South Africa · LION & BIG CAT ENCOUNTERS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 lion & big cat encounters tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
See white lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs on a five-hour Lion Park tour from Johannesburg with pickup and a two-hour game drive.
“The animals are fenced in and fed by the staff. Not at all natural. You ride in a cage, and it is very difficult take pictures. Go to Kruger or Chobe or the Serengheti if you want to see African animals. This place is just sad.”
Review of the 3-hour Lion and Safari Park tour near Hartbeespoort, with predators, antelopes, guides, photos, access, and value.
“Wonderful. Driver/Guide was extremely scientifically knowledgeable and well educated, and able to communicate. She was also very alert to the varying needs of different indiviual participants. A very worthwhile experience.”
See lions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, and antelopes on a 2-hour guided safari truck tour near Hartbeespoort for $38.
“Excellent driver we had (Mzi). Very funny journey indeed”
Meet cheetahs at Somerset West, then swim or lunch at Gordon’s Bay and Strand Beach on a five-hour Cape Town day tour with hotel pickup.
“Was just me and a guide, felt uncomfortable being the only person and guide put herself first when in with the cheetah”
Combine human evolution and close wildlife encounters on a private Johannesburg tour to Sterkfontein Caves and Rhino and Lion Park.
“It was a good scary 😹😹 experience. Very safe and no need to be worried about anything. I like it….”
Drive your own car through Lion and Safari Park near Johannesburg, with predator enclosures, game viewing, and weekend lion feedings.
“We did the self drive and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. We saw all the animals that we expected to, the staff were very friendly, efficient and polite. I would highly recommend this as an outing to remember.”
See lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebra, and wild dogs on a convenient half-day safari from Johannesburg with hotel pickup.
“The worst tour company I’ve worked with. Solly only drove us to the park from our hotel, he was very full of himself. The guide that worked for the Lion safari park was great, he made our experience a little better. I would not recommend anyone booking with this company, but the Lion park is a nice place to visit with another tour company or driven by self. This tour company charges too much just to be driven to the park, you can take an Uber and get a better overall experience.”
See Pretoria’s key landmarks and Lion Park’s white lions, cheetahs, and hyenas on a private, guide-led day trip from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
“It was a fun full day of Pretoria+Nature experience. Thabang is a friendly guide!”
See lions, cheetahs, rhinos, and wild dogs, then explore Cradle of Humankind fossils on a private six-hour tour from Johannesburg.
“The tour was great, we saw rhinos, white lions, cheetas and lota of other animals. Shane has been a perfect guide!!!you can not miss this tour!!”
Review of Johannesburg’s Lion and Safari Park tour, with hotel pickup, a two-hour game drive, 85-plus lions, and practical booking advice.
“It was canceled by the tour company on the day...very disappointing, would never use them in the future”
Review of a private Johannesburg lion park tour with white lions, giraffe feeding, a game drive, hotel pickup, and practical booking advice.
“Our driver was super knowledgeable of the area, providing all of the history and facts. He was so friendly and amazing driver too. The safari was incredible and will never forget it. We got up close and personal with a giraffe and saw a lot of aRead more”
Spend 10 hours from Durban visiting Tala, Natal Lion Park, and Phezulu, with 4x4 wildlife viewing, lions, elephants, and Zulu culture.
“Tala reserve was amazing. But only had about an hour on the truck. Lion park visit was just a 5-minute stay in the car looking at a lion pride. Overall it was kind like a teaser rather than the real safari experience I was paying over 200 bucks for.”
Review of the half-day Tala Game Reserve and Natal Lion Park tour from Durban, with wildlife highlights, transport concerns, price advice, and booking tips.
“The trip itself was worth seeing. We saw many animals, and were able to get very close to some of them. Unfortunately, the weather put a damper on our plans (persistent, torrential rain). The guides made the most of it.”
Visit cheetahs and African wild dogs near Johannesburg with hotel pickup, a guide, snacks, and a close look at conservation work.
“They are doing good work here saving wildlife. However, they say they have 80 cheetah and they showed us only 4 ( among other animals). Somewhat disappointing”
See cheetahs, African wild dogs, and rescued wildlife at Ann Van Dyk Centre with hotel pickup from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
“It was exciting to be so close to the animals and to be able to take great pictures. Nichole and Wilson are a great guide team. It is interesting to watch Wilson command respect as he feeds the animals. Nichole is gifted in her ability to explain facts about the animals and yet make them sound like family. This is very much worth the visit.”
Pick a park, a coastline or a valley.
