Cheetah Conservation Fund

Cheetah project in Namibia

The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), which was already founded in the year of Namibian independence in 1990, is fighting for the survival of the cheetah in its natural habitat and is worldwide the number one address when it comes to these fast, African big cats.

For this purpose, the CCF is running the renowned Research and Education Centre close to Otjiwarongo and the Waterberg, which combines research on and education about the fascinating cats. Here scientists, researchers, but most importantly visitors and normal cheetah fans get an interesting insight into the life of the fastest land mammal on earth.

The Cheetah Conservation Fund for visitors

Day visitors and overnight guests are heartly welcome at the CCF. In the Research and Education Centre, with grand views of the Waterberg Plateau, guests get to learn a lot about the cheetah and the concept and goals of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, especially on how it can be achieved that these cats have a future of surviving in their natural habitat. The visitor centre which is open daily from 8 am – 5 pm, also accommodates a cheetah museum, a small cafe, a souvenir shop, lecture rooms and a genetics laboratory.

The CCF terrain has several cheetah enclosures which host cats that due to certain behaviour patterns or illnesses are not able to be released into the wild anymore. Several model farms have also been developed on the property demonstrating the human-wildlife conflict on Namibian farms and how economically successful farming can be accomplished by tolerating wildlife. On one of these plots goats are bred for the production of milk and goats cheese. These goats are guarded by Anatolian Shepherds in the presence of the predators, demonstrating the possible co-existence of the two.

All photos © Cheetah Conservation Fund

Cheetah Conservation Fund - Cheetah project in Namibia

Cheetah Conservation Fund

Cheetah Run

Cheetah offspring

Cheetah research and animal hospital

Cheetah hunts the prepared bait

Cheetah feeding at the CCF

Cheetah with sender

Cheetah family

Goat farm and Anatolian Shepherd

Activities and tours of the Cheetah Conservation Fund

1. CCF Tour

The CCF-Tour is a guided tour taking guests through the main facilities of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, i.e. the education centre, the museum, the Cheetah clinic and the goat creamery. Of course the cheetahs and Anatolian Shepherds will be visited as well. The cheetah feeding is the highlight of the CCF Tour.

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Daily, hourly from 9 am, last tour at 4 pm
• No pre-booking required

2. Cheetah Run

The Cheetah Run is a special thrill. Here one gets to see the cheetahs running during their daily morning at close proximity. While the cheetahs are chasing the specially developed bait, visitors have the rare possibility of taking pictures and videos of the incredible speed of the cats.

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Daily at 8 am – Pre-bookings essential
• For adults only (minimum age for participants is 16 years)

3. Cheetah Drive

Take a drive into the cheetah enclosure close to the visitor centre. A good opportunity for amazing photos. The Cheetah Drive includes the CCF Tour.

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Daily, hourly from 9:30 am, last departure 3:30 pm

Accommodation at the Cheetah Conservation Fund

Accommodation is available at the budget Cheetah View Lodge or the exclusive Babson House.

All photos © Cheetah Conservation Fund

Cheetah Conservation Fund - Cheetah project in Namibia

Babson House

Babson House room

Affordable alternative: Cheetah View Lodge

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