Ashia Cheetah Conservation
An ethical sanctuary dedicated to cheetah conservation, offering thrilling runs and educational encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Ashia Cheetah Conservation
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ethical sanctuary dedicated to cheetah conservation, offering thrilling runs and educational encounters.
"An amazing experience, truly ethical and incredibly informative about cheetahs."
🎯 Book Your Tour Early
Tours are limited to 10 visitors to protect the cheetahs. Book well in advance to secure your spot! :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the sanctuary. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cheetah Run
Main enclosure
Witness the incredible speed and agility of cheetahs as they sprint after a lure. A truly breathtaking display of nature's power.
Educational Tours
Throughout the sanctuary
Learn fascinating facts about cheetah behavior, conservation efforts, and the individual stories of the resident cheetahs from passionate guides.
Meet a Cheetah Experience
Designated enclosure
Get up close and personal with a cheetah in its enclosure, offering a unique perspective on these majestic animals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ethical Animal Encounters
Book in Advance for Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Tour Early
Tours are limited to 10 visitors to protect the cheetahs. Book well in advance to secure your spot! :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the sanctuary. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Action
Bring your camera or phone to record the amazing cheetah run and other wildlife sightings. :camerawithflash:
❓ Ask Lots of Questions
The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Don't hesitate to ask about the cheetahs and conservation efforts. :speech_balloon:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Tour Early
Tours are limited to 10 visitors to protect the cheetahs. Book well in advance to secure your spot! :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the sanctuary. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Action
Bring your camera or phone to record the amazing cheetah run and other wildlife sightings. :camerawithflash:
❓ Ask Lots of Questions
The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Don't hesitate to ask about the cheetahs and conservation efforts. :speech_balloon:
🛍️ Support the Sanctuary
Check out the on-site shop for unique souvenirs that support their conservation work. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Ashia Cheetah Conservation, highlighting the ethical approach to cheetah welfare and the incredible educational tours. The cheetah run is a standout experience, showcasing the animals' breathtaking speed and agility. While some found the 'Meet a Cheetah' experience dependent on the animal's mood, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the passionate staff and the sanctuary's conservation mission.
"What an amazing experience we had yesterday touring around Ashia farm with Emily H she was so informative and made the tour so interesting, just when we thought we knew everything about Cheetahs we learned a whole lot more. The Cheetah run was the best Emily knew how to make the three siblings chase the target each taking different turns in sprinting after the target we were well impressed with her operation of the run and made a great video of it, very clever indeed and awesome to watch. We were treated to something that visitors don’t usually experience and it was one of the highlights of our holiday. I was glad to find two beautiful items of clothing in their shop to remind me of the Cheetahs. Many thanks Emily"
Sylvia Smith
"It worth the visit. I made the run & tour and it was amazing, you can see the animals and how they are well treated. Emily was lovely, she explained really well and was very patient."
Jhennifer Pinto
"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!"
Lisa Pervochenkova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ashia Cheetah Conservation is located near Paarl, about an hour's drive from Cape Town. Renting a car is the most convenient option. Alternatively, you can arrange a private transfer or look into local tour operators who might include it in their itineraries.
Public transport options are limited for reaching Ashia Cheetah Conservation. It's best to arrange your own transport, such as a rental car or a pre-booked shuttle service, as it's located in a more rural area.
From Cape Town, take the N1 highway towards Paarl. Follow signs for Paarl and then look for directions to Ashia Cheetah Conservation. It's advisable to use a GPS or mapping app for precise directions.
Yes, Ashia Cheetah Conservation is a feasible day trip from Franschhoek. The drive is relatively short, making it an easy addition to your itinerary if you're exploring the Winelands.
Yes, there are parking facilities available at Ashia Cheetah Conservation for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour package you choose. It's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date pricing information for tours like the 'Cheetah Run & Tour' or 'Meet a Cheetah'.
Absolutely! Ashia Cheetah Conservation limits visitors to a maximum of 10 per tour to ensure the well-being of the cheetahs. Booking in advance is essential to secure your spot.
Ashia Cheetah Conservation is typically open only three days a week to minimize disturbance to the animals. It's crucial to check their official schedule for operating days and tour times when planning your visit.
Yes, Ashia offers various experiences, including educational tours that explain their conservation work and the 'Cheetah Run' where you can witness their incredible speed. They also offer a 'Meet a Cheetah' experience for a closer encounter.
