Rhino and Lion vs Lion & Safari

[Long Wheel Base]

So we had a holiday booked and paid for to Pilanesburg for April that got shelved due to Lockdown.

I feel bad for my kids, especially the oldest as they were really looking forward to seeing the animals. So until we can plan another holiday there, I want to take them to something similar for the day. I want to go this weekend. These are the two well known ones.

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve and Lion & Safari Park.

 

Who has been to one or both and how was it? Or any other suggestions in the Joburg area?

[PieterJvR]

I have only been to the Rhino & Lion Park a few years ago, and it was great - especially if you go at the time they are feeding the lions.  IIRC the animal variety was ok, saw a few other types of cat species in the cages at the restaurant.

Not in JHB, but unless you want to see the Big 5 like you probably would have in Pilansburg you can also give Rietvlei Nature Reserve in Centurion a try (Close to Nelmapius off-ramp from the R21).

Me and my wife was there the other day and it was a pretty decent day out.  Saw the family of Rhinos, some buffalo, and all the other more common animals like zebra, wildebees, etc.  I also know a cheetah was relocated to the reserve in this week.

 

If you on facebook you can check their page as there are lots of info there

[Long Wheel Base]

I have only been to the Rhino & Lion Park a few years ago, and it was great - especially if you go at the time they are feeding the lions.  IIRC the animal variety was ok, saw a few other types of cat species in the cages at the restaurant.

 

Not in JHB, but unless you want to see the Big 5 like you probably would have in Pilansburg you can also give Rietvlei Nature Reserve in Centurion a try (Close to Nelmapius off-ramp from the R21).

 

Me and my wife was there the other day and it was a pretty decent day out.  Saw the family of Rhinos, some buffalo, and all the other more common animals like zebra, wildebees, etc.  I also know a cheetah was relocated to the reserve in this week.

 

If you on facebook you can check their page as there are lots of info there

Yeah rietvlei is lekker, we have been there. Will go back but want to try a different spot this weekend.

 

Thanks.

[bertusras]

Rietvlei might still be closed as well, my mom went earlier in the month and ended up and dead man's door. Not sure if it's changed since we've gone to L2.

 

We've gone to Rhino and Lion many times, and love taking our foreign friends there when they can't go to a proper game reserve. The "creche" is a great experience for the kiddos where they can interact with the babies. The drive is also pleasant, and you'll likely see enough. The predator camp is not massive, but you should be able to spot the lions, and we've been lucky finding the wilddogs on our last two outings. Also came across a massive rhino just 5m from the car whilst everyone were looking at kudus on the other side of the car.

 

If you've got more time, you can also take the kids into the caves (if you buy a combo ticket you save a bit), but I've personally not done that for a very long time.

[Bateleur1]

Why not got to Pilansberg for a day visit?

[Long Wheel Base]

Why not got to Pilansberg for a day visit?

We will still take our holiday there but just not now. It is also a lot further so would rather just go for a whole week. We had a week booked at bakubang and although we pretty much lost out on the whole booking we still want to go back.

[Long Wheel Base]

Rietvlei might still be closed as well, my mom went earlier in the month and ended up and dead man's door. Not sure if it's changed since we've gone to L2.

 

We've gone to Rhino and Lion many times, and love taking our foreign friends there when they can't go to a proper game reserve. The "creche" is a great experience for the kiddos where they can interact with the babies. The drive is also pleasant, and you'll likely see enough. The predator camp is not massive, but you should be able to spot the lions, and we've been lucky finding the wilddogs on our last two outings. Also came across a massive rhino just 5m from the car whilst everyone were looking at kudus on the other side of the car.

 

If you've got more time, you can also take the kids into the caves (if you buy a combo ticket you save a bit), but I've personally not done that for a very long time.

I saw the cave option on their site. The Twins are recently 2 so I reckon the still a bit young and to get 3 small kids down and up those stairs might be a mission. But it definitely seems like something to when they older.

 

I reckon I will flip a coin on the 2 venues. Both seem very similar.

[PieterJvR]

Rietvlei might still be closed as well, my mom went earlier in the month and ended up and dead man's door. Not sure if it's changed since we've gone to L2.

 

We've gone to Rhino and Lion many times, and love taking our foreign friends there when they can't go to a proper game reserve. The "creche" is a great experience for the kiddos where they can interact with the babies. The drive is also pleasant, and you'll likely see enough. The predator camp is not massive, but you should be able to spot the lions, and we've been lucky finding the wilddogs on our last two outings. Also came across a massive rhino just 5m from the car whilst everyone were looking at kudus on the other side of the car.

 

If you've got more time, you can also take the kids into the caves (if you buy a combo ticket you save a bit), but I've personally not done that for a very long time.

 

Sorry, don't mean to derail the thread - Rietvlei opened in level 3, but closed again due to Tshwane workers striking and intimidation, but when the strike ended they opened again.  We went during level 3 - there were a 100 car limit and the picnic spots and bird hides were closed.

 

Not sure what facilities are open during level 2.

 

 

[Long Wheel Base]

Flipped a coin, went to lion and safari. Absolutely awesome day, the kids loves it. The place is well run, the animals look well looked after. We went early and got there shortly after they opened but when we left it was packed, people were queuing to get in.