Zululand Cat Conservation Project

We are open for daily tours. Bookings are essential.
Only 2 tour times per day, 30 pax allowed per tour.

Please contact us to book your visit to our project.
+27 (0) 82 7133 686 or WhatsApp or info@emdonenilodge.com

South African Guests with SA Identification, SA Rates will apply.
(Please show proof of valid ID document)

R200,00 per adult
R100,00 per child u/14 years

International Visitors:
R280,00 per adult
R140,00 per child u/14 years

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At Emdoneni Lodge with Zululand Cat Conservation Project we have ambassador animals which we use for breeding and the off spring to be released back into the wild hence the reason for the low numbers of animals in our project. A maximum of 12 animals including any off spring per specie.

Join us for an up close and personal tour and learn more about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. Come and be mesmerized by the beauty of the Caracal (Lynx), enchanted by the playful Serval, astonished by the speed and agility of the Cheetah and delighted by the African Wildcat.

View and photograph these amazing animals at the Zululand Cat Conservation Project. We offer daily educational tours, with feedings during the afternoon tour and an informative talk about the animals and the project by our experienced guides.

The aim of the Zululand Cat Conservation Project is to care for Cheetahs, Serval Cats, African Wildcats and Caracal (Lynx), which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and are in need of care and rehabilitation. We also intend to breed successfully (where possible) with our ambassador animals and release the offspring back into their natural habitat. We pride ourselves on the many successful releases done in the past.

Need to read more about the day to day happenings at the Zululand Cat Conservation Project?

Please read all the wonderful stories in our Quarterly Newsletters

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The Purpose of the Project

Enable the establishment of a viable cheetah sub-population.

Related to the above, to test the efficiency of re-wilding methods and procedures, and reintroduction of such animals into protected areas and other game reserves.

Raise awareness of cheetahs, caracals, servals and african wildcats, their biology and conservation status through interactions with animals that cannot be re-wilded or reintroduced into protected areas and other game reserves.

Our Vision

To create a wildlife awareness and education center which focuses are on conservation and the sustainability of the Cheetah, Caracal, Serval & African wildcat.

The provision and maintenance of an environmentally friendly and aesthetic wildlife center for selected feline species.

The management of a wildlife center in conformance with generally accepted standards, procedures and guidelines set by the KZN Wildlife Services.

As part of our social responsibility we educate the local communities about conservation. We involve them to create an awareness of sustainability, to respect and treasure our wildlife.

Successful Releases

Two males were born in March 2017 and was reared by their mom to the age of 24 months. Emdoneni & team are happy to announce that these captivity born cheetah were released in a private game reserve in 2019.

Cheetah – 5

Servals – 25

Caracals – 15

African Wildcats – 9

All releases are recorded according to our SOP’s and Protocols

History of the Project

Zululand Cat Conservation Project was started by Ida Nel (our mom) who always had a passion and love for wild animals, especially cheetah. Ida received the first 2 cheetahs from Namibia (Nandi & Jabu) in 1994. They both died of old age in captivity. Both were between the ages of …

The Cats

Read up about these endangered wild cat species and view photo galleries of each. At Zululand Cat Conservation Project we offer guests the opportunity to view four of the seven cat species found in Africa…

Release Program

The main emphasis of the project is to release the progeny of animals back into the wild. We only keep our breeding pairs, those animals that cannot be released back into the wild, in the project and for educational purposes. All offspring, where possible…

The project is funded solely by the 2 daily tours, adoptions and owners. All funds made are invested back into conservation in order to help ensure the continued survival of the four species. Our successful releases can vote for this. Besides this, the project also provides a safe haven for orphaned and sick animals and also offers an education center where the public and our younger generation can learn about these endangered species by observing them at close range.

Information for Visitors

Join us for an up close and personal tour and learn more about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. Come and be mesmerised by the beauty of the Caracal (Lynx), enchanted by the playful Serval, astonished by the speed and
agility of the Cheetah and delighted by the African Wildcat…

Time of tours :

Summer 10h30 and 16h00 daily (afternoon tour includes feeding). Winter (May to August) 10h30 daily and 16h00 daily (afternoon tour includes feeding)

Duration of tours :

plus/minus 90 minutes

All tours will be limited to the maximum of 60 visitors or limited to the availability of tour guides. The total number of guests will be split into groups. Groups not to exceed the total of 20 guests per group. Tickets will be based on a first come, first served basis. Should the visitor number exceed 75 guests, visitors will unfortunately be asked to visit the next day or next show.

Cat Coffee Shop

Selected menu for the hungry and beverages for the thirsty, available at our coffee shop

Coffee shop opening times:

09:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:30 daily

Adopt a Cat

Adoption of animals in care centres by private persons or companies is not a new way of raising funds for the well-being of animals in captivity, but a system that is basically ‘adopted’ worldwide by such organisations. At the Zululand Cat Conservation Project, our only funding to maintain the project at present is through visitor attendance of tours or support from the owners.