Lion & Safari Park, Johannesburg - Lions as captured in Lion and Safari Park about 40 km from Johannesburg, South Africa
1 / 10

Lion & Safari Park Johannesburg

Experience the thrill of African wildlife with close encounters and guided safaris at this renowned conservation park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Animals are most active

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Lion & Safari Park, Johannesburg - Lions as captured in Lion and Safari Park about 40 km from Johannesburg, South Africa

Lion & Safari Park Johannesburg

Best Time

Early mornings

Animals are most active

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the thrill of African wildlife with close encounters and guided safaris at this renowned conservation park.

4.4
(3k reviews)

"An unforgettable adventure with lions and other amazing animals!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tours Ahead

Secure your spot for popular experiences like the lion walk by booking online in advance. :admission_tickets:

☀️ Visit During Cooler Hours

See more active animals in the early morning or late afternoon. :sunrise:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Walk with Lions Experience

Walk with Lions Experience

Designated areas

An unforgettable opportunity to safely walk alongside majestic lions under expert supervision. A truly unique wildlife encounter.

Reddit
Guided Safari Tours

Guided Safari Tours

Throughout the park

Explore the vast wilderness and get up close with a variety of African animals from the comfort of a safari vehicle.

Reddit
Interact with Cubs

Interact with Cubs

Designated interaction areas

Get a chance to safely meet and interact with adorable lion cubs, a highlight for many visitors.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Book Your Safari Experience in Advance

To ensure you get your preferred safari tour and avoid disappointment, especially for popular activities like walking with lions, it's highly recommended to book your tickets and tours online ahead of time. This is especially true if you're visiting during peak seasons or weekends. Reddit

Best Time for Animal Sightings

For the best chances of seeing active animals, plan your visit for the cooler parts of the day, typically early morning or late afternoon. This is when many animals are most active and visible, offering a more rewarding safari experience. TikTok

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Animals are most active
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Met this cub at Lion and Safari Park! Where else can I go in the Jhb and pta area where I can get great wildlife experiences like this? Tell me about the the experiences you’ve had.

🎯 Book Tours Ahead

Secure your spot for popular experiences like the lion walk by booking online in advance. Reddit :admission_tickets:

☀️ Visit During Cooler Hours

See more active animals in the early morning or late afternoon. TikTok :sunrise:

reddit.com

3 days in Joburg, help

📸 Bring Your Camera

Capture incredible wildlife moments; zoom lenses are recommended for distant sightings. Instagram :camerawithflash:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you opt for guided tours. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tours Ahead

Secure your spot for popular experiences like the lion walk by booking online in advance. Reddit :admission_tickets:

☀️ Visit During Cooler Hours

See more active animals in the early morning or late afternoon. TikTok :sunrise:

📸 Bring Your Camera

Capture incredible wildlife moments; zoom lenses are recommended for distant sightings. Instagram :camerawithflash:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you opt for guided tours. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Lion & Safari Park for its incredible opportunities to see and interact with lions, especially the cub encounters and the unique 'Walk with Lions' experience. Many highlight the educational value and the park's conservation efforts. However, some find the park can get crowded, and certain interactions might feel rushed during peak times.

"We had the absolute pleasure of working with Doreen & Sfiso while hosting international clients, and our experience at Lion & Safari Park was nothing short of fantastic.

From the start, Doreen made the booking process seamless, handling everything with professionalism and a warm, welcoming attitude. When we finally met her in person, it was an absolute joy! Given the nature of our visit, we had to prepare for two weeks of international guest arrivals, which led us to book a second tour at the park—and we were just as impressed the second time around!

On our second visit, Matilda was our guide, and what a wonderful lady she is! She kept our guests engaged and entertained throughout the experience, making the tour truly memorable.

