Ashia
Ashia
4.9
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Ashia is a Fair Trade Tourism accredited, world-class cheetah sanctuary and awareness centre outside Paarl in South Africa’s Western Cape, a mere 45 minute drive from Cape Town. An African name meaning ‘life and hope’, Ashia lies nestled at the foot of the dramatic Drakenstein mountains, providing the perfect setting for the sanctuary’s conservation, education and research programs. Founded to help prevent the further decline of the cheetah population, the sanctuary’s primary conservation initiatives entail the release of captive-born and raised cheetah into the protected wild of game reserves. This is financed and managed by our conservation arm, Ashia Cheetah Conservation (ACC), a registered non-profit company. Please note that Ashia has a strict no-touch policy and no children under 16 years are allowed around any animal areas.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.9
41 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Lisa P
4 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Ashia is a MUST visit if you're staying in Cape Town or Franschhoek and interested in cheetahs. This was one of the main highlights of our SA trip. I spent a long time researching cheetah conservations as I wanted to make sure we visit an ethical one, and Ashia exceeded all expectations. The way the staff cares about the animals is absolutely incredible. They are only opened 3 days a week with 10 visitors max per tour to ensure the cats are not disturbed by too many visitors, and they also ensure those cheetahs being prepped for the release in the wild don't get accustomed to humans. And of course, no touching policy and no walks on leashes or any other unethical practices. My husband and I originally signed up for a day volunteering but the weather wasn't on our side, and the staff was wonderful in accommodating a tour and a cheetah run instead. As we visited off season, we were the only ones there and ended up having a private tour, which was so special. We learned so much about cheetahs, their behaviour etc, it's evident that the staff is very passionate about the cause. When I'm back to SA, I will definitely sign up for a day of volunteering!
Written 18 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SDLHOTELDIVA
Franschhoek, South Africa74 contributions
Aug 2022
As conservationists working for a private game reserve in south africa our aim is to play a key role in global cheetah conservation to ensure the
survival and sustainability of these species in the wild.
We had the privilege to visit this incredibly special place. This rescue animal sanctuary is a testament to people devoting their lives to a purpose.
To everyone who works here that puts in the time and effort, you should all be proud. We look forward to seeing you again.
survival and sustainability of these species in the wild.
We had the privilege to visit this incredibly special place. This rescue animal sanctuary is a testament to people devoting their lives to a purpose.
To everyone who works here that puts in the time and effort, you should all be proud. We look forward to seeing you again.
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PMD1959
Sheffield, UK9 contributions
Mar 2020
We visited on an extremely hot afternoon and were the only visitors on the tour. The guide was extremely good and able to give us an informative insight into the work of this rehabilitation centre. We were not rushed and the guide gave us time to observe the cheetahs and ask questions.
Written 1 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole
Cape Town, South Africa162 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Wow, what beautiful animals and to hear that there are only around 7000 left is so shocking.
The staff are so friendly and clearly love what they do.
Please support this worthy cause for our future generations to enjoy!
The staff are so friendly and clearly love what they do.
Please support this worthy cause for our future generations to enjoy!
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allisson E
Sydney, Australia173 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
We were lucky to do the tour and also see a cheetah run. It was an amazing experience. The centre is doing such important work for these animals and you can see how much they love and care for them. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable. I learnt a lot and would highly recommend.
Written 23 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jianina
Cape Town Central, South Africa84 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
Being a lover cats, especially the Cheetah with their unique facial markings, and discovering Ashia by chance was the highlight of our day. Living in Cape Town and Paarl being so close was a bonus. As the first overnight guests in the newly built accommodation, we felt like royalty. The spacious self-catering apartment was beautifully and tastefully furnished with attention to detail and comfort. We were invited to meet 5 month old Noah and thoroughly enjoyed a long while stroking and playing ball with this cute animal. Meeting 12yr old Fiela was a huge treat with her loud purr and warm soulful eyes. The love and trust they showed their human carer was special. Later that day, we met the others and had the opportunity of taking Abby for a long walk. Our stay ended with a very tasty and well presented continental breakfast on the patio delivered to our apartment the following morning. Compliments to Kerry for her excellent service. May Ashia go from strength to strength and get the support it needs.
Written 16 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Jianina,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback - we are delighted to have been able to welcome you as our first overnight guests! We are also very happy to hear that you enjoyed meeting our cheetahs and that you were able to share some of the passion we have for conserving this vulnerable species.
We will be sure to pass on your greetings to Kerry and the rest of the team, and hope to welcome you back in the not too distant future!
Kind regards,
The Ashia team
Written 18 January 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathryn C
38 contributions
Aug 2019
We visited Ashia at the end of August 2019 and had the best time touring the sanctuary, meeting a cheetah, and watching the cheetah run! The staff are passionate and knowledgeable about all of the animals at the sanctuary, their quality of life, and ongoing conservation efforts. The facility and enclosures are state of the art and there is a cafe and gift shop onsite, as well. We were very happy that we visited prior to going on safari, as we had an enhanced appreciation for the cheetahs and their cubs when we saw them in the wild.
We would definitely visit again when back in SA and highly recommend to all of our friends!
We would definitely visit again when back in SA and highly recommend to all of our friends!
Written 12 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriel
6 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Brilliant accomodation - clean, spacious and very tastefully decorated. Estate is immaculately kept and the animals are amazing. Breakfast was lovely and the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommended!
Written 22 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
73Duck
Smithfield, VA602 contributions
Nov 2019
This is a must see attraction in the Cape Winelands. It is a very educational, up-close experience, but it's definitely not a zoo. We gained a tremendous appreciation for these big cats and just how tenuous their existence is in the wild.
These are amazing creatures and kudos to Ashia for doing their part to provide a sanctuary for these cats that would have a tough time in the wild or would weaken the species if they bred with others of their kind.
We also spent a nice peaceful the night here in the excellent accommodations (see separate review) here.
These are amazing creatures and kudos to Ashia for doing their part to provide a sanctuary for these cats that would have a tough time in the wild or would weaken the species if they bred with others of their kind.
We also spent a nice peaceful the night here in the excellent accommodations (see separate review) here.
Written 15 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear 73Duck,
Thank you for the lovely feedback!
It's important to us that our visitors walk away having learned about these beautiful animals, and why it's so important to protect them.
We hope to welcome you for a stay again soon!
Kind regards,
The Ashia Team
Written 18 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Keren W
Ramsey, UK70 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
We did a tour of the farm followed by a walk with two cheetahs. We were greeted by Chanda who was expecting us and had a gluten free cake that had been made as we were visiting - it was excellent. The tour was given by Yuri (I hope I've got that right). A very passionate young man who spoke to us about the farm and the animals. He was interesting and informative. We went out with Anya and Ava for our walk - they took us. An excellent experience with well cared for animals with staff who are passionate about what they do. Would highly recommend.
Written 24 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Keren,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We are happy to hear that you a had a great experience at Ashia - it is very important to us that our visitors walk away having learned about these beautiful animals, and why it's so important to protect them.
We will pass on your lovely compliments and hope to see you again soon!
Kind regards,
The Ashia Team
Written 27 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, please can you advise what your opening hours will be over the Christmas period this year? Will you be open on 22nd and 24th December? Many thanks.
Written 16 October 2019
Dear Becca,
Thank you for your question. We will be open for the festive season, Tuesdays to Sundays. Bookings are essential. Please note however, we are closed on 25th and 26th December. Kind regards.
Written 17 October 2019
Dear everyone! I saw somewhere in inet, that kids are not allowed to visit place with cheetah, could you please let me know the policy.
Written 1 November 2018
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