Established in 1971, the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Breeding Centre near Pretoria, also known as the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre, is one of South Africa’s leading wildlife attractions, as well as a successful cheetah conservation project. Throughout its history, it’s bred more than 800 cheetah cubs, and a number of other wildlife species reside here too. You can visit the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Breeding Centre as an optional excursion on our escorted tours to South Africa: the perfect day trip for wildlife lovers and the ideal opportunity to see these majestic big cats up close.
The Centre prides itself in its contribution to the conservation and survival of the cheetah species through meticulous breeding (ensuring genetic diversity) and the ability to release captive born cheetahs as and when suitable space becomes available. Boarding a safari-style vehicle we will drive around the facility on an informative guided tour around the cheetah and wild dog camps.
You’ll be led around the Cheetah Centre by a knowledgeable guide. Nestled in the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains, you’ll learn how the vast open African veld and indigenous trees have created the perfect natural habitat for the cheetahs. During the tour, you’ll also have an opportunity to see the cheetahs, including the extremely rare King Cheetah, which the centre has had considerable success in conserving, distinctive for its striped back. The tour also visits the several other wildlife species that live here at the centre, with plenty of information on how these animals eat, breed and survive in the wild offered by your tour guide. Among the other animals you’ll get to see here are vultures; caracal, a medium-sized wild cat species; and African painted dogs, the world’s most endangered mammal, characterised by their markings, which are unique to each dog. Tours also often coincide with feeding time, so you’ll be able to watch the animals feeding too and learn more about their diet.
Pretoria: Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Breeding Centre excursion can be taken on the following itineraries:
Spectacular South Africa
Spectacular South Africa with Rovos Rail
Very Best of South Africa
