Tenikwa Wildlife Centre

Today we did the combined tour of the park and the forest. Or guide was Mzizi. He was so friendly and knowledgeable on both the animals and the plants and trees. The tour started @ 9:30am and lasted 4 hours. Split up in a visit to the wild animals and a Forrest walk. Interrupted by a small but fine lunch. It makes time fly. We highly recommend to do the combined tour. It gives a good view of all the good work they do up here as an organisation. Thank you for the good work!

My wife and I visited this place today (12/01/26, after doing a lot of research on various animal centres in the surrounding area. We wanted to be sure that the animals were being well looked after and not being exploited for money to appease tourists. Tenikwa stood out due to the facility being a non-profit organization and it's high review score. Can I quickly add that all of the bad reviews you could read on this place seem to be from people who DID NOT check their website or read up on their mission. More importantly they did not watch or listen to the short video at the beginning of the tour outlining their mission and how they work. This is not a breeding facility, or a circus where you can pet/feed the animals in their care, nor is it a zoo. The animals you can see here are either pets that could no longer be cared for, or are injured wildlife. These animals would not survive in the wild and they now live our their days being well looked after by the team. The rescues that do have a chance at survival, rehabilitation, and eventual release back into the wild are cared for out of sight and away from the public. The bad reviews saying they weren't able to see or interact with said animals clearly misunderstand that wild animals can't be interacted with for selfies and IG likes. Some reviews said they were dissapointed at not being able to pet and feed the animals. Again these people don't listen or can't read. Our guide, Boni, was very knowlegeable and friendly. She has worked in all areas of the facility, and as such knew all there was to know about the animals we saw, she had even nursed some of them back to health during her stint in the hospital side Tenikwa. You can walk through the cerval enclosure and get quite close to the animals while still giving them their space and ensuring they don't feel pressured in any way. All of the animals looked well fed and healthy, with no animals pratrolling one length of fence mindlessly like you see in some zoos. We had no cash on us, but they do accept card to leave a tip should you want to. My wife and I left feeling good about how are money would be utilised, that the locals employed as staff can carry their experiences back into their communities to educate their families and friends, and that not one of the animals looked bored, distressed, or hungry. Quite the opposite. Thank you Boni, for your time and knowledge. We had a great experience. Mike and Nerissa

Tenikwa is a nice location with a small animal reserve. They care for animals to nurse them back to health and best case to release them back to the wild. The revenue flows direct to refund their purpose. It’s not a high level star accommodation but provides soul and warmth and also guided tours to the animals enclosure that are natural on this property. You can hear their lions roar at night and breakfast close to the leopard area

Such an incredible experience, seeing all their rehabilitated animals in such a good and healthy condition. Enclosures are large and well kept. Staff are so knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely a must see when traveling up the garden Route.

Tenikwa is a beautiful environment that caters to all ages. The facility is clean and maintained to the highest standards. The staff — including the managers — are exceptionally friendly and welcoming. I would highly recommend this place any time, any day! 🌿✨ Highly worth the visit!