Cheetah Conservation Fund at Geed-Deeble Centre in Somaliland is partnering with Macrobia Expeditions. We invite travelers to experience Somaliland’s first Cheetah sanctuary through guided tours.
In The Horn of Africa, cheetahs are under siege from the illegal wildlife trade. Cubs are stolen from their mothers in the wild, often with tragic results for both parent and offspring. These cubs are then smuggled through Somaliland’s coast, across the Gulf of Aden, and into the Arabian Peninsula, where demand for exotic pets remains high.
The numbers are stark. Experts estimate that up to 300 cubs are trafficked out of the Horn every year. Most never make it to their final destination. Weak, starved, and dehydrated, as many as three out of four cubs die along the way. For a species already listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, every cub lost is a heavy blow. In Somaliland a fragile population of Cheetahs remains that cannot withstand such losses.
For years, this tragedy unfolded quietly. But Somaliland’s government, supported by Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), has taken major steps. The results are visible. Somaliland is no longer just a transit point for traffickers. It is becoming a regional player in wildlife protection.
The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is the world’s leading organization dedicated to saving the cheetah. At the heart of the CCF is Dr. Laurie Marker, its Founder and Executive Director. An internationally recognized conservationist who has dedicated more than three decades to saving the Cheetah from extinction.
Active in several countries, including Namibia and Ethiopia, CCF expanded to Somaliland to address the urgent threat of cub trafficking through The Horn of Africa. Working with the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change (MoEE), they have rescued more than 100 cheetahs, established safe houses and are developing the Geed-Deeble sanctuary. In just a few years, CCF has transformed the country’s ability to fight trafficking and protect wildlife.
At Macrobia Expeditions, we are proud to partner with CCF to make ethical travel part of this vital conservation story.
“Together with CCF, Macrobia Expeditions supports protecting Cheetahs and promotes ethical travel in Somaliland.”
CCF operates safe houses in Hargeisa, where confiscated cubs receive round-the-clock care. On arrival, most are in critical condition: dehydrated, emaciated, often suffering from infections or injuries. Skilled veterinarians and caregivers step in immediately with hydration, nutrition and treatment.
Life in a safe house is about recovery. Cubs grow stronger, learn to run again and live in social groups with other rescued cheetahs. Although they cannot return to the wild having lost their survival skills, the safe houses offer a second chance at life.
Recognizing the need for a long-term solution, CCF and the Somaliland government began building the Cheetah Rescue & Conservation Centre (CRCC) at Geed-Deeble. It’s an 800-hectare sanctuary on an one hour drive from Hargeisa.
In the Centre rescued Cheetahs live in large naturalistic enclosures surrounded by thornbush savanna and rocky hills. The sanctuary also includes a veterinary clinic, staff housing and solar-powered infrastructure. It’s one of the few facility of its kind in The Horn of Africa and a symbol of hope for the species.
Saving Cheetahs is not just about caring for cubs. It’s also about changing hearts and minds of the people in Somaliland. CCF invests in education, from school programs to public events like the Hargeysa International Book Fair. At these gatherings, hundreds of visitors learn about wildlife protection, climate change, and the dangers of the illegal pet trade.
Community engagement is equally important. Many cubs are taken from rural villages, so CCF works with elders, religious leaders, and families to prevent trafficking. Increasingly, villagers are reporting traffickers or surrendering cubs voluntarily. This shift is crucial: when communities see value in protecting wildlife, conservation becomes sustainable.
CCF supports the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change and law enforcement with training, equipment and expertise. Officers are learning how to conduct confiscations safely, collect evidence and prosecute traffickers. These programs form a comprehensive response: rescue, rehabilitation, education and enforcement. Macrobia is proud to stand alongside CCF in this effort.
While CCF rescues Cheetahs, Macrobia ensures that tourism uplifts conservation rather than undermines it. We are proud to be a member of Responsible Travel, which reflects our commitment to the highest ethical standards.
When you travel with Macrobia, you directly support Cheetah conservation. Our itineraries include visits to CCF facilities, giving guests a chance to witness conservation firsthand and make donations.
Snippet of the Tour:
During your guided visit with Macrobia, you tour CCF’s facilities, beginning in the on-site veterinary lab where blood tests, health checks and nutritional planning are carried out for the Cheetahs. Veterinarians and staff explain how fragile cubs rescued from traffickers are stabilized through careful feeding, hydration and monitoring. Out in the enclosures, you observe Cheetahs of different ages, from young cubs recovering their strength to older cats resting in the sahdow after meals.
This is travel with purpose.
Every traveler can make a difference. Here’s how:
By joining Macrobia, you become part of a global movement to keep Cheetahs in the wild.
How long is the drive to the CCF?
It takes around 1 hour.
Can I see Cheetahs on tour?
Yes, at CCF facilities. Guests observe rescued cheetahs in enclosures but never handle them for protection of both animals and travelers.
How does my trip support Cheetahs?
Part of your tour fee goes directly to CCF. Your visit also raises awareness and builds local pride in conservation.
What is the Geed-Deeble sanctuary?
It’s an 800-hectare sanctuary where rescued cheetahs live in natural enclosures. It also houses a vet clinic and education center.
Why choose Macrobia over others?
We are Somaliland’s leading responsible operator, a member of Responsible Travel and the only company offically working directly with CCF.
Cheetah conservation in Somaliland is not a story of despair but it’s a story of resilience and hope. More than 100 cheetahs have been rescued. A new sanctuary is rising at Geed-Deeble. Communities are stepping up to protect wildlife.
At Macrobia Expeditions, we are proud to be part of this journey. We invite you to join us, to see conservation in action and to make your travel count. Together with CCF and our shared partners, we are building a future where Cheetahs not only survive but thrive.
