The scenic Magaliesberg region of Hartbeespoort packs impressive wildlife-viewing opportunities into compact, accessible experiences. Most memorable is the Lion and Safari Park, where guided tours bring you face-to-face with Africa’s big cats and other native species. For active travelers, I especially love the combo tours offering horseback riding and ziplining – they provide both adventure and animal encounters. The self-drive option through the 600-hectare reserve is perfect for independent types who prefer to set their own pace. Check out these carefully selected safari tours that showcase the best of Hartbeespoort’s natural treasures.
Key Points
- The Hartbeespoort: Lion and Safari Park Tour offers a 3-hour guided safari experience to encounter top African predators in a 600-hectare wildlife area.
- The Hartbeespoort: Self-Drive Lion and Safari Park Tour provides a flexible and cost-effective way to explore the park at one’s own pace and see lions, wild dogs, and cheetahs up close.
- The Harties Horseback Safari and Ziplining Adventure combines horseback riding and ziplining, providing a unique and thrilling way to explore the natural landscapes of the Hartbeespoort region.
- The Open Vehicle Game Drive offers a 2-hour guided safari tour to observe the diverse wildlife, including rare white lions, in the Johannesburg area.
- The Johannesburg: Lion and Safari Park Guided Tour offers a comprehensive 1-day experience, including guided insights on animal behavior and opportunities to encounter a wide range of wildlife.
Johannesburg: Lion and Safari Park Guided Tour
Exploring the iconic wildlife of South Africa, the Johannesburg: Lion and Safari Park Guided Tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the park’s diverse animal habitats.
Priced from SEK 1,203 per person, the private group tour lasts a day and is accessible for wheelchair users. Guests will encounter over 80 lions, including rare white lions, as well as cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
Knowledgeable guides provide insights on animal behavior while guests travel in a specially designed safari vehicle. The tour includes all road transfers, entrance fees, and bottled water, making it a convenient and comprehensive experience.
Visitors are advised to bring a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Read our full review: Johannesburg: Lion and Safari Park Guided Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Lion and Safari Park: Open Vehicle Game Drive
The Lion and Safari Park’s Open Vehicle Game Drive offers visitors an immersive experience to encounter South Africa’s iconic wildlife.
During this 2-hour guided tour, guests can observe a variety of animals, including three prides of lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.
The park features rare white lions, providing a unique opportunity for close encounters. Priced from €81.16 per person, the tour includes private pickup and drop-off from various locations around Johannesburg.
While lunch and personal items are optional, visitors can enjoy the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
This small-group experience isn’t suitable for children under 12 years old.
Read our full review: Lion and Safari Park: Open Vehicle Game Drive Review
Book now: Check availability
Johannesburg: Lion and Safari Park Open Vehicle Game Drive
Situated just an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, the Johannesburg Lion and Safari Park offers visitors an exhilarating open vehicle game drive, immersing them in the captivating world of South Africa’s iconic wildlife.
The 4-hour tour provides the opportunity for close encounters with lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, giraffes, and zebras, led by experienced rangers who share insights on animal behavior and the local ecosystem.
The open-vehicle format ensures unobstructed views, and the park’s value-for-money package includes transportation and entrance fees, with a convenient reserve now and pay later option.
While meals and drinks aren’t included, the tour is suitable for families, couples, and solo adventurers, making it an ideal excursion during a Hartbeespoort safari.
Read our full review: Johannesburg: Lion and Safari Park Open Vehicle Game Drive Review
Book now: Check availability
Harties Horseback Safari and Ziplining Adventure
One of the premier adventure experiences in Hartbeespoort is the Harties Horseback Safari and Ziplining Adventure.
This thrilling activity combines a horseback ride through the scenic Hartbeespoort region with an exhilarating ziplining experience. The horseback safari allows visitors to explore the area’s stunning natural landscapes up close, while the ziplining portion offers breathtaking views from the treetops.
With a duration of 1 day and a price of $104.57 per person, this tour has received a perfect 5-star rating from 4 reviewers, making it a must-try for adventure-seekers.
The combination of the serene horseback ride and the adrenaline-pumping ziplining provides an unforgettable and well-rounded experience in the heart of Hartbeespoort.
Read our full review: Harties Horseback Safari and Ziplining Adventure Review
Book now: Check availability
Hartbeespoort: Lion and Safari Park Guided Tour
For those seeking an immersive wildlife experience in Hartbeespoort, the guided tour through the Lion and Safari Park is a must-try adventure.
