Drakenstein Lion Park, Western Cape: Hours, Address, Drakenstein Lion Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Drakenstein Lion Park
Drakenstein Lion Park
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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4.5
212 reviews
Excellent
143
Very good
52
Average
9
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Nel911
186 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Saving animals from human abuse is always a project that I can back.
Ticketa also dubble as entrance tickets to the ape enclosure next door.
There are also goats that kids can feed and pet.
The park is big. Its neat and wrll kept. Ample seating with umbrellas. A play area for kids too.
A few things to keep in mind before visiting.
Make sure the weather is not too hot. The animals arent as active and you most likely wont see half.
Check feeding times. This might help also to be able to see them out and about knwoing its their feeding time.
Then in regard to park safety; everything looks well and safe. The onky issue Ive found was the overhead lookout points - their wood planks are lifting and the stairs are quite wobbly. This could result in unsteady footing or someone to fall.
Other than that, we will recommend.
Ticketa also dubble as entrance tickets to the ape enclosure next door.
There are also goats that kids can feed and pet.
The park is big. Its neat and wrll kept. Ample seating with umbrellas. A play area for kids too.
A few things to keep in mind before visiting.
Make sure the weather is not too hot. The animals arent as active and you most likely wont see half.
Check feeding times. This might help also to be able to see them out and about knwoing its their feeding time.
Then in regard to park safety; everything looks well and safe. The onky issue Ive found was the overhead lookout points - their wood planks are lifting and the stairs are quite wobbly. This could result in unsteady footing or someone to fall.
Other than that, we will recommend.
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Martin K
Eindhoven, The Netherlands5 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
It was a hot day during the summer and thus the lions were all sleeping or laying in the shadow of the trees. Hence we couldn’t really see them or enjoy. However the staff was very friendly.
Written 6 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
brenda w
Cape Town, South Africa2 contributions
Jul 2021
Last year during lockdown I yearned to see how the Lions were doing and decided that although I could not go visit, I could at least adopt a Lion or two for a reasonable amount for a year.
I chose Tana the tiger for myself because when I last visited she looked so regal reclining on a mound and staring into space. My grandson was allocated Aneta.
On Monday (19 July 2021) we decided to visit, although there was forecast of rain. Before we left home we watched the weather coming in fast but hoped it wasn't raining in Paarl, We specifically wanted to be there at 16h00 when they feed the animals. Feeding times are at 16h00 on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. My daughter in law was sceptical about her safety and not sure the fence could keep the Lions from "getting to her".
The first enclosure on the right hand side housed a Lion and Lioness. Ena (the Lioness) started growling and I decided to do a video of her. To my delight she "stormed" me and put on quite a show.
When we got to Aneta's enclosure my grandson was so proud to see his name as having adopted her.
Although it occasionally drizzled very lightly, my son enjoyed observing the Lions and was surprised that there was a Tiger. All the Lions are in good condition and the white Lions are beautiful.
After the Lions were fed some of them Roared. It is such a privilege to see them up close.
There are little tables with umbrellas and on a beautiful day you can sit down and make a day of it.
I chose Tana the tiger for myself because when I last visited she looked so regal reclining on a mound and staring into space. My grandson was allocated Aneta.
On Monday (19 July 2021) we decided to visit, although there was forecast of rain. Before we left home we watched the weather coming in fast but hoped it wasn't raining in Paarl, We specifically wanted to be there at 16h00 when they feed the animals. Feeding times are at 16h00 on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. My daughter in law was sceptical about her safety and not sure the fence could keep the Lions from "getting to her".
The first enclosure on the right hand side housed a Lion and Lioness. Ena (the Lioness) started growling and I decided to do a video of her. To my delight she "stormed" me and put on quite a show.
When we got to Aneta's enclosure my grandson was so proud to see his name as having adopted her.
Although it occasionally drizzled very lightly, my son enjoyed observing the Lions and was surprised that there was a Tiger. All the Lions are in good condition and the white Lions are beautiful.
After the Lions were fed some of them Roared. It is such a privilege to see them up close.
There are little tables with umbrellas and on a beautiful day you can sit down and make a day of it.
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
amir
South Africa6 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Very special place with a lot of lions and lioness. You can see them up close and it is very exiting experience. Very good park.
Written 14 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
The family traveler
Radstock, UK64 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
The people are doing an amazing job providing sanctuary to previously abused animals.
We visited today not knowing what to expect but was pleasantly surprised the lions are kept in large enclosure’s by caring staff that truly care.
If you would like to get up close and personal with lions and tigers then Drakenstein is well worth the visit.
We visited today not knowing what to expect but was pleasantly surprised the lions are kept in large enclosure’s by caring staff that truly care.
If you would like to get up close and personal with lions and tigers then Drakenstein is well worth the visit.
Written 11 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jane P
Mortain, France121 contributions
Feb 2020
Lions, a few tigers and other big cats, including white lions to be seen in large paddocks with natural flora, and as free as they can be while in captivity. Many have really sad stories behind their origins and now they are somewhere safe. Fed on dead chickens three times a week - it is good to go during the feeding times to see the lions acitve. The keepers care very much for them and would love some extra donations so they could afford to give the lions red meat more often.
Written 4 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John A
Leeds, UK48 contributions
Feb 2020
What an experience that we simply cannot get within the UK (unless paying a fortune and not getting the weather)
Our experience was great from the moment we turned up until we left the next morning but the experience staying in the the tents surrounded by lions was one in a million.
