Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, close to The Crags (Plett), offers an honest, ethical space dedicated to the lifelong care of rescued big cats and predators.
The enclosures are some of the biggest we’ve seen in the region, and you get a clear sense that animal welfare comes first. You won’t find petting enclosures or choreographed feeding displays.
What is different about Jukani
It’s a different kind of wildlife experience—one shaped around respect, not spectacle—and it’s earned Jukani recognition, amongst others, from the Skål Sustainable Tourism Awards and South Africa’s Lilizela Awards for Best Animal Attraction.
Walking the sanctuary
The guided walking safari takes around 80–90 minutes, and you’re welcome to head back in afterward for another look. If you really want to make the most of it, take your time—this isn’t a tick-off-the-list type of stop. Grab the identification guide at reception so you can learn more about the individual animals and make your way through the sanctuary with a clearer sense of who’s who. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times,
Expect to see lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, pumas, and cheetahs, along with African species like caracals, hyenas, and honey badgers—all living out their days in peace. After your walk, you can end off with a relaxed picnic in the small farmyard, where alpacas, pygmy Nigerian goats, and miniature horses roam nearby. There’s also a café and a few puzzle games to keep the kids busy while you catch your breath.
If you’re after something a little different, Jukani also offers a Boma Dinner and Night Safari experience. Guests enjoy a traditional three-course meal under the stars, followed by a small-group guided walk through the sanctuary after dark. It’s a rare chance to hear and see the animals when they’re most active,
The sanctuary is a no-rush zone. It’s one of the few spots that asks more of visitors: to slow down, observe, and understand the individual stories of each animal. And that’s what makes it special.
