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Karoo tigers burn bright
Tiger Canyons, Philippolis
Tiger mom near Philippolis, in the Karoo.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
Some say there are fewer than 1500 tigers left in the wild.
There is nothing that truly prepares you for the majesty of an untamed tiger close up.
Especially when that huge, full-grown tiger leaps onto the dented bonnet of the game drive vehicle you’re in, and gives a series of chuffs (tiger talk) to communicate his happiness to see you. It’s at moments like these that you’ll be deeply grateful that the vehicle has sturdy bars protecting you from a playful bat from one of his gigantic paws.
Tigers don’t naturally occur in Africa. But maverick conservationist and film-maker John Varty, who has a passion for big cats, has established an African sanctuary for them at Tiger Canyons outside the little Karoo town of Philippolis.
John and his brother Dave founded the famous private game reserve Londolozi in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve together. But while John Varty was deeply involved in big cat conservation for many years, he also began fretting about the fate of the tigers in Asia. 'JV', as most people call him, saw it as crucial that tigers in viable wild populations be conserved in other parts of the world. It’s the same thinking that helped save the white rhino population in the early 1960s and later on, the Arabian oryx.
Tiger Canyons is a massive piece of land 25km away from the historic town of Philippolis. Although technically in the semi-arid Karoo, it includes part of the plunging ravines of the Vanderkloof Dam. Tigers adore water and are able to live in a variety of habitats, from snowy Siberia to jungle tropics to arid north-eastern India.
Despite John Varty’s background of luxurious Londolozi, this is not an opulent place – for tourists at least. There is no accommodation (you stay in town if you’re overnighting), and every bit of available funding goes to the tigers.
But to spend a morning or an afternoon with them could be the highlight of your trip to South Africa. Unlike many Asian parks, here you are guaranteed an opportunity to see wild tigers close up.
And one look into those blazingly imperious yet trusting eyes may even change your life.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Tiger Canyons
Sunette Fourie
+27 (0) 51 773 0063
+27 (0) 82 892 4680
How to get here
The nearest airport is at Bloemfontein. From here, Tiger Canyons is under 2 hours' drive away. Take the N1 south and take the Trompsburg offramp. Once in Trompsburg, take the R717 for about 60km to Philippolis. Just outside town, you'll see the signs to Tiger Canyons, which is about 25km away.
Around the area
Philippolis is an historic town with some noteworthy architecture, and is well worth visiting.
Get around
At Tiger Canyons, you'll be driven around in a vehicle covered in bars. Note the dented bonnet - favoured perch of tigers.
What will it cost
Approx R950 per person for a morning or afternoon tour, including a meal.
Length of stay
This is perfect for a day drive. But if you'd like to really get to know the tigers, stay overnight in Philippolis.
What to pack
Under no circumstances should you forget your camera. Your friends may not believe your sighting of tigers in Africa otherwise.
Where to stay
There are a number of options in nearby Philippolis.
What's happening
If you come for an afternoon tour, you'll also be privy to a small concert by John Varty. Accompanying himself on guitar, he sings about the big cats he has known and loved.