Ashia Cheetah Conservation has a strict no-touching policy to ensure the cheetahs' welfare and to prepare them for potential release into the wild. Ethical practices are paramount.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect an informative and engaging experience. Guides will share insights into cheetah behavior, conservation challenges, and the sanctuary's work. You'll likely witness the thrilling cheetah run and see the animals in their naturalistic enclosures.
While guides do their best to encourage the cheetahs to run, their natural behavior can be unpredictable. Factors like weather and their mood can influence whether a full sprint occurs, but the experience is still highly rewarding.
The visibility of all cheetahs can vary. However, during off-peak times or when the animals are active, you have a good chance of seeing most, if not all, of the resident cheetahs.
The 'Meet a Cheetah' experience allows you to enter an enclosure with a cheetah under strict supervision. It's a unique chance to observe them up close, though the cheetah's interest may vary, especially around feeding times.
Yes, Ashia Cheetah Conservation is excellent for photography, especially during the cheetah run. The natural light and the animals' movements offer fantastic photo opportunities. Remember to be respectful and avoid flash photography that might disturb the animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ashia Cheetah Conservation has a shop that may offer light refreshments or snacks. It's advisable to bring your own food and drinks or plan to dine in nearby towns like Paarl if you're looking for a full meal.
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during their visit. There are often designated areas for picnics.
The nearest towns, Paarl and Franschhoek, offer a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, especially within the wine estates.
Ashia Cheetah Conservation does not typically have a full-service restaurant. They usually have a small shop where you might find some snacks or drinks.
If you plan to eat at Ashia, options might be limited. For specific dietary needs, it's best to dine in Paarl or Franschhoek, where you'll find a greater variety of restaurants catering to different preferences.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography. This is also when the cheetahs tend to be most active, increasing your chances of capturing dynamic shots.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at wildlife sanctuaries like Ashia to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check their specific policies before flying a drone.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing the cheetahs from a distance, especially during the run. A standard zoom lens is also useful for general shots around the sanctuary.
It's generally advised to avoid using flash photography, as it can startle and distress the animals. Respect their space and natural behavior.
The main rule is to be respectful of the animals and their environment. Avoid loud noises, sudden movements, and flash photography. Always follow the guidance of your tour guide.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a fantastic opportunity to teach children about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species. The ethical approach of the sanctuary ensures a positive and responsible introduction to these magnificent animals. Remember to book well in advance due to limited tour capacity.
🌍 Ethical Wildlife Enthusiasts
Researching ethical sanctuaries is crucial, and Ashia consistently receives high marks for its dedication to animal welfare. The knowledgeable guides provide deep insights into conservation challenges, making it a truly enriching experience for those passionate about wildlife.
📸 Photography Buffs
Bring a telephoto lens to capture the cheetahs' speed and expressions from a distance. Be mindful of photography rules, particularly regarding flash, to avoid disturbing the animals. The educational aspect of the tours also provides context that can enhance your photographic storytelling.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ethical Approach to Cheetah Conservation
Unlike some facilities, Ashia strictly prohibits any physical contact with the cheetahs, including walks on leashes or petting. This is to prevent habituation to humans, which can hinder their survival prospects in natural environments. Their focus is on education and observation, allowing visitors to appreciate these magnificent creatures in a responsible and respectful manner.
Visitors consistently praise the staff's passion and knowledge, highlighting how evident their dedication to the cheetahs' well-being is. This ethical framework is a significant draw for travelers seeking genuine wildlife experiences that prioritize conservation over entertainment.
Experiencing the Thrill of the Cheetah Run
Travelers describe the cheetah run as a highlight of their trip, often capturing impressive videos of the animals in full flight. The sheer power and grace of the cheetahs during these sprints are awe-inspiring and provide a unique opportunity for photography. Even if a full sprint isn't achieved, observing their natural movements and behaviors is captivating.
It's important to remember that cheetahs are wild animals, and their participation in the run can depend on their mood and environmental factors. However, the guides at Ashia are skilled at creating the best possible conditions for these displays, making it a memorable part of the visitor experience.
Understanding the 'Meet a Cheetah' Program
While the cheetah's interest may vary, especially around feeding times when their natural instincts take over, the experience is consistently described as fascinating and educational. Visitors appreciate the chance to see a cheetah without a fence between them, gaining a deeper understanding of their physical presence and grace.
This program underscores Ashia's commitment to responsible wildlife interaction. It's designed to educate visitors and foster a greater appreciation for cheetahs, reinforcing the importance of conservation efforts. The experience is carefully managed to ensure the safety and comfort of both the cheetah and the visitor.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit