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Panthera Africa - Big Cat Sanctuary

Panthera Africa - Big Cat Sanctuary

Panthera Africa - Big Cat Sanctuary
5
9:00 AM - 10:45 AM, 4:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 10:45 AM
4:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 10:45 AM
4:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 10:45 AM
4:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 10:45 AM
4:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 10:45 AM
4:00 PM - 5:45 PM
About
Panthera Africa - Big Cat Sanctuary Panthera Africa offers you the unique opportunity to learn about the big cats and hear their heartfelt stories! We are a true sanctuary with no trading, breeding or interaction, operating as a safe haven for rescued big cats. EDUCATIONAL VISIT Have a guided walk around to see our white and brown lions, black leopard, caracals and tigers and learn more about their species and their threats. TIMES: Everyday expect Tuesdays, 10am and/or 3pm (April - September) 9am and/or 4pm October - March); Open on public holidays. Price: R340 per adult / R170 per child under 13 years. PRE-BOOKINGS ONLY (as we only have a limited amount of spots per visit). SUNSET VISIT Come and enjoy the early evening with your loved ones as the sun sets and the cats come alive after a long day of rest! Your passionate host will take you around to the big cat enclosures. Price: R490 per adult, no children under 16 years allowed. Minimum 4 people. PRE-BOOKINGS ONLY.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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  • Denise H
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    beautiful animal friendly place
    an amazing place, with people who have a big heart for the animals. you hear the stories about the animals and why they needed to be rescue. they give great information. I would recommend this place if you want to visit a true animal friendly sanctuary.
    Thank you for your roaring review! 🐯🦁
    Written February 23, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written February 6, 2024
  • MJJ1980
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful and inspiring
    I volunteered at Panthera for 2 weeks and it was a truly amazing experience helping look after the beautiful animals - both their emotional and physical needs. I felt inspired by the utmost dedication of staff to the welfare of the big cats. I also learnt a lot about the SA big cat industry/the abuse that is endured and I am passing this knowledge onto others. Being up close and bonding with the beautiful big cats was an unforgettable experience.
    Thank you for your glowing review! 🐯🦁
    Written February 23, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written February 19, 2024
  • Isabel
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great experience, would always come back
    This has been my third time at panthers and I love their work. This time I brought my husband and baby with me. The guide was great and was able to tell the stories of the big cats very well. It is crazy what's happening in South Africa with lions and this is the place where you get to learn about it. I advise anyone to visit this sanctuary before visiting any other place that calls themselves sanctuary. Here you learn what a true sanctuary is and don't end up supporting the wrong establishments. Animals should be protected and not be there for your entertainment. I was sad that they stopped showing baguira to the public but it was very well explained and understandable. Thank you for the work and I'm looking forward to my next visit
    Hi Isabel, Thank you for the feedback. Follow us on FB & Insta to see our monthly "unseen pride members" updates 🦁
    Written March 15, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written February 25, 2024
  • jeuneldalewis
    Bloemfontein, South Africa2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must for any to do list!!!
    Very educational! I learned a lot about the very bad trading, hunting and breeding practices of wild animals in South Africa. Very good work is done by the wonderful people at Panthera Africa in not supporting these bad practices. A true sanctuary to ensure a future for these majestic animals. Amazing!
    Thank you find your great 5* review! 🦁
    Written March 15, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 29, 2024
  • Culture53372323434
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rescue & care facility for big cats. A lucky chance for a better life.
    The work done at Panthera Big Cat Rescue Sanctuary is truly remarkable. It is evident that the rescued big cats are given top-notch care in the best possible facilities with plenty of space, sunshine, grass, and trees. While it can be difficult to see these majestic animals behind fences, it is heartening to learn about their rescue stories and see how content they are in their new home. A visit to Panthera is not only educational about the South African big cat trade, but also a moving experience that showcases the dedication and compassion of the staff. I applaud the good work being done at Panthera and wish them continued success in their mission.
    Thank you for helping Panthera Africa spread awareness!
