Howzzzt recommends: De Wildt Cheetah Centre
There are a couple of animals you are unlikely to ever see in the wild, no matter how hot-shot your safari guide is. Close to the top of the list are wild dogs and cheetahs, both of which are fascinating in quite different ways. But just about an hour from either Johannesburg or Pretoria you can get the next best thing: a close encounter with each of these species, albeit in captivity.
De Wildt is a private research and breeding centre with, as the name would suggest, a strong focus on the fastest mammal. It also has a large number of wild dogs and assorted other strays, including a couple of cute honey badgers and some African wild cats. The latter aren’t in need of increased numbers, but there are concerns about maintaining the purity of the bloodline thanks to cross-breeding with feral domestic cats.
You won’t see a cheetah running at full tilt at De Wildt, but that’s what nature documentaries on television are for. You will get the chance to get really, really close to one of the trained “ambassador” cheetahs the centre keeps as part of its outreach. Close enough to hear it purr like the biggest kitty cat you’ve ever seen, close enough to feel its rough skin, and close enough to get a really awesome picture taken with it. The best of the ambassadors are even trained to smile for the camera. You won’t be able to buy a better souvenir anywhere, and you’ll be supporting a good cause at the same time.
Besides the close encounter session you’ll also get to take your ease on the back of the tourist snack cart (as we call the open-sided and soft-roofed vehicles used for safari tours, because of the easy access for determined predators) while seeing the rest of the inmates. The exceedingly rare king cheetah alone is worth the trip, but be sure to ask about the Anatolian guard dogs.
The whole thing, including travel from Joburg or Pretoria, will take around five hours. Just keep in mind that booking is essential because group size is strictly controlled.
De Wildt Cheetah Project
Tel: +27 12 504 1921
Cel: +27 83 675 5668
cheetah@dewildt.org.za
The centre is just outside the town of Brits, on the far side of the Hartebeespoort dam. It’s well sign-posted.
GPS co-ordinates: 25°40′39.07”S, 27°55′32.01”E
