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Lion climbs into safari vehicle in Crimea, shocking tourists inside

By Danielle Garrand

September 5, 2018 / 11:31 PM EDT / CBS News

People head to safari parks to get up close and personal with animals usually seen only in photos. But, these tourists got a bit too close to a lion when it climbed right into their safari vehicle.

A video released by Taigan Safari Park in Vilnohirsk, Crimea, shows the surprising moment a lion hops into an open-air safari vehicle with tourists.

The footage shows the lion named Filya climbing over people sitting in rows in the car and then licking them, reports APTN. The lion even appeared to attempt to cuddle with the tourists in the vehicle.

Some can be seen taking photos with selfie sticks and laughing, while one woman appeared to be frightened and hops out of the car.

The man in the green shirt driving the vehicle is the park owner, Oleg Zubkov, known as the "lion whisperer," according to the  Daily Mail .

The moment occurred eight weeks after a woman said she was attacked by a different lion named Vitya in the Taigan Safari Park, according to the Daily Mail.  Olga Solomina, said Vitya "bit through my right arm and used it to drag me - it like a puppet."

The park is famous for offering tourists very close interactions with the giant cats.

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Danielle Garrand is a social media producer and trending reporter for CBS News.

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Why do Lions Not Attack When You are in a Safari Vehicle?

Adelle Belle

Author: Adelle Belle - 29 September 2023

Last Update: 26 April 2024

Part of the African Safari Collection

In this insightful article, we’ll delve into the behavioral patterns of lions, especially during safari tours in Africa . We will uncover the science behind why these majestic creatures, known for their predatory instincts, choose not to attack when you are in a vehicle.

From understanding their perception of the vehicle to the role of the safari guidelines, this article presents a comprehensive view that will appeal to both adventure enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

African lion couple and safari jeep in Masai Mara in Kenya.

Let’s explore the key reasons why a lion will avoid attacking an approaching vehicle.

Predator Perception

To understand why a lion avoids attacking a safari vehicle, it’s important to be aware of predator perception, which illustrates a lion’s thought process before attacking.

Lions are natural and instinctive hunters, and because they’ve evolved as predators for thousands of years, they follow their instincts when it comes to the things they see and interact within their environment.

Lionesses preparing for the hunt, Botswana.

There are two key reasons why lions attack when they do. They either see a specific target as food or a threat. A human on its own may fall into one or both of these categories, which is why lions may very well attack a human out in the open.

Safari vehicle observing a lioness and cubs in Tanzania | Photo credit: AndBeyond

However, lion and human interaction becomes very different when a safari vehicle is involved. A human or group of humans can consider vehicles relatively safe from lion attacks because lions understand the size difference between themselves and a vehicle.

A majestic male lion.

Because a vehicle is much larger than a lion, lions do not see the vehicle as a source of food. The safety of the vehicle often prevents lions from viewing the humans inside as food as well.

Safety measures are put in place to ensure responsible tourism practices, and these help keep lions from feeling threatened by approaching vehicles.

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Responsible Tourism

Safari coordinators and staff members understand lion behavior, and as such, they develop safari vehicle safety measures so that attacks are unlikely to occur. For example, vehicles are typically slow-moving, which helps reduce the odds of surprising a lion in the wild.

Furthermore, during trips, passengers are instructed to remain in the vehicle at all times, and the vehicles usually remain on clearly marked trails.

Safari vehicle observing a lioness and her cubs in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Because coordinators are dedicated to wildlife conservation and practicing responsible tourism, the approach they take with safari vehicles aims to infringe upon lion habitats as little as possible, while still allowing tourists to observe these majestic animals.

Safari vehicle observes two male lions in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana | Photo credit: Okuti

In some scenarios, lions may become curious about a safari vehicle and approach it to get a closer look. During these circumstances, tour leaders will instruct passengers to keep their hands and feet inside the vehicle and remain both still and quiet until the lion loses interest.

Safari vehicle observing lions in Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Lion attacks on safari vehicles are incredibly rare, both due to a lion’s natural instinct to hunt familiar prey and the safety protocols put in place by the coordinators.

