THE CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND

THE CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND - INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL CENTRE FOR CHEETAHS IN OTJIWARONGO, NAMIBIA

 

Our Centre

A world-renowned research and education facility open to the public for day tours and overnight guest experiences

Location

Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is located in Otjiwarongo, Namibia, about three hours north of the capital city of Windhoek. CCF’s Field Research and Education Centre sets the international standard for researchers and students seeking to learn about the cheetah. From this base, CCF conducts research into the biology, ecology, demographics and genetics of cheetah and uses this data to inform conservation programmes designed to support the species. CCF provides livestock and rangeland management training for farmers at the Centre, which includes classroom presentations, field work, and how to use non-lethal predator control tools like the CCF Livestock Guarding Dog.

CCF is a popular destination for ecotourists. CCF provides memorable experiences for travelers seeking information with their wildlife adventures, whether they visit just for the day or stay overnight in Cheetah View Lodge, perfect for solo travelers, couples, families or groups, or Babson Guesthouse for the best in Namibian luxury accommodations.

CCF Centre is Open Daily from 8am – 5pm

No advance notice required for general tours.

Activities to be book in advance include the Cheetah Run, CCF’s Behind the Scenes tour and the Little Serengeti game drive

CCF’s Hass Family Research Facility – houses ecological research on cheetah and their ecosystem.

CCF’s Veterinary Clinic – this registered clinic cares for the animals at CCF’s Model Farm and Sanctuary animals while carrying forward on-going research on cheetah health.

CCF’s Life Technologies Conservation Genetics Laboratory – CCF’s sophisticated, modern DNA laboratory conducts non-invasive, genetic monitoring of cheetah populations in Namibia and other range countries. Research questions involve understanding cheetah gene flow and geographical patterns of genetic variation, as well as adaptive questions related to the cheetah’s behavioural ecology in specific habitats. The laboratory plays a key role in training the world’s next generation of wildlife geneticists.

Hilker Education Centre and Cheetah Museum – CCF’s Education Centre and Museum displays CCFs scientific research findings with wonderfully detailed displays illustrating the cheetah’s history, physiology, importance within the ecosystem, conflict with humans, and CCF’s work to ensure the species’ survival.

CCF’s Education Team presents two-day or longer environmental courses for school groups with overnight accommodation provided at CCF’s Camp Lightfoot, a campsite for groups up to 35. In addition to school groups, regional youth groups, youth officials, teachers, health officials and farmers participate in programmes designed for them at CCF’s Centre.  Learners participate in a variety of interactive activities that teach them lessons about the cheetah, its habitat and Namibia’s environmental issues.

CCF’s Creamery, Model Farm and Livestock Guarding Dogs – CCF raises Kangal and Anatolian Shepherd Livestock Guarding Dogs with their Dairy goat herds, helping teach farmers how to use this ancient breed of guarding dog to protect their livestock. The Dancing Goat Creamery produces cheeses, ice cream, fudge, and soap from the goats milk.

YOU CAN HELP TO SAVE THE CHEETAH

The cheetah is Africa’s most endangered big cat. We’ve lost over 90 percent of the world’s population of wild cheetahs in the last 100 years, and if we don’t act today, we could lose the cheetah forever. As the world’s leading organization dedicated to saving the cheetah in the wild. CCF offers a number of ways that you can help the cheetah win the race against extinction. 

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP (click on the link to open)

• Donate  
• Volunteer  
• Visit CCF   
• Shop Cheetah  
• Kids for Cheetahs    

 

Accommodation options

 

Cheetah View Lodge

With uninterrupted views of the Waterberg Plateau, the five room Cheetah View Lodge is the ideal setting for travellers who want to witness a world class conservation facility at work. Accommodation fees include breakfast and dinner plus a 15% discount off all cheetah activities, from cheetah drives to the popular cheetah runs. All proceeds from the lodge support the CCF’s continuing efforts to save the cheetah, promote ethical farming and teach coexistence in Namibia.

Our Meal House offers a full service restaurant with an open-air veranda for lounging and wildlife viewing at the purpose-built waterhole. The large family room situated below the Meal House also overlooks the waterhole with similarly breathtaking views of the Waterberg Plateau in the distance.

The two guestroom buildings are split into individual suites each with their own private entrance and porch area.

The four standard suites include a double bedroom, bathroom with shower, and a lounge with sofa to accommodate up to two adults. The family room is larger and comfortably takes up to two adults and two children. Sleeping arrangements consist of two queen beds and one sleeper couch.

Babson House

For those who wish to experience the world of CCF at the next level, we offer you The Babson House, CCF’s luxurious guest house. Sleeping up to 6 people, guests can enjoy sundowners on a private veranda overlooking the ever-changing colors of the spectacular Waterberg Plateau. Of course, cheetahs are never far away. CCF’s resident cheetahs live only a few meters away and can be watched from the veranda.

Guests may lounge in the deep leather couches in the living room, while a private chef prepares a special meal. Lunch is served on the veranda, while dinner is served at the dining room table beneath an impressive wildlife-themed chandelier. Later, as the sounds of the African night fill the darkness, visitors can retire to sumptuously furnished bedroom suite.

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