Visitor Activities at the Cheetah Outreach | Somerset West
Cheetah Outreach is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year to the public. We are open from 09h30 to 17h00. You do not need to make a booking to visit the facility.
Please Note: Cash only; credit cards are NOT accepted. An ATM is available for use at the entrance to the facility.
Various visitor activities are available:
Adult Cheetah EncountersAdult cheetah encounters take place from 10h00 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 17h00. You must buy your adult encounter ticket at the entrance; cash only is accepted. Adult encounters cannot be booked in advance Adult encounters are dependent on the cheetah settling on the day. |
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Cheetah Cub EncountersCheetah cub encounters take place from 10h00 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 17h00. You must buy your cub encounter ticket at the entrance. Cub encounters cannot be booked in advance. Cubs are normally available from September to March, but this is not guaranteed so it is best to inquire beforehand if you are interested in cub encounters. |
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Bat-eared Fox EncountersBat-eared fox encounters are dependent on handler availability. Booking in advance is recommended. Maximum of 4 guests per encounter. Bat-eared fox encounters last about 10-15 minutes. |
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Meerkat EncountersMeerkat encounters are dependent on handler availability. Maximum of 4 guests per encounter. No children under 10 years of age. Meerkat encounters last about 10-15 minutes. |
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Caracal EncountersCaracal encounters are dependent on handler availability. Maximum of 4 guests per encounter. No children under 12 years of age. Caracal encounters last about 10-15 minutes. |
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ToursTours of the facility are offered throughout the day, every hour on the half-hour. Tour groups meet in the entrance and are shown audio-visual footage about the animals and the programme, followed by a tour of the facility. There is no charge for a tour. |
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Scheduled Animal EnrichmentCheetah Outreach has an extensive programme of environmental and behavioural enrichment to improve the well-being of our animals. A variety of enrichment provided to animals during feeding and throughout the day may be viewed by the public. A schedule of enrichment for the day is posted on a board at the entrance to the facility. One of the best times to observe enrichment events is during feeding at 9:30 to 10:00 and between 4:00 and 4:30. During enrichment events, handlers and volunteers will explain what is being done and why, and talk a little about the animals involved. |
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RunsRuns are seasonal (approximately November through April) and only take place on weekdays at 08h00. They are scheduled according to handler availability. Runs are also weather permitting. Booking is required and must be confirmed to ensure the run is scheduled. Cheetahs are run in our large enclosure on a lure system, similar to what is used for greyhound racing. Please note that though we use our best runners for public viewing, the success of the run depends on the cats on the day. |
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Public RunsViewing is from a platform outside the running enclosure, which is high enough to give you an unobstructed view. A Cheetah Outreach volunteer will be with you during the run to answer any questions. Weather permitting. |
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Private RunsRuns are viewed inside the running enclosure. Small children are not allowed. Adult encounter during encounter hours is included. Weather permitting. Booking in advance is required for both public and private runs. Booking in advance is required for both public and private runs. |
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Special Cheetah ExperienceSpecial cheetah experiences are offered only on weekdays at 08h00. Guests are allowed to spend about 30 minutes in a large enclosure with a cheetah roaming freely without collar or harness, giving them the opportunity to observe the cat in a more natural environment than encounters allow. Guests are allowed to take photos but not allowed to touch at this stage. Weather permitting. Maximum of 4 guests; small children are not allowed. It includes a touch encounter with the cheetah and a tour of the facility afterwards. Booking well in advance is essential. |
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Private FunctionsA private meeting with a cheetah is available on request and must be booked in advance. This type of encounter is tailored for groups. With groups of 60 to 70 people, all guests will have an opportunity to stroke the cat and take photos. For groups over 100, there is a presentation only, with the VIP members of the group having the opportunity to stroke the cat and take photos. Functions last approximately 30 minutes, depending on the size of the group, and behaviour of the group and cat. Off-site functions are available on request and subject to site inspection. |
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ShopVisit our shop at the entrance to the facility for cheetah and other wildlife-related gifts. Cash only but an ATM is available for use in the entrance. |
To book an encounter call Cheetah Outreach at 021 851 6850 or send an email.
Visit their Website for more information