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
About
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










Top ways to experience Drakenstein Lion Park and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
18 within 5 kms
Attractions
49 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Wombling_Free_7548Bristol, United Kingdom2,079 contributionsSafe spaceSlightly 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.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 September 2023
- Shahid DEsher, United Kingdom7 contributionsHidden GemOne 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!Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 27 November 2023
- TBVilleneuve-Loubet, France10 contributionsThis sanctuary is a must !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!Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 29 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
219 reviews
Excellent
148
Very good
53
Average
9
Poor
6
Terrible
3
TB
Villeneuve-Loubet, France10 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.
Shahid D
Esher, UK7 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.
Wombling_Free_7548
Bristol, UK2Â 079 contributions
Sep 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.
Maria L
Svendborg, Denmark5 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
I don't recommend.... As they charge almost double for tickets if you are a tourist...
I was told it was because tourist have more money and because of exchange rates... If South African you only pay zar 80....
I was also told ... It's standard practice... I have however visited lots of different attractions and not met this discrimination before...
I was told it was because tourist have more money and because of exchange rates... If South African you only pay zar 80....
I was also told ... It's standard practice... I have however visited lots of different attractions and not met this discrimination before...
Written 28 May 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.
Elle C
France174 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
Fabulous! Always, when in Franschhoek, we will visit this well organised sanctuary for big cats. The cats are happy, well fed and in good conditions. The staff are friendly and happy to answer any questions one may have. Thank you!
Written 1 January 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.
Chris Thwala
Cape Town Central, South Africa5 contributions
Oct 2022
The guides were brilliant! Very knowledgeable guides and they really love animals. From the lion park side, please ask for Vusi to be your guide.
Written 23 October 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.
Paul B
Sydney, Australia665 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
This place is tucked away off the main road but should be on your to do list. They currently have 22 lions and 1 tiger that have been rescued. It was wonderful to see them all but we loved the pride of white lions.
Written 10 October 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.
Nel911
205 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.
Martin K
Eindhoven, The Netherlands7 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. 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.
Louise S
Dubai, United Arab Emirates434 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
UK195 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, UK118 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...
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingDRAKENSTEIN LION PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Drakenstein Lion Park
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Drakenstein Lion Park:
- Cape Town Full Day Family Fun With Kids Private Tour (From RÂ 1Â 829,86)
- Private Le Cape Animal Farms Full Day Tour (From RÂ 3Â 253,32)
- SMARTPASS CAPE TOWN: Save, Explore, See much more.... (From RÂ 1Â 138,09)
- Family Tour In and Around Cape Town (From RÂ 2Â 338,29)
- Private Stellenbosch and Paarl Wine Tour With Family Wildlife (From RÂ 4Â 066,51)
- Hotels near Drakenstein Lion Park:
- (0.96 km) Bona Vista
- (8.25 km) Angala Boutique Hotel
- (8.95 km) The Residence @ Vrede & Lust
- (6.80 km) La Bella Vita Studios
- (14.46 km) Van der Stel Manor
- Restaurants near Drakenstein Lion Park:
- (0.43 km) Watami Stellenbosch
- (1.13 km) Potbelly Coffee Shop & Bakery
- (3.99 km) Restaurant @ Glen Carlou
- (7.36 km) Cosecha Restaurant
- (11.09 km) Noop Restaurant