Priced at $27.24 per person, this 2-hour tour offers a chance to observe lions, hyenas, leopards, and antelopes up close from the comfort of a safari truck. The knowledgeable guide provides educational commentary, while visitors can capture memorable photos.
Additional activities like dining and shopping are available post-safari. With an overall rating of 4.6/5 from 48 reviews, this tour promises excellent value and transportation.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a unique South African experience, this Lion and Safari Park tour won’t disappoint.
Read our full review: Hartbeespoort: Lion and Safari Park Guided Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Hartbeespoort: Lion and Safari Park Tour
The Hartbeespoort: Lion and Safari Park Tour provides an immersive wildlife experience for visitors to the Hartbeespoort region.
Priced at $52.29 per person, this 3-hour tour takes guests on a scenic drive through a 600-hectare wildlife area. Participants can encounter top African predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs, as well as observe free-roaming antelopes.
The tour is limited to 10 people and offers opportunities for stunning photography. Accessibility is wheelchair-friendly, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 from 93 reviews, this tour is a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Hartbeespoort.
Read our full review: Hartbeespoort: Lion and Safari Park Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Hartbeespoort: Self-Drive Lion and Safari Park Tour
This self-drive tour of the Lion and Safari Park in Hartbeespoort offers visitors the opportunity to explore the park at their own pace.
Priced from $14.59 per person, the tour provides close-up views of lions, wild dogs, and cheetahs. Visitors can also enjoy an extended game drive to view antelope and other species.
The park is located just 13km from Lanseria Airport and 40 minutes from Johannesburg, within the stunning Magaliesberg mountain range and the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO site.
Wheelchair-accessible and with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a convenient and flexible way to experience the wonders of the African wild.
Read our full review: Hartbeespoort: Self-Drive Lion and Safari Park Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Hartbeespoort: Predator Safari With a Guide
A 1-hour guided predator safari in Hartbeespoort offers visitors an immersive experience to encounter lions, wild dogs, and cheetahs up close.
Priced from $21.74 per person, the tour provides the opportunity to see giraffes, zebras, springboks, and impalas as well.
Wheelchair-accessible and with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the safari is highly rated by previous guests for its informative, friendly, and humorous guides.
On weekends and public holidays, visitors can even witness a lion-feeding experience.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 232 reviews, this predator safari is a must-do for those seeking an exciting wildlife encounter in Hartbeespoort.
Read our full review: Hartbeespoort: Predator Safari With a Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
From South Africa: Lion and Safari Park Half-Day Tour
Frequently, travelers to South Africa embark on the Lion and Safari Park Half-Day Tour, a captivating 5-hour excursion that offers unparalleled opportunities to observe lions in their natural habitat.
Priced from $102.37 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, a guided drive, and the chance to interact with lion cubs under expert supervision.
The itinerary covers Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and North West regions, with a 1-hour transportation each way. Participants can enjoy a 30-minute break for an additional fee.
The tour’s commitment to wildlife preservation and education, as well as the free cancellation policy, make it a popular choice among safari enthusiasts.
Read our full review: From South Africa: Lion and Safari Park Half-Day Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Animals Can I Expect to See on the Safari?
On a safari, visitors can typically expect to see a variety of wildlife, including large mammals like elephants, lions, leopards, and giraffes, as well as smaller animals like zebras, antelopes, and a diverse array of bird species.
What Should I Bring for the Safari Tour?
When going on a safari tour, it’s best to bring essentials like sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, camera, water, and snacks. Dressing in layers and wearing neutral-colored clothing can also help optimize your wildlife viewing experience.
How Long Do the Safari Tours Typically Last?
Safari tours typically last between 2-4 hours, depending on the specific tour and location. Guests can expect to spend a few hours exploring the wildlife and landscapes during their safari experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Safari Tours?
Most safari tours have no age restrictions, though some may have minimum age requirements for young children. It’s best to check with the tour operator in advance to ensure the safari is suitable for all members of your group.
Can I Take Photos During the Safari Tours?
Yes, visitors can typically take photos during safari tours. Most safari operators encourage guests to capture the wildlife and scenery, though they may ask that flash photography be limited to avoid disturbing the animals.
Recap
The Lion and Safari Park in Hartbeespoort offers a variety of guided and self-drive safari tours, allowing visitors to explore the park’s diverse wildlife up-close. From open-vehicle game drives to horseback safaris and zip-lining adventures, there are plenty of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re seeking an immersive wildlife experience or an adrenaline-filled day, Hartbeespoort’s safari tours provide an unforgettable adventure.