Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary providing a safe haven for rescued big cats, focusing on conservation awareness and ethical animal welfare.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More active cats
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time
More active cats
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary providing a safe haven for rescued big cats, focusing on conservation awareness and ethical animal welfare.
"A truly amazing location with a wide variety of animals and passionate guides."
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Be Patient for Photos
Animals may be resting. Respect their space; guides will help you find them. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rescued Lioness Yuna
Sanctuary enclosure
See Yuna, a rescued lioness from Ukraine, who found a safe haven at Jukani after experiencing the trauma of war.
Majestic Big Cats
Various enclosures
Encounter leopards, jaguars, Bengal tigers, and lions in spacious, naturalistic enclosures designed for their well-being.
Informative Guided Tours
Throughout the sanctuary
Learn about each animal's story and conservation efforts from passionate guides who make the experience memorable.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Big Cat Sightings
Respect the Sanctuary's Mission
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Be Patient for Photos
Animals may be resting. Respect their space; guides will help you find them. :camerawithflash:
💰 Admission Fee
Entry fee is around R175 per person, offering great value for a sanctuary visit. :moneywithwings:
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly
Great for all ages, with patient guides who engage children. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Be Patient for Photos
Animals may be resting. Respect their space; guides will help you find them. :camerawithflash:
💰 Admission Fee
Entry fee is around R175 per person, offering great value for a sanctuary visit. :moneywithwings:
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly
Great for all ages, with patient guides who engage children. :child:
🐾 Wheelchair Accessible
The pathways are generally accessible, though can be a bit bumpy. :wheelchair:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary for its dedication to rescuing and caring for big cats, with many highlighting the informative and passionate guides who enrich the experience. While some note that animal sightings can depend on luck, the spacious enclosures and the sanctuary's conservation mission are widely appreciated. Occasional comments mention the commercial aspect and the animals appearing 'chubby,' but the overall sentiment leans towards a valuable and ethical wildlife encounter.
"We had Thando guide us through the sanctuary, giving us insight into each animal we saw. A fun 1 hour walk while you see a variety of different animals, some rare and some more common to SA. Would definitely recommend it for the whole family"
Tarquin Barry
"We had a wonderful visit to Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary truly an amazing location with a wide variety of animals. We were lucky enough to see almost all of them, except for the elusive black leopard.
A big thank you to Bazel, our animal tour guide, for making the experience so informative and memorable!
#Jukani
#South_Africa"
Matar Alkaabi
"The enclosure for the animals seem big enough and diverse environment. All are “rescued” from closed zoos or breeding farms.
But still it is rather commercial: guiding many many people through the park, shouting and rattling so that every cat is coming to the visitors. Cats also seem a bit chubby."
Niklas P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route. It's accessible by car and is a common stop for those traveling between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Many visitors drive themselves, and it's well-signposted.
Jukani is situated just outside of Plettenberg Bay, making it a convenient and easily accessible destination for day-trippers and those staying in the area. 
Absolutely! Jukani is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a few hours of engaging wildlife viewing and learning.
The roads leading to Jukani are generally well-maintained, typical of the Garden Route. Expect scenic drives as you approach the sanctuary.
Public transport options directly to Jukani may be limited. Renting a car or booking a tour that includes transport is generally recommended for ease of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is approximately R175 per person, which is considered good value for the experience of seeing rescued big cats up close.
While not always strictly necessary, booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred visiting time. You can book via their website: www.jukani.co.za.
Opening hours can vary, but typically the sanctuary is open during daylight hours. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current operating times.
Information on discounts for groups, children, or seniors is best obtained directly from the sanctuary. It's always worth inquiring when booking.
Your admission ticket typically includes access to the sanctuary and the opportunity to see the various big cat enclosures. Guided tours are often included or available at an additional cost, providing valuable insights.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Jukani is home to a variety of rescued big cats, including lions, leopards, jaguars, and Bengal tigers. You might also see other rescued animals.
No, Jukani is a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and caring for big cats that have been abused or neglected. They have a strict no-touch, no-breed policy.
The enclosures are designed to be spacious and provide a diverse environment for the animals, reflecting their natural habitats as much as possible.
Interaction is strictly prohibited to ensure the well-being of the animals. Jukani emphasizes a no-touch policy.
Taking a guided tour is highly recommended. Knowledgeable guides can help you spot the animals and provide fascinating information about their backgrounds and conservation.
Yes, the sanctuary pathways are generally wheelchair accessible, though some areas can be a bit bumpy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Jukani focuses on the animals, they may offer light refreshments. It's advisable to check their current offerings or bring your own snacks and water.
Jukani has hosted special Boma Dinners and Night Safari Adventures, which include delicious food. These are often special events, so inquire about availability.
Plettenberg Bay offers a variety of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy meals before or after your visit to the sanctuary.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of the animals and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb them.
Early morning and late afternoon light can be ideal for photography, and animals are often more active during these cooler parts of the day.
While you can't get too close due to safety and the animals' well-being, good zoom lenses can help capture detailed shots from designated viewing areas.
Jukani occasionally hosts special events like night safaris that can offer unique photographic opportunities. Keep an eye on their announcements.
Visitors often share stunning photos of lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards, capturing their majestic presence in the sanctuary.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the pathways are generally accessible, it's worth noting they can be a bit bumpy, so consider this if you have very young children in strollers. The sanctuary's mission of rescuing animals also provides a valuable lesson in empathy and care for children.
🌍 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a potentially more relaxed experience. Packing your own snacks and water can also help manage costs, as on-site food options might be limited or event-specific.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Remember that Jukani is a sanctuary, so the animals' welfare comes first. Avoid using flash, and be patient as the cats may be resting. The guides can often help position you for the best viewing and photographic opportunities without disturbing the animals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission of Jukani: More Than Just a Sanctuary
+1Visitors are encouraged to understand that Jukani is not a zoo where animals are guaranteed to perform. The sanctuary aims to allow the animals to live as naturally as possible within their enclosures. Guides play a crucial role in educating visitors about the plight of these magnificent creatures and the importance of conservation efforts.
The sanctuary actively works to raise widespread awareness about the challenges faced by large predators globally, particularly in South Africa. By visiting Jukani, guests contribute to the ongoing care and rehabilitation of these animals and support the sanctuary's vital conservation message.
Encountering Big Cats: What to Expect
+1Sightings can vary, as the animals are not baited or forced to appear. Some visitors report seeing most of the animals, while others mention that certain elusive cats, like the black leopard, can be shy. The guides are skilled at locating the animals and will do their best to ensure you have a memorable encounter without disturbing the animals' natural routines.
It's important to remember that the enclosures are designed to be as naturalistic as possible, providing ample space and enrichment for the cats. This means you might see them resting, grooming, or interacting with their environment, offering a glimpse into their lives as rescued animals.
The Role of Guides at Jukani
Many visitors have highlighted the exceptional quality of the tours, with guides like Thando and Bazel receiving specific praise for their insights and engaging delivery. They are adept at answering questions and ensuring that even younger visitors, like a three-year-old aspiring game ranger, are captivated.
These guides are committed to the sanctuary's mission, ensuring that visitors understand the importance of respecting the animals' space and natural behaviors. Their efforts make the visit both educational and emotionally resonant, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit