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STAY OVER GUESTS
Visit LIONSROCK and escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a while.
Guest of the king of the animals
Welcome to LIONSROCK-arrive as a guest and leave with a piece of your heart firmly invested in the big cats of Africa!
LIONSROCK is open to the public, with no entry fee at the gate. We offer a unique combination of animal welfare and tourism, offering activities for guests including sanctuary tours and exclusive guided tours for visitors who are interested in gaining insight into the daily work of the animal caretaker team.
Overnight guests can choose their minimum one-night-stay - with Guided Sanctuary Tours and Full Board included. Overnight guests have use of the pool and the sublime surroundings are a haven for the birding and photography enthusiasts. Booking 48 hours in advance is required.
Book online or by sending an e-mail to reservations@lionsrock.org, or call
+27 83 408 0473 and create lasting memories at LIONSROCK.
For more information, see below:
More on what to pack for your visit
Click here
Airport transfers to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary
Reservations@lionsrock.org
How to find us
You can find travel information here – approximately 2-3 hours from Johannesburg, Bloemfontein & Durban (by car) - find us on Google Maps
NEED TO KNOW MORE?
ADVENTURE AWAITS
We are a community of people who care about animals, health and the environment. We offer a 70% vegetarian menu that features delicious and nutritious dishes made with fresh and organic ingredients.
We also have a selection of vegan and gluten-free options for those who prefer them. Our vegetarian restaurant policy is not only good for our customers, but also for the animals we love and protect.
By reducing our consumption of animal products, we help prevent animal suffering, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources. We also support local and ethical farmers who share our vision of a more humane and sustainable food system. We invite you to join us in our restaurant policy and enjoy our food and service.
REMEMBER TO BRING ALONG:
- Sunhat
- Sunblock
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Water
- Comfortable clothing and closed footwear
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is LIONSROCK?
LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, a FOUR PAWS Sanctuary, is home to around 100 big cats rescued from around the world.
Here they are protected and provided with a lifelong habitat appropriate home and the highest individual care for their species.
Where is LIONSROCK?
LIONSROCK is situated 18km outside Bethlehem in the Free State which is located in the geographical centre of South Africa, bordered by the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, North West, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, as well as Lesotho. The Free State is a rural province of farmland, mountains and widely dispersed towns.
Is there an entrance fee?
There is no entrance fee, however, guests do pay for sanctuary tours and all visitors are encouraged to please pre-book tours on our website to avoid disappointment: click here
What does it mean that LIONSROCK is open to visitors?
LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary is a true sanctuary, offering a unique experience for both day and overnight visitors.
Our packages are designed for our visitors to go on a journey of Learning, Exploring, Adventuring and Discovering the world of animal welfare through the stories of our rescued big cats. When visiting LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary you have chosen an ethical destination and will be supporting a FOUR PAWS sanctuary.
Day visitors are welcome and depending on the day, can be taken on a range of specific guided tours, each day of the week is tailored around the big cats and animal welfare, from a Feeding Tour on Tuesdays to an Enrichment Tour on Wednesday or Tiger Tour on a Sunday.
Overnight guests can choose their minimum two-night stay - from a weekend getaway to a mid-week break, or a seven-night stay – with guided tours built in. Overnight guests have use of the pool and the sublime surroundings are a haven for the birding and photography enthusiasts.
For those looking for some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle can relax on the verandah, tea garden or in the restaurant or bar and enjoy freshly prepared meals and tempting treats by the LIONSROCK chef and his team.
What are your opening hours?
We are open from Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM to day visitors. For overnight guests:
Daily check-in: 14h00 (Excludes lunch, however dinner is included)
Daily check-out: 09h30 (Includes breakfast however lunch is not included)
How much are your guided tours?
Enrichment Tour - Tuesday @ 14h00 - R300 per adult, R200 per child
Exclusive Sanctuary Tour - Friday @ 09h00 - R800 per adult, R600 per child
Feeding Tour - Tuesday @ 09h00 - R300 per adult, R200 per child
Sanctuary Drive Tour - 7 days a week - R300 per adult, R200 per child
Sanctuary Walking Tour - Thursday @ 09h00 & 14h30 - Sunday @ 09h00 - R300 per adult, R200 per child
Tigers Tour - Monday @ 09h00 & 15h00 - Wednesday @ 09h00 - Sunday @ 09h00 - R300 per adult, R200 per child
Hiking Trail 1 (to platforms) - Saturday 09h00 - R300 per adult, R200 per child
Hiking Trail 2 (to cave) - Saturday 09h00 - R300 per adult, R200 per child
Visitors are encouraged to please pre-book your tours on our website to avoid disappointment: click here
Can I bring my own food and beverages?
Unfortunately, food and drink may not be brought onto the premises. However, we have an on-site bar and restaurant where you can enjoy a meal either before or after your Sanctuary tour.
Is it possible to speak to someone?
Absolutely, please find our contact details below:
+27 (0)58 304 1691 | +27 (0)83 408 0473 | +27 (0)63 241 3020
General information: visitors@lionsrock.org
Bookings: reservations@lionsrock.org
Can I make use of the pool?
The pool is available for overnight guests, only.
Do you cater to special dietary requirements?
Yes, please send your dietary requirements and food allergies (if any) prior to arrival.
Do you require any documents ahead of time?
Yes, you will be sent a pre-arrival check-in form. This needs to be emailed back along with a copy of your passport and or id before check-in.
Is there a reduced price / refund if we miss activities?
Activities are pre-booked; unfortunately, no refunds will be allowed if you miss this for any reason.
Are guests allowed to self-drive?
All tours are guided. Guests are unable to drive/walk around the sanctuary, except on arrival and departure or anywhere near any enclosures for safety reasons.
Is the guest area wheelchair-friendly?
For the most part, yes. There are ramps to reach the main building and rooms, but a bit of assistance will be needed.
What do rates exclude?
All beverages from the bar.
Curio items purchased and any additional tours not part of the package.