Ashia’s world-class cheetah center, accredited by Fair Trade Tourism, lies nestled at the foot of the dramatic Drakenstein mountains outside Paarl, a mere 45 minute drive from Cape Town.

Founded in 2016 to help to prevent the further decline of the cheetah population and to increase the gene pool, Ashia is successfully returning captive born cheetahs into the protected wild of South African game reserves and national parks. The relatedness of the reserve cheetah populations is becoming an issue and preventing inbreeding by supplementation from outside is a promising way forward.

Ashia offers many opportunities for day visitors, volunteers and interns to learn more about the endangered status of the species or to support and actively contribute to conservation and research initiatives. The modern and beautifully designed volunteer house is situated within the sanctuary and can accommodate up to 12 volunteers at a time.