Cheetah experiences in South Africa range from conservation-focused tours to ethical sanctuaries where you can learn about these incredible big cats up close. Here are some of the top places to visit:

Ethical Cheetah Conservation & Tours

Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre (North West)
• One of South Africa’s leading cheetah conservation centers, established in 1971.
• Offers guided tours, where you can see cheetahs up close and learn about their conservation.
• Also home to African wild dogs, caracals, and vultures.

Cheetah Outreach (Western Cape)
• Located near Cape Town, this facility focuses on cheetah conservation and education.
• Visitors can do educational encounters and learn about the efforts to protect cheetahs in the wild.
• Also works with Anatolian shepherd dogs, which help farmers reduce human-cheetah conflict.

Ashia Cheetah Conservation (Western Cape)
• A luxury conservation experience offering cheetah encounters, volunteer programs, and research projects.
• Known for its focus on rehabilitating and rewilding cheetahs back into protected reserves.

Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (Limpopo)
• A leading rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured cheetahs, as well as other endangered species.
• Offers guided tours, behind-the-scenes experiences, and conservation education.
• Located near Kruger National Park, making it a great stop on a safari trip.

KwaCheetah Breeding Project (KwaZulu-Natal)
• Located within Nambiti Private Game Reserve.
• Offers interactive cheetah walks and education about cheetah conservation.

Wild Cheetah Sightings

For a truly wild experience, visit these reserves where cheetahs roam freely:
• Kruger National Park – Best chance to see wild cheetahs, especially in the southern and central regions.
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – Famous for its open landscapes, offering incredible cheetah sightings.
• Phinda Private Game Reserve (KwaZulu-Natal) – A leader in cheetah conservation, offering excellent viewing opportunities.
• Mountain Zebra National Park (Eastern Cape) – One of the best places to see reintroduced cheetah populations.

Things to Consider
• Best time to visit: Winter (May–August) offers cooler weather and easier cheetah spotting in the wild.