    Written April 29, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 25, 2024
  • Janice H
    Hermanus, South Africa10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Roaring Lions
    The staff at Panthera are passionate about their cats. We were treated to an evening chorus of male and female lions roaring as the moon rose. The birds were also very vocal, the leopards were making interesting sounds known as ‘sawing’ and the tigers were ‘chuffing’. I had never been close enough to hear these cat noises before and it made the visit very special.
    Thank you for the glowing review Janice! We are thrilled you enjoyed your visit 🦁🐯⭐
    Written April 29, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written April 17, 2024
  • Karin B
    Hermanus, South Africa62 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Soul enriching experience
    What an emotional and uplifting experience this was. We were not only moved by the beautiful animals, but were amazed at the passion and tenacity of the women behind this sanctuary. Catherine and Lizaan are legends for taking on such a gigantic task of saving and healing animals in desperate need. The sanctuary cannot at all be compared to a zoo as here they are left wild and as little human intervention as possible. The camps are beautiful and clean and the animals content in their environment. This was a pleasant and soul enriching visit!
    Thank you for your wonderful review! 🦁🐯⭐
    Written April 29, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written April 20, 2024
  • FarAway06448734498
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An amazing experience
    A lovely sanctuary to visit. We loved the tour and our very well informed tour guide. The highlight of our tour through the sanctuary was the roaring of the lions. The tigers were amazing and especially the one that loves lying in his pool.
    Thank you for your 5* review! 🦁🐯⭐
    Written April 29, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 21, 2024
  • Charlie G
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Friendly, informative and wellfare friendly!
    Very informative and educational, the staff where clearly knowledgeable and had a passion for what they do. The animal wellfare is no 1 priority and they are clearly well looked after and protected. If your looking for an educational and fun day out for family or even just solo, would definitely recommend. These guys are doing great work and all the expenses go back into the sanctuary, towards the animals! 100% recommend you check it out and support them if you can 🙏🏻
    Thank you Charlie for the glowing 5* review 🐯🦁
    Written June 18, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written June 12, 2024
  • Fatima Sait
    Cape Town Central, South Africa23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A true wildlife sanctuary
    Took the daughter to see the big kitties because we're both big on conservation and anti-wildlife interaction experiences. Our guide was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and put the wellbeing of the animals first before anything else to ensure their comfort whilst giving us the stories of each and every one of the visible kitties. Some stories are just so heartbreaking, but it just shows how much time, love and care went into rehabilitating these beauties. So worth the drive from Cape Town to meet the wild ones!
    Thank you for your 5* review 🦁🐯
    Written July 18, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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5.0 of 5 bubbles672 reviews
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Fiona P
28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Family
Our visit to Panthera Africa was a deeply touching and educational experience. This is not a safari experience but a true sanctuary for traumatized big cats. Hearing the background stories of these majestic animals was both moving and special, highlighting the sanctuary’s commitment to their care and recovery. Although modest in size, Panthera Africa exudes authenticity and genuine compassion for its residents. We were so inspired that we adopted two lions, creating an even deeper connection to this memorable visit. I highly recommend this sanctuary to anyone seeking an experience filled with compassion, education, and heartfelt stories.
Written November 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Fiona for this incredible review! 🦁🦁🐯⭐
Written January 13, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Connector66627600537
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Friends
I've stayed 7 weeks as a volunteer and it was absolutely amazing. Staff members made me feel very save and comfortable in a country so far away from home. The work I have done in 7 weeks where things like supplementing meat for the big cats, cleaning the enclosures, making enrichments for the big cats, clearing plants, feeding the tortoise and shadowing educational visits. Besides the work, I spent time with the animals which was always so relaxing. It was really special to get to know the animals personality and their background. For me, it was a real eye opener to learn about the whole big cat industry in Africa. Before I visited Panthera Africa, I had never heard about the lion bone trade.

Every Thursday was excursion day, where you can do lots of fun activities together with the other volunteers around Hermanus and Gansbaai. We also had social night once a week, where we went out for dinner or had a picknick. We had free time in the weekends. If you consider volunteering here, I really recommend to stay at least 4 weeks to get the most out of it. Oh, and be prepared: it will be really hard to leave this place when you've fallen in love with the animals and the beautiful country;)

Tip: you really have to understand and speak the English language (everything will be explained and communicated in English)
Written October 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for volunteering with Panthera Africa. It is only through volunteers such as yourself, we are able to offer our pride the best possible care 🦁🦁🐯
Written January 13, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Journey18477340984
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Business
What an informative and amazing experience. The staff was informative, friendly and very patient with all of our questions. The stories of resilience and recovery we heard during our tour truly inspired us. Each big cat has a unique journey, and it was moving to witness how Panthera provides a safe haven for these majestic animals who have endured so much. The cat's healing journey is a testament to the dedication and love that the team at Panthera puts into their work. Well worth a visit any time and definitely a cause to support. Nicci and Anita
Written October 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your 5⭐ review!
Written January 13, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Wayne S
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
We went to visit the sanctuary as we had heard what hard work Panthera are doing globally in this regard. We left feeling rather humbled, and relieved to find people who are prepared to go the hard yards in saving as many as they can from shocking situations created by more human greed, notably by our local farmers, shocking really as South Africans, who in the majority are wildlife lovers. This goes way beyond the cats they have in their great care at the sanctuary. Their influence in the plight of saving huge numbers of cats is growing and being recognized at most senior levels today.
Would highly recommend a visit for all age groups, most education, worthwhile and enlightening.
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Wayne for the 5* review 🦁
Written September 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Claire T
Cambridge, UK35 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Couples
On holiday from the UK, and booked the Sunset visit while staying in Hermanus. It was an easy drive, following the great directions sent by the centre.
We had Danni as our guide, and she was amazing! Along with Brittany and Brent, we were made to feel welcome and involved during the small group tour. The passion behind this whole mission is evident throughout, from the oversized enclosures, to the inventive enrichment provided to the cats.
We were treated throughout to several roaring sessions, across the park and it was simply incredible to hear these lions being lions, especially learning their back stories.
There is a little gift shop too, with a variety of very reasonably priced items, and the chance to adopt one of the cats too.
Thank you guys, for providing such a haven for these beautiful creatures.
Written November 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunset is a wonderful time at the sanctuary! Thank you for your 5* review 🦁
Written September 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Elettra S
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Friends
Visiting Panthera was a moving experience - starting from the moment when you realise that a tiger (Rays) is watching you! Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly - she had lots to tell us about the different animals we met. It is obvious that the animals at Panthera are not only loved but respected, and treated with dignity. We had a wonderful moment when Neptune on one side began to 'talk' to the lions over the path and we stood there with the air around us full of roaring. Magic.
Written October 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your 5* review 🦁🐾
Written November 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sam H
Edinburgh, UK11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
Highly recommend a family visit to this very special place. We were all impressed by the knowleldgeable guide and moved by the stories of the beautiful cats finally able to live their lives with dignity and respect after unthinkable experiences. It was a real privilege to see white lions, a black leopard, tigers and other cats in their long-term homes. A charity worth supporting and a sanctuary well worth visiting.
Written July 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this glowing 5* review 🦁
Written September 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Amy R
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Friends
Wow, what an amazing experience on a Conscious Cat walk with Founder Cathrine.
The work they do here is phenomenal, and these cats are absolutely majestic, happy and now safe . I cannot recommend a trip here enough - the sound of the lion's roaring together in the evening is other worldly.
Written October 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Amy for taking the time to leave this amazing review! 🦁🐾
Written October 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

OOOOs
Trowbridge, UK36 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Solo
Very interesting visit at this wonderful rescue centre for big cats. What a truly amazing job the caretakers are doing of keeping these wonderful beings well looked after physically, and most importantly emotionally after the abuse they have suffered before coming to this centre.
You’re doing incredible work, thank you for sharing and educating people to raise awareness of what is happening to these animals and helping things change for the better. It is a huge undertaking.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us such a lot of insights into each of the cats there. Thank you so much Brendon (I think that was his name, and sorry if I’ve got it wrong!) and thank you to all the lions, tiger, black jaguar, Caracas for putting up with visitors watching you in your homes.
Written March 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this incredible 5* review 🦁
Written September 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ana Cris P
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Friends
Panthera Africa is a true Sanctuary that puts the animals well being in first place. They will never be subjected to petting, walk alongs, hunting or breeding.

The animals there went through horrible and traumatic experiences and it warms my heart that now they have a lovely place to stay and people taking good care of them for the rest of their lives.

Thank you so much for all the dedication to those big cats, and for educating everyone who goes there about how we should treat such wonderful creatures.
Written August 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ana, Thank you for your 5* review! Yes, we always put our animals welfare first and without support such as yours, we would not be able to do so!
Written September 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Panthera Africa - Big Cat Sanctuary - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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