The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, located in Hartbeespoort Dam, offers a unique and thrilling experience for visitors looking for things to do in the area. It’s a great way to spend a relaxing yet exhilarating and educational day out with family, friends, or colleagues.
By visiting the centre, you are supporting the efforts to save cheetahs in the wild. The centre believes that “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand and we will understand only what we are taught.”
The centre offers many ways to make a difference, including booking a tour, adopting a wild cheetah, making a donation, or supporting research, education, and conservation efforts through a sponsorship. This is a great opportunity to learn more about cheetahs and the conservation efforts being made to protect them while having fun with your loved ones.
The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre
The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, originally known as the De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre, was founded in 1971 by Ann van Dyk. The name was changed in 2010 to pay tribute to the woman who has dedicated her life to the survival of cheetahs and other endangered species.
The centre offers daily two-hour guided tours, with certain mornings offering the option of a cheetah run and guided tour package. The cheetah run gives visitors the opportunity to witness the high-speed chase of a cheetah. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides and visitors will see a variety of animals including cheetahs, King Cheetahs, African wild dogs, caracals, and vultures, among others.
The centre takes pride in its contribution to the conservation and survival of the cheetah species through breeding programs that ensure genetic diversity and the release of captive-born cheetahs into suitable habitats. It has also played an important role in the academic arena, with 80 research publications written and conducted through the facility.
The centre’s future is secure as Ann has handed over the reins to her nephew Eric van Dyk, who continues her vision and dream. As a non-profit organization that receives no government funding, the Centre relies heavily on sponsorship, donations, and income generated from tours and the adoption program to subsidize its various conservation projects.
Would you like to adopt a wild child at De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre?
Are you interested in supporting the conservation of endangered species by adopting a wild child at the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, formerly known as the De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre? Adopting a wild child at the Centre is a way to contribute to their breeding program, which ensures genetic diversity, and the release of captive-born cheetahs into suitable habitats.
You can choose to adopt a cheetah, King Cheetah, African wild dog, caracal, or vulture, among other animals. By adopting a wild child, you will receive an adoption certificate and a photo of your adopted animal. You can find more information on the Centre’s website or by contacting them directly.
- Book a tour at the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre
The Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre prioritizes the well-being of our animals above all else and will not endanger their health or safety. As a result, we have discontinued the practice of allowing public interactions/touching with our ambassador animals. - School Tours at the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre
Learners will begin their experience at the Environmental Centre where they will be greeted with a visual presentation, followed by interactive activities. They will then be led on a guided walking tour to learn about our animals, which will culminate in an exciting cheetah appearance. Afterwards, learners will enjoy a delicious lunch of hotdogs and juice. - Guided Tour at the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre
To ensure your visit, bookings must be made through the reservations desk. Daily guided tours are available, providing guests with the chance to explore our cheetah and wild dog camps in an open safari vehicle. - Walking Tour at the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre
To secure your spot, reservations must be made through the reservations desk. Join one of our guides on a walk around The Centre to visit all our animals. For families with small children, strollers are recommended. Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. - Cheetah Run & Guided Tour at the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre
Booking is mandatory and can be done through the reservations desk. The Cheetah Run and Tour provide guests with the thrilling experience of watching a cheetah run at high speed, making it a great opportunity for photography. On Sundays, guided tours are offered that take guests through our cheetah and wild dog camps in an open safari vehicle for a more informative experience. - Cheetah Run & Walking Tour at the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre Reservations are required and can be made with the reservations desk. The Cheetah Run and Tour offers guests the exciting experience of observing a cheetah run at high speed, and is perfect for photography enthusiasts. Guests can also join one of our guides on a walk around the Centre to see all of our animals. Please bring a stroller if you have a small child, and be sure to wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Cheetah’s for good at the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre
The cheetah is a majestic and powerful predator, known for its speed and agility. However, despite its impressive hunting abilities, this species is facing a significant threat to its survival. The conservation of cheetahs is crucial to ensure the survival of this incredible animal for future generations.
One of the main reasons for the decline of cheetahs is habitat loss. As human populations continue to grow, cheetahs are losing their natural habitats to agriculture and urban development. This puts them in direct competition with humans for resources and increases the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict.
Another significant threat to cheetahs is poaching. Cheetahs are often hunted for their skin and bones, which are used in traditional medicine and as decorative items. This illegal trade is decimating cheetah populations, particularly in Africa and Asia.
However, there is hope for the future of cheetahs. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and conserve this species. One such effort is the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre located at the Hartebeespoort Dam in Johannesburg. The Centre is dedicated to the conservation of cheetahs and offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about this incredible species.
At the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre, visitors can take a guided tour to see the cheetahs and learn more about their natural history and behavior. The Centre also offers a unique opportunity to witness cheetahs in action during a high-speed cheetah run, which is an excellent photographic opportunity. In addition, visitors can also take a walk with one of the guides around the Centre to see all the animals.
But the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre is not just a tourist attraction, it also plays a vital role in conservation efforts. The Centre is involved in breeding programs, research, and education to help conserve the cheetah species. They also work with local communities to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and to promote coexistence between people and wildlife.
If you’re looking for something interesting to do in the Hartbeespoort Dam area, visiting the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre is a must. Not only will you get to see these magnificent animals up close, but you will also be supporting a vital conservation effort. We invite tourists and conservationists to visit the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre and learn more about the importance of conserving cheetahs. Together, we can ensure a future for this incredible species.
