Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary - A Wild & Educational Adventure in Plettenberg Bay

Hidden in lush forest just outside Plettenberg Bay on South Africa’s iconic Garden Route, Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary is one of the most underrated yet fascinating Things to do on the Garden Route. This unique wildlife attraction offers an exciting, educational, and family-friendly experience focused on reptiles, snakes, and conservation. Perfect for road trips, rainy days, all-weather travel, and curious adventurers, it’s a memorable stop for families, couples, and even honeymooners looking for something different on their Adventure on the Garden Route.

A Thrilling Reptile & Nature Experience

Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of indigenous and exotic snakes, reptiles, and amphibians, including cobras, pythons, mambas, geckos, chameleons, and tortoises. While not extreme in the traditional sense, the experience definitely delivers an adrenaline-tinged thrill, especially during live snake demonstrations where knowledgeable handlers educate visitors about venomous and non-venomous species.

Set in a peaceful forest environment with shaded paths, the sanctuary blends wildlife, nature, and light walking trails, making it both fun and informative. It’s an ideal bucket list activity for animal lovers and those wanting a deeper understanding of South Africa’s reptiles. Couples and honeymooners often find the experience surprisingly engaging and intimate, while kids love the interactive, hands-on learning.

Operation Times

• Open Daily: 09:00 – 16:00
  
  

• Snake Demonstrations: Scheduled throughout the day
  
  

• All-weather activity: Perfect for rainy days or cooler weather
  
  

Experiences & Products Offered

• Guided educational snake talks and demonstrations
  
  

• Reptile viewing enclosures
  
  

• Conservation and awareness programmes
  
  

• Curio & gift shop
  
  

• School group and educational tours
  
  

Contact Details

• Company Name: Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary
  
  

• Website: https://lawnwoodsnakesanctuary.co.za/
  
  

• Phone: +27 (0)44 535 9400
  
  

• Email: lawnwoodsnake@gmail.com
  
  

• Location: Lawnwood Farm, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
  
  

Nearby Restaurants (approx. distances)

1. Roadside Café – 15 min
   Relaxed café known for excellent coffee, breakfasts, and homemade meals — a Garden Route favourite.
   
   

2. Adi’s Kitchen – 18 min
   Local institution serving generous comfort food with friendly service, great for families after exploring.
   
   

3. The Sanctuary Restaurant – 18 min
   Stylish fine dining with an extensive menu, ideal for couples and romantic evenings in Plettenberg Bay.
   
   

4. The Lookout Deck – 22 min
   Beachside restaurant with panoramic ocean views, seafood dishes, and sundowners after a nature day.
   
   

5. Sotto Mediterranean – 18 min
   Trendy Mediterranean restaurant and cocktail lounge, perfect for relaxed evening dining.
   
   

Nearby Farm Stalls

• Natures Way Farm Stall – 12 min
  Well-loved farm stall offering fresh produce, baked goods, and local delicacies in a relaxed setting.
  
  

• Elephant Walk Farm Stall – 15 min
  Popular roadside stop with crafts, snacks, and shaded gardens, ideal on a Garden Route road trip.
  
  

Distances to Knysna Activities (approx.)

• Distance to Knysna Charters: ±50 km / 45–50 min
  
  

• Distance to Knysna Scootours: ±50 km / 45–50 min
  
  

• Distance to Knysna Quad Bike Tours: ±50 km / 45–50 min
  
  

• Distance to Knysna Deep Sea Fishing Adventures: ±50 km / 45–50 min
  
  

• Distance to Knysna Kayak Hire: ±50 km / 45–50 min
  
  

Latest Google Maps Reviews

⭐ “Fantastic educational experience. The snake handlers are knowledgeable and passionate.”
⭐ “Great stop with kids, learned a lot and felt very safe during demonstrations.”
⭐ “Well-kept sanctuary with impressive reptiles and friendly staff.”
⭐ “Perfect rainy-day activity on the Garden Route.”
⭐ “Small but very informative ,worth the visit if you’re in Plettenberg Bay.”

If you’re looking for Activities in Plettenberg Bay that go beyond beaches and water sports, Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary offers a memorable blend of wildlife, education, and adventure, a must-visit stop on any Garden Route itinerary. 🐍🌿