The park itself has about 26 lions all with different names and characters. We were lucky as we got there just before feeding time at 4 pm (not done each day) and saw all the lions really animated and exited about the feed.
Father the park had official closed we were able to roam pretty freely around the park and see the lions without anyone else expect the staff been there. The same happened the next morning from sunrise when the cats are more animated.
The BBQ was excellent which is included in the price and we paid about £80 per couple per tent for the whole experience which is super cheap coming from the uk.
The noise from the lions starts after dark when you can hear them communicate and gives you a feeling that they are night next to you. We didn’t get much sleep as you can hear them all night which is why we were there, but the most special part was about 5am just before sunrise when all the lions were talking to each other making a sound like nothing else.
The staff where first class and are all there to protect and care for the animals
If you are in Cape Town or surrounding area this is a must for all nature / lion / camping / animal lover
Our experience was great from the moment we turned up until we left the next morning but the experience staying in the the tents surrounded by lions was one in a million.
The park itself has about 26 lions all with different names and characters. We were lucky as we got there just before feeding time at 4 pm (not done each day) and saw all the lions really animated and exited about the feed.
Father the park had official closed we were able to roam pretty freely around the park and see the lions without anyone else expect the staff been there. The same happened the next morning from sunrise when the cats are more animated.
The BBQ was excellent which is included in the price and we paid about £80 per couple per tent for the whole experience which is super cheap coming from the uk.
The noise from the lions starts after dark when you can hear them communicate and gives you a feeling that they are night next to you. We didn’t get much sleep as you can hear them all night which is why we were there, but the most special part was about 5am just before sunrise when all the lions were talking to each other making a sound like nothing else.
The staff where first class and are all there to protect and care for the animals
If you are in Cape Town or surrounding area this is a must for all nature / lion / camping / animal lover
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ishaam Taliep
Cape Town Central, South Africa21 contributions
Nov 2019
up close and personal with natures fiesty predators
kudos to them for the great work they do in creating awareness and caring for the saved animals
my family had an amazing time and will definitely visit soon
the volunteers on duty did an amazing job
kudos to them for the great work they do in creating awareness and caring for the saved animals
my family had an amazing time and will definitely visit soon
the volunteers on duty did an amazing job
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RoseM
36 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Excellent excision. We visited during this lion sanctuary during lion feeding and it was awesome. The only thing separating you from these majestic animals is a 6ft wired fence...you are that close. We saw all different species of lions, including a white lion and a Bengal tiger... A must do!
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lignum
Hartley Wintney, UK226 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
It's great to see the animals being cared for in a place which is better for them than a circus or a small cage. The guide who came round with us was most informative and knowledgeable. There is no coffee shop but you can get cold drinks and ice creams. It's good to see so many sponsors on the boards which give a description of each lion's history. I am glad we visited.
Written 23 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Louise S
Dubai, United Arab Emirates426 contributions
How long should we plan to spend here? Is it a whole day or would we be able to make our way round in a few hours?
Also, are there any guided tours around the park?
Thanks so much in advance :)
Nashipaii
UK193 contributions
There are many enclosures with info boards about each lion. Not a guided tour, but keepers are happy to chat. You walk around. Wish I had stayed overnight in the tented camp and seen them feeding. I was there about 2 hours.
jetsetgirl01
Zurich, Switzerland71 contributions
Hi, how long would you say we should allow to tour/walk around the park and see the lions? thanks
Anton D
Hadleigh, UK108 contributions
I would say circa 2-3 hours, tops. It's a great park, but not huge
Eddan-1978
Edinburgh, UK53 contributions
Hi. Will be visiting in September this year. Coming from Cape Town. How do I get there using public transportation?
Thanks! : )
Approximately how long would it take to tour the entire park?
TheSullys7
Elmhurst, IL47 contributions
It's really a self guided tour so you can gauge. I'd say we spent an hour and saw most all we wanted to see. If you have smaller children it'll take longer because you are walking all around the grounds. Try really hard to go at feeding time which was 4pm...nothing quite like it! Enjoy and I hope this helped...
Frequently Asked Questions about Drakenstein Lion Park
- Drakenstein Lion Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:30 - 17:00
- We recommend booking Drakenstein Lion Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Drakenstein Lion Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Drakenstein Lion Park:
- WILD LIFE & FULL DAY wine TOUR (From RÂ 2Â 618,34)
- Cape Town Full Day Family Fun With Kids Private Tour (From RÂ 1Â 492,10)
- Private Animal Farms & Birds of Prey Tour (From RÂ 1Â 921,60)
- Winelands Tour (From RÂ 1Â 849,73)
- NEW... The Cape Town Pass, Save, Explore, See much more.... (From RÂ 1Â 022,39)
- Hotels near Drakenstein Lion Park:
- (0.96 km) Bona Vista
- (6.80 km) La Bella Vita Studios
- (8.95 km) The Residence @ Vrede & Lust
- (8.25 km) Angala Boutique Hotel
- (12.63 km) Zarose
- Restaurants near Drakenstein Lion Park:
- (0.43 km) Watami Stellenbosch
- (3.99 km) Restaurant at Glen Carlou
- (1.13 km) Potbelly Coffee Shop & Bakery
- (9.17 km) Lust Bistro & Bakery
- (7.36 km) Cosecha Restaurant