Discover a magical experience at Panthera Africa this holiday season
Make the most of the upcoming holiday season by paying a visit to Panthera Africa for an unforgettable family experience while showing support for our furry friends.
Visits are open to those under 8 years old, with Children's Educational Visits conducted on Saturday mornings, and exclusive sunset visits held at the most magical time of the day.
Pre-booking is essential for all visits, and Panthera's knowledgeable and passionate staff will educate you on interesting facts about the different species, enlightening you about our animals' unique personalities and their heartfelt rescue stories.
About Panthera Africa
Just a two-hour drive from Cape Town lies Panthera Africa, a true sanctuary providing a second chance at life for lions, tigers, and other big cats who narrowly escaped exploitation. Rescued from the grim realities of South Africa's notorious lion breeding industry, these majestic animals find peace in a 110-hectare not-for-profit sanctuary founded by Lizaene Cornwall and Cathrine Cornwall-Nyquist.
White lion Oliver, part of a pride of 26 rescued big cats, now enjoys a life worth living at Panthera Africa. The sanctuary stands out as one of the few true sanctuaries adhering to responsible, sustainable tourism practices—no breeding, no trading in wildlife, and no hands-on interaction with the animals.
Panthera Africa's co-founders, once naive participants in the exploitative industry they sought to challenge, embarked on a life-changing journey. Hand-rearing cubs they believed were rejected by their mothers, they later discovered the grim reality of the lion breeding industry, where cubs were forcibly separated from their mothers. Their disillusionment fuelled a commitment to creating a safe haven for big cats and educating the public about the harsh realities of captivity.
Driven by despair and a determination to save the lions they once reared, Catherine and Lizaene founded Panthera Africa, now an internationally recognized, award-winning sanctuary. As one of the few true sanctuaries in the country, it relies on funding from educational tours, volunteering, and sponsorship opportunities.
Panthera Africa's commitment to sustainable tourism is evident in its accolades, including being the top attraction in Stanford on TripAdvisor and receiving the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award from 2016 to 2020. The sanctuary also earned the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award in 2017 and 2022, along with the 2019 World Trade Market Responsible Tourism Award for being the Best Responsible Attraction One to Watch in Africa.
Despite South Africa's announcement of its intention to end the captive lion breeding industry in May 2021, change is progressing slowly. Panthera Africa continues its vital work, offering opportunities for individuals to contribute through Guardianship—sponsoring a big cat's care as a symbol of support or a meaningful gift.
To support Panthera Africa and protect animals like Oliver, join them on one of their magical visits. Pre-book your visit now at www.pantheraafrica.com or contact info@pantheraafrica.com.
