Male Cheetah

The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre - De Wildt, was established by Ann Van Dyk and brother Godfrey in 1971 with the aim of breeding endangered species. Since that time the Centre's efforts have resulted in the major achievement of breeding what was once a threatened species, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Over the years, over 750 cheetah cubs have been born at the Centre – a dramatic contrast to the days when the cheetah population of South Africa was estimated at a mere 700.

While the cheetah project was the base from which the Centre launched its conservation ethic, it soon widened to include other rare and endangered animals such as the wild dog, brown hyaena, serval, suni antelope, blue and red duiker, bontebok, riverine rabbit and vultures - including the very rare Egyptian vulture. Many of these have been successfully


Wild Dogs

bred for later reintroduction into the wild, thus helping to repopulate areas where such species have disappeared or are no longer abundant.

During 2000, as a reaction to the declining numbers of cheetah in the wild, The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre spearheaded the formation of the National Cheetah Management Forum which developed a national strategy for the protection of free-roaming cheetah. One action to come from the group, was the realization of the need for a national census of free-roaming cheetah. This census was begun in 2003 and continued for three years.

The country of South Africa has awakened to the success of the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust. In 2002, its founder and director, Ann van Dyk, received the gold medal from the Wildlife and Environment Society; and that was followed, in 2003, by Ann being awarded the Chancellors Award from the University of Pretoria.

Nestled in the foothills of the Magaliesberg in North West Province, the The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre - De Wildt, is situated an hour from Johannesburg and forty-five minutes from Pretoria. It is close to the Hartbeespoort Dam, a popular destination for day excursions from Pretoria and Johannesburg. This is an exceptionally interesting tour, providing the visitor with a unique opportunity to learn more about South Africa's fascinating wildlife – and the efforts to preserve it for future generations. During 2009 the name was changed to the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre.

Each tour lasts +/- three hours. An optional photo opportunity is available after the tour, at additional cost.

* We regret that children under 6 years are not permitted on Cheetah Centre tours

TOUR CODE - WDWC1
Availability: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – in the afternoon
Wednesdays & Sundays - morning and afternoon
Duration: Vehicle & guide available for a maximum of 7 hours
Departure Time: 07:00 or 12:00
Entrance Fees: Included – standard tour only
Special note: * Transfers to and from The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre are on a private basis, but on arrival guests will join a public tour which commences at either 08:30 or 13:30
* Children under 6 years are not permitted on De Wildt tours
TOUR CODE - WDWC2
Availability: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – in the morning
Duration: Vehicle & guide available for a maximum of 7 hours
Departure Time: 06:30
Entrance Fees: Included – cheetah run + standard tour
Special note: * Transfers to and from The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre are on a private basis, but on arrival guests will join a public tour which commences at 08:00
* Children under 6 years are not permitted on De Wildt tours
Tour Rates