Tenikwa is a wildlife centre located in the rural suburb known as The Crags outside Plettenberg Bay  and only 40 minutes from the popular town of Knysna. The pristine Garden Route in the Western Cape province of South Africa is well known for its many natural attractions, protected National Parks, and vibrant coastal eco-tourism activities.

How we started

Tenikwa grew from humble beginnings in 2002 when the owners started rehabilitating injured birds in a wooded shed behind their house.  Today it is one of the largest active wildlife rehabilitation centres in the Western Cape, attending to a diverse variety of animals accepting both terrestrial and marine species.

Tenikwa is a wildlife centre located in the rural suburb known as The Crags outside Plettenberg Bay  and only 40 minutes from the popular town of Knysna. The pristine Garden Route in the Western Cape province of South Africa is well known for its many natural attractions, protected National Parks, and vibrant coastal eco-tourism activities.

We are open to the public

We are open daily and offer a selection of conservation based programs to suit all interests and budget. All programs have a focus on the indigenous wild cats of South Africa and guests learn about the challenges facing our wildlife. Tenikwa employs over 30 permanent members of the local community and gate takings are used to fund our rehabilitation and conservation programs.

Guests are charmed by the sincerity of Tenikwa, the friendliness of our staff and the way in which Tenikwa’s passion for conservation shines through.

Whether you visit us for a day, or for an hour, , “Come with an Open Mind, Tread with a Lighter Step, Leave with a Change of Heart”

A variety of indigenous birds, such as Blue Cranes, Marabou Storks and waterfowls frequent the gardens of Tenikwa, the extent of which covers some 8ha with the balance of the 46ha set aside for the wild animals occurring in the area.