Places in SA: The Lion Park, Johannesburg

Lions in the city

We have just over three weeks in SA, and have a carefully drawn up schedule for things to do with the kids; some we have done before, when they were much younger, some are definitely deserving of second visits now that they are older, a bit more engaging and can ask interesting questions. Nothing worse than enthusing about something of interest to a disinterested three year who would much rather find himself at the nearest jungle gym.  The Lion Park in Fourways was first on the list.


We went early last Saturday; or at least we thought it was early, but imagine our surprise when we rocked up at 11am and the car-park was already full.
Tickets bought, we took the guided tour option which lasts just over an hour and kept us all enthralled, from the five year old to the older woman of 'a certain age'. After which we had tea and a light lunch at the restaurant. All round a fun three hours on a Saturday morning taken care of. The usual questions around animals in captivity and the moral responsibility of the owners of such places as the Lion Park arose - which were fielded expertly by the guide; I learnt that the numbers of African lions in the wild has dwindled to a mere 30,000 from a high of nearly 100,000 in the early 90s.The park has both a conservation and breeding programme.

I would recommend for people wanting a bit of the Safari experience (in the city), with small children and limited time. It was just right for all, the kids were entertained sufficiently, they particularly liked the 'Touch-a-Cub' corner - where they got up close and personal with the cubs. There are three camps, with the fourth due to open in early 2012 - with everything from Springboks and giraffe to hyenas, cheetahs and just over 80 lions, including the rare white lions.

The Lion Park
Fourways
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 691 9904/5

More pictures here.