African Dawn Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Thornhill area west of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), developed from one man’s love of birds, taking in injured and orphaned wild birds and unwanted pet birds to look after them. Soon other animals were also ending up at Percy Hickman’s door, and in 1997 the numbers grew to such an extent that his sanctuary was opened to the public in order to help subsidize the cost of food and medical care for the animals. There’s a small restaurant on site as well as ample space for family picnics.
Hundreds of animals have passed through the sanctuary and been released back into the wild, but of course there are some that are either too badly impacted to be returned to the wild, or are exotic to our country, and these are housed in the sanctuary’s excellent facilities. Casual visitors are not allowed to pet or otherwise interact with the animals in their enclosures, but for people with time, effort and expertise to offer African Dawn has a well established volunteer programme in support of their conservation efforts.
A one time cattle farm, most of African Dawn’s property is today a beautiful nature reserve where several kinds of animals indigenous to South Africa roam freely. Visitors traverse this section of the sanctuary in the comfort of their own vehicle, or along a hiking trail (advance booking is required for the latter). A wonderful feature at regular intervals along the drive is the signboards providing interesting information about the animals visitors pass on their way. Obviously the reserve staff know which areas the various animals prefer, as we encountered several species within view of the sign dedicated to them.
Looking for an interesting day out while visiting PE and surrounds? You can’t go wrong with a visit to African Dawn Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary, and you will be supporting them in their important work.
DeWetsWild 
What a great opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife! The blue crane looks so elegant.
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The Blue Crane is our national bird, and easy to see why! African Dawn is a very special place.
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It’s a gorgeous bird!
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Hello Dries,
What a wonderful sanctuary! It must be a wonderful place and it’s obvious that much love has been put into it.
All our best to you and your family.
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Hi Takami!
Firstly I am glad to report that this comment did not go to spam, so I hope that issue is resolved.
Indeed yes, African Dawn is a very special place. You leave there feeling hope for humanity again.
Thank you also for the kind wishes, Takami, and of course we extend the same to you!
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Is wonderlik om te sien waar African Dawn Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary begin het en waar hulle vandag is! En ook lekker om te sien hoe goed hulle versorg word – ek ondersteun sulke plekke graag. Julle het pragtige foto’s hier – die een wat Joubert geneem het van net die kameelperd se kop is pragtig. Ek het ook nog nooit ‘n wit blesbok gesien nie. Dankie vir die mooi foto’s!
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Baie dankie, Corna. Dis nie so ver van waar julle nou woon nie – miskien as julle besluit om vir n naweek PE toe te gaan kan julle hier gaan inloer!
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Jy lees my gedagtes … 😁
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Dis so pragtig Dries. Wonderlik dat die wild daar beskerm word. Die blou duikertjie is darem maar oulik. Hulle baie in Eshowe ook gesien. Pragtige foto’s!
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Dit is regtig n heerlike plek vir n dag uit as mens in daardie omgewing is, Aletta.
Ons het die blouduikertjies ook so skrams gesien die dag wat ons Dlinza-woud in Eshowe besoek het. Sulke klein goedjies!
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I am pleased you have highlighted this place.
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Have you visited the Sanctuary, Anne?
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A while ago 🙂
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What an excellent sanctuary! It must be quite rewarding to work there and such a variety of animals.
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I agree wholeheartedly, Janet! What a place.
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It has grown to a be another preserve Park. With a number of animals. It’s great! Thanks, D. 🙂
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It really is an inspirational place to visit, H.J.
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This is a wonderful sanctuary! So many different animals and birds!
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It is clear that a lot of love and hard work has gone into making the sanctuary what it is, Hien.
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