Lion & Safari Park Entrance Fee: Rates, Safari Tours & Visitor Guide
Quick Answer: Lion & Safari Park Ticket Prices
General entry to Lion & Safari Park is completely FREE. Visitors can enter the property, access the main complex, shop at the curio markets, and dine at the on-site restaurants without paying an entrance fee. You only pay for the specific safari drives, tours, or adventure activities you choose to join.
- Self-Drive Safari: R400 per adult | Seniors (60+): R215 | Children under 12: Free (1 free child per paying adult).
- 1-Hour Guided Safari: R575 per adult | Seniors (60+): R300 | Children under 12: Free (1 free child per paying adult).
- 2-Hour Guided Safari: R705 per adult | Seniors (60+): R380 | Children under 12: Free (1 free child per paying adult).
- 2-Hour Sunset Safari (Weekends & Holidays): R785 per adult | Seniors (355) | Children under 12: Free (1 free child per paying adult).
- Conservation Fee: A mandatory conservation fee of R30 is included in all activity ticket prices to directly fund wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and habitat preservation.
Overview of Lion & Safari Park
Located along the R512 Pelindaba Road in Broederstroom (Cradle of Humankind area), Lion & Safari Park is a 600-hectare wilderness reserve approximately 45 to 60 minutes from both Johannesburg and Pretoria. The park offers visitors an up-close wildlife experience in spacious, natural bushveld enclosures.
Main Wildlife Species to See
- Predators: Brown lions, rare white lions, cheetahs, African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, striped hyenas, and leopards.
- Herbivores: Giraffes, zebras, blesbok, impalas, kudus, springbok, sable antelopes, and blue wildebeest.
Comprehensive Ticket Price & Activity Breakdown
Because entrance to the complex is free, visitors pay on a “per activity” basis. Below is the full rate schedule for safari drives and adventure experiences.
Safari & Tour Rates
| Activity / Tour | Adult Rate | Senior Rate (60+) | Children (Under 12) | Tour Duration |
| General Park Admission | FREE | FREE | FREE | Flexible |
| Self-Drive Safari | R400 | R215 | Free (1 per paying adult) | Self-paced |
| 1-Hour Guided Safari | R575 | R300 | Free (1 per paying adult) | 60 Minutes |
| 2-Hour Guided Safari | R705 | R380 | Free (1 per paying adult) | 120 Minutes |
| 2-Hour Sunset Safari | R785 | R355 | Free (1 per paying adult) | 120 Minutes |
| 3-Hour Private Tour | R3,250 | R1,640 | Free (1 per paying adult) | 180 Minutes |
| 1-Hour Quad Bike Safari | R1,280 | — | R255 (Passenger child) | 60 Minutes |
| 1.5-Hour Sunset Quad | R1,395 | — | R225 (Passenger child) | 90 Minutes |
| 1.5-Hour Horseback Safari | R825 | — | — (Weight limit 85kg) | 90 Minutes |
| Kiddies Pony Rides | — | — | R220 (Ages 3–12) | 10 Minutes |
What Each Safari Activity Includes
1. Self-Drive Safari
- Best For: Self-reliant travelers and families wanting a budget-friendly option in their own vehicle.
- Experience: Drive through large fenced predator enclosures (housing lions, wild dogs, and cheetahs) as well as an open game area featuring antelope, hyenas, and zebras.
- Safety Rule: Windows and doors must remain strictly closed and locked at all times inside predator camps.
2. Guided Safaris (1-Hour & 2-Hour)
- Best For: First-time visitors and photographers who want expert commentary from qualified safari guides.
- Experience: Travel in sturdy, elevated safari trucks designed for unobstructed views. The 1-hour tour focuses on main predator enclosures and herbivore habitats. The 2-hour expanded tour adds views of leopard and hyena camps with extended game tracking.
3. 2-Hour Sunset Safari
- Best For: Evening visitors wanting to witness big cats at their most active hours.
- Experience: Available on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, this drive features an incredible lion feeding session as dusk falls over the bushveld.
Practical Visitor Information
- Physical Address: R512 Pelindaba Road, Broederstroom, 0240, North West, South Africa (near Hartbeespoort Dam).
- Operating Hours: Open 365 days a year from 08:00 to 17:00 (Monday to Sunday & Public Holidays).
- Dining Options:
- Bull & Bucket Restaurant: Full-service restaurant serving flame-grilled burgers, traditional South African braai platters, and cold beverages.
- Wetlands Restaurant: Fast-casual dining area with shaded outdoor seating.
- Curio & Retail: Extensive craft shops offering handmade South African leather goods, art, clothing, and souvenirs.
- Best Visiting Time: Early morning (08:00 – 10:30) or late afternoon when predators are active and moving around.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there an entrance fee to enter Lion & Safari Park?
No, general entrance into the main reception, restaurant area, curio market, and children’s play park is completely free. You only pay for specific activities like game drives or quad bike tours.
2. Do kids get in for free?
Yes, children under 12 years of age receive free entry on self-drive and standard guided game safaris on a 1:1 ratio (one free child per paying adult).
3. Can I drive my own car through the lion camps?
Yes, the Self-Drive Safari option allows visitors to use their personal cars inside the park. However, for safety reasons, windows and doors must remain closed at all times when inside predator enclosures.
4. Do I need to book tickets online in advance?
While tickets can be purchased at the main entrance desk on arrival, advance online booking is recommended for weekends, public holidays, sunset drives, and quad bike safaris due to limited seat capacity per vehicle.
5. What does the conservation fee cover?
The R30 conservation fee included in activity tickets directly funds wildlife rescue initiatives, animal rehabilitation programs, veterinary care, and habitat conservation efforts across the reserve.
6. Does Lion & Safari Park offer lion cub petting or walks with lions?
No. Lion & Safari Park operates under strict ethical animal welfare standards and does not offer cub handling, lion petting, or walking experiences with predators.
7. How far is Lion & Safari Park from Johannesburg and Pretoria?
The park is conveniently located in Broederstroom, approximately a 45-minute drive from Sandton/Johannesburg and about 50 minutes from Pretoria, making it a popular day-trip destination.