Lion Park visit worth it?

[123Eish]

Anybody been to the Lion Park near Lanseria, my girlfriend has been worrying me for ages. It's her birthday this Sunday so I figured why not take her for a visit and then lunch after. Is it safe, after that story about the American being attacked, I am slightly worried.

I was planning to go on the guided tour, not the self drive. It includes cub interaction for R200 per person.

Is it worth it and is the experience worthwhile and overall fun?

Thanks

 

[Azbubu]

Do the self-drive. Just don't leave your windows open. And remember that most of those cute Cubs you're petting are going to be used for canned hunts.

 

[123Eish]

Do the self-drive. Just don't leave your windows open.

The main reason I can't do the self drive is that my air-conditioner doesn't work and since we can't open the windows, the heat is going to be really bad!

I figured the guided tour for an hour will allow us to see more of the Lions as well.

 

[CeeBee]

i'd suggest rather go to the Lion & Rhino park, just a few Kms further.
Big park, lots more to see, can drive around and view many more animals, including lions - in a bigger open space, so OK to leave windows a tad open near the lions, then after the drive can take her to 'pet' some lion cubs in the animal creche.
and nice lunch at restaurant too.
also a cave onsite you can go down in
http://rhinolion.co.za/

I've been to both parks, taken some French colleagues a few times, the rhino/lion park is def better value, more than just money

 

[123Eish]

i'd suggest rather go to the Lion & Rhino park, just a few Kms further.
Big park, lots more to see, can drive around and view many more animals, including lions - in a bigger open space, so OK to leave windows a tad open near the lions, then after the drive can take her to 'pet' some lion cubs in the animal creche.
and nice lunch at restaurant too.
also a cave onsite you can go down in
http://rhinolion.co.za/

I've been to both parks, taken some French colleagues a few times, the rhino/lion park is def better value, more than just money

Thanks for your reply, I noticed they don't have pricing on their website. I'll have to phone then, I sent then a mail now let's see if they get back to me.

Do you perhaps remember the pricing?

 

[CeeBee]

umh.... gonna lie to you if I give u the price... been > year since last visit... but if I recall it was around R200 or so... not much more than the Lanseria Lion park, but much more to see and do, not just lion viewing

edit.... no I see the pricing is on, less than I remember
http://rhinolion.co.za/pricing-fees/
R140 pp
or R210 for a combo to see the park and Wondercave

not just a quick drive through and its finished, like the Lion park... i'd suggest prepare for at least half day outing, especially if u gonna drive all over the park roads to see the different animals... its an open reserve not small park enclosures.
rather go relatively early, especially if u want to see the lion feeding... big open area where they dump a carcass in the middle and people park in a big circle around to view, then after go to the lion and other big cat areas, then can take leisurely drive through the rest of the park and finish with lunch and animal creche

 

[bromster]

Anybody been to the Lion Park near Lanseria, my girlfriend has been worrying me for ages. It's her birthday this Sunday so I figured why not take her for a visit and then lunch after. Is it safe, after that story about the American being attacked, I am slightly worried.

I was planning to go on the guided tour, not the self drive. It includes cub interaction for R200 per person.

Is it worth it and is the experience worthwhile and overall fun?

Thanks

It's great. You will definitely enjoy it if you haven't been before. Take a cooler box with some drinks and snacks, sun screen, bluetooth speaker and a blanket to sit on. You can chill on the grass for lunch in the picnic area once you are done.

Boom! You're totally getting laid.

 

[123Eish]

The Rhino and Lion Park suggested above looks way better with loads of more stuff to do. I'll decide closer to Sunday which one I am going to do, any further advice/opinions will also be taken

Thanks guys!
Lol @bromster getting laid is the whole point! Haha kidding!

 

[mike6870]

The Lory Park Zoo in Midrand is a better option than the other 2. Plus they don't breed big cats for canned hunting. Check out their website. Predator World just outside Sun City is great for the longer drive.

 

[F1 Fan]

Do the self-drive. Just don't leave your windows open. And remember that most of those cute Cubs you're petting are going to be used for canned hunts.

This, 90% of parks that do petting means they are involved in canned hunting.

 

[CamiKaze]

Try to go at night though, Lions are lazy AF during the day and you won't see them in action then.

 

[dunkyd]

Save the ticket prices and buy a car with an aircon or put the cash into the wedding ?

 

[123Eish]

Save the ticket prices and buy a car with an aircon or put the cash into the wedding ?

Lol my air-conditioner works, it's just got a leak. One of the aluminum pipes have a hole. Now I don't know if that hole has to be closed or the whole pipe replaced. The car is a 1998 golf 3 1.6. What little power that motor has is a waste on the air con so I never used it. Except on rare occasions like this!

 

[Pitbull]

Anybody been to the Lion Park near Lanseria, my girlfriend has been worrying me for ages. It's her birthday this Sunday so I figured why not take her for a visit and then lunch after. Is it safe, after that story about the American being attacked, I am slightly worried.

I was planning to go on the guided tour, not the self drive. It includes cub interaction for R200 per person.

Is it worth it and is the experience worthwhile and overall fun?

Thanks

Yea, nothing spectacular though. You drive through the lion park see them feeding and lounging around. Take pictures with cubs afterwards and eat at the restaurant.

 

[123Eish]

Thanks for all the replies, we were pressed for time and ended up going to the Lion Park. She really enjoyed it. I feel the ticket price was worth it for something that you do once in a blue moon. We went for the guided tour, it was well worth it. I felt sorry for the people driving their cars around as the Lion Park vehicle had the best views for the same price.