Africa
South Africa
Western Cape
Things to do in Western Cape

Drakenstein Lion Park, Western Cape: Hours, Address, Drakenstein Lion Park Reviews: 4.5/5

See all things to do

Drakenstein Lion Park

See all things to do
See all things to do
Drakenstein Lion Park
4.5
212
#118 of 1 463 things to do in Western Cape
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Read more
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
About
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view

Top ways to experience Drakenstein Lion Park and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
15 within 5 kms
Watami Stellenbosch
9
0.4 kmRR - RRR • Sushi
Potbelly Coffee Shop & Bakery
86
1.1 kmRR - RRR • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Villa Visaggio's
13
1.3 kmRR - RRR • American
Greenhouse Restaurant
12
2.3 kmRR - RRR
Wagon Trail Brewing Co & Restaurant
58
2.4 kmRR - RRR • Brew Pub • Bar • Grill
The Table at De Meye
45
3.1 kmRR - RRR • International • Contemporary • Healthy
Restaurant at Glen Carlou
303
4 kmRR - RRR • Contemporary • Fusion • Vegetarian Friendly
Warwick Wine Estate
134
3.9 kmRR - RRR • Wine Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Floreal Brasserie
93
3.7 kmRR - RRR • African • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Le Venue Restaurant
33
3.6 kmRR - RRR • Contemporary
See all
Attractions
48 within 10 kms
Exotic Animal World
223
1.3 kmZoos
Dirtopia Trail Centre
35
1.1 kmSports Camps & Clinics
Marianne Wine Estate
264
4.2 kmWineries & Vineyards
Fairview Wine and Cheese
1 090
Wineries & Vineyards
Anura Vineyards
233
2.6 kmWineries & Vineyards
Vrede en Lust Winery
445
Wineries & Vineyards
Villiera Wines
156
Wineries & Vineyards
Spice Route Destination
684
Wineries & Vineyards
Arra Vineyards
19
1.9 kmWineries & Vineyards
Glen Carlou Vineyards
130
4 kmWineries & Vineyards
See all
Popular mentions
4.5
212 reviews
Excellent
143
Very good
52
Average
9
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Nel911
186 contributions
Wonderful initiative
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.
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
A lion farm closeby the city of Cape Town
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
GOOD PLACE GUARANTEEDTO SEE LIONS
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.
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
amir
South Africa6 contributions
Excellent park!!!
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
An Amazing experience
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.
Written 11 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jane P
Mortain, France121 contributions
Great to see the lions being looked after so well
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
Night camping with the lions
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
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
Expectations Exceeded
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
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RoseM
36 contributions
Lion Encounter
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
Lovely place for the rescued lions
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.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 181
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Frequently Asked Questions about Drakenstein Lion Park
Drakenstein Lion Park is open:
  • Sun - Sat 09:30 - 17:00
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
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: See all Drakenstein Lion Park experiences on Tripadvisor