Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre

Just outside of Plettenberg Bay, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Center is one of several beautiful nature reserves and protected areas along the Garden Route. It is also one of the few animal welfare centers in South Africa, where both land and marine life can be found. The story of Tenikwa began in 2002, when the founders of the station moved to the Garden Route and discovered that numerous animals required their help, many of them rescued pets who could no longer be released into the wild. They bought a small piece of land and started to take in some animals and a few years later, the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre opened. A big focus is set on introducing visitors to the different types of African wild cats, such as leopards, cheetahs, servals and caracals, but there are also several other species including penguins, meerkats, storks and monkeys. The center educates about their way of life and the threats they are exposed to. Additionally, it teaches the local population how important the protection of these animals is. 
Tenikwa offers various guided tours in small groups and for all ages. There are special tours for photographers and families with kids, but there is also a one hour long standard tour which doesn’t need booking in advance and brings visitors closer to the animals. Let yourself be carried away by the passion the employees have for the rescue of these animals and try to do your apart by contributing to the protection of the African wildlife.

Practical Info

Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Center is open every day of the year from 9am to 5pm. It is located about 30 minutes outside of Plettenberg Bay and to get there, follow the N2 north-east for about 20 kilometers and turn right at the Kurland Village turnoff. From there, continue on the Forest Hall road and take the right road when it forks.