Lion & Safari Park Wildlife Reserve

Address: R512, Broederstroom, Hartbeespoort, North West Province, South Africa (approximate)

Website: https://www.lionencounter.co.za/

Hours: Daily 9:00am-5:00pm (hours vary seasonally)

Admission: General admission varies; conservation activities and guided up-close encounters may have separate fees

Lion & Safari Park is a private wildlife reserve in Gauteng, South Africa, operating as a commercial game park focused on African mammals and visitor experiences. It is a fenced, managed reserve rather than a national park.

The park provides drive-through safari routes and guided tours that allow close views of species such as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalo and various antelope in large, managed enclosures. Walk-through areas and a visitor centre offer viewing platforms, picnic spots and informational displays.

Structured, supervised interaction experiences are offered at times for specific species under strict safety and welfare protocols; these are scheduled and availability can change. The site is used for education and animal husbandry programs alongside tourism operations.

Created as a private reserve to host and display African wildlife, the park has been developed around tourism and conservation aims and has added facilities and visitor programs over time. It operates under South African private wildlife-management and tourism practices.

The reserve sits northwest of Johannesburg in Gauteng, near the Magaliesberg area and the townships northwest of the city; it is commonly reached by road from Johannesburg within about an hour depending on traffic.

• Distance from Johannesburg: Located roughly 40 km northwest of central Johannesburg, making it accessible as a half-day outing from the city.
• Best time to visit: Most animal activity and cooler temperatures occur in the morning, when guided drives and feeding displays are commonly scheduled.

What to See#

• Main visitor areas: Offers a drive-through safari area where visitors can remain in their vehicles for close views of free-roaming species, plus separate walk-through enclosures and a visitor centre with viewing areas and picnic facilities.
• Guided experiences: Contains guided and supervised close-up experiences with some species, including structured encounters that are subject to seasonal availability and safety rules.
• Reserve type: Located on private land with fenced reserves and managed habitats rather than open wilderness; operations combine tourism with captive-breeding and educational programs.

From Johannesburg or Pretoria, drive northwest on the N1 and then the R512 toward Hartbeespoort. The park is signposted from Hartbeespoort and Broederstroom; allow 45-90 minutes from major cities depending on traffic. Organized tours and shuttle services operate from Johannesburg.

• Book animal encounters or guided tours in advance - popular on weekends and holidays.
• Arrive early in the day when predators are more active and temperatures are cooler, improving viewing conditions.
• Follow park rules and keep windows closed during predator feedings for safety.