To Doreen and the entire team at Lion & Safari Park—thank you for setting such a high standard for customer service. Your dedication and passion truly shine, and we appreciate everything you do. Keep up the incredible work! 🌟🦁

Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"

Gabriela Kellie Joseph

"The Lion and Safari Park is an unforgettable experience. We opted for the self-drive, which was absolutely beautiful and allowed us to get incredibly close to the animals, especially the lions – a breathtaking sight! Along the way, we spotted giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, bucks, impalas, a dung beetle, a tortoise, and more. The scenery was stunning throughout, making the drive even more enjoyable. The staff were helpful and super friendly, adding to the overall great experience. We visited on a Thursday and the park was quiet which was lovely, but I can imagine they get very busy during holidays and weekends.
Highly recommended for wildlife enthusiasts!"

Leanne Cadman

"Love it. Well maintained and different ways to explore. You can book a safari drive with a guide or go on a self-drive. Love the fact that the cages are big enough for the wild animals. All the animals are well kept after. Nice restaurant to have a traditional meal. Well worth a visit."

Magda Ehlers Opvoedkundige Kindervideo's

What People Like

Close-up lion encounters
Cub interaction sessions
Conservation focus

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Some tours feel rushed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Lion & Safari Park Johannesburg is located approximately 45 minutes to an hour's drive from central Johannesburg. Many visitors opt to rent a car or use ride-sharing services. Guided tours from Johannesburg often include transportation, which can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive. Reddit

Yes, the park is also accessible from Pretoria, typically taking about an hour to an hour and a half to reach by car. Consider booking a tour that departs from either city for ease of travel. Reddit

From Johannesburg, take the N1 North towards Pretoria, then take the R511 off-ramp towards Diepsloot/Hartebeespoort. Follow the R511 for approximately 15km, and the park entrance will be on your left. Always check real-time traffic updates before you leave. TikTok

Public transport options are limited and can be time-consuming. It's generally recommended to arrange private transport, a taxi, or join an organized tour for a more efficient and comfortable journey to the Lion & Safari Park. Reddit

Yes, you can arrange for a taxi or Uber to take you to the park. However, ensure you have a return plan, as availability for pick-ups might be less frequent. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry fees vary, and it's best to check the official website for the most current pricing. There are often different packages that include various activities and tours. Booking online in advance can sometimes offer discounts. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book your tickets and specific experiences, such as the walk with lions, in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, to guarantee your spot. Reddit

The park typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's advisable to check their official website for the exact opening and closing times on the day of your planned visit, as these can vary. TikTok

Yes, the Lion & Safari Park often offers various packages that may include guided safaris, cub interactions, and other activities. Reviewing these options on their website will help you choose the best fit for your interests and budget. Reddit

While tickets may be available at the gate, booking online in advance is strongly advised to avoid disappointment, especially for popular activities and to potentially secure better rates. Reddit

🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of African wildlife, including lions (including white lions), cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The park focuses on conservation and providing a natural habitat. TikTok

The 'Walk with Lions' experience allows you to safely walk alongside young lions under the close supervision of experienced guides. It's a unique and thrilling opportunity to connect with these magnificent animals. Reddit

Yes, the park often offers supervised interactions with lion cubs, which is a very popular activity for visitors of all ages. Reddit

Guided safari tours take you through different sections of the park in an open vehicle, allowing you to observe animals in their enclosures. Guides provide information about the animals and their behavior. Reddit

Absolutely! The park offers various activities that are enjoyable for families, including cub interactions and educational talks. Ensure you check age restrictions for specific experiences. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the park usually has a restaurant or cafe where you can purchase meals, snacks, and drinks. It's a convenient way to refuel during your visit. TikTok

While specific policies can vary, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. However, it's always best to check the park's rules upon arrival or on their website. Reddit

The restaurant typically offers a range of meals, often including local South African dishes, burgers, sandwiches, and salads, catering to various tastes. Instagram

The park may have designated picnic areas. If you plan to picnic, it's a good idea to confirm the availability of such spots beforehand. Reddit

