Cheetah Outreach is a conservation and education centre on De Beers Avenue, just outside Somerset West. Its aim is to help the free-ranging cheetah of southern Africa survive.
The numbers explain why. South Africa has around 1,300 cheetahs, and roughly 500 of them live on unprotected farmland in the north of the country, where they come into conflict with farmers. The Cheetah Outreach Trust works with those communities to reduce that conflict. Its best-known project places Anatolian shepherd dogs with farmers to guard their livestock, so predators are kept away instead of shot.
The centre funds and promotes that work by introducing visitors to its "ambassador" animals, which were born in captivity. It has been running for more than 25 years, and it also runs an education programme for schools in the Cape Town area.
Cheetahs aren't the only residents. You can also meet caracal, servals, black-backed jackal, meerkats, bat-eared foxes and leopard tortoises. If you'd like to get close to the fastest land animal on earth, cheetah encounters are available as an optional extra.
It's a good fit for families and animal lovers, and it's a short drive from Strand.
Getting there from Green Gables
Cheetah Outreach is on De Beers Avenue, between Somerset West and Firgrove, around 15 minutes by car from Green Gables.
Opening hours and entry
The centre is open every day of the year from 10:00 to 17:00. Entry costs just R10 per person on weekdays and R5 on weekends and public holidays, and you don't need to book simply to walk around and watch the animals. Card payments are accepted.
Cheetah encounters and tours
The Adult Cheetah Encounter is the classic: a 6 to 8 minute meeting with one of the adult cheetahs, with a photo, and no age restriction. They usually run from 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 16:00, but not on Tuesdays. At the time of writing they cost R180 per adult and R110 per child under 14, on top of entry.
For more time with the animals, there are longer and more exclusive options, including a 20-minute Special Cheetah Experience, encounters with the young cheetah Zorro and, when available, with cubs. These are for visitors aged 14 and up, with height limits, and must be booked ahead. Private group encounters can also be arranged.
The afternoon Feeding Tour, at exactly 16:00, is the best chance to see all the animals, including the nocturnal ones, as handlers feed them in ways that encourage natural jumping and climbing. Arrive by 15:45. On some Thursday or Friday mornings the centre also holds cheetah runs, where the cats are encouraged to sprint.
Every encounter depends on the animals and the weather, and prices change from time to time, so check the Cheetah Outreach website before you go.
Tips for your visit
Arrive at least 15 minutes before any booked experience to check in. Encounters are popular, especially in school holidays, so book ahead for groups of ten or more, or for any of the special experiences.
The grounds are grassy and uneven. Wear comfortable closed shoes, bring sunscreen and a hat in summer, and gumboots in winter. If anyone in your group has limited mobility, contact the centre in advance so it can plan a suitable visit.
Make a day of it
Triggerfish Brewing is nearby in Paardevlei, which makes it an easy place for lunch after your visit. With children in tow, finish the day with an afternoon on Strand Beach.
