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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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
222 reviews
Excellent
149
Very good
54
Average
10
Poor
6
Terrible
3
John A
Leeds, UK47 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wombling_Free_7548
Bristol, UK2 182 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Slightly nervous that this wouldn’t be a genuine sanctuary, but it absolutely was. Loads of room for the lions (and one tiger) to roam. Very attractive setting. Would recommend.
Happy for tourist prices to subsidise local prices, this is quite common and is clearly advertised.
Happy for tourist prices to subsidise local prices, this is quite common and is clearly advertised.
Written 27 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shahid D
Esher, UK20 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
One of the greatest experiences of my life! I was lucky enough to visit during a quiet period, and got to spend significant one to one time with the furry inhabitants. Shane spent a lot of time with me also, telling me the history and important work being conducted by the team!
Each of the animals has a unique story, emphasising the very positive initiative undertaken here in terms of rescuing them from difficult times and looking after them. They all are VERY well looked after and seem very happy - especially at feeding time!
Will recommend to everyone I come across - just look at the pictures!
Each of the animals has a unique story, emphasising the very positive initiative undertaken here in terms of rescuing them from difficult times and looking after them. They all are VERY well looked after and seem very happy - especially at feeding time!
Will recommend to everyone I come across - just look at the pictures!
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoseM
87 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Resort57290698287
6 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Visited on a Sunday morning on the drive from Franschhoek to Cape Town. The park is extremely well maintained and each Lion enclosure has details of the Lion's background (most of which seemed to have been pets in the Middle East or from Romania). We were told one story about a Lion being kept on a 14th floor apartment balcony. Madness.
As it was hot, we only saw the lions lying down, but a member of staff let us go round to other side of the pen where we could get very close to a couple of Lion cubs. My daughter was fascinated with the cubs.
Feeding times are at 4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If I went back I would go at one of these times as you definitely see the Lions.
These people are doing a good job looking after Lions that have been born in captivity and looked after by people who do not know what they are doing.
As it was hot, we only saw the lions lying down, but a member of staff let us go round to other side of the pen where we could get very close to a couple of Lion cubs. My daughter was fascinated with the cubs.
Feeding times are at 4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If I went back I would go at one of these times as you definitely see the Lions.
These people are doing a good job looking after Lions that have been born in captivity and looked after by people who do not know what they are doing.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nel911
217 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane P
Mortain, France116 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TB
Villeneuve-Loubet, France9 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Ethical and genuine. For anyone willing to visit a respectful sanctuary, this is the place. All lions are rescued from a dark past of captivity. All of them are now provided with spacious enclosures, adapted to their needs. The place is huge and very well managed. The family who runs is fantastic and fully dedicated to the well being of their rescued lion from all over the world. This lion park is a must and it should get all the support needed!
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian B
7 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We had the most fantastic time staying overnight in the tented facility. The staff were incredibly friendly and could not have done anything more to ensure we had the most enjoyable time. The facilities and food were excellent but, of course, the stars of the show were the lions. We especially enjoyed having the opportunity to wonder around the site when there were no other visitors. A great experience and the highlight of our trip to South Africa
Written 19 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 :)
Written 2 September 2019
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.
Written 7 October 2019
Hi, how long would you say we should allow to tour/walk around the park and see the lions? thanks
Written 16 May 2019
I would say circa 2-3 hours, tops. It's a great park, but not huge
Written 26 May 2019
Hi. Will be visiting in September this year. Coming from Cape Town. How do I get there using public transportation?
Thanks! : )
Written 20 March 2017
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...
Written 18 February 2017
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