The self-drive safari at the Lion & Safari Park in Gauteng costs R400 per adult (which includes the conservation fee), R215 for senior citizens (60+), and is FREE for children under 12 (one free child per paying adult). Entry to the general park facilities—including the restaurants, curio shops, and children’s play area—is completely free of charge; you only pay for the self-drive activity ticket.
Overview of Self-Drive Ticket Prices
The Lion & Safari Park operates on a “pay-per-activity” model. There is no general admission fee to enter the property, making it a flexible destination whether you want to drop in for lunch or spend the day on a self-guided game drive.
Current Self-Drive Safari Pricing
| Visitor Category | Self-Drive Ticket Price | Notes & Inclusions |
| Adults (12 years & older) | R400 | Includes required conservation fee |
| Seniors / Pensioners (60+) | R215 | Valid South African ID/Passport required |
| Children (Under 12 years) | FREE | 1 child enters free per paying adult |
| Additional Children (Under 12) | R220 | Applies if children outnumber paying adults |
Note: Special promotional packages, such as the “Self-Drive & Smash Burger Combo” (around R420 per adult), are frequently available at the main reception.
What Is Included in the Self-Drive Safari?
When you purchase a self-drive safari ticket, you gain access to the park’s fenced predator enclosures and open game drive areas using your own vehicle.
- Predator Enclosures: Drive through secured, fenced camps housing lions, cheetahs, African wild dogs, and hyenas.
- Herbivore & Game Drive Area: Navigate through an extended reserve area where species like giraffe, zebra, springbok, impala, blesbok, and blue wildebeest roam freely.
- Wildlife Centre & Facilities: Enjoy free access to the Neck & Deck Restaurant, Wetlands Restaurant, children’s jungle gyms, and the 5-Dome Shopping Experience before or after your drive.
Essential Self-Drive Rules & Vehicle Requirements
Because you will be driving through active predator camps housing wild carnivores, strict safety regulations are enforced at all entry gates.
Allowed Vehicles
- Standard Closed Vehicles: Hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, station wagons, and minivans. Standard road clearance is completely fine, as the roads inside the park are well-maintained gravel and dirt tracks.
Strictly Prohibited Vehicles
- Soft-top / Convertible cars (even with the roof up)
- Open bakkies / Pick-up trucks with open load beds
- Motorbikes, quad bikes, and bicycles
- Vehicles with damaged, missing, or non-functional windows
On-Drive Safety Regulations
- Windows Closed: Windows must remain fully rolled up at all times while inside the predator enclosures.
- Stay Inside the Vehicle: Never open your door or step out of your vehicle anywhere in the reserve, except in designated safe parking bays at the main complex.
- Keep Doors Locked: Ensure vehicle doors are locked to prevent curious animals or accidental openings.
- No Feeding or Baiting: Feeding predators or herbivores from your vehicle is strictly prohibited.
- Follow Speed Limits: Maintain a speed of less than 20 km/h to protect wildlife and prevent dust creation.
Self-Drive Safari vs. Guided Safari Tour
If you are undecided between driving yourself or joining a guided safari, here is how the two experiences compare:
| Feature | Self-Drive Safari | Guided Safari Tour |
| Price (Adult) | R400 | R575 (1-Hour) / R705 (2-Hour) |
| Vehicle | Your personal closed vehicle | Open-air safari truck |
| Guide Included | No (Self-guided) | Yes (Professional game ranger) |
| Pace & Timing | Self-paced (Take as long as you like) | Fixed duration (1 or 2 hours) |
| Predator Sightings | Close-up through glass windows | Unobstructed views from elevated seating |
| Photography | Through vehicle windows | Open views ideal for telephoto lenses |
Park Hours & Location Details
Operating Hours
- Park Grounds & Restaurants: Monday to Sunday, 08:00 – 17:00 (Open 365 days a year, including public holidays).
- Self-Drive Times: Daily between 08:30 and 17:00.
Location & Directions
The Lion & Safari Park is located on the R512 Pelindaba Road, Broederstroom, near the Cradle of Humankind.
- From Lanseria Airport: ~13 km (approx. 15 minutes)
- From Sandton / Johannesburg: ~45 km (approx. 45–50 minutes)
- From Pretoria: ~50 km (approx. 45–50 minutes)
Tips for the Best Self-Drive Experience
- Arrive Early or Late Afternoon: Animals, especially lions and cheetahs, are most active during cooler hours in the morning (08:30 – 10:30) or late afternoon (15:00 – 16:30).
- Clean Your Windows: Since windows must stay closed inside predator camps, clean vehicle glass ensures clear photographs.
- Plan for 1.5 to 2 Hours: Allow plenty of time to drive slowly through both the predator camps and the extended game loop.
- Bring Binoculars: While predators often rest near the roads, herbivores in the open game reserve can spread out across the bushveld.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a 4×4 or high-clearance vehicle for the self-drive safari?
No. Standard 2WD sedans, hatchbacks, and compact cars can easily navigate the self-drive roads. The tracks inside the reserve are well-graded dirt and gravel.
2. Are children free on the Lion & Safari Park self-drive?
Yes, children under 12 years old enter for free on a ratio of one free child per paying adult. Additional children under 12 pay a discounted rate of R220 per child.
3. Can I drive a convertible or open-top vehicle through the park?
No. Convertibles, soft-top vehicles, open bakkies, and motorcycles are strictly banned from entering the predator enclosures for safety reasons. You can opt for a guided safari truck tour instead if you arrive in an open vehicle.
4. How long does the self-drive safari take?
The self-drive safari is self-paced. Most visitors spend between 1.5 and 2.5 hours driving through the predator camps and the herbivore game route.
5. Is general entrance to the Lion & Safari Park free?
Yes. Entry to the park grounds, curio shops, play parks, and restaurants is completely free. You only pay when purchasing a ticket for specific activities like the self-drive or guided game drives.
6. Can I feed giraffe or other animals during the self-drive?
Feeding animals directly from your self-drive vehicle is strictly forbidden. However, guided giraffe feeding is available separately at the main complex’s feeding platform for a small additional fee (around R85 per bag of feed).
7. What happens if my car breaks down during the self-drive safari?
If your vehicle breaks down or experiences a flat tire, stay inside your vehicle with windows closed and honk your horn, flash your hazard lights, or call the park’s emergency number displayed on your entry ticket. Park rangers will dispatch a service vehicle to assist you immediately.