The Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre

The Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre (formerly known as the De Wildt Cheetah Centre) is a cheetah breeding centre and park located just to the east of the Hartbeespoort Dam and only 30 km from Pretoria.

The breeding centre was started as a conservation project for the threatened Cheetah in 1971. It was the first of its kind in South Africa – in fact in the world, and it has been a great success. To date, the centre has successfully bred over 800 Cheetah cubs.

Today, other African animals such as the African Wild Dog are also bred at the centre, the aim of which is to “ensure the long term survival of these animals.

A number of Vulture species are also a part of the breeding program.

The centre is open to the public and a number of guided tours are offered – including daily safari tours, family tours designed for couples with young children, educational tours, private group safaris and private couple safaris. A unique and amazing feature is the opportunity to see cheetahs run. Three “ambassador” cheetah run behind a high speed lure, and you get to view close up the incredible acceleration of the fastest animal on the planet.

Other animals that can be seen on the tours and safaris include several species of Vulture, Jackals, Caracal, Wild Dog and several species of Antelope.

Accommodation is available at The Cheetah Lodge.

The Centre is entirely dependent on private funding so while you are there you can choose a Cheetah or one of the other animal to ‘adopt’.

Take home a memory of Africa…and help ensure the future of its fastest cat in the process.

Getting there: From Pretoria, take the R514 west. Turn right onto the M17 after 7 kms, then left on to the R513 after a further 9 km. The entrance to the Cheetah Centre is 13 kms along the R513 on the left. From Johannesburg head to Pretoria central via the N1, Ben Schoeman Freeway and onto the N14. From Pretoria Central take the R104 west to the R55 turn off at Danville. Follow the R55 to the R514 turn off west.