The Riverbend Croc Farm
The Riverbend Croc Farm is one of the most successful crocodile breeding farms in South Africa and a very popular visitor attraction. What makes it special and why would you want to visit this crocodile farm?
The quick answer is that it is well-run, incredibly interesting, hugely entertaining and excellent value for money. The more expansive answer is that you get to have a close up experience of how crocodiles live while learning what they are all about. You will get to see the tranquil waters in the picture below come alive with huge crocodiles come feeding time. In the hatching season you can watch as baby crocs emerge from their eggs and even hold one.
Also on offer is the Crocodile Cafe, Gift Shop, Snake House, Art and Wine Gallery, Conference facilities, Howard Kelly Consulting Services and an Information Center.
What do crocodiles eat?
Fully grown Nile crocodiles feed mostly on fish but will also eat animals that visit their pools to drink water. Even juvenile hippo and younger crocodiles are on their menu. They are also known to scavenge on carcasses on land. If you dare to venture into their territory, you will also be on their menu!
Visit the Riverbend Croc Farm on a Saturday afternoon (or also on a Wednesday afternoon during the holiday season) for the crocodile feedings and you will get to see for yourself how they devour chicken carcasses and chunks of meat. It is very dramatic viewing and worlds apart from watching a crocodile documentary on television from the safety of your couch.
Crocodile Babies
Is a baby crocodile cute? You will have to decide for yourself by being there when they emerge from their eggs. Hatching demonstrations take place from mid December until mid February and is an exciting time. Approximately 6000 crocodile babies are hatched at the Riverbend farm every year and then moved to a commercial facility in the Natal Midlands.
Please take note that it is essential to phone the farm (039 316 6204) to find out when hatching demonstrations take place to avoid disappointment.
Snake demonstrations and the Snake House
The Snake House is home to snakes of various kinds and sizes among which are cobras, adders and mambas. The snakes are housed behind glass walls giving the impression that you are in the same room with them. This allows for exciting close-up viewing and is an excellent learning opportunity for children.
Snake demonstrations take place on a weekly basis (more often during the holiday season) by experienced snake handlers. The focus is on conveying information in order to dispel myths, to explain the necessity of snakes in our lives and how to deal with snake bites.
The education center provides detailed information on the life-cycles of crocodiles and snakes as well as the day-to-day activities of the farm. The detailed audio visual presentation is in English, Afrikaans, German and Zulu and runs continuously.
The Crocodile Café and Gift Shop
The large craft and curio shop at the entrance is well stocked with an appealing selection of souvenirs and toys. The crocodile toys are especially popular amongst children who can continue their croc adventure at home.
The restaurant is licensed and offers breakfast, light lunches and delicious snacks. The lemon meringue pie is a must try. If you ever wanted to try crocodile meat this is the perfect place for a taste testing as there are a variety of crocodile meat dishes on their menu.
Art & Wine Gallery
The intimate art gallery houses exceptional art from some of South Africa’s most well known artists and is definitely worth a visit. Besides the exceptional selection of paintings, the gallery also shows a range of quality pewter ware, ceramic products and stone carvings.
The collection of fine estate wines is a fitting compliment to the art and wine tastings are often held. Don’t miss the annual Spring Wine Festival – a weekend of wine, art and music.
Riverbend Crocodile Farm:
A short introduction video -->
Where is the Riverbend Crocodile Farm?
HOURS:
Open every day 09h00 – 16h30
Closed on Christmas Day
CROCODILE FEEDING TIMES:
Sundays at 15h00
Wednesdays at 15h00 during December, January, February, March and April.
SNAKE DEMONSTRATIONS:
Sundays at 14h30 and more often during the holiday seasons.
WEBSITE:
www.crocodilecrazy.co.za
PHONE:
(+27) 39 316 6204
