South Africa is a playground for Mother Nature's magnificent creatures, with everything from elephants to giraffes roaming the vast plains of this beautiful country.

But who says you have to embark on a multi-day safari to see these beasts in all their glory? Lion and Safari Park trips from Johannesburg offer the thrill of seeing these incredible animals up close in convenient family-friendly way.

Here's all you need to know about visiting the Lion and Safari Park, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from Johannesburg.

How to get to the Lion and Safari Park from Johannesburg?

Lion and Safari Park is located about a 40-minute commute from Johannesburg. It's on farmland near the small town of Broederstroom and sits just shy of the resort town of Hartbeespoort.

From Johannesburg to the Lion and Safari Park by car

The drive from Johannesburg is relatively simple, with major highways connecting the two locations. To reach the nature reserve, drive north for about 60 kilometers toward Hartbeespoort.

From Johannesburg to the Lion and Safari Park by public transport

Unfortunately, there is no direct connection between Johannesburg and the Lion and Safari Park. However, you can take the North/South Line train to Pretoria and then taxi the rest of the way.

Guided tour to the Lion and Safari Park from Johannesburg

A guided tour is the most hassle-free Lion and Safari Park day trip option. Many tour companies offer excursions that include transportation, entrance fees, lunch and guided walkthroughs of the park's various attractions.

How much does the entrance ticket the to the Lion and Safari Park cost?

Entrance to the Lion Park is free. You need to pay for the activities offered inside, like the self-drives, guided tours, night feeding, quad experience or horseback safari. Most activities are free for children under 12 when accompanying an adult.

Self-Drive

Adult: US$14 (R250)
Seniors (over 65 years old): US$7 (R125)
Children (under 12 years old): free

Guided safari

Adult: from US$20 to US$45 (R375 to R850)
Seniors (over 65 years old): from US$10 to US$25 (R190 to R425)
Children (under 12 years old): free

Private tours

Adult: from US$105 to US$120 (R1950 to R2150)
Seniors (over 65 years old): from US$50 to US$60 (R975 to R1075)
Children (under 12 years old): free

Quad tours

Adult: from US$50 to US$55 (R890 to R950)
Seniors (over 65 years old): US$20 (R350)
Children (under 12 years old): US$5 to US$10 (R100 to R150)

Horseback safari

Adult: from US$20 to US$55 (R350 to R990) per person
Kids rides (3 to 12 years old): US$5 (R80)

Giraffe feeding

US$3 (R60) per bag of food

Mountain biking

US$3 (R60) per person

Quad trail

US$20 (R375) per vehicle (up to 3 people)

River rafting

US$30 (R550) per person

Spa packages

From US$70 (R1250) per person

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Lion and Safari Park from Johannesburg?

A day trip to the Lion and Safari Park from Johannesburg typically starts with convenient pickup from your accommodation in the city. After meeting your driver, you are whisked off in an air-conditioned vehicle to the nature reserve, where you will spend several hours exploring the park's various attractions.

Some of the highlights include self-guided safaris in open-air vehicles, guided walks with expert naturalists, quad bike tours through rugged terrain, horseback safaris along scenic trails and giraffe feeding opportunities.

On the safari you can expect to see lions, hyenas, cheetahs, wildebeest, leopards, and other fascinating animals roaming the grounds in their natural habitats, with great wildlife photo opportunities along the way.

You can also stop for a bite to eat at one of the park's many restaurants or enjoy some rest and relaxation at its world-class spa. After a full day of adventure and exploration, you will be dropped off back in Johannesburg to round out your unforgettable trip.

Depending on your day trip of choice, you may also visit other nearby attractions in the North-West Province such as the Wonder Cave or the Cradle of Humankind.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Lion and Safari Park?

You have several options when it comes to planning a day trip to the Lion and Safari Park from Johannesburg. Some of the most popular tours include:

Guided tours to the Lion and Safari Park from Johannesburg

Starting with convenient hotel pickup in Johannesburg, this style of tour includes expert commentary about all that you encounter in the park, from the wildlife to the history of the region.

