Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre

What Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre does

Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre (legally Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness NPC) is a South African non-profit company founded in 2002 that operates a combined wildlife rehabilitation hospital and conservation-tourism venue on 42 hectares of natural forest at The Crags, Plettenberg Bay. Its core activity is the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of injured and abandoned wildlife from the Garden Route, admitting an estimated 200-300 animals per year across 60+ species, with activities regulated under permits from CapeNature and the South African Department of Environment. A parallel education-and-tourism arm converts the facility's resident non-releasable wild cats — African Wild Cats, Servals, Caracals, Cheetahs, Lions, and Leopards — into ambassadors for guided conservation tours aimed at families, couples, school groups, and international visitors.

The organization's commercial offering is structured around five revenue streams: paid wildlife tours (1-hour Wild Cat Experience, 2-hour Private Tour, 4-hour Forest 'n Fur Combo, and an 8-hour Cats in Conservation Full Day program), on-site accommodation (Lion Cabins and Lodge/Family Suites), a day spa (Tenikwa Wellness Day Spa), discounted bundled packages, and recurring or one-off donations. Pricing is denominated in South African Rand and ranges from R240 per child for entry-level tours to R6,500 per couple for premium spa experiences. Distribution runs through direct online booking via NightsBridge (accommodation) and ActivityBridge (tours/spa), supported by referral partnerships with six Garden Route transfer operators and inbound traffic from TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Instagram.

Tenikwa also pursues community upliftment and ecosystem partnerships outside the tourism core: the Kulinda Project supports local employment and conservation, the Born in Africa collaboration hosts disadvantaged school groups, and clinical/regulatory ties with SANParks, Two-Oceans Aquarium, Robberg Vet Clinic, and CemAir position the centre as a node in a regional wildlife-casualty network. The organization operates with 11-50 staff, has disclosed no external investment, funding rounds, or audited revenue figures, and funds its rehabilitation work from the surplus generated by visitors.

Name

Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre

Legal name

Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness NPC

Website

https://www.tenikwa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre is a South African non-profit operating a wildlife rehabilitation hospital and conservation-tourism venue at The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, offering paid wildlife tours, forest accommodation, a day spa, and educational programs for families, couples, school groups, and international visitors along the Garden Route.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation Tourism

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Sanctuaries & Rescue Centers (Visitor Operations) (THAAAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching Tours (THAAAEAB), Wildlife Watching & Encounters (Birding, Whale Watching, Primates) (THAJAIAC)

Keywords

• Wildlife rehabilitation services
• Conservation tourism
• Wildlife experience tours
• Nature-based accommodation
• Wildlife awareness education

Headquarters

HQ city

Cape Town

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Wildlife Tours: Conservation-based wildlife tours including Wild Cat Experience, Private Tours, Forest and Fur Combo, EcoKidz Family Challenge, and Cats in Conservation Full Day programs. Tour income funds the conservation and rehabilitation work.
2. Accommodation: Nature-infused accommodation at Lion Cabins and Lodge/ Family Suites. Guests staying in accommodation fund wildlife rehabilitation activities.
3. Wellness Spa Services: Day spa facilities offering various packages including Sunset Spa, Half Day Spa, Beauty and the Beasties, and individual treatments like massages and facials.
4. Donations and Fundraising: Monthly and once-off donations from supporters. Online shop sales through The Atlas Bear where a portion of proceeds are donated. Zawadi shop donates 25% to Tenikwa.
5. Special Packages: Special discounted packages including Date Night, Romantic Couples, Family and Fur, Honeymoon Package, and 2 Night Specials offering bundled experiences at reduced rates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation and conservation centre at The Crags in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. It sells conservation-based wildlife viewing tours (including the Wild Cat Experience, Private Tour, EcoKidz Family Challenge, Forest 'n Fur Combo, and Cats in Conservation Full Day Program), nature-infused accommodation (Lion Cabins and Tenikwa Lodge/Family Suites), and a wellness day spa, with all visitor income funding its wildlife hospital that rehabilitates injured and abandoned wildlife from the Garden Route.

