Lion and Safari Park Guided Safari Price & Visitor Guide

Quick Answer

A 1-Hour Guided Safari at the Lion and Safari Park costs R575 per adult, while a 2-Hour Guided Safari costs R705 per adult (both inclusive of conservation fees). Children under 12 years old enter for FREE on guided safaris when accompanied by a paying adult (one child per adult). Senior citizens aged 60 and older receive discounted rates starting from R300 to R380. General park admission, including access to the wildlife centre, restaurants, and play areas, is 100% FREE—you only pay for the specific activities or safaris you choose to join.

Located in the Cradle of Humankind near Lanseria Airport and Johannesburg, the Lion and Safari Park offers one of South Africa’s most accessible up-close wildlife experiences. Guided safaris are the park’s premier attraction, transporting visitors safely through predator enclosures in custom-built, heavy-duty safari trucks.

Lion and Safari Park Guided Safari Ticket Prices

All guided safari ticket prices include the mandatory park conservation fee. Below is a comprehensive pricing breakdown for guided drives and specialized safari packages:

Safari Activity	Adult Price (12+ yrs)	Senior Rate (60+)	Child Rate (Under 12)	Duration
1-Hour Guided Safari	R575	R300 – R380	FREE (1 per adult)	1 Hour
2-Hour Guided Safari	R705	R355 – R420	FREE (1 per adult)	2 Hours
2-Hour Sunset Safari	R785	Discounted	FREE (1 per adult)	2 Hours
3-Hour Private Tour	R3,250	R1,640	FREE (1 per adult)	3 Hours
Self-Drive Safari (Alternative)	R400	R215	FREE (1 per adult)	Flexible

Note: Promotional rates and package combinations (such as quad bike safaris or horseback trails) may vary seasonally.

What Is Included in a Guided Safari?

Joining a guided safari provides a structured, highly informative wildlife experience led by professional game rangers.

Key Highlights Included in Your Ticket:

• Predator Enclosure Viewing: Drive inside massive, high-security enclosures to observe African lions, cheetahs, African wild dogs, hyenas, and leopards up close.
• Open Game Drive Area: Tour the herbivore area where giraffes, zebras, springboks, impalas, blesboks, and wildebeests roam freely.
• Expert Guide Commentary: Certified field guides share fascinating details about predator behavior, territorial hierarchy, diet, and wildlife conservation.
• Custom Safari Vehicles: Modern, elevated safari trucks equipped with heavy-duty protective mesh, providing clear sightlines for photography while ensuring safety.
• Full Park Access: Access to the visitor center, Neck & Deck Restaurant, Bull & Bucket restaurant, playground, and craft shops before or after your drive.

1-Hour vs. 2-Hour Guided Safari: Which Should You Choose?

• Choose the 1-Hour Safari if: You have limited time, are traveling with young children who have shorter attention spans, or want a focused look at South Africa’s core large carnivores (lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs).
• Choose the 2-Hour Safari if: You want a complete experience that includes all predator species (including both spotted and brown hyenas, plus leopards), extended time in the herbivore game reserve, and a leisurely bush refresh stop.

Guided Safari vs. Self-Drive Safari

While self-driving in your own vehicle is an option (costing R400 per adult), guided safaris are widely recommended for several reasons:

1. Elevated Viewing: Safari trucks seat passengers higher than standard passenger cars, allowing you to see over tall grass and rocks.
2. Inside Knowledge: Professional guides know where individual prides and animals typically lounge, dramatically improving your sighting success.
3. Safety & Peace of Mind: Professional drivers handle navigation inside predator enclosures, keeping your personal vehicle safe from scratches or curious animals.

Essential Visitor Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Plan your safari around predator feeding times on weekends and public holidays (typically at 12:00 and 15:00). Predators are most active during these sessions.
• Arrival: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled safari departure time to collect tickets and check in.
• What to Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, a camera with zoom capabilities, binoculars, and bottled water.
• Location: 520 Kromdraai Road, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp (Cradle of Humankind area, approximately 13 km from Lanseria International Airport).
• Operating Hours: Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 08:00 to 17:00.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does a guided safari cost at Lion and Safari Park?

A standard 1-Hour Guided Safari costs R575 per adult, while a 2-Hour Guided Safari costs R705 per adult. Both rates include the park conservation fee.

2. Are children free on guided safaris?

Yes, children under 12 years old join guided safaris for FREE when accompanied by a paying adult on a 1-to-1 basis (one free child per paying adult).

3. Is general entrance to the Lion and Safari Park free?

Yes. General entry to the park premises, shops, restaurants, and kids’ play areas is completely free of charge. You only pay for specific activities, guided drives, or self-drives.

4. Do I need to book guided safari tickets in advance?

While walk-ins are accepted at the main ticket office, advance online booking is strongly recommended, especially on weekends, public holidays, and during school holiday seasons.

5. What animals will I see on a guided safari?

You will see large predators including lions (including white lions), cheetahs, African wild dogs, and hyenas inside secure enclosures, as well as free-roaming herbivores like giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species.

6. Can I visit the Lion and Safari Park in my own car?

Yes, self-drive safaris are available for R400 per adult (kids under 12 free). However, guided safari trucks offer better elevation and expert guide commentary.

7. What is the difference between the 1-hour and 2-hour guided safari?

The 1-hour safari focuses primarily on lions, wild dogs, and cheetahs. The 2-hour safari covers all predator species—including hyenas and leopards—plus an extended drive through the broader herbivore reserve and a scenic refreshment stop.