Lion & Safari Park Johannesburg
Experience the thrill of African wildlife with close encounters and guided safaris at this renowned conservation park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active
Lion & Safari Park Johannesburg
Best Time
Animals are most active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the thrill of African wildlife with close encounters and guided safaris at this renowned conservation park.
"An unforgettable adventure with lions and other amazing animals!"
🎯 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Walk with Lions Experience
Designated areas
An unforgettable opportunity to safely walk alongside majestic lions under expert supervision. A truly unique wildlife encounter.

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.

Interact with Cubs
Designated interaction areas
Get a chance to safely meet and interact with adorable lion cubs, a highlight for many visitors.
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Safari Experience in Advance
Best Time for Animal Sightings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
:admission_tickets:☀️ Visit During Cooler Hours
See more active animals in the early morning or late afternoon.
:sunrise:3 days in Joburg, help
📸 Bring Your Camera
Capture incredible wildlife moments; zoom lenses are recommended for distant sightings.
:camerawithflash:👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you opt for guided tours.
: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.
:admission_tickets:☀️ Visit During Cooler Hours
See more active animals in the early morning or late afternoon.
:sunrise:📸 Bring Your Camera
Capture incredible wildlife moments; zoom lenses are recommended for distant sightings.
:camerawithflash:👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you opt for guided tours.
:athletic_shoe:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🦁 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.
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.
Yes, the park often offers supervised interactions with lion cubs, which is a very popular activity for visitors of all ages.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
The restaurant typically offers a range of meals, often including local South African dishes, burgers, sandwiches, and salads, catering to various tastes.
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.
Most restaurants at tourist attractions offer some vegetarian options. It's recommended to inquire directly with the restaurant staff about vegan choices.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for wildlife photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
📸 Wildlife Photographers
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.
🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation Efforts at the Lion & Safari Park
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.
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.
Unique Animal Encounters
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.
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.
Planning Your Visit: What to Expect
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit