Testimonials:

Our hotel hostess insisted we should visit this rehab centre which we first thought wouldn’t be interesting since we had stays in Addo (3 days) and montain Zebra (2 days) national parks ahead. We were so wrong and truly happy to have visited this centre. Las, our tour guide was very informative and we learnt so much about the wild cats’ life and the centre’s rescue efforts in just a couple of hours. We got inside some cages and watched the wild cats from so close. It was unbelievable! The rescued animals live in good conditions and it seems they are well cared of. If we come to Knysna again, we will definitely book longer tours in Tenikwa.

Date of Experience: April 2019

I’ve never been so close to wildlife before! The lions were right under me, the cheetah literally in reach. The experience is great. Very educational. The center is very well maintained, animals look healthy and happy and the staff are great

Date of Experience: April 2019

We visited as a family group of seven while travelling the Garden Route. Since we had our grandsons (9 and13) with us we decided to do the EcoKidz Family Challenge. We were fortunate to have Sizwe as our guide, and he gave us so much time and attention in talking both about the animals and the work of Tenikwa. Sizwe’s attachment to the animals and to conservation was very apparent. The boys loved making their pledges at the end of the tour, and were very happy to have Sizwe get them to work through their books at the end too. What was really special was that after chatting with the Operations Manager, and explaining the family’s connection to animals, he so kindly invited the boys to a private tour of the rehab centre, which they found extremely interesting and which was greatly appreciated. So, thank you Sizwe and all at Tenikwa. You’re doing a great job and made our family really happy.

Date of Experience: 25 April 2019

Restored our faith in the concept of ethical wildlife sanctuaries and their ability to be beneficial to wildlife and educational for people. Enjoyable and enriching experience!
We left feeling incredibly positive.
Special thank you to our guide Sizwe!

Date of Experience: June 2018

Rescued big cats and other animals location. Great photo opportunity and nice to know that you are helping the animals. Tour guide was excellent, we did the private photo tour for 2 hours and it was well worth it.

Date of experience: June 2018

My husband is a keen photographer Mthobisi was our guide- he was truly excellent , patient & knowledgeable and returning to tease out the reluctant cheetah for my husband to photograph. It was a well paced tour & his skills enabled my husband to take photographs of all the big cats that we saw.
Everyone on site was helpful from the catering staff upwards. highly recommended trip
Do wear layers, it was cold first thing as mearly morning trip. Refreshments are available & easy, safe parking
Thank you Mthobisi

Date of experience: September 2017

We booked a general tour and ended up with only 2 guests in the lead. Our guide MSIZI was incredibly nice, explained very individually and knew many details about the animals and their environment. We got very competent answers to all questions. The highlight was the meeting with a cheetah inside the fencing, which made MSIZI possible and a great experience for us. We got the work and importance of this station very well and emotionally explained and would like to thank MSIZI again. The tour is worthwhile in any case.

Date of Experience: December 2018

An experience not to forget.The work these people do to protect and look after animals that have been ill treated or abandoned is fantastic. My wife who needs a wheelchair to get around was treated by our guide with great respect which made our visit even more enjoyable. Trips go every half hour and the one we did took 75 minutes. Bring a camera and see some wild cats that you may never see again. An unforgettable trip.

Date of Experience: February 2019

We came here once before about 18 months ago so knew it was a good place to go to see animals in a different context from a game park (Addo is the closest). Starting with an informative video about the aims and methods of the projects at Tenikwa, we were allotted a guide who then showed us around the facility. All animals are either injured, abandoned or unable to survive in the wild and the aim is to reintroduce them to their habitat in the future wherever that is a viable option.
A great way to see cheetah, leopard, serval, caracal, a rare white lion & his sister, blue crane, ground hornbills, meerkats and mongoose up close with the opportunity to ask as many questions as you have. Friendly knowledgable guides; on this trip we enjoyed Ash.

Date of Experience: February 2019

What an incredible experience going into the cheetah and serval enclosures!! Spotted close up the 4 servals and right up close to the sleepy purring cheetah. Wow!!! Caracals, leopard and white magnificent lion with his twin sister were amazing. Lots of other animals meerkats, wart hogs, storks and blue cranes to mention just a few. Well worth the money for a brilliant tour led by an equally knowledgeable guide. A must for cat lovers!!

Date of Experience: March 2019