Most restaurants at tourist attractions offer some vegetarian options. It's recommended to inquire directly with the restaurant staff about vegan choices. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Anywhere you can get a clear view of the animals! The guided safaris offer great opportunities, and specific enclosures are designed for viewing. Early morning and late afternoon light are ideal for photography. Instagram

A telephoto or zoom lens is highly recommended to capture clear shots of animals that may be at a distance. However, you can still get good photos with a standard lens, especially during cub interactions. TikTok

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always be mindful of your surroundings and any posted signs. Instagram

During the 'Walk with Lions' experience or cub interactions, you can get relatively close, but always maintain a safe distance and follow guide instructions. For other enclosures, a zoom lens is your best bet. Reddit

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for wildlife photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm tones. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Lion & Safari Park Johannesburg is a fantastic destination for families. The cub interaction sessions are a huge hit with children, offering a chance to safely meet and pet young lions. Reddit The guided safari tours are also engaging, allowing kids to spot various animals and learn about them from knowledgeable guides. TikTok

Consider booking a family package that might include multiple activities to maximize your experience. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable clothing and shoes. The park's educational aspect makes it a fun and informative outing for all ages. Reddit

📸 Wildlife Photographers

For photography enthusiasts, the Lion & Safari Park offers numerous opportunities. The early morning and late afternoon light provides the best conditions for capturing stunning wildlife shots. TikTok Bring your telephoto or zoom lens to get close-ups of lions, cheetahs, and other animals from a distance. Instagram

While direct interaction with adult lions is limited for safety, the 'Walk with Lions' experience and cub interactions offer unique photographic perspectives. Be mindful of any restrictions on flash photography and always prioritize the animals' well-being. Reddit

🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers

If you're passionate about conservation, visiting the Lion & Safari Park supports their efforts in protecting endangered species. Learn about their breeding programs and conservation initiatives to understand the impact of your visit. Reddit The park aims to provide a semi-natural habitat for its animals and educates visitors on the importance of wildlife preservation. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Conservation Efforts at the Lion & Safari Park

The Lion & Safari Park Johannesburg is committed to the conservation of endangered species, particularly lions. They actively participate in breeding programs and work to protect these magnificent animals. Visitors can learn about these efforts through educational talks and signage throughout the park. TikTok

Beyond lions, the park also houses other indigenous African wildlife, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity in the region. Their focus extends to educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and the challenges faced by these animals in the wild. Instagram

By visiting the park, you are indirectly supporting these conservation initiatives. The revenue generated helps fund their research, breeding programs, and habitat management, making your visit a contribution to a larger cause. Reddit

Unique Animal Encounters

The Lion & Safari Park is renowned for its unique animal interaction opportunities. The 'Walk with Lions' experience is a standout, offering a safe and supervised encounter with young lions. This is a rare chance to feel the presence of these apex predators up close. Reddit

Another highly sought-after experience is the interaction with lion cubs. These encounters are carefully managed to ensure the well-being of the cubs and the safety of visitors. It's a heartwarming experience that many families cherish. Reddit

Beyond lions, the park offers guided safari tours where you can observe a variety of animals in more naturalistic enclosures. These tours provide excellent opportunities for photography and learning about the behavior of species like cheetahs, hyenas, and giraffes. TikTok

Planning Your Visit: What to Expect

When planning your trip to the Lion & Safari Park Johannesburg, consider booking your tickets and preferred experiences online in advance, especially for popular activities like the lion walk. This helps avoid disappointment and ensures you get your desired time slot. Reddit

Arrive early in the morning or in the late afternoon for the best chances of seeing animals at their most active. The park offers guided safari tours, and it's advisable to check the schedule for these upon arrival. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll likely be doing a fair amount of walking. TikTok

There are dining facilities available within the park, offering meals and refreshments. However, you can also bring your own snacks and drinks. Remember to bring your camera with a good zoom lens to capture memorable wildlife moments. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2