Cheetah Conservation Fund

Situated in central Namibia just outside of Otjiwarongo, known as the “Cheetah Capital of the World”, CCF does incredible work as a member of Namibia’s Conservancy movement with the aim to protect Namibia’s wildlife whilst working closely with local communities to resolve human and animal conflict issues.

Working within The Greater Waterberg Landscape and economic development area, the CCF works hand-in-hand with local farmers and the people of this region to protect the wildlife and the environment through a holistic conservation strategy.

The CCF is involved in a lot and does an impressive amount, all with the effort to save cheetahs and continue to maintain a healthy population of cheetahs in Namibia (and around Africa), considering the country has the largest free roaming population of cheetahs in the world.  

A visit to the CCF means supporting the work they do and ensuring the longevity of the fastest land animal, who has in recent years fast made its way onto the endangered species list as the most endangered African cat due to the loss of habitat, lack of prey to feed on and their vulnerability to humans, hunters and poachers.

The visitors centre at CCF is a chance to get a glimpse into how it is possible for cheetahs to live and flourish in coexistence with people.

At CCF and when staying at Cheetah View Lodge or Babson House you get to witness conservation in action and be a part of the lasting change. Whether you to visit the day centre or enjoy a cheetah run, visit the Model Farm or go see the livestock guarding dogs, you are able to see first-hand what it takes to save this incredible species.

Livestock Guarding Dogs (LGD)

The Cheetah Conservation Fund breeds Anatolian shepherd and Kangal dogs to protect livestock in the rural communities. Studies show that farmers with a livestock guarding dog (LGD) are less likely to trap or shoot cheetahs in their farm areas. Placed with farmers as puppies, the dogs bond with their herd of small livestock and it is by their loud bark and size that they scare predators away.

Habitat Improvement

In 2001, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), CCF embarked on a long-term research and development project that positively restores the habitat, taking into the account the ecology and the economy, while at the same time developing a renewable energy source.

Known as the CCF Bushblok program, harvested overgrown thorn bush is converted into high-heat, low-emission fuel logs for consumer use. CCF operates a biomass technology and education programme at the Biomass Technology Demonstration Centre.

Community Support

At the core of CCF is securing a future for the cheetahs and this is done by supporting the livelihoods of the people who also call this habitat home. Through livelihood development, CCF helps to enrich the lives of the people in the local communities. Model Farm at CCF is where the people are taught skills to expand their income potential. All the crafts, art pieces and jewellery are sold in the CCF gift shop.

Milk & Honey

The Dancing Goat Creamery is a project that serves as an example to small stock farmers. CCF sells dairy products from the goat’s milk they produce. It helps to create income as well as introduce new products to the local market. They also produce honey at their apiary and grow grapes for wine-making as new ways for communal farmers to grow in the farming sector.

Namibia has a population of roughly 3,000 cheetah and CCF is hard at work to continue increasing these numbers. The Cheetah Capital of the World is in the heart of Namibia and the cheetahs are the heart of CCF.