05 December 2022

Hang out with Henry and friends at Crocworld this summer holiday!

Submitted by: Agnes Matladi
Hang out with Henry and friends at Crocworld this summer holiday!

It’s not every day that a Nile Crocodile turns 122, which is why holidaymakers on the KZN South Coast should head to Crocworld Conservation Centre this 16 December to celebrate this Nile crocodile in style! Henry’s birthday is just one of the fun summer holiday activities planned for Crocworld this festive season.

“With this being the first summer holiday without travel restrictions, we’re looking forward to sharing our fantastic wildlife friends with new and returning visitors,” said Crocworld Conservation Centre Manager, James Wittstock. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy at the centre, from petting barnyard animals and learning more about our snakes and crocodiles, to relaxing with a great meal and sea views at the Fish Eagle Café!”

Grab a cupcake with Henry

Henry has come a long way since his birth on the Okavango Delta in Botswana - back in 1900! The oldest known Nile crocodile in captivity worldwide, Henry has taken to his life of leisure, having retired to Crocworld Conservation Centre back in 1985. To celebrate a life well-lived, the centre throws Henry a birthday party every year – and this is no different. Visitors to Crocworld on Friday, 16 December, will get the chance to enjoy a free cupcake and watch as Henry enjoys his own birthday treat.

Summer holiday fun

Summertime on the KZN South Coast means sunny skies and Crocworld fun as the holiday programme gets underway. Don’t miss out on any of the wildlife fun!

 10am: Reptile interaction and demonstration 11am: Nile crocodile feeding 11.30am: Juvenile Nile crocodile handling 2pm: Marabou stork or vulture feeding  3pm: Nile crocodile feeding 3.30pm: Juvenile Nile crocodile handling

WildED Holiday Camp

Crocworld Conservation Centre is also playing host to the WildED Holiday Camp running daily from 19 to 23 December from 8.30am to 3.30pm. This five-day holiday camp, suited to ages 8 to 13 years, gives children the chance to enjoy animal interactions, adventure games, alternative sports, arts & crafts, as well as after-dark adventures such as Survivor, frogging and a bonfire.

During these five days, they will learn how to SUP and kayak safely on the beautiful Black Rock Estuary as well as surf at one of the best and safest KZN beaches. They will hike and explore coastal forests, savannahs and beaches, all the while learning valuable basic survival skills. There is also an Adventure Race planned which combines all the knowledge and skills learned into an epic team competition.

Conservation and nature are at the heart of the WildED Holiday Camp which is why all camp attendees will be immersed in Crocworld’s daily conservation activities such as looking after the birds, mammals and non-dangerous reptiles. There will also be a clean-up restoring local ecosystems while experiencing the incredible local habitats including forests, mangroves, savannah, rocky shores and beaches.

Ticket prices for WildED Holiday Camp:

R1 750 for all 5 days

R380 per day

R180 for the Park after Dark

This includes entry to Crocworld Conservation Centre; all activities; specialist equipment and animal encounters.

This excludes transport; lunch and snacks (specials being held at Fish Eagle Café); and medical insurance. To book for WildED Holiday Camp, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Fish Eagle Café

And there’s nothing quite like a visit to Fish Eagle Café, the beautiful restaurant based at Crocworld. Here, patrons can take in the endless sea views from the wraparound deck while enjoying great meals and refreshing cocktails or milkshakes.

While Crocworld is still accepting cash payments, it’s phasing over to a cashless system and card payments are welcomed. For more on Crocworld and its events, visit www.crocworld.co.za, ‘Crocworld Conservation Centre’ on Facebook or call 039 976 1103. Contact Fish Eagle Café, call 083 658 7073 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.