African Lion Safari
Experience a thrilling 9km drive-through safari with lions, giraffes, and more, plus included shows and rides!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
African Lion Safari
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a thrilling 9km drive-through safari with lions, giraffes, and more, plus included shows and rides!
"It was even better than I remembered! So many things for the kids to do and experience."
🚗 Drive Your Own Car
Bring your own vehicle for a personal safari experience. Ensure it's clean and windows are rolled up for safety!
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save money and skip the lines by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Game Reserve Drive-Through
Nairobi Sanctuary, Simba Lion Country, Timbavati Lion Country, Wankie Bushland Trail, Rocky Ridge
Experience wildlife roaming freely as you drive through diverse habitats. Get up close with lions, giraffes, rhinos, and zebras.
Bird Shows
Witness captivating avian performances that showcase the intelligence and beauty of various bird species.
Scenic Train Ride
Relax on a leisurely train journey offering picturesque views of the park's natural landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Safari Drive
Beyond the Drive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Your Own Car
Bring your own vehicle for a personal safari experience. Ensure it's clean and windows are rolled up for safety!
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save money and skip the lines by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.
We are going to the Lion African Safari this weekend and looking for some info/tips
🍎 Pack a Picnic
Maximize value by bringing your own food and drinks. Enjoy a picnic amidst nature.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially on hot summer days, bring plenty of water for everyone.
African Lion Safari
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Your Own Car
Bring your own vehicle for a personal safari experience. Ensure it's clean and windows are rolled up for safety!
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save money and skip the lines by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.
🍎 Pack a Picnic
Maximize value by bringing your own food and drinks. Enjoy a picnic amidst nature.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially on hot summer days, bring plenty of water for everyone.
📸 Capture the Moments
Have your camera ready for incredible wildlife encounters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the immersive drive-through safari and the close encounters with a variety of animals. The included bird shows, train ride, and water park add significant value, making it a great family day out. Some guests note that food quality can be inconsistent, and recommend packing your own meals.
"I took my grandkids to African Lion Safari in the summer. It had been 40 years since I’ve been there. It was even better than I remembered! The bus tour was very informative & the live shows were great! so many things for the kids to do and experience.
To top off the day, the water park was awesome ( it was a very hot day!)
Great staff!"
Lorraine Clarke
"Beware
“ Tress passers will be eaten”😂
What a wonderful experience that starts with this ☝️ notice at the gate.
Animals around you when you drive or choose to hop in the Safari bus driven by them.
As you drive through different enclosed areas you will see the man made habitats for the animals kept there.
For lions 🦁 we see rocks and caves .. for giraffe 🦒 the tall cane sheds and trees for them to munch… for hippo 🦛 the muddy puddle… and monkeys 🙊 had there own free zone to hop from one end to other end to meet then neighbours Orangutan.
Ostrich can be seen as anti social … leading your car the reverse as she heads her angry gestures “hey this is my home, move your car”😂
The best part was after the Safari we had 2 bird 🦅 shows
We also had the boat 🚤 & 🚂 ride
All and much more inclusive in the ticket.
A total package of 4hrs"
Saleema-Sallý
"Great value if you are with kids! So much to do. Buy tickets online to save money.
Pro tip: take your meals with you"
Nabeel Mehdi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
African Lion Safari is located about an hour from Toronto. You can drive your own vehicle, following GPS directions. Public transport options are limited, so driving is the most convenient way to reach the park.
Public transport options to African Lion Safari are very limited. Driving your own car or arranging a private transfer is highly recommended for ease of access.
There is ample parking available at African Lion Safari. You can park your vehicle and then choose to either drive through the reserves in your own car or take the park's safari bus.
Yes, using a GPS or navigation app on your smartphone is highly recommended to easily find African Lion Safari. The address is straightforward to input.
The most common route from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) involves taking the QEW or Highway 403 towards Hamilton, then following local signage to African Lion Safari. Always check traffic conditions before you leave.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but purchasing tickets online in advance is often cheaper than buying them at the gate. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
Look for online deals and promotions, especially when booking in advance. Sometimes, group rates or special event discounts are available.
