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The Lion Park is located in Lanseria, about 45 minutes drive north west of Johannesburg. It gives visitors the chance to drive through a rather small reserve in which you can see big carnivores (white lions, cheetah, wild dog and hyaena) up close, as well as the opportunity to pet lion cubs. Another big drawcard is the tame giraffe whom you can feed by hand.
We visited a couple of years ago when we had a colleague visiting from overseas who had very little time, but wanted to see wildlife. It is probably elitist, but having been lucky enough to see these animals in the wild, I found the whole experience rather 'canned' and very expensive. To my mind, it is a tourist attraction rather than a genuine contribution towards conservation and education, and, much though my daughter (then 3) and I really enjoyed the lion cubs - particularly the giraffe encounter - I can't say that I'd rush to return. If you're serious about wildlife and interested in carnivores, I would rather suggest that you visit the outstanding Ann van Dyk Cheetah Breeding Station in the Magaliesberg, which isn't too far away, and will give you a much more authentic experience (but no lions). Just be warned that the Anne van Dyk centre is only open limited hours, so check my travel tip (under Pretoria) for the website details, where you can get the most up-to-date information.
It's also worth noting that there is immense confusion between the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve and the Lion Park. They are actually separate facilities, but are fairly close to one another and offer some similar attractions, such as the opportunity to play with lion cubs. If I might be a real conservationist 'stick in the mud', I would also ask you to consider where all those lion cubs go after they've passed the 'cute and cuddly' phase? As a general comment, lions are in oversupply in South Africa's national parks and reserves, and my concern is that they may end up being sold into the çanned hunting' trade (where animals are shot at close quarters by trophy hunters) - although I should add that I have no particular evidence to suggest that the Lion Park or Rhion and Lion Nature Reserve are involved in this practice.
Updated Dec 19, 2011
Website: http://www.lion-park.com/
A great thing to do is go to the Lion Park. By the time you get there, spend a couple of hours, play the lions cubs (which are so cute) grab something to eat it should fill up your time. There are organised day trips you can do, but it will probably be cheaper to catch a taxi there and back. We just walked around, but the taxi driver can also drive you through the safari park. Also some taxis are not licenced to go to certain areas so make sure they know you want to go to the lion park when you book.
http://www.lion-park.com/
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Corner Malibongwe Drive (previously Hans Strydom;
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Lionk park is for the intrepid businessman who has no time to go to Kruger or other real parks. It is a notch up from a zoo but does the trick. One advantage is the option of cuddling with lion cubs - not a mundane task. The white cubs seem to be testy while the golden ones are rather happy-go-lucky. Highly recommended experience!
Updated Nov 11, 2010
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This is a great little game reserve close to Johannesburg. I think it would be a most interesting place to take the kids and adults would also benefit from seeing a wide variety of animals. We saw lions, buffalo, springbok, zebra, wild dogs, albino lions, warthogs, and more.
The roads are good although dusty and there are bathroom and refreshment facilities.
Updated Jan 12, 2009
Address: An hour's drive from Johannesburg.
Phone: Cell - 082 800 5305
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The Lion Park is a little like a zoo, with enormous enclosures. We have taken a self-guided drive through the various enclosures to see lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyena, and variious buck. This costs R80 for adults, and R55 for children 4-12. Guided drives are available, but we have no experience with them.
The lions look lazy and fat, and deceptively slow, but do not be conned into a false sense of security that they will not be able to attack you if you get out of your car in the lion enclosure. There have been some incidents of tourists getting out for photo opportunities, and being munched.
After the drive, it is possible to pet a lion cub and have photographs taken with them, and to feed a giraffe from a platform as high as the giraffe's head. Food and drink is available.
Written Jan 3, 2008
Address: R114 near the corner with Hans Strijdom (R512)
Phone: +27 (0)11 691 9905
Website: www.lion-park.com
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We only had a few days in South Africa, and there was unfortunately not enough time to visit a game reserve and see some animals. But, we did have a couple of hours spare to visit the Lion Park, which is located about 30 minutes north-west of Jo'burg.
The Lion Park is kind of like a zoo, but still gives you the chance to get up close to some wild animals. Upon arrival, first stop for us was "Cub World", where we were able to pat a lion cub! We then headed over to the giraffe feeding area, where there is a "feeding station" that puts you at eye level with these gorgeous animals. The giraffe that was there was obviously very used to being fed by tourists and would wait impatiently for the next group to come along with some specially purchased food. We also got up close with some nosy ostriches and their chicks.
After that we took a 'Game Drive' in our car. First we drove past zebras, then various antelopes (springbok, blesbok etc), and black wildebeest. Then past the hyena and cheetah camps (both fenced in).
Last stop was the four Lion prides, where you could drive right past lots of lions of all ages. Some were running around while others where resting in the shade. At one stage a helicopter went over-head and several lions ran up into a tree for a better look. There were a couple of gorgeous white lions too.
We initially laughed at a warning sign which advised you to remove your spare tyre cover (if you had a 4WD) before entering the lion camps, but then we saw a lion playing with one that she had taken off someone's car!
Admission was R80 for adults and R55 for kids (Nov 2007) and covered all of the above.
Written Nov 28, 2007
Phone: +27 (0)11 691 9905
Website: http://www.lion-park.com
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I do not consider the Lion Park to be a real game park but rather a safari park. It is only about 30 minutes drive form Johannesburg on the Lanseria road. There are four prides of lions, of various ages, this small game area also has a number of rhino as well as other herbivores. The lions are enclosed in a high-security area while the greater park area is given over to the other animals. The entry fee is R60 for adults and R40 for children
Written Sep 15, 2004
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The only good thing that we did while in Johannesburg is that we went to Lion Park. It's not a game reserve, but it's kind of a park filled with lions... (no comments). Besides the lions, hienas, sprinboks and waterbucks (which were not very new after Kruger), the lion cubs is something that you'll never forget. You can play with them and have them in your arms. It's quite incredible and unforgettable.
Written Dec 4, 2003
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There is also an area where you may get to stroke a lion cub. When we were there, there was also a hyena cub you could touch.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
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Lion Park tips and photos posted by real travelers and Johannesburg locals.
Write a ReviewThere is also an area where you may get to stroke a lion cub. When we were there, there was also a hyena cub you could touch.
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