Cheetah Experience
If you ever wanted to see wild big cats up close, then visit our Cheetah Experience in Bela Bela, previously based in Bloemfontein, and go on a once-in-a-lifetime educational tour to learn about our precious animals, see them up close, take some amazing photos and learn how you can join us in the fight to protect these precious species.
Our registered and recognized, non-profit endangered species breeding centre is home to a number of endangered and threatened species, including not only cheetahs but also leopards, male non-breeding lions, servals, caracals, African wildcats, wolves, meerkats and a Siberian tiger. Our project takes in rescued animals from the local area, so we also have various animals from time to time, such as a goat and chickens.
Our animals always come first, and everything we do is for their wellbeing. Our mission is to raise awareness of the vulnerability of South African species and other endangered species through educational experiences, as well as ethically breeding cheetahs in captivity and releasing them into a protected wild yet self-sustaining natural habitat where they are still monitored by researchers and medical experts but live free. Understanding their needs, behaviour and instincts plays a key role in saving animals from extinction.
Our current focus is to ensure that our breeding project aids in the conservation of the cheetah, by using the DNA samples taken from our cheetahs to maintain genetic diversity. We work along-side other ethical and responsible projects to help secure the cheetahs future survival. The global cheetah population is now confined to 9% of their historical distributional range.
We also offer a wide range of working holidays, volunteer and internship programs, which have seen over 1000 hard-working, dedicated, likeminded people from 33 countries come and be a special part of the Cheetah Experience Global Volunteer Family, who contributes to conservation in South Africa. This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to work closely with many African animal species.
Le Bonheur Reptiles & Adventures
Here, at le Bonheur you can get up close and personal with reptiles while enjoying a relaxing day or weekend on our idyllic farm in the South of Paarl within the Cape Winelands. We offer reptile adventures like you have not experienced before. After enjoying our croc pond tour and snake exhibit, spend the rest of the day enjoying our tranquil catch-and-release dam, and scrumptious wood-fired pizzas while your children can get energetic in the spacious play area.
Our Activities
With our crocodile tours our expert guide will show you around a captive-bred bask of more than 150 crocodiles, ranging from hatchlings and youngsters to adults. You’ll walk on ramp ways spanning four large dams, all the while learning more about Africa’s largest reptile. You might even get a chance to view these fascinating predators in their underwater environment from our viewing cabin. With 10 daily crocodile tours, no bookings are required.
Our indoor, self-guided "Snakes in Transit" snake exhibition features an impressive collection of local and foreign snakes which are housed in roomy enclosures fronted with safety glass. The clearly-signposted snake exhibition includes loads of information about our scaled brethren. On Saturdays and Sundays and public holidays (at 12h10) our experienced snake handler puts on an interactive snake showcase where you’ll learn to appreciate these oft-misunderstood creatures. A touch opportunity with an ambassador snake is available under supervision of our well trained guide.
Take things to the next level with our crocodile cage diving experience by sharing a pond with Africa’s top apex predator, the Nile crocodile. Facilitated by experienced guides, crocodile cage diving is a thrilling close encounter that includes a safety briefing. No diving equipment needed. This takes place in our new, sturdy and spacious cage that is surrounded by water on all sides. Spend around 20 minutes in the crocs’ watery habitat and get to observe how these ambush predators behave in their element. The crocodile cage diving experience is both underwater and at surface level. Rent a cellphone pouch from us and capture this once in a lifetime opportunity.
On Le Bonheur animal’s free choice is paramount and all our reptile experiences are PAPA approved.
Our great wide, tranquil dam is stocked with bass and tilapia (but no crocodiles!) and great for bass fishing. Cast a line from one of several jetties or take a jaunt in our rowboat. Fringed by willows and set against a spectacular mountain backdrop, the dam is popular among experienced anglers and novices alike. This is bass fishing with a view! We can also arrange an in-depth lesson with a professional fishing guide. If fishing is not your thing we also offer Stand Up Paddling (SUP - ages 15 and up) and row boating for all ages.
With real crocodiles, pizzas and play areas galore - not to mention loads of fresh air - our premises are ideal for kids parties with four different venues to choose from (both outdoors and indoors). You can decide whether you’d like to cater for yourself or if we should do it. We also offer exciting school outings which are a result of our passion to foster an awareness and appreciation of reptiles among South Africans.
Our Restaurant
In our fully licensed lakeview restaurant, wood-fired pizzas are made the Italian way, as well as a variety of classic but unpretentious light meals, served by our friendly team. Depending on the weather, you can choose to enjoy your meal on the gorgeous lakeside balcony, in the waterside garden near the play area or in the temperature-controlled main hall.
With its rolling lawns, whimsical willows and bobbing ducks, you can’t beat our waterfront garden. Our picnic hampers are great for one or two adults, and we offer special hampers for kids as well. What’s more, you’ll all enjoy free fishing.
Bring and Braai (grill) your own meal and rent one of our delightful waterside barbecue spots. We welcome small families and much larger groups, and we’re flexible about the logistics too.
Accommodation
At Waterside Stays each of our 5 self-catering farm stay units boasts breathtaking waterside views. You will have access to our swimming pool, barbecue facilities, Wi-Fi, television with DSTV, the curio shop and on-site restaurant - daytime only.
