Afrikanos

About
 

COMMON NAME - Nile Crocodile
SCIENTIFIC NAME - Crocodylus niloticus
TYPE - Reptile
DIET - Carnivore
GROUP NAME - Bask (on land), Float (in water)
AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD - 45 years
SIZE: up to about 5 metres
WEIGHT: up to 415 kilograms

Around 145 to 66 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period, the earth looked a lot different. It was a time when dinosaurs roamed freely and crocodiles coexisted alongside them. As evidence suggests, crocodiles are one of the only animals that survived the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaur population. A descendant of one such croc species is the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus).

The Nile crocodile is a large crocodilian native to freshwater habitats in Africa, where it is present in 26 countries including South Africa. Afrikanos crocodile sanctuary, just outside Gansbaai, is home to five of the country’s largest captive-bred Nile crocodiles.

Working closely with CapeNature to ensure a comfortable environment for its prehistoric residents, Afrikanos employs a team of dedicated guides as well as a crocodile veterinarian who keeps the reptiles in top shape. 

The Croc Pond

Afrikanos’ crocodiles enjoy an all-natural pond that is run with a chemical-free eco-pool filtration system. There are also a few indigenous fish species to keep the crocs company. Because the crocs are relatively social, you will see them openly basking in the sun or taking a dip to cool off and investigate their surroundings.

Croc Diving & Tours

Afrikanos invites you to visit with Nile crocodiles in their pond or from various viewing areas on their turf.

Crocodile Diving Experience

Crocodile diving is open from Tuesday until Sunday at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 and seven days a week during school holidays.

Cost:

• R400 per adult
• R200 per child (six to 12 years old accompanied by a paying adult)

Duration: 

• approximately one hour and 45 minutes

What to Expect:

• On arrival, you will be welcomed and given an educational talk about crocodiles followed by a pre-dive briefing and a tour of the croc pond. After the tour, you will be issued with a mask, rash vest and clean towel, and allocated a locker where you can store your personal belongings. Then it is time to enter the pond and meet the crocs. Your croc diving encounter could last up to an hour. You are invited to enjoy a hot shower after the dive.

What to Bring:

• Swimwear
• Sunscreen 
• Camera

Crocodile Pond Tours

Crocodile pond tours run from Tuesday until Sunday on the hour from 11:00 until 16:00, and seven days a week during school holidays.

Cost:

• R60 per adult
• R30 per child under 12 years
• Children under two years enter for free

Duration:

• approximately 45 minutes

What to Expect:

• On arrival, you will be welcomed and given an educational talk about the crocs, followed by a guided tour of the pond. There is an underwater viewing cave where you can see the crocodiles swim up close, as well as an overhead walkway where you can observe the beautiful reptiles in close range while they swim and move around.

Group Bookings & Packages

Cost: 

• on request

Afrikanos welcomes large groups of visitors on request. This option can be for croc diving and tours only or can include a catered arrangement perfect for:

• Schools
• Clubs
• Businesses

Restaurant & Bar

Afrikanos is open from 11:00 from Tuesday until Sunday for brunch, lunch, dinner and everything in between, and seven days a week during peak season. 

The restaurant's bar and lounge area are decorated to create a trendy and relaxed cocktail-style atmosphere, perfect for mingling with friends. The formal dining area has a large stone fireplace for colder days, can be closed for privacy and is perfect for private functions. The spacious outdoor seating area overlooks the croc pond and fynbos fields beyond it and is a favourite for everything from breakfast to sundowners. There are low kiddies picnic benches near the outdoor play area for the little ones.

Menu

• Starters
• Salads
• Pizza
• Burgers
• Steak
• Ribs
• Seafood
• Dessert
• Kiddies Menu

Bar (fully-licensed)

• Craft Beer
• Beer on Tap
• Local Wines
• Spirits 
• Cocktails
• Daily Drink Specials

Amenities

• Wi-Fi
• Kiddies Play Area
• Secure Parking

Take a closer look at the full menu, here.

Functions

Let Afrikanos host your next special event! There is seating for 85 people excluding the bar and lounge area which has room for a few more. The entire venue is available for exclusive bookings and the various dining areas can also be reserved individually for smaller gatherings.

Arrange a personal consultation to discuss your function needs that will include a set menu or platter options curated according to your taste and budget.

FAQs

Q - Can the crocodiles at Afrikanos lay eggs and have hatchlings?
A - No. The crocodiles are all male siblings from the same hatching and even if there were females, Afrikanos is a sanctuary that doesn’t practise reptile breeding.

Q - What do the crocodiles eat?
A - Chicken.

Q - Can a tour be booked at feeding time?
No. The stars of the show are greatly respected and mealtimes are a private affair with a diet that changes according to the season. 

Q - How old are the crocodiles?
A - The brothers hatched in 2011 making them 11 years old in 2022.

Q - What noise does a croc make?
A - Adults hiss and bellow at each other and babies chirp when they hatch. Crocodiles also listen for sounds to locate prey.

Reviews

“We recommend Afrikanos to all our guests!”  Cape Town Day Tours

“A nice chill out restaurant and bar in Gansbaai. The place has Nile crocodiles and offers guided crocodile tours and diving. The establishment is beautiful and well kept, has indoor and outdoor seating and the food is delicious! There is ample parking and best of all the staff are all friendly and make you feel at home.”  Nobahle Silulwane

“The crocodile experience was amazing! The guide is super knowledgeable and so sweet!”  Miranda van Niekerk

“We've seen the signboard many times and today we decided to pop in. What a hidden gem this is! The decor is exquisite and the staff take service to a whole new level. Worth a look if you visit Gansbaai, Kleinbaai, Franskraal, Pearly Beach or Stanford. Afrikanos is worth the drive from anywhere!”  Pearl Gaitskill

“A lovely spot. The food and service were great! There is a nice play area for the kids. We will go back.”  Leanne De Jager