Product overview

Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre is a non-profit conservation organisation in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, offering a portfolio of conservation-based wildlife experiences. The core product suite includes wildlife viewing tours — the 1-hour Wild Cat Experience, 2-hour Private Tour for photography, 4-hour Forest 'n Fur Combo, and full-day Cats in Conservation Program — complemented by the Tenikwa Wellness Day Spa. Accommodation is provided through Lion Cabins (themed units near lion enclosures) and the Tenikwa Lodge and Family Suites, all set on 42 hectares of natural forest. A dedicated Wildlife Rehabilitation Program (est. 2002) admits ~200-300 animals annually, with proceeds from tours and accommodation funding rehabilitation activities. Special discounted packages bundle tours with accommodation. The centre operates NightBridge (accommodation) and ActivityBridge (tours/spa) booking systems for reservations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Tenikwa Wellness Spa: Day spa facility offering wellness treatments including massages, facials, wood-fired hot tub experiences, and spa packages, located within the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre.

Products and services

• Wild Cat Experience A 1-hour guided tour offering close-up views of indigenous South African wild cats including African Wild Cats, Servals, Caracals, Cheetahs, Lions, and Leopard, along with meerkats and marabous. Suitable for all ages, daily 09:00-16:30, average group size of 10.
• EcoKidz Family Challenge A 1.5-hour interactive family program designed for children aged 6-14, combining wildlife education with conservation challenges. Includes an educational booklet and EcoKid pledge certificate for participating children.
• The Private Tour A 2-hour exclusive private guided tour tailored for wildlife photography enthusiasts, providing ample time to photograph indigenous wild cats and the option to revisit a chosen species for additional photographs.
• Forest 'n Fur Combo A 4-hour combo tour combining a guided forest walk through a private indigenous forest reserve with a wildlife tour and picnic lunch, covering historical logging paths and local flora and birdlife.
• Cats in Conservation Full Day Program An 8-hour full-day conservation program providing behind-the-scenes access to rehabilitation facilities, wild cat photography, animal keeper interactions, enrichment exercises, guided forest walk, and animal food preparation. Includes breakfast and lunch, minimum age 9 years.
• Tenikwa Wellness Day Spa A day spa facility nested within the wildlife centre offering personalized treatments including Swedish massage, aromatherapy, Indian head massage, foot treatments, and wood-fired hot tub sessions. Spa packages range from 2.5-hour to full-day experiences.
• Lion Cabins Themed accommodation units positioned near the lion night enclosure, allowing guests to hear lions rumble and roar from their cabins. Part of the Tenikwa Lodge and Family Suites portfolio.
• Tenikwa Lodge and Family Suites Nature-infused accommodation set on 42 hectares of natural forest with sunset views over the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Includes en-suite lodge rooms and family suites with private patios and access to a traditional boma and dam.
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Program A wildlife rehabilitation program admitting approximately 200-300 animals annually, providing veterinary care, high-care facilities, and marine facilities for release preparation. Funded through visitor income; special rehabilitation tours offered for guests aged 9 and older on select dates.
• Special Packages Discounted bundled packages including Date Night, Romantic Couples (pay for 2 stay 3), Family and Fur, 2 Night Lion Cabin Special, and Honeymoon Package, offering combined accommodation and wildlife experiences at reduced rates.

