Cheetah Experience (ZA Cheetah Conservation)
Cheetah Experience (ZA Cheetah Conservation)
Cheetah Experience (ZA Cheetah Conservation)
4.5
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
About
Cheetah Experience is a registered non-profit endangered species breeding centre in Bela Bela, South Africa. Our Mission is to raise awareness of the vulnerability of South African species and other endangered species through educational experiences, as well as ethically breeding cheetahs in captivity. We are home to a number of endangered and threatened species, including cheetahs, leopards, lions, servals, caracals, African wildcats, wolves, and a Siberian tiger. Our project takes in rescued animals from the local area, so we also have various animals from time to time, including a goats and chickens. We offer visitors a once in a lifetime opportunity to come on an educational tour and learn about our animals, see them up close, take some amazing photos, and learn how you can join us in the fight to protect these precious species as well as offering volunteering experiences for those who want to get involved.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
282 reviews
Excellent
220
Very good
42
Average
10
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Caroline O
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Solo
Volunteering at Cheetah Experience is one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences I’ve ever done. I have been there 3 times now and it definitely won’t be my last time returning there.
The staff is truly amazing! They are very professional, commited and the animals are always a first priority and come first. You can really see the people’s passion and dedication to give all the animals the best life possible. The tours that they offer are very educational and give people from all around the world an insight into animal conservation. The animals enclosures are big with a natural environment and are cleaned on a daily basis.
As a volunteer I got to meet other people from different countries and even build new friendships. During this time I learned so much about cheetahs and all other animals at Cheetah Experience.
I have never seen a better place where they treat animals with this much respect, take care of their health and well-being.
This is definitely a „must“ if you are visiting South Africa or want to contribute as a volunteer to a good cause.
The staff is truly amazing! They are very professional, commited and the animals are always a first priority and come first. You can really see the people’s passion and dedication to give all the animals the best life possible. The tours that they offer are very educational and give people from all around the world an insight into animal conservation. The animals enclosures are big with a natural environment and are cleaned on a daily basis.
As a volunteer I got to meet other people from different countries and even build new friendships. During this time I learned so much about cheetahs and all other animals at Cheetah Experience.
I have never seen a better place where they treat animals with this much respect, take care of their health and well-being.
This is definitely a „must“ if you are visiting South Africa or want to contribute as a volunteer to a good cause.
Written 5 September 2023
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.
Voyage43118475661
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Solo
I ve spent a 3 weeks incredible experience of volunteering at cheetah experience. The staff team is so committed and professional, the enclosures are big, the animals are very well treated and all the money goes to their conditions and happiness. I highly recommend a visit or a volunteer program as it s a rare opportunity to discover wonderful animals.
Written 30 August 2023
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.
AllineyRoberts
2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
This is a really great experience. Friendly staff, and friendly guides.
It was great looking at all the different wild animals.
The shops also good.
It was great looking at all the different wild animals.
The shops also good.
Written 11 April 2023
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.
Mobile44559621085
1 contribution
Apr 2023
Its an awesome experience. The maintenance and upkeep of the facilities is very good. Tour was very personal educational. Animals in very good condition. We enjoyed it very much and would recommend it to everybody
Written 6 April 2023
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.
Sue H
Chicago, Illinois, United States29 contributions
Sep 2022
The rooms were clean. The shower had good water pressure. This place is great for families as there are many water slides and activities for the kids. The spa portion has great massages and a more private pool. If you are looking for a fun water park, this is it. If you are looking for an adult oriented spa vacation, choose one of the other Forever resorts.
Written 10 October 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.
FannyBBlossom
San Jose, Costa Rica70 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
It is heaven on earth. As a paying worker volunteers, we got to do as little or as much as we liked around the animals. No experience necessary since induction was taken very serious and thorough. Constant safety supervision, direct interaction with some of the wildlife. All of the “big cats & small - cats were given as much privacy as they wanted or needed, with acres of their own enclosures. This is NOT a petting zoo! This is a dedicated, loving rehabilitation, sanctuary. The animals that can be physically interacted with, on their terms, require this care. Other animals are not physically interacted with by volunteers for the safety of all. Those that can be rehabilitated and returned to the wild are, but in safe reserves where no poachers or predators threaten them. The “village”where the lodging is was way beyond what we expected. All brand new homes for individual couples, families and volunteers. The homes are modern brick, fully equipped inside. Outside there are private court yards with fire pit. The views from each were spectacular. A common lodge with dining hall, bar, resort like swimming pool. The food was excellent & catered to all diet choices. The vegetarian meals were excellent. When there were leftovers we were given them to take back to our home. As for Riana, the founder, and every other staff person, their hospitality, individual care and attention to every guest is so genuine, helpful, kind and interactive- like nothing I have ever experienced in any of my world travels. They were “family”. They heard only once by chance, that my birthday was coming up, so they organized so many special gifts, celebrations and opportunities to be with the animals, that it was the most memorable and exceptional birthday for this 60 year old woman, it was bliss - especially for a Leo who likes presents.
