The Elephant & Monkey Sanctuary with Lion Park Tour offers a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of South Africa’s natural wonders. Combining a thrilling game drive at Lion Park with intimate encounters at the elephant and monkey sanctuaries, this comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable experience. Under the guidance of knowledgeable professionals, you will gain a deeper understanding of the region’s diverse ecosystems and the importance of ethical wildlife conservation. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Good To Know

  1. This 10-hour tour offers an immersive experience at an Elephant Sanctuary, Monkey Sanctuary, and Lion Park near Johannesburg, priced at £214.94 per person.
  2. The tour includes a 2-hour game drive at the Lion Park, followed by guided tours at the Elephant Sanctuary and Monkey Sanctuary, with opportunities to interact with the animals.
  3. Ethical concerns have been raised by previous visitors regarding the practices at the Lion Park, and it is recommended to research the park’s standards before booking.
  4. The Elephant Sanctuary and Monkey Sanctuary are noted for their positive feedback on ethical animal interactions and efforts to rehabilitate and conserve the wildlife.
  5. The tour package excludes lunch, alcoholic drinks, and personal expenses, but provides pickup and drop-off services from Johannesburg.

Overview of the Tour

The tour in question takes visitors on an immersive journey through a Elephant & Monkey Sanctuary alongside a Lion Park, offering a comprehensive wildlife experience.

Priced from £214.94 per person, the 10-hour tour departs from Johannesburg and accommodates up to 15 participants.

Highlights include a 2-hour game drive at the Lion Park, guided tours of the Elephant and Monkey Sanctuaries, and the opportunity to interact with the animals.

While lunch isn’t included, the tour provides pickup, drop-off, and guided experiences at each location.

Travelers should research the Lion Park’s ethical practices beforehand, as previous guests have raised some concerns in this area.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Itinerary Highlights

Commencing the day around 8:00 am, participants are picked up from Johannesburg to embark on their wildlife adventure.

After a 1.5-hour drive, they’ll enjoy a 2-hour game drive at the Lion Park.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues to the Elephant Sanctuary for a 3-hour guided tour, where travelers can feed, walk with, and touch the majestic elephants.

The final stop is the Monkey Sanctuary, where a 1-hour guided tour provides an up-close encounter with the rescued primates.

The day concludes with a 1.5-hour drive back to Johannesburg, arriving around 5:00 pm.

Lion Park Safari Experience

Departing Johannesburg, participants travel by van for approximately 1.5 hours to reach the Lion Park.

Once there, they embark on a 2-hour game drive, providing an opportunity to observe lions in their natural habitat.

While the experience allows visitors to see the majestic animals up close, some travelers have raised ethical concerns about the park’s practices.

It’s recommended that participants research the Lion Park thoroughly beforehand to make an informed decision about their visit.

The tour’s focus on ethical considerations ensures guests can make the most of this part of the experience while remaining mindful of the complex issues surrounding wildlife tourism.

Elephant Sanctuary Visit

After visiting the Lion Park, the tour proceeds to the Elephant Sanctuary, located approximately 45 minutes away by van.

The sanctuary offers a guided tour that lasts around 3 hours. Visitors can engage in activities like feeding, walking, and even touching the elephants under the supervision of the staff.

The tour provides an opportunity to learn about the elephants’ lives and the sanctuary’s efforts to rescue and care for these magnificent animals.

Travelers have generally provided positive feedback about the elephant encounter, appreciating the chance to interact with the animals in an ethical and responsible manner.

Monkey Sanctuary Exploration

Following the elephant encounter, the tour continues to the nearby Monkey Sanctuary. Guests are welcomed by a knowledgeable guide who leads them on a captivating one-hour tour.

The focus is on rescued monkeys, with opportunities to observe their natural behaviors and habitats. Visitors are cautioned to maintain a safe distance, as the monkeys are wild animals.

Despite this, the experience allows travelers to gain a deeper appreciation for the primates’ welfare and conservation efforts. While the sanctuary visit is relatively brief, it provides a nice complement to the earlier elephant experience, giving participants a more well-rounded understanding of the region’s wildlife.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a range of features to enhance the experience.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off services, a comprehensive Lion Park tour, in-depth exploration of the Elephant Sanctuary, and a guided tour of the Monkey Sanctuary.

However, the tour price excludes:

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Lunch
  • Other personal expenses

Travelers should keep in mind that the ethical considerations of the Lion Park have been noted by previous visitors, so it’s recommended to research this aspect further before booking.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Customers have provided a mix of feedback on their experiences with this tour. The overall rating is 4 out of 5 based on 2 reviews. Positive notes mentioned the sanctuary experiences, especially interacting with elephants and monkeys. However, some concerns were raised regarding the ethical issues at the Lion Park and the fact that lunch was not included in the tour price.

Feedback Positive Negative
Sanctuary Experiences ✓ –
Interaction with Elephants & Monkeys ✓ –
Ethical Concerns at Lion Park – ✓
Lunch Not Included – ✓

Recommendations suggest thoroughly researching the Lion Park before visiting to ensure it aligns with one’s ethical standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Interact Directly With the Lion Cubs at the Park?

No, visitors cannot directly interact with lion cubs at the park. The tour focuses on a guided safari drive through the park, where you can observe the lions from a safe distance in their natural habitat.

Will I Be Able to Ride the Elephants During the Sanctuary Visit?

No, visitors cannot ride the elephants during the sanctuary visit. The tour focuses on more ethical activities like feeding, walking, and touching the elephants under the guidance of the sanctuary staff.

Are There Any Opportunities to Purchase Souvenirs at the Sanctuaries?

The tour includes visits to the elephant and monkey sanctuaries, but it doesn’t specifically mention any opportunities to purchase souvenirs. Visitors may find some gift shops or markets at the sanctuaries where they can buy local crafts or items.

Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Tour on the Day?

Based on the tour details provided, it’s unclear if the duration can be extended on the day. The tour itinerary seems fixed, and there’s no mention of the option to extend the length. Guests would need to check with the tour operator for any flexibility.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is limited to 15 participants. The tour description specifically states that the "Group Size: Limited to 15 participants".

The Sum Up

The Elephant & Monkey Sanctuary with Lion Park Tour offers an immersive wildlife experience from Johannesburg. Travelers can enjoy a thrilling game drive, ethical encounters with elephants and monkeys, and knowledgeable guides, although lunch isn’t provided. While the tour is highly rated, visitors should research Lion Park’s practices due to ethical concerns. The experience focuses on animal welfare and educational value.