Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Gauteng province, the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy the captivating world of wildlife. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a diverse array of animals, including the iconic rhino, lion, and giraffe. Alongside the park’s exceptional game drives and tours, the nearby Bothongo WonderCave promises an equally remarkable adventure, unveiling the region’s geological wonders. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, this destination promises to leave you in awe of the extraordinary balance between the surface and the depths of the earth.
Key Points
- The Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve and Bothongo WonderCave offer a full-day excursion to experience diverse wildlife and explore a vast underground cave system.
- The tour includes guided game drives, a walking tour, and a visit to the third-largest cave chamber in South Africa, with insights into the region’s geological history.
- Participants can expect close encounters with iconic African species, such as rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes, in their natural habitats.
- The tour is led by experienced professionals and offers a personalized experience in a small group setting, with pickup and drop-off services provided.
- The tour is priced at $143.96 per person and includes flexible cancellation policies, making it a budget-friendly and convenient option for visitors.
Overview and Pricing
The Bothongo Rhino and Lion Park and Wonder Caves offer visitors an exciting excursion with its combination of wildlife encounters and underground exploration.
Priced from $143.96 per person, the tour includes a full day of activities, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, allowing for flexible planning.
The tour provides pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, a bottle of water, guiding, and tips – all within a small group setting of up to 9 participants.
Led by experienced professionals, the adventure promises an immersive experience in both the natural and subterranean wonders of the region.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in North West.
Duration and Itinerary
Spanning 7 hours in duration, the excursion commences with a 1-hour car ride from Woodmead to the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve.
Once there, guests embark on a guided tour and game drive lasting 2 hours, offering opportunities to witness the park’s diverse wildlife up close. This is followed by a 1-hour guided tour and walk through the area.
The journey then continues with a 30-minute car transfer to Krugersdorp, where a 1-hour guided tour and walk through the iconic Bothongo WonderCave awaits.
About Bothongo WonderCave
Nestled within the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies the captivating Bothongo WonderCave.
This natural wonder is the third-largest cave chamber in South Africa, spanning an impressive 46,000 square metres. Formed over 5-10 million years ago, the cave’s vast dimensions measure an extraordinary 125 by 154 metres.
Visitors can marvel at the grandeur of this ancient geological marvel, exploring its labyrinth of underground passages and cavernous spaces.
The Bothongo WonderCave offers a unique opportunity to explore the heart of South Africa’s rich natural heritage, providing a glimpse into the remarkable geological history of this remarkable site.
Wildlife Experience
Embarking on guided game drives, visitors can expect to experience the abundant wildlife and breathtaking beauty of the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve. Approaching predators in open game viewers, guests will be led by experienced professionals who share their deep knowledge of the reserve’s diverse fauna and flora. The wildlife viewing opportunities are truly exceptional, as the reserve is home to an array of species including the iconic African rhino, lion, leopard, and more. Guests will be awed by the sheer scale and grandeur of the natural wonders on display.
| Wildlife Sightings | Common |
|---|---|
| Rhino | ✓ |
| Lion | ✓ |
| Leopard | ✓ |
| Elephant | ✓ |
| Giraffe | ✓ |
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes a range of convenient amenities to enhance the experience.
Pickup and drop-off services ensure hassle-free transportation, while entrance fees are covered, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the attractions.
A complimentary bottle of water is provided, keeping guests hydrated throughout the day.
The tour is led by experienced, knowledgeable guides who offer their expertise in English and French.
On top of that, tips and gratuities are included, eliminating the need for additional payments.
The small group size, limited to 9 participants, ensures personalized attention and an intimate exploration of the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Park and Wonder Caves.
Pickup and Dropoff
The tour begins with a convenient pickup from Woodmead, providing a hassle-free start to the day’s adventure.
From there, the journey unfolds:
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Guests are transported in a comfortable vehicle for a 1-hour drive to the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve.
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After arriving at the park, participants embark on a guided tour and game drive, seeing the captivating wildlife and natural scenery.
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Following the reserve experience, the group travels to Krugersdorp for a guided tour and walk through the Bothongo WonderCave.
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Finally, the tour concludes with the return trip to Woodmead, ensuring a seamless beginning and end to this remarkable day.
Group Size and Language
With the hassle-free pickup and drop-off arrangements taken care of, the tour’s intimate group size and guided language come into focus.
Capping the group at a maximum of 9 participants ensures a personalized experience, allowing the guide to engage with each visitor.
Whether you’re an English or French speaker, the live tour guide provides informative commentary in both languages, ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the wonders of the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Park and the awe-inspiring Wonder Caves.
This small group setting allows for deeper interaction and the opportunity to ask questions, creating an enriching and memorable exploration of South Africa’s natural treasures.
Cancellation and Booking
Flexible cancellation policies and a pay-later option make booking the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Park and Wonder Caves tour a hassle-free experience.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can plan their trip with confidence. Plus, the "Reserve now & pay later" feature allows guests to secure their spot without any upfront costs, making it easier to fit the excursion into their budget.
Other booking benefits include:
- Full refund with 24-hour cancellation notice
- No payment required until the day of the tour
- Convenient online booking process
- Reliable customer service for any inquiries
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Predators Can Visitors See?
Visitors can approach and observe predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs during the guided game drives at the park. The experienced guides ensure a safe and up-close wildlife experience for guests.
Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations for Disabled Visitors?
The tour provides accessibility accommodations for disabled visitors, including wheelchair-friendly paths and assistance from the guided staff. However, the nature of the terrain and remote location may limit full accessibility throughout the experience.
Can Visitors Take Their Own Food and Drinks?
Visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though it’s advised to check with the tour provider as policies may vary. Consumption of outside items is typically permitted in designated areas.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Visitors of all ages are welcome to participate in the guided game drives and cave exploration. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the experience.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Park?
The best time to visit the park is typically during the dry winter months between May and September. This is when wildlife viewing is optimal, and the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.
The Sum Up
Bothongo Rhino and Lion Park and Bothongo WonderCave offer an unparalleled wildlife and geological adventure. Visitors can marvel at the diverse fauna, including rhinos and lions, during guided game drives, then explore the stunning underground passages of the third-largest cave in South Africa. This captivating experience provides an opportunity to take in the natural wonders of the region.
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