A 150% experience of a lifetime. Many of the volunteers go again and again from all over the world and we intend to too now, even though it’s about a 24 hour journey from Vancouver Canada. Check out their website!
A 150% experience of a lifetime. Many of the volunteers go again and again from all over the world and we intend to too now, even though it’s about a 24 hour journey from Vancouver Canada. Check out their website!
Written 13 August 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.
Thank you very much guys!! We truly appreciate the feedback and hope to see you soon!!
Written 20 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kobus N
3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
The whole trip was special, the guide and the people working are friendly. They make the trip extra ordinary by telling and giving facts about all the animals. The animals living space is super clean and everyone could see their love for all the animals.
Written 17 July 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.
Thank you very very much!
Written 20 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark
Johannesburg, South Africa131 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
Stunning place if you want to see the cats up close. Thank you for an inf great tour. They are relocating to Bella Bella in 2021.
Written 29 December 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.
louiselategan
Durbanville, South Africa127 contributions
Aug 2019
What a awesome place. Well maintained. Our Nicetour guides were very friendly and informative. We loved visiting this park.
Written 15 July 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.
CLH
2 contributions
Mar 2020
This was my first experience as a volunteer working with animals. With the help of staff, I soon knew more about cheetahs and other cats than I thought possible. The staff is truely amazing. It is so obvious they love what they do and are dedicated to saving these animals. It is beyond conservation. It is about humans doing their part to save and release these magnificent animals into a protected wild where they can live as they were meant to. The volunteer opportunity unique and rewarding. Tour groups are lead by volunteers which allows the volunteer to share the knowledge they have gained with the general public. I would recommend a visit to the Cheetah Experience to anyone; student volunteers and volunteer vacationers for sure, but to anyone who happens to be in South Africa. A visit and a tour will change the way you view these animals. The Cheetah Experience is driven by education and love. Do your part and stop in for a visi!!!
Written 20 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.
Connie V
Laguna Niguel, CA
Hi, what would you like to know about this attraction? We were at a place near Cape Town in 2003. There weren't many tourists there then and we actually got to pet the cheetahs. We have pictures of us with the cheetahs and their care givers. It is a wonderful memory.
Is that allowed now under any conditions? We are planning another trip to South Africa and Botswana and want to go back to this place and see the beautiful animals even if we can't touch them. It's a wonderful, thrilling memory.
Ann R
Lincolnshire, UK125 contributions
Hi they do walk around tours around the Cheetah Experience, you get to see all the beautiful animals there. If you go there as a volunteer you will get a closer contact with the animals. If you google their website you will get more information about it. Hope this helps 😀
Meesh
London, UK24 contributions
Do they have regular (domestic) cats walking around/outside of the enclosure? Going to sound silly but I love big cats, have a phobia of house cats & am booked here for 2 weeks. Any response much appreciated
CheetahExperience
Bela Bela, South Africa
Hi there,
We do have 2 normal domestic cats at the Volunteer House but none at the farm. If you are booked here for volunteering then if you could just please tell Riekie at the email address you have been emailing that you would not like to be in a room where the cats are and we can organise that for you.
Kind regards,
Sarah Emmett
Tracey-lee G
Bloemfontein, South Africa9 contributions
Are you open on Sundays??
Francois van Deventer
121 contributions
Yes we are. The gates open at 09:30 on Sunday's. The 1st tour stards at 10:00 and then again at 11:00, !2:00, 14:00 and 15:00.
Hope we see you soon.
Omar E
Casablanca, Morocco
Hi, I am planning to conduct an internship at Cheetah Experience this summer and I was wondering what an average day of work was like at Cheetah Experience. When do you wake up ? What do you do ? How much of the day do you spend working ? Which activities are more frequent than others ? Basically what an average day is like at Cheetah Experience.
Thanks in advance !
Omar.
Francois van Deventer
121 contributions
Hi Amor. Go to Cheetah Experience website. There is a section on volunteering. You can also reade what volunteers say about there experiences.
Regards.
Francois.
Rham-Grund
Los Angeles, CA128 contributions
If I want to stay for a month, do they have hotels in the area or dormitories? I would like to volunteer.
KingCheetah
Bloemfontein, South Africa
We do have accommodation. Can I ask you to send your request to our email address and we will forward you all the information.
Have a lovely weekend.
Bridie21
Spain79 contributions
What are your opening & closing times and how easy is it to find you?
How much is it to visit?
KingCheetah
Bloemfontein, South Africa
We have tours 11,12 14 and 15h00 daily. You will find a map on our website - Cheetah Experience. It is very easy to find us.
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Claim your listingCHEETAH EXPERIENCE (ZA CHEETAH CONSERVATION): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheetah Experience (ZA Cheetah Conservation)
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