Private tour to the Lion and Safari Park from Johannesburg

If you want to have a more personalized experience, a private tour is the perfect option. You can choose your own itinerary, ensuring that all of your interests are catered to. You can book private transport to and from the park, a private tour of the grounds, or both.

Day tour to the Lion and Safari Park plus Wonder Cave from Johannesburg

The Bothongo Wonder Cave is South Africa's third-largest cave chamber and dates back between close to 10 million years. This tour combines it with a visit to the Lion and Safari Park, making for a truly memorable day of exploration.

Day tour to the Lion and Safari Park plus Cradle of Humankind from Johannesburg

This Johannesburg day tour combines visits to the Lion and Safari Park with a stop at the world-famous Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site. This attraction features limestone caves spread across 53,000 hectares — collectively holding the world's largest concentration of human ancestral remains.

Multiple-day tour to the Lion and Safari Park and surroundings from Johannesburg

The park sits on the fringe of some of South Africa's most spectacular attractions. If you have more time on your hands, consider a multi-day tour that allows you to explore other gems in the region. This can include visits to the Wonder Cave, the Cradle of Humankind, Pretoria, Soweto and the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve.

How much does a tour to the Lion and Safari Park from Johannesburg cost?

The price of a Lion and Safari Park from Johannesburg varies between US$70 and tour will depend on a number of factors, including the type of day trip you choose, the length of your excursion and any other extra activities. Specific prices are as follows:

Guided tours to the Lion and Safari Park from Johannesburg: between US$70 and US$100 per person.; different discounts are offered for seniors and children.
Private tour to the Lion and Safari Park from Johannesburg: from US$80 to US$160 per person.
Multiple-day tour to the Lion and Safari Park and surroundings from Johannesburg: up to US$900 per person for a 4-day tour
Day tour to the Lion and Safari Park plus Cradle of Humankind from Johannesburg: between US$125 and US$180, depending on the tour you choose.
Day tour to the Lion and Safari Park plus Wonder Cave from Johannesburg: around US$155 with discounts available for youth and children; infants up to 3 years old can join for free.

What will you see and do on a Lion and Safari Park trip from Johannesburg?

Once you arrive at the Lion and Safari Park, you will be immersed in a world of incredible wildlife. You can choose between a dozen different activities, depending on your appetite for adventure.

If you want to admire the wildlife and have a relaxing time, the guided tours, self-driving safaris, and walking safaris are all excellent options. You can get up close to lions, zebras, giraffes, and other majestic animals in their natural habitats. These guided tours also include informative commentary from your expert guides, helping you to learn more about the park and its inhabitants.

If you want to take things a little further, consider booking one of the park's many adrenaline-pumping activities. These include white water rafting, quad biking across rugged terrain, horse riding excursions, mountain biking trails and more.

Finally, be sure to take advantage of the many other attractions that the Lion and Safari Park has on offer, such as its spa, myriad restaurants, 5 Dome Shopping Experience and Bush Boma bonfire.

What are the opening times?

The Lion and Safari Park is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM during the week and 8 AM to 6 PM on the weekends.

When is the best time to visit the Lion and Safari Park?

The best time to visit South Africa for general purposes is between May and October. The weather conditions are perfect during this timespan and allow for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

From November until February, there is a greater chance of rain but also more opportunity to go birding.

Are there any tours to the Lion and Safari Park from other cities in South Africa?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in South Africa:

Lion and Safari Park tours from Pretoria

Travel tips

Don't feed the animals as this can disrupt their natural behaviors and habitats.
Pack plenty of sunscreen and water to stay hydrated during your trip. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that can withstand rugged terrain.
For the best bang for your buck, consider a combination tour that includes other nearby attractions.
Consider one of the park's sunset experiences — the South African sunset is spectacular.

Lion and Safari Park: Day Trips and Tours from Johannesburg