Cheetah Conservation Fund

Namibia holds the largest cheetah population left anywhere, most of it on farmland rather than in parks, and the Cheetah Conservation Fund was set up here in 1990 to work on the reason that matters: conflict with livestock farmers. Its programmes include breeding Anatolian shepherd dogs as livestock guardians, which has cut farmer killings substantially, along with genetics research and education. Cheetahs that cannot be released live at the centre and are used for research and public education.

What you actually see

• The resident cheetahs - non-releasable animals used in research and education.
• The guard dog programme - Anatolian shepherds bred and placed with farmers.
• The genetics laboratory - research facilities open on guided visits.
• The education centre - displays on the species and the farmland conflict.

When to go

May to October is the dry season and most comfortable. Feeding and run demonstrations happen at set times and are worth timing for. The centre keeps daytime hours.

Honest expectations

The resident animals are captive and this is a research centre rather than a wildlife experience. Activities are charged individually and add up. The gravel road in is long.

Nearby

Otjiwarongo is west, and Okonjima is south.