See lions, leopards, cheetahs, caracals, and tigers in their natural habitats at the Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary. Set in South Africa’s scenic Western Cape, the sanctuary is dedicated to reducing inhumane treatment of big cats and focuses not only on rehabilitation and protection but also on visitor education.
A 2-hour drive from Cape Town, the nearly 100-acre (40-hectare) sanctuary offers visitors the chance to view big cats in vast natural enclosures on guided walking tours. Along the way, a guide shares the stories of the cats and their rescue from inhumane conditions, as well as information about the challenges facing cats in captivity and the wild. Unlike many game parks, the sanctuary is against breeding, trading, and human interactions with wildlife.
Panthera Africa is a favorite amongst conservationists and animal lovers.
To see the cats at their most active, visit on a sunset tour.
You can prebook a tour with a specific focus on education or enrichment activities.
The sanctuary offers volunteer opportunities.
Panthera Africa is located in Stanford, 102 miles (165 kilometers) from Cape Town and 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the seaside town of Hermanus. From Cape Town, follow the N2 to Route 43. Once in Stanford, make a left onto Route 326, turn right toward Papiesvlei, and follow the signs for Panthera Africa.
The sanctuary is open daily except Tuesdays and offers tours at 9am and 4pm October–March and 10am and 3pm April–September. Sunset tours are available on Saturdays at 6pm October–March. These evening visits are restricted to ages 16 and up and must be booked in advance.
Take advantage of special programs that keep life interesting for the cats and let you see the majestic creatures in action. Prebook an enrichment activity in advance to watch cats hunt for food that is hanging or hiding, to see them jump over obstacles placed in their enclosures, or to watch them chase and catch things. Visitors must be 16 or older to take part in these special activities.
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