Quantifiable outcome

• 200-300 animals rehabilitated annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Two-Oceans AquariumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Collaboration between Tenikwa and Two-Oceans Aquarium for turtle rescue and rehabilitation. Loggerhead turtle hatchling was transferred via CemAir flight sponsored flight to Cape Town for continued care at Two-Oceans Aquarium. Partnership demonstrates regional wildlife rehabilitation network cooperation.
• CemAirminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018CemAir sponsored flight to transport endangered Loggerhead Turtle hatchling from Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town for rehabilitation at Two-Oceans Aquarium. Air transport enabled timely transfer of injured marine wildlife.
• Robberg Vet CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRobberg Vet Clinic works hand in hand with Tenikwa, receiving injured penguins and providing initial treatment before transfer to Tenikwa rehabilitation. Veterinarian Dr. and team provide medical assessment and stabilization for wildlife casualties.
• Tasmyn Gouws (Equine Librium)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVeterinary physiotherapist who provided laser therapy treatment to assist healing of penguin Backman's wound and promote feather regrowth during rehabilitation.
• Hog HollowminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHorse rescue facility at Hog Hollow offers trail rides through The Crags. Partnership allows combined wildlife and horseback experiences. Over 33 rescued horses available for adventure trails.
• The Atlas BearminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline merchandise store created in conjunction with The Atlas Bear. Part of proceeds from purchases are donated to support Tenikwa wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.
• ZawadiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerZawadi offers special 15% discount to Tenikwa supporters and donates 25% of sales to Tenikwa when customers shop through their special link.
• Born in AfricacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit organization bringing disadvantaged school children from Bitou area for conservation education. Tenikwa hosts children for EcoKidz Family Challenge program to instill empathy towards wildlife. Partnership supports community upliftment and environmental education.
• Garden Route Transfer ServicesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRecommended transfer companies including Brenton Blue Tours, Dolphin Shuttle, Eden Cabs, Gecko Transport & Tours, Toktokkie Tours, and Vogue Cabs help transport guests to Tenikwa from various locations.
• CapeNaturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWestern Cape nature conservation authority issuing permits for wildlife rehabilitation. Releases are carried out in conjunction with CapeNature and other conservation bodies. Strict permit conditions govern rehabilitation activities.
• SANParkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth African National Parks brings wildlife to Tenikwa for rehabilitation and assists with wildlife rescue operations. Contact numbers provided for SANParks Natures Valley and Knysna branches.
• The Green TicketminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerForest restoration organization partnered with Tenikwa for tree planting programs. Through The Green Ticket Forest Restoration and Tenikwa's own tree planting programme, indigenous tree species have been planted to attract birds and promote biodiversity.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary: Free-roaming primate sanctuary located in The Crags, Plettenberg Bay — the same micro-destination as Tenikwa. Both operate wildlife sanctuaries open to visitors with guided tours, conservation messaging, and Garden Route tourism infrastructure overlap, and both sit within the same recommended tour-operator network.
• Birds of Eden: Large free-flight aviary and bird sanctuary also located in The Crags near Plettenberg Bay. Directly comparable visitor-experience model: sanctuary-based guided tours for international Garden Route tourists, conservation education framing, and shared local transfer-partner ecosystem.
• Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary: Big-cat and predator sanctuary in The Crags focused on captive ambassador animals. Closest direct competitor to Tenikwa's Wild Cat Experience, targeting the same family, couple and international tourist segments on the Garden Route.
• De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust: Conservation and breeding centre for cheetah and other endangered species in North West Province. Comparable mission-driven wildlife centre with tours, conservation education and regulated animal husbandry, focused on a similar ethical-tourism audience.

Regional players

• Cango Wildlife Ranch: Wildlife ranch and conservation centre near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape offering guided tours, breeding/conservation programs and a wellness spa. Comparable South African wildlife-attraction business model but in a different Garden Route region.
• Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre: Rehabilitation and education centre in Limpopo, South Africa, treating injured wildlife and running guided tours. Directly comparable rehabilitation-plus-tourism model, but in a different province and primarily serving Kruger-region tourism.

Broad incumbents

• SANParks (South African National Parks): State-run operator of national parks (including Tsitsikamma, Garden Route) and a key Tenikwa partner. A broader incumbent in South African wildlife tourism, overlapping with Tenikwa on Garden Route visitors and conservation mandate but at vastly larger scale.
• Aquila Private Game Reserve: Larger private game reserve near Cape Town offering Big Five safaris, accommodation and spa. Comparable integrated wildlife + lodging + wellness offering for international tourists, but at much larger scale and broader wildlife portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TenikwaWildlife
• Instagraminstagram.com/tenikwa_wildlife
• Xx.com/TenikwaWildlife
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tenikwa-wildlife-awareness-centre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre