosted by Fish Eagle Café which will also sell tasty on-the-go food items.
The Carols by Candlelight Christmas Service led by Coastal Revival Centre Church will run from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome to bring homemade decorations to hang on the Christmas tree, with the option of donating presents or buying gifts on the day for donation to the children’s home, District 49 in Umkomaas.
Crocworld Holiday Programme
Crocworld Conservation Centre is a leading KZN zoological facility with almost 400 animals living at the centre, among them crocodiles, snakes, monitor lizards, tortoises, and a variety of rehabilitated and wild bird species. There is also the farmyard where little ones can interact with furry creatures such as bunnies and guinea pigs. During the school holidays, visitors get to learn more about the centre, its animals, and how things work with daily interactions.
- 09.30am to 10.30am: Guided tour of the park and guests can go straight from the tour to the interactions
- 10am to 11am: Snake demonstraton
- 11am: Nile crocodile feeding
- 11.30am: Juvenile Nile crocodile interaction
- 2pm: Marabou Stork feeding (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) and Cape Vulture feeding (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
- 15pm: Nile Crocodile feeding
- 15.30pm: Juvenile Nile crocodile handling
Party with Henry!
Crocworld is also home to one of the most famous reptiles on the planet – Henry! This world-renowned animal is considered the oldest known Nile crocodile in captivity, and he’s set to take that record even further on 16 December as he celebrates his 124th birthday! Everyone is invited to Crocworld to celebrate this momentous occasion with Henry – with free cupcakes on a first come, first served basis – and to meet one of Henry’s oldest friends, Colgate. Clocking in at some 90-odd years, Colgate also happens to be the second-biggest croc at the centre, and quite the celebrity himself!
There will also be a great Crocworld Raffle running throughout December to celebrate Henry’s birthday this year! Visitors can buy a R10 raffle ticket from Crocworld Curio Shop and stand a chance to win a wonderful kids activity hamper of assorted goodies – including toys, an activity book, and tasty treats – valued at R1 000. This is sure to delight any young nature enthusiast. The raffle draw will take place on 3 January 2025.
Fish Eagle Café
There’s also the chance to spot migrating whales, frolicking dolphins, and the world-famous Sardine Run, all from the Fish Eagle Café at Crocworld. They serve a variety of delectable dishes and refreshing drinks, with great specials throughout the year. This festive season, don’t miss out on their Boujee Alcoholic Slushies as well as their delicious cocktails with the best view. To book call Fish Eagle Café on 083 658 7073 or email mvanzyl@cbl.co.za.
WildED Crocworld Activity Book
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for little ones? The WildED Crocworld Activity Book is it! Designed by renowned South African children’s conservation book author, Kayleigh Huysamen from Wild Kids Books SA, this Crocworld Conservation Centre Activity Book will be available at the centre. Designed to spark a love of wildlife, the book will include interactive educational activities, species lists, and other engaging content centred on Crocworld.
Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures
Recently launched at Crocworld is one of the only aerial zipline adventures of its kind in the region. The Jikaleza Outdoor Adventure includes 2 courses – The Kulula Course and The Impi Course, with a height restriction of 1.3m and a weight restriction of 120kg. The course (for ages 7 to 100!) features adrenaline-inducing ziplines and obstacle courses among the treetops for a fun and exhilarating workout in a stunning coastal setting. It’s completely safe for all users due to the cutting-edge Coudou Pro system from Italy which is compliant with European Union standards. Plans are in place to build a Junior Course which will be announced soon!
To find out more, visit their Facebook page Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures and to book call 068 255 7200. For more information about Crocworld Conservation Centre, call 039 976 1103, visit www.crocworld.co.za or ‘Crocworld Conservation Centre’ on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information about Crocworld Conservation Centre, call 039 976 1103, visit www.crocworld.co.za or ‘Crocworld Conservation Centre’ on Facebook and Instagram.
