Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary in Stanford, Stanford: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Animals and wildlife in Stanford, Stanford
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An ethical big cat sanctuary near Stanford that provides a forever home to captive-bred lions, leopards, and other big cats, with educational visits and no cub petting or breeding.
What is Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary?
Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary is a true sanctuary near Stanford (between Gansbaai and Papiesvlei) dedicated to housing captive-bred big cats. It is a non-profit that provides a permanent, safe home for lions, leopards, and other big cats that cannot be released into the wild. It does not engage in cub petting, breeding, or trading. Visitors can join educational visits to see the cats and learn about their stories. It is a thought-provoking and ethical wildlife experience for families.
Panthera Africa is a true sanctuary that does not breed or trade big cats and provides a forever home for captive-bred animals.
Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (Under 13) | Toddler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | ZAR 340 | ZAR 170 | Free |
Educational visit: R340 per adult, R170 per child under 13. Pre-booking required. Some special experiences are for older children only. Confirm current rates when booking.
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- Book in advance Visits are by appointment only. It is ethical
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | Okay | The visit is outdoor and the cats are visible, but the walk may be long for toddlers. |
| 3-5 years | Good | The big cats are exciting from a distance. |
| 6-9 years | Great | The educational stories are engaging. |
| 10-12 years | Great | A powerful lesson in ethical conservation. |
| 13+ years | Great | A thought-provoking experience. |
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Key details
- Address
- Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, Farm 922, Stanford, 7210, Stanford
- Opening hours
- Visits at set times; book in advance
- How long to plan
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages (educational visit); some experiences for older children only
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Pre-booking required
- Payment accepted
- Card
- Mobile money
- Phone
- +27 71 182 8368
What to expect when you visit
Book your visit in advance (at least 24 hours). The educational visit lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours and includes a guided walk to see the big cats and hear their stories. It is an ethical experience with no cub petting. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Can we pet the cubs?
No, Panthera Africa does not allow cub petting.
Do we need to book?
Yes, visits are by appointment only.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, but the educational visit is best for children old enough to understand the conservation message.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Toddler suitability
- Okay for toddlers
- Minimum age
- No minimum age (some experiences have age restrictions)
- Facilities
- Toilets
- Parking
- Access and parking
- Free parking
- Safety notes
Follow the guide at all times and keep a safe distance from the enclosures.
Tickets and costs
- Parking
- Free
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Educational visit, guided tour
Plan your visit
- Combine with
- Gansbaai (shark diving)
- Hermanus (whales)
- Stanford village
- What to bring
- Camera
- Sun hat
- Comfortable shoes
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
The terrain is uneven; confirm accessibility when booking.
Not confirmed.
Free on-site parking.
Combine your visit
Plan the perfect day
Resident family of 4 estimate: ~R1020 (2 adults, 2 children)
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary?
- Adults pay ZAR 340 and children (ages Under 13) pay ZAR 170. Children under the toddler age enter free. Educational visit: R340 per adult, R170 per child under 13. Pre-booking required. Some special experiences are for older children only. Confirm current rates when booking.
- What are the Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary opening hours?
- Visits at set times; book in advance.
- Is Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Minimum age: No minimum age (some experiences have age restrictions). Follow the guide at all times and keep a safe distance from the enclosures.
- How long do you need at Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary?
- Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- What payment methods does Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary accept?
- Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary accepts Card, Mobile money. It does not accept cash.
- Is Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary accessible, and is there parking?
- Access and parking: Free parking.
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