Daniell Cheetah Breeding Project

About Daniell Cheetah Breeding Project

Cheetahs are acclaimed the world around for their stealth, grace and power. These African predators are beautiful, with plenty of character. However, like many other wild cats, they also face some threats in the wild; including hunting, urbanisation and the loss of their natural habitat.

The Daniell Cheetah Project is situated on the R75, near Kirkwood. This centre has, as its main focus, the conservation of the cheetah and the reestablishment of a pure lineage, keeping the genes as ‘clean' as possible. The project was established in 2001 with only three cats, and continues to grow and to help these magnificent animals. Those wanting to be part of this amazing initiative can volunteer to help.

The Daniell Cheetah Project offers a Predator Tour through the project, which is conducted by experienced tour guides who can add important insights and background information to the educational tour. These ones know each of the wild residents intimately, and can interact with them and explain their behaviour. On a tour, visitors can look forward to seeing cheetah, lion, serval, caracal, and leopard. In addition, Daniell is home to a cheeky community of friendly meerkat, who welcome visitors eagerly.

Part of the experience includes entering a cheetah enclosure and petting the animal, if circumstances allow. In addition, there is the option to enjoy the beauty of the Eastern Cape while walking with one of these animals in the bush, interacting with them in a very special way. The Cheetah Walk needs to be reserved at least two days in advance, and children under the age of 14 years are not permitted to walk the animals.

Other attractions at the Daniell Cheetah Project include a padstal (where visitors can stock up on local arts and crafts) and the coffee shop, which promises a hot cuppa or a refreshing cool drink to enjoy with a light meal. There are two orphaned kudus that love to eat out of the hands of visitors, as well as a petting farm that is home to rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots and other birds.

The Daniell Cheetah Project is situated close to the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park, where around 500 African elephants are found roaming the hilly terrain, along with lion, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and plenty of antelope. Port Elizabeth (part of Nelson Mandela Bay) is only about 70 kilometres from the project.