Your ticket typically includes access to the drive-through game reserves, the bird shows, the scenic train ride, and the water park.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the entrance, but it's highly recommended to buy them online beforehand to save money and avoid potential queues.
Operating hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official African Lion Safari website for the most up-to-date hours of operation for the day you plan to visit.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals, including lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, ostriches, monkeys, and orangutans, among many others, as you drive through the different game reserves.
Yes, you can drive your own vehicle through the 9km game reserve trail. Ensure your windows are rolled up for the safety of both you and the animals.
Yes, African Lion Safari offers a guided bus tour where knowledgeable staff provide commentary about the animals and their habitats.
Beyond the safari, enjoy bird shows, a scenic train ride, and a water park. There are also play areas for children.
Yes, the water park is typically included in the general admission ticket, making it a great place to cool off on a hot day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! Bringing your own meals and snacks is a great way to save money and is highly recommended by visitors.
There are food concessions available within the park, offering various options. However, some visitors have noted that the quality and taste can be inconsistent.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas where you can enjoy your packed meals. It's a perfect way to relax and refuel during your visit.
Food prices at park concessions can be typical for attractions. Bringing your own food is a more budget-friendly option.
Concessions usually offer standard theme park fare like burgers, hot dogs, fries, and snacks. Specific menus can change seasonally.
📸 📸 Photography
The drive-through reserves offer incredible opportunities for wildlife photography. Keep your windows up and be patient for the best shots.
Drones are generally not permitted within the park for the safety and privacy of visitors and animals. Always check the park's official policy.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing wildlife from a distance. However, even a smartphone can capture memorable moments.
While general photography is encouraged, be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography of staff or specific exhibits if signs indicate otherwise.
Morning and late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography, with softer shadows. Midday sun can be harsh.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the safari, the bird shows and the scenic train ride are usually big hits with younger visitors. The water park is a perfect way to let kids burn off energy and cool down on a hot day, making it a complete family outing. Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, and take advantage of the picnic areas to keep everyone happy and fueled throughout the day.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Plan your route to include African Lion Safari as a key stop, especially if you're traveling from Toronto or the surrounding areas. The drive itself is part of the adventure, and the opportunity to see animals like lions and giraffes up close adds a memorable element to your journey. Remember to check your vehicle's condition before you go and ensure you have a full tank of gas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Safari Drive Experience
Visitors often describe the drive as thrilling, with animals like lions, giraffes, rhinos, and zebras often visible right alongside the road. The park has designed enclosures with specific features for each species, such as rocky outcrops for lions and tall sheds for giraffes, enhancing the realism of the experience. The sheer proximity to these magnificent creatures is a highlight for many, creating memorable moments and fantastic photo opportunities.
Pro-tip: Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can lead to more active animals and better lighting for photography. Be patient, as wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the anticipation adds to the adventure. The drive typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and how often you stop to observe.
Beyond the Drive: Entertainment and Activities
For a more relaxed pace, hop on the scenic train ride that winds through picturesque parts of the park, offering a different perspective of the landscape and potentially spotting more wildlife. If you're visiting during warmer months, the on-site water park is a fantastic way to cool down and have some fun. It's a great addition for families looking to maximize their day.
These additional activities ensure that there's something for everyone, making African Lion Safari a full-day destination. The inclusion of these diverse entertainment options adds significant value to the ticket price, especially for families.
Maximizing Value: Food and Budget Tips
While the park does offer food options, reviews suggest that the quality and taste can be inconsistent, and prices are typical for an attraction. Therefore, a well-prepared picnic can enhance your experience without breaking the bank. Remember to bring a cooler to keep your food fresh, especially during warmer weather.
Beyond food, purchasing tickets online in advance is another key tip for saving money. Online deals often offer a discount compared to gate prices, and it also helps you bypass ticket queues, allowing you to start your safari adventure sooner.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit