african lion safari 2023 season

African Lion Safari

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

African Lion Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Tips for Visiting African Lion Safari

Feel like you live with a bunch of Monkeys??? Well why not take them to go visit some actual monkeys and many other animals at African Lion Safari . Great news for 2023 as they will be opening May 6th for another Wild Season. African Lion Safari has made some changes to the ticketing prices.

Kate has visited multiple times over the years. Erin and Thumper had season’s passes back in 2019 and we had a great summer visiting 4 different times, she can’t wait to repeat with Thumper who is now 4 and Squeaker who will be about 16 months this summer! Kate and Erin would highly recommend a visit to African Lions Safari, or if your looking to see animals at a smaller scale checkout our Guide to the Best Farms and Petting Zoos in Ontario .

WHAT IS AFRICAN LION SAFARI?

African Lion Safari is a park of 750 acres, that over 250 animals and 1000 exotic birds call home in their habitat of bush, grassland and forest where they can interact naturally like in the wild, and mized species roam and interact together creating a sight to see. African Lion Safari is dedicated to the conservation of declining wildlife species and is a drive through Wildlife Park. They also offer many animal shows, playrounds for kids, splash pad/water play opportunities, a small train and boat ride. For a full description of attractions, scroll down below.

WHERE IS AFRICAN LION SAFARI LOCATED?

African Lion Safari is located 1386 Cooper Rd, Cambridge, ON N1R 5S2.

WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF OPERATION FOR AFRICAN LION SAFARI?

African Lion Safari operates the Game Reserve Driving Path and Ticket Booth from MONDAY – FRIDAY : 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM  , SATURDAY – SUNDAY : 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM  during the Summer Season. Check here for updated times for Spring and Fall. The walking paths (including “Nature Boy” Scenic Railway, “African Queen” Boat Cruise, Misumu Bay Wetplay and Venture Playground are open until 5:30PM during the week and 7:00Pm on Weekends during the Summer Season.

WHAT ATTRACTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR 2023 AT AFRICAN LION SAFARI?

Game reserves –.

Offering visitors the choice of taking their own car or taking the bus to drive through 9 kilometres of trail, through 7 large Game Reserves featuring Nairobi Sanctuary, Simba Lion Country, Timbavati Lion Country, Wankie Bushland Trail, Rocky Ridge Veldt, Australasia and The Americas, giving visitors an upclose views of wild animals in their natural surroundings.

Kate visited on one of the hottest days of the summer and enjoyed the air conditioned bus tour through the game reserves.  I would highly recommend taking the bus tour, not only is it a comfortable ride where the kids can move from side to side to see the animals, but you also get to learn about the animals from the African Lion Safari Staff.  Our guide pointed out animals that I would have never spotted on my own and was able to tell us about the personalities and relationships of all of the different species.

Both the boys had a great time on the Safari tour and loved watching the animals roam and play.  Plus if you take the bus there is no risk of damage to your vehicle from a curious monkey or migrating buffalo!  My favourite animals on the safari were the Rhinoceros’ munching away on their breakfast and the baby monkey who was playing and chasing its mother around.

Nature Boy Scenic Railway

Enjoy a 15 minute ride aboard The Nature Boy Scenic railway that takes you around the park to enjoy exotic species from around the world, as you explore 16 hectare of reserve on a replica 1863 C.P. Huntington St

African Queen Boat Tour

Jump aboard a short boat ride as your tour around Safari Lake and enjoy as your captain guide points out unique primates including White-handed gibbon, Ring-tailed lemur, Black-handed Spider monkeys and Robust Black Spider monkey.

Animal Shows

Offering many live shows including: Parrot Paradise and Birds of Prey. Pending update on 2022 shows if Elephant Shows will return. While you are visiting African Lion Safari you can catch bird and animal shows that run several times a day.  It is an amazing sight to watch the Indian Elephants march in line down to the lake for a swim.  They are so graceful and playful in the water.  The Elephant swim was definitely a highlight of the day.

Venture Playground

African Lion Safari offer two different playgrounds: Safari Venture and Toddler Playground. Height restrictions apply.

Misumu Bay Waterpark

Cool off after a hot day on Safari in Misumu Bay! Stroll through Sprinklers, Spouts, Spray Buckets and Stream Jets in the interactive waterplay area. Trek under Rain Trees and Tumble Buckets in the main waterplayground, or enjoy one of the many slides. To enjoy the slides and Tumble buckets you must be 38 inches tall. For toddlers they have a bouncy swing and a small toddler slide as well as a shallow splash pool.

The day Kate visited African Lion Safari it was over 35oC so a trip to Misumu Bay Splash area was a welcome relief from the heat.  This expansive water park has areas for older and younger children.  Little Bear had so much fun in the bouncy seats in the toddler area while Monkey played on the slide close by.

When Erin visited in 2019, Thumper loved the slide in the toddler area and it was the perfect size that at about 18 months old she could climb the stairs and slide on her own while Erin waited at the bottom.

THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT AFRICAN LION SAFARI:

One thing Kate and Erin both loved about African Lion Safari on their visits is that the grounds of the park are not that big, you could walk to the far end of the park in about 10 minutes.  This is perfect as you can leave a picnic lunch, extra drinks, swim gear, stroller etc in the car and just pop back to get it whenever you need them without having a long trek to get back to the parking lot.

But don’t let that short walk to the car make you think that there is not much to do at African Lion Safari, because that is FAR from the truth!  Take a short boat cruise around Water Safari Lake to explore the islands and the creatures that live on them.  Or a train ride on the scenic railway to get a chance to spot turtles and many other species of animals including deer.  The train was a huge hit and we rode the rails 3 times during our visit.

Tip: Pack a Picnic Lunch and find a spot by the Elephant Swim Pond and plan your lunch for a time where there is an Elephant Swim, it was a blast to enjoy the outdoors, eat lunch and watch animals in their natural habitat.

AFRICAN LION SAFARI ADMISSION PRICES FOR 2023

ONLINE AFRICIAN LION ADMISSION PRICES:

2023 GATE AFRICIAN LION ADMISSION PRICES :

AFRICAN LION SAFARI SEASON PASS PRICES FOR 2023

Children who are turning 3 years of age on or before June 30, 2023 require a child’s Season Passport, photo ID may be required when issuing passports.

IS AN AFRICAN LION SAFARI SEASON PASS WORTH IT?

I found that the African Lion Safari Season Pass was a great deal for my family in 2019! If you have kids who love animals, and waterplay then this park is a GREAT VALUE for you! Like most season passes, you have to visit just 3x to make back your money as based on 2022 rates, it would cost an adult $82 plus tax for 2 visits or $96-106 (depending on when season pass was purchased) making the third visit basically free. The season pass offers you unlimited admission from May until October, I make it a plan to visit atleast once a month in June-August to ensure I get my value and any other visits are a BONUS!

OFFERS SEPERATE AREAS FOR KIDS UNDER 6 – I really enjoyed that this park was the perfect size and took a good amount of time but not the whole day to explore making it perfect for a daytrip with a toddler. I love that they offer a seperate toddler playground and toddler waterplay area which make this park a great investment especially for those families with kids under the age of 6 years old. Misumu Bay Wetplay is worth a full day visit on it’s own as this is by far my favourite Waterpark in the Greater Toronto Area .

-> 20% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at all on-site food service locations (excluding vending carts) -> 20% off gift shop merchandise at all on-site Safari Gift Shops (excluding batteries or sale items) -> Discounts to select off-season events, hosted by our onsite catering company, Classic Catering -> Special promotions exclusively for Season Passport holders

We always have such a fun day at the park I can’t wait to go back this summer to do it all again!  You can find all the details you need to plan your own wild adventure on their website and be sure to check out their pinterest page to see photos of all of the amazing animals at the park. 

If you enjoyed our guide to African Lion Safari checkout our guide to The Best Day Trips from Mississauga .

Have Fun and Go Wild!

African Lion Safari and Accesibility

• African Lion safari is wheelchair accessible and is an inclusive environment, wheelchairs can be rented for $5
• The Easter Seals Access 2 Card Program is accepted at African Lion Safari to allow an individual with a disability and one support person a 25% discount at the gate.

26 thoughts on “Tips for Visiting African Lion Safari”

Oh wow this looks super fun! I was wondering why I had never heard of it and realized it is in Canada. I have it on my “to-do in Canada” list now. = )

Oh, this looks amazing! My kids would totally love it! I wish it was close enough for us to go to!

That looks so fun! I can’t believe how many big animals they have!

What a fun place that would be! Each year we go to the zoo, but couldn’t this year because of the flooding {they had to close down most of the zoo because of damage}. I miss our annual trip! 🙁

How fun!!! My kiddos would definitely enjoy this! Who am I kidding? I would enjoy visiting 🙂

Neat! I’ve been to Africa and remember seeing so many of these animals in the wild. I’d love to go someday so the kids get the chance to see them too!

Looks like an awesome attraction to visit with your family. Unfortuntely, we have not been there, but will put it in our agenda for next summer.

Many years ago, my husband and I and our 4 daughters (5 – 14) drove from Victoria to my husband’s moms place in Font Hill Ontario. We took a day trip to this place and the girls all enjoyed it! The baboons (we think they were baboons) got a piece of our van, but it was all good lol

Oh wow! I would love to go. My toddler and younger brother would enjoy these animals so much!

I have such fond memories of going there as a kid – would love to take my boys. Looks like a fantastic day!

we went a few weeks ago and loved it. It was a cooler day but everything was perfect. My fave is the elephants and dd loved the splash pad. Looks like you had a blast

Working there would be even better!

looking forward to taking all 6 grandchildren to African lion Safari this summer. It is only 30 minutes away

My advice is to take the tram bus, so the monkey’s can’t wreck your car

this is so cool, Ive never been but I swear, one day Ill go with my family, and well have such a blast!

We managed to get 3 of the grandkids to African Lion safari and had a wonderful time. They loved going through the safari on a tram, visiting and staying for hours in the waterpark and watching the elephants having a swim

Oh my,this looks amazing!

What a fun tour, I love that you had a guide and airconditioning!

My grandkids would totally love it there

I’ve never been to a safari park but I would love to. I think the bus tour is a really good idea, as you said you learn a lot more that way plus no danger of damage to your vehicle either 🙂

I’ve never been to a safari park but this is something I would love to do,maybe some day

What at great place for a family to spend time together.

I haven’t been here in years…..some great changes have been made here. Love that there is a splash area for the kids!

Very cool I would love to visit there

I did not realize there was so much to see and do here. Looks like I will have to have a visit one day. Looks like so much fun and I know hubs would enjoy it also. It now is going on my bucket list.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Exploring Family Newsletter

Want to be in know for all of the local events and activities in the Greater Toronto Area for families? Join the FREE information packed The Exploring Family Monthly Newsletter. Every month we will send you a roundup of great things to do with your family, easy recipes and giveaways!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

African Lion Safari

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

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.

Also popular with travellers

African Lion Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

African Lion Safari: Ontario’s Wildest Safari Adventure

Great news for fans of African Lion Safari – they open Saturday, May 4th for the 2024 season and have lots of WILD fun in store for you and your family! We have the inside scoop on what you can expect when you visit this summer, updates on the new African Lion Safari ticket prices plus some tips and important info for visitors.

2024 Season highlights

African Lion Safari is Canada’s Original Safari Adventure. They maintain a collection of over 1,000 exotic birds and animals comprised of over 100 different species. What animal is your favourite? Will you giggle at the silly monkeys and lemurs or be entranced watching the long-legged giraffes stroll their habitat?

Drive Through Game Reserve – One of my earliest memories of African Lion Safari was when we saw cars driving through the game reserves getting oh-so-close to the animals roaming around. It was like nothing I had ever seen before! The drive-through is 9 km long and it takes you up close through 7 large Game Reserves featuring Nairobi Sanctuary, Simba Lion Country, Timbavati Lion Country, Wankie Bushland Trail, Rocky Ridge Veldt, Australasia and The Americas. You stay in your vehicle, driving at a very slow pace, and you get to witness animals roam their territory.

Take The “Nature Boy “Train – Hop on the train for a 15-minute ride through 16 hectares of animals and birds. A trip is included in your admission.

Climb Aboard The “African Queen” – Take a boat ride to enjoy a pleasant tour around Water Safari Lake. The informative captain will take you on a cruise around the islands and point out exotic primates including the White-handed gibbon, Ring-tailed lemur, Black-handed Spider monkeys and Robust Black Spider monkeys. Bird dwellers include the Marabou stork and the Pink-backed pelican. The tour is about 15 minutes and is included in your admission.

African Lion Safari’s Waterpark Splash Pad

The splash pad, Misumu Bay Wetplay, is more than just a splash pad at African Lion Safari! As a matter of fact, this may be the highlight of your visit! I have multiple friends who buy season passes strictly for this amazing waterpark. The waterpark is included in your admission and while you’re there cool down under the dumping bucket or slip down the water slides. Enjoy sprinklers and water shooters and fountains, too!

African Lion Safari Tickets 2024

How much is it to go to the Safari? This year, you can purchase your tickets in advance online or at the gate. Limited tickets will be available to buy at the gate, and they recommend pre-purchasing online to secure your spot. What’s more, you save a few dollars when you buy online. Click here to buy your African Lion Safari tickets.

We are always on the lookout for African Lion Safari discount codes for you, therefore watch this spot as this is where we will share them.

2024 ONLINE TICKET PRICES

2024 gate safari tickets, a season’s passport – is it worth it.

Season’s Passports are a great idea if you plan on visiting African Lion Safari 3 or more times. A Passport gives you unlimited visits for the season and if you love the looks of Misumu Bay Wetplay , it will be worth it to invest. Season Passport holders also receive 20% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at all on-site food service locations (this excludes vending carts). You also enjoy 20% off in the gift shops (excluding sales and batteries). Click here to buy your African Lion Safari Season Passport .

If we discover African Lion Safari coupons, coupon codes or deals, we will share them here!

Tips and FAQs

Yes, it is! You can see a detailed list of Accessible measures and specific park sections here.

Yes, they are. But please leave pets at home.

“African Lion Safari is pleased to participate in the Easter Seals Access 2 Card Program and offer both an individual with a disability and one support person, 25% off regular gate admission at the Ticketbooth.”

Yes, wagon rentals are available for $8 and wheelchairs are $5. Both rentals require a security deposit

VISA, MasterCard, Interac and cash are accepted at all locations throughout the park. 

Washrooms are available at Jungle Junction, Mombasa Market Restaurant, Misumu Bay Wetplay and at the end of Tusker Trail. 

More Staycation Ideas You’ll Love

Under the Radar Destinations for 2023/2024

By james cameron, march 31, 2023 • 9 min read.

When it comes to off-the-beaten track safaris, Zambia is hard to beat. It is far less busy than its neighbouring countries such as Botswana and Tanzania.

Want to discover Snow Leopards and Tigers?

The Zambezi River acts as the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and the Lower Zambezi National Park is renowned as offering some of the very best canoeing and walking experiences in Africa. Exploring the river by canoe or boat is a highlight, with plenty of chances to see wildlife from a different perspective. Exploring along the river is popular for bird lovers too, with species such as malachite kingfishers, black winged storks and blacked-winged African darters common sightings.

The Luangwa Valley (split into the South Luangwa and North Luangwa national parks) is another hotspot for wildlife, particularly during the dry season (July-October) thanks to the ever-present water of the Luangwa River. Game drives are productive in this area, and there is plenty of wildlife including lions, leopards, wild dogs, buffalo and giraffe.

To finish the perfect Zambia itinerary, fly to the township of Livingstone where you can witness the magic of Victoria Falls.

In 2023 and 2024, African Wildlife Safaris founders Steve & Sara Cameron will lead our popular “Sensational Zambia” small group tour, exploring the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks.

2. Antarctica

Antarctica (as one would expect) has been amongst the slowest destinations to recover. But travellers are once more exploring its snow-capped wildernesses. Our Copywriter and Marketing Co-ordinator James Cameron visited the continent in February 2023. James was onboard luxury expedition vessel the Greg Mortimer with just 60 other guests (on average the vessel takes 132!).

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most easily accessible section of the continent, filled with mesmerising scenery, bustling penguin colonies and scattered research stations. The wildlife – penguins, seals, seabirds and whales – is incredible to witness first hand. Depending on the departure, there are a host of additional activities to enjoy such as sea-kayaking, snorkelling, snowshoeing and stand-up paddle boarding.

The 2022/2023 season was the first for two years, and as expected, it wasn’t anywhere near as busy as normal. If you want to visit Antarctica without the usual level of tourists, this next 2023/2024 season might be your best opportunity for a very long time!

There are a wide variety of itineraries to choose from that visit other regions too – such as nearby South Georgia and the Falklands, or legendary Macquarie Island, south of New Zealand. These itineraries depart from several different countries – so it’s important to contact one of  Destination Specialists  to make sure you know where you want to go and what you may see!

Mountain gorillas. The no.1 reason why travellers wish to visit Uganda. There are roughly 400 gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (located in the very southwest corner of the country), considered the best place to see these fascinating primates. Many travellers decide to tag on a visit to Uganda (or neighbouring Rwanda) at the end of a safari, and only spend a few nights here. But we think Uganda is flying under the radar, as there is far more to see in the country than just the gorillas.

A short drive north of Bwindi NP, sits Queen Elizabeth National Park, on the banks of Lake Edward. It’s best known for it’s tree-climbing lions and huge pods of hippo, however it is also home to over 600 bird species. Nearby Kibale National Park is another spot to consider visiting. There are 13 species of primates found here including red colobus monkeys and offers visitors amazing chances of seeing chimpanzees.

The main entry point into the country is Entebbe International Airport, on the shores of Lake Victoria. A visit to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary (where orphaned chimpanzees have been relocated) is highly recommended. To finish your time in Uganda, stay at the ultra-impressive Wildwaters Lodge situated in the middle of the Victoria Nile River on a private island (2.5 hrs drive from Entebbe). A luxury lodge with just 10 suites, here, you can enjoy exciting activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping and horse riding, or simply relax in the superb swimming pool that cantilevers out over the river.

4. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has long been a destination that has gone “under the radar” thanks to its well-publicised political troubles. However, the country is far more settled now, and it offers some of Southern Africa’s most spectacular scenery and wildlife encounters – whether by vehicle, canoe or on foot. Hwange National Park is the country’s finest, with excellent elephant and lion numbers. There are many superb private concessions that limit the number of vehicles and guests, helping to create more intimate experiences.

Some of Africa’s most highly trained guides can be found in Zimbabwe, as the country is also renowned for its walking and canoeing safaris – particularly along the Zambezi River. Mana Pools National Park is one of Africa’s very best safari destinations, in particular for close elephant encounters.

Across Zimbabwe you will find intimate camps and lodges – from rustic all the way to the ultra-luxurious – such as Bumi Hills Safari Lodge overlooking Lake Kariba, Linkwasha Camp in Hwange National Park and The Elephant Camp near Victoria Falls.

Zimbabwe has both classic and luxury safari circuits covered – combining Victoria Falls with either Hwange or Mana Pools national parks (or both!) with canoeing and walking safaris or even a relaxing post-safari stay at Lake Kariba.

For more information, check out our Best of Zimbabwe itinerary.

5. Australia and New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands

As our close neighbour across the Tasman, New Zealand is certainly not a destination that fly’s “under the radar” for Australians. But just below the South Island are a handful of beautiful, pristine and wildlife-rich islands that do – New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands.

These islands are often referred to as the “Galapagos of the Southern Ocean” for their incredible biodiversity. Macquarie Island is chief among these. Home to 4 species of penguin – Royal, Gentoo, Rockhopper and King – it is the only place in the world where the Royal Penguin breeds. Similar to the Galapagos, the wildlife is just as accepting of humans, and guests can get incredibly close. Southern Elephant Seals also call Macquarie island home, and you can see them lazing along the beaches in their hundreds.

Campbell Island boasts a fascinating history, as well as incredible birdlife. The island was discovered in 1810, and has since been used for both whaling, and later farming, between 1895 and 1934. During WWII, coastwatchers were stationed on the island, before it was later occupied by New Zealand Metrological service post war. Farm animals were eventually all removed by 1990, as well as the successful removal of rats. A conservation success story, the endangered Campbell Island Flightless Teal was reintroduced to the island when the species was rediscovered on a small offshore island in 1975. Amazingly, a species of Snipe –  The Campbell Island Snipe  – was discovered in 1997. The species was confined to a small, sheer rock stack, on a nearby island just off the coast. The island is also home to several nesting sites of the Southern Royal Albatross, whilst the island is also renowned for several outstanding examples of megaherbs.

The Auckland Islands, and The Snares are two other island groups that can be explored, both home to a variety of sensational birdlife and impressive flora. Check out our “ Galapagos of the Southern Ocean ” itinerary for more information.

6. Northern India

With over 1.4 billion people, it’s fair to suggest that India itself, doesn’t fly under the radar. It’s renowned for its tigers, temples, culture, food, spices and iconic Taj Mahal (just to name a few things)…. however, there are two pockets in Northern India that we think ARE flying under the radar – and are highly recommended to include in an Indian itinerary!  

Leh, Ladakh Region

Close to the Tibetan and Chinese borders, lies the little known town of Leh. This region is the high altitude, winter world of Trans-Himalayan landscapes, exotic wildlife, remote mountain villages and age-old cultures. Three hours drive west of Leh is tiny Ulley Village, one of the best places in the world to see the legendary Snow Leopard. From here you can explore 3 nearby valleys with exceptional trackers in search of this beautiful, yet elusive cat. Other animals you might see include Yak (wild Ox), Ibex, Tibetan Wolf and red fox. Check out our new   Quest for the Snow Leopard and Land of the Tiger  itinerary for more inspiration.

Kazaringa National Park (Northeast India)

Situated in the far north-east, sandwiched between Bhutan and Bangladesh, this remarkable national park remains somewhat unheard of. It is the best place in India (and perhaps Asia) to see the beautiful and endangered greater one-horned rhino (or “Indian rhinoceros”). It is also the largest rhino species on the planet. Other species that can be seen include Asian elephant, wild water buffalo, eastern swamp deer, sloth bear as well as one of the highest densities of tiger in India. Our two Taj, Temples & Tigers  escorted small group tours – led by General Manager Anne-Marie Zambelli and CEO Steve Cameron – visited the park in February and March 2023 respectively.  

Read next →

Africa in the raw

By sara cameron, 13 min read, get in touch.

Talk with one of our Destination Specialists today to help you design your perfect holiday

Call us now

AU +61 3 9249 3777 1300 363 302

USA +1 (646) 217 0354

UK +44 (20) 4518 8166

Enquire Now

More articles, how to choose the right antarctica cruise, returning to the antarctic peninsula, africa in the raw, a return to the african bushveld, discovering the kalahari desert, a typical day on safari, mombo – okavango’s place of plenty, on top of the world, peru’s greatest treasure, around the world in 80 minutes, the serengeti, tracking patagonia’s pumas, a timeless journey, elephants of chobe national park, sabi sabi earth lodge, exploring botswana, share this story.

This is the best time to take an African safari

Lions and elephants and cheetahs, oh my! For nature lovers, an African safari is the ultimate immersive getaway. Safaris offer a combination of wildlife encounters and luxurious lodges, incredible thrills and peaceful, unplugged wilderness.

Although traveling to the African bush is a great experience any time of year, there are definitely more advantageous times for wildlife spotting. For example, in East Africa, you may want to time a trip to coincide with the great wildebeest and zebra migration. In Southern Africa, a trip at the same time most babies are born offers some incredibly special moments watching newborns with their mamas.

I've visited Africa more than a dozen times and have gone on safaris in six different countries, visiting every season.

While I've seen incredible wildlife — including lion cubs on a December trip to Botswana and spectacular herds of elephants in Zimbabwe on a May safari — in the nonhigh seasons, I've also dealt with some pretty extreme weather as well. For instance, I have experienced intense rain storms in November and freezing temperatures in June.

Sometimes the best time to take a safari is when you have flexibility in your schedule or can get the best rates. However, if you want to plan around the absolute best time to spot wildlife, read below to find out when to go.

What months are best to go on an African safari?

The African continent is massive, comprising 54 unique nations and nearly 2,000 languages. Most safaris take place in two main savanna regions of the African continent: Southern and East Africa. The Southern Africa region includes South Africa , Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. East Africa contains the safari destinations of Kenya , Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda.

Most of these destinations have one thing in common: They're located in the Southern Hemisphere. Even the ones that straddle the equator, such as Uganda, follow the Southern Hemisphere's weather patterns.

This means the seasons on safari will be the opposite of what you're most likely used to at home. Summer is December through February, winter is June through August, spring is September to November and autumn is March through May.

The Southern Hemisphere's winter and early spring — roughly June through October — is usually considered safari high season because it's the driest time of year. Wildlife gathers around watering holes when water is scarce elsewhere, Mark Nolting of Africa Adventure Company says; this makes it easier to see many species in one location.

In East Africa, the best time to go on an African safari is during the great migration, when thousands of antelope and zebra move in massive herds to find water. That season is roughly December to March and then again from June to mid-November.

There are some exceptions to this rule though.

In Botswana seeing wildlife from a mokoro, a type of dugout canoe, is a popular activity. That's why it's necessary to visit when there's water in the passageways. The dry season provides the same viewing opportunities as above, so you should be able to spot game anytime.

The private reserves in South Africa also defy seasonality; game is so dense in areas, such as the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, that you should be able to spot wildlife no matter the month or season.

Related: Up close and animal: Why walking safaris are so worthwhile

When is the best weather for a safari?

The dry weather of the winter season, roughly June through September, is often considered the best weather for a safari. Note: It can be quite cold after the sun sets, so bring a hat, fleece and gloves to keep warm during early morning game drives (though most safari lodges will provide blankets and hot beverages, too).

The "green season," as the rainier summer months are often called, is usually also the hottest time of year. At this time, you'll encounter the most insects, including mosquitos, in the bush.

Shoulder season — the times between the high season and green season, March to May and October to December — usually offers moderate temperatures and just an occasional storm. This time can be a great option for travelers since this is when you can get better pricing while still enjoying prime wildlife viewing.

Related: Luxury African safaris that support local communities

Is there one good time to go for seeing wildlife?

We're here to tell you that no matter what time of the year you go to Africa, you are guaranteed to see wildlife. The density and ease of spotting may change with the months and seasons, and some species will be easier to spot at certain times of year than others. However, there will always be free-roaming animals large and small if you visit the African bush.

That said, some times have a bit more to offer than others in terms of wildlife viewing.

The easiest time to spot wildlife — meaning you'll spend less time searching during your morning and afternoon game drive and more time watching the animals — is during the dry season. This coincides with the Southern Hemisphere's winter months, June through September, and usually reaches into October. During this period animals will be searching for water and will often congregate in the same location around a water hole or stream.

Spring, roughly October through December, is another prime time to visit. This is when many animals have babies, and the opportunity to see these newborns in the wild is truly a special treat. It's also when the foliage bursts into bloom and migratory avian life return to their leafy homes.

Summer brings denser foliage and a more vivid landscape, and for twitchers (birders, as they're known on safari), visiting this time of year offers big rewards. It's harder to spot wildlife with a large amount of dense growth, though, so you may need to spend another day or two on safari to tick off all the wildlife you're hoping to see.

Related: 9 incredible luxury family safari lodges for the ultimate African adventure

Looking for more planning advice for an African safari? Elsewhere's local experts in Botswana , South Africa or Tanzania can help you plan an epic wildlife adventure to those countries. (Note: Elsewhere is owned by TPG's sister brand Lonely Planet).

• 2023 SEASON UPDATE

Jan 8, 2024 | General

DECEMBER 2023

2023 SEASON UPDATE First things first –  thank you sincerely to all our new and returning guests for including Lion Camp in your African Safari Experience!  To welcome friends of Lion Camp back is always a privilege and meeting new visitors who leave as friends is a heartwarming experience.  We loved sharing the Lion Camp experience with you.

2023 was a magical season for us! Not only did we welcome amazing guests, but Mother Nature and her inhabitants never failed us one moment. The year started with late rains, creating some anxious moments for our pre-opening preparations. Our resident pride of lions surprised the on-site team by moving into the main lodge for a few days to escape the rain!!

Normally the season starts slowly with the bush very dense and game still in the process of migrating back from the escarpment, dryer areas, however, this season started with a bang!  From the first game drive our guests were charmed by Chipadzuwa and her two sub-adult cubs, Taonga and Chisomo. Sharing amazing moments with a family of 3 leopards, relaxed, and showing themselves created magical moments.  Both our local lion prides, the MKs and Lion Camp River pride, bragged with cubs, ensuring amazing photographic opportunities.  A few guests experienced a very rare sighting in nature, and that was the wild dogs relocating their very young pups to a new den.

Our resident Ellies, Charli & Scooter, entertained our guests on a daily basis.  Visiting the main lodge for their elephant biscuits (Winter Thorn Pods)!

Many photographic moments were created by the beautiful Carmine Bee-eaters, Lilian’s Lovebirds, and the rare sightings of a Pels Fishing Owl and Pennant-winged Nightjar.

Other sightings such as a newly born Giraffe, herds of Ellies crossing the river, and huge herds of buffalo were a daily event.  Great excitement was caused by a small herd of Coocksons Wildebeest spotted much closer to Lion Camp than ever before.  These are but a few special moments this season.  Ensuring memorable experiences for our guests.

From myself, Wayne, our owners & directors, and our entire Lion Camp team, we wish our guests, loyal agents & DMCs a wonderful and blessed Festive Season.  We look forward to another bumper season in 2024 and welcoming many of our guests back to Lion Camp for another magical African experience

Recent Posts

• MKASANGA CLINIC PROJECT – UPDATE
• January 2024
• Entries feed
• Comments feed
• WordPress.org

TOP DESTINATIONS

• Kruger Park
• Okavango Delta
• Serengeti National Park
• Victoria Falls

TOP COUNTRIES

• South Africa

TRAVEL DEALS

View All Travel Deals

SOUTHERN AFRICA

East africa, indian ocean islands, top experiences.

• Beach Holidays
• Family Safaris
• Honeymoon Safaris
• Desert Safaris
• Luxury Rail Safaris
• Multi-Generational Safaris
• Positive Impact Safaris
• Photographic Safaris
• Walking Safaris

WILDLIFE SAFARI

• Big Five Safaris
• Birding Safaris
• Gorilla Trekking Safaris
• Migration Safaris
• Mobile Camping Safaris
• Horseback Safaris

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

Comfort levels, property types.

• Tented Camps
• Boutique Hotels

Featured Safari Collections

• Ker & Downey Botswana
• African Bush Camps
• Desert & Delta
• African Anthology

GET TO KNOW US

• Meet The Team
• Pricing Explained
• Traveller Reviews
• Traveller Stories
• Why Book With Us?
• HerdTracker
• Safari Cost Calculator
• South Africa In 360
• Trusted Safari Partners

What are you looking for?

• Safaris & Tours
• Destinations
• Experiences
• Accommodations
• Why book with us?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.

Alternatively, we recommend...

Schedule a phone or Zoom call with one of our safari planners

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

Lion Safaris

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris.

The Lion truly is the king of all safari experiences. The only cats in the world that have a social structure, lion sightings are often spectacular in their interactions. Be warned: lions will sleep a lot during the day, so don’t be disappointed if you catch them out for the count. Early mornings and evening are the best times to see their big prides active and hunting.

The Serengeti, Kenya’s Masai Mara, Botswana’s Duba Plains, the Kruger National Park in South Africa and Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater are the best places in Africa to see these incredible species in their natural habitat.

The strongest of Africa’s cats by far, the mighty lion never fails to produce a memorable sighting

Popular Lion Safaris

Each of our popular itineraries can be tailor-made to suit your budget as well as your specific interests..

Elephant Kingdom with a Chobe – Savute Safari

Southern Africa Botswana Chobe Savuti

From $ 2500 /USD

Value For Money Botswana Safari

Botswana Chobe Chobe River Moremi Southern Africa Okavango Delta

From $ 2740 /USD

Livingstone and Botswana Encounter

Southern Africa Livingstone Victoria Falls Botswana

From $ 3648 /USD

Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe Safari

Southern Africa Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Hwange Kariba

From $ 7800 /USD

Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park Discovery

Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Botswana Chobe Chobe River Southern Africa

From $ 2130 /USD

Wildlife and Gorillas of Rwanda

East Africa Rwanda Kigali Akagera National Park Volcanoes

From $ 9100 /USD

101 Lion Safaris to choose from

Stay for 3 - 17 days

What Destinations have Lion Safaris

What you need to know about Lion Safaris

New Safari Lodge Openings to Look Forward to in 2024

Where to Experience Lion Country Safaris

8 Jaw-dropping Places you should visit in Africa in 2024 (Including Videos)

R300,000 raised for lion conservation

Remarkable Clash Between Lion and Wild Dog Brings Onlookers to Tears

Lion cub falls off cliff, what happens next is amazing

Safari Q&A – Do lions always hunt in groups? #KenyaLive

Who are the Eastern Bank male lions?

What our guests have to say, read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us, spectacular.

Tanzania and Kenya Safari Review

Marcy, United States 08 Jan 2024

South Africa, Botswana, & Zimbabwe Safari Review

Marcella, United States 16 Oct 2023

Megan is an expert- all her arrangements were perfect- she really listened....

14 Day Botswana & Victoria Falls Holiday Review

Lucy Rose, United States 13 Feb 2023

Amazing service- catered to all my needs and very reliable.

4 Day Luxury Timbavati Safari Review

Colleen, United States 30 Nov 2022

Discover africa gave us an amazing south african honeymoon.

Tour through Africa Honeymoon Review

Julian & Brianne, United States 12 Jun 2022

Our safari dreams came true.

First Safari in South Africa Review

Diane Oliveira, Brazil 30 Nov 2018

Travel with confidence, with over 20 years of experience, our team will help you tailor your itinerary to your perfect adventure., 24/7 support, personalized, ready to plan your tailor-made safari.

Steve Conradie, Co-founder, Discover Africa

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

Registered Members of these Organizations

USEFUL LINKS

• Safari Tours
• Accommodation
• Why Book with us?
• Safari Cost Estimator Tool
• Wildebeest Migration
• Privacy Policy
• Website Terms of Use

POPULAR COUNTRIES

• View All Countries

POPULAR DESTINATIONS

• View All Destinations
• Cape Town Holidays
• Kruger National Park
• Etosha National Park
• Chobe National Park

TRAVEL BLOGS

• Travel News Digest, 7 June: SA named friendliest country in the world, Tiffindell closes permanently, and more
• Qatar Airways adds New Africa Gateway to DRC
• Travel News Digest, May 31: Tanzanian tourism industry on the up, OR Tambo is Africa’s busiest airport, and more
• Africa Hits Full International Tourism Recovery, as Seasonality Shift
• Travel News Digest, May 24: AU Passport Call Intensifies, Fuel Price Cuts expected in June

OUR LOCATION

• 2nd floor, Tygervalley Chambers One, 27 Willie van Schoor Avenue, Bellville, Cape Town , 7530

I went on a 2-week safari in South Africa's famous Kruger National Park for just $50 a day

• I went on an epic two-week safari in South Africa's famous Kruger National Park for about $50 a day.
• I camped beneath the stars and saw elephants right from my tent.
• Driving our own car, camping, and preparing our own food saved us money. 

The idea of a South African safari often conjures up images of five-star lodges and luxury game drives — but a holiday in the bush doesn't have to be out of reach for travelers on a tighter budget.

According to a data analysis from Go2Africa , the average traveler heads on South African safaris with a medium-high budget, meaning they spend $5,500 to $6,000 on a trip, an increase from last year.

But, on a recent trip, I found that I was able to have an incredible two-week safari trip in Kruger National Park for about $50 a day.

Here's how I did it and how travelers can save money when planning their safari.

I saved by buying an annual pass

The biggest savings at Kruger National Park can come from buying a Wild Card, an annual pass that gives you a year of access to 80+ parks in southern Africa, including Kruger.

The Wild Card is discounted for South Africans but it cost me 3,780 rands, or about $200, as a foreigner.

Without a Wild Card, I would've had to pay over 486 rands a day to visit Kruger, meaning this pass pays for itself in just over a week.

Overall, my pass came to about 270 rands a day for the two-week trip.

We also stayed in one of Kruger's many rest camps

One of the most immersive ways to experience Kruger is by camping in the South African bush. We saw elephants near our camp and woke up to the sounds of warthogs and hyenas in the distance.

We live in South Africa , so it was easy enough to bring our own camping gear, though travelers can rent a tent, sleeping bags, chairs, and cooking basics from nearby rental companies for a few thousand rands for two weeks.

Kruger National Park has a range of rest camps for different budgets and preferences, whether you prefer to use your own tent or stay in a bungalow with your own kitchen and bathroom.

Related stories

Prices also vary depending on the season, so it's wise to avoid really busy months, like September and December. I found that around mid-January to mid-March, two people can camp at Punda Maria, one of Kruger's cheapest camping options, for just 285 rands a night. During high season, prices go up by about 100 rands per night.

My husband and I visited during a less busy season. We camped at Maroela Satellite Camp and Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp for 331 to 349 rands a night.

Cooking our own food saved us money …

We chose to prepare our own meals and braai (a type of South African barbecue) beneath the stars.

Fortunately, most campsites have plug points, braai stands, shared bathrooms, shared kitchens, and shops selling everything you need to braai.

The park also has restaurants and coffee shops scattered throughout it, which is helpful for anyone who wants to purchase food and drinks without leaving the property.

But there's nothing quite like braaiing beneath the stars, watching for the occasional hyena along the fence line.

… and so did doing a self-driving safari

If you don't have your own car, you can rent a sedan for just over 4,000 rands for two weeks. Fortunately, though, there are enough tarred roads in Kruger that you don't need a special 4x4 to enjoy the park.

We ended up self-driving our own car in Kruger National Park, which allowed us to choose our own adventure and be our own guide.

Rest camps have sighting boards on which visitors pin their major animal sightings from that day and the previous day. This makes it easy to follow trends and choose where to search first. There's also an app where visitors post their sightings.

On our last self-drive safari in Kruger, we saw cheetahs and all the Big Five (leopard, elephant, rhino, lion, and African buffalo).

Overall, our trip was affordable and dreamy

We saved money throughout our trip and managed to go on a two-week safari in Kruger National Park for just under $50 a day per person.

This price includes two Wild Cards, petrol for our vehicle, and our camping fees and expenses — and our trip was well worth it.

Watch: A single trail takes hikers to 10 waterfalls near Portland, Oregon — and you can walk it in less than a day

• Main content