If you’d like to embark upon a lion safari in Africa , consider exploring with Discover Africa . Visit our website and take a look at our variety of offerings and accommodations to find the sort of adventure that fits your needs.

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Watch: Lioness Jumps Into A Safari Vehicle, Here's What Happens Next

Many internet users were shocked to see the video as they did not anticipate such an end..

Watch: Lioness Jumps Into A Safari Vehicle, Here's What Happens Next

A video showing a lioness jumping inside a safari vehicle has amassed 5.6 million views.

A lot of videos of the 'King of the Jungle' are shared on social media. Many of them show risk-takers cuddling the animal and garner a lot of attention. However, the act doesn't always go well for them. But in a recent viral video, a lioness is seen jumping into a tourist vehicle and showing love to the visitors at a safari.

Rather than getting scared, tourists are seen petting the wild cat. The animal tries to reach all the tourists present in the vehicle and is caressed by most. Although lionesses are the primary hunters in a lion pack, the animal did not cause harm to anyone in the vehicle.

It seems that the video was shot by one of the tourists. 

New wildlife experience 😬 pic.twitter.com/1J74oTKgWW — OddIy Terrifying (@OTerrifying) November 8, 2022

The 18-second clip has amassed 5.6 million views and 1.6 lakh likes on the social media platform. It was shared by the user Oddly Terrifying and has been captioned as, "New wildlife experience." The location where the video was shot is unknown. 

Many internet users were shocked to see the video as they did not anticipate such an end. Some even took to the comments section and left their thoughts.

Also Read:  Viral Video Of Lion Walking With Its Cubs Is The Cutest Thing On Internet Today

One wrote, "I just love how this apex predator jumps into the cart and everybody's just like "PET DA KITTY!" To be fair, I would be too, lol."

"I would have ran faster than Usain Bolt off that enclosure," said another one.

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"Yall had a lion RUN UP AND JUMP on the vehicle and even go TRAMPLING on some of the tourists and your first instinct is to PET HER??" commented a third user. 

A fourth user said, "I would've passed right out. I would have been completely ignorant of the fact it was a friendly lion, until I woke up to find everyone else still alive."

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Lion Country Safari

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Top ways to experience Lion Country Safari and nearby attractions

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Lion Country Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

  • Go City: Miami All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions and Tours (From $109.00)
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  • Fort Lauderdale, Lion Country Safari and Palm Beach Day Tour (From $115.00)
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  • (0.20 mi) West Palm Beach / Lion Country Safari KOA
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African Lion Safaris

Encounters with the icon of africa.

The true icon of Africa’s Big Five, the African lion is the symbol of strength and power, the epitome of any safari to wild Africa. Today, catching sight of this apex predator is one of the most sought-after prizes for almost every safari-goer, with regal prides located from East to South.

Observing the social aspect of lions' lives is one of the most memorable elements of an encounter with the species. Out on the wild African plains, females stalk big game as they feed on tasty grasses, prides nap in the shade and cubs play under the watchful eye of their mothers as males fight for the crown. Exploring via game drives and even walking safaris, witness the wild behaviours of these magnificent mammals.

Where can you see the African Lion?

African Lions are found in sub-Saharan Africa, with 80% of the population in eastern or southern Africa and three of the five largest populations in Tanzania. African Lions used to be found across most of the continent, but in recent decades they have disappeared from 12 sub-Saharan countries.

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THE AFRICAN LION

  • Lions are notably the only sociable big cat, with prides formed of a few muscular males, crowned with a thick mane and measuring up to 3.5m long and up to 272kg.
  • Most of the hunting is done by the smaller more agile females, weighing between 110 kg and 168 kg, who will work together to hunt anything from small antelope up to buffalo and even giraffe; in Savuti in Botswana, they have learnt to hunt young elephant.
  • The males will often get involved to help tackle the dangerous animals. Males have a large mane of hair which can be beige or black depending on the individual and the area they live in.

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African Lion Safari Destinations

  • Masai Mara National Reserve: A great place to see lions year-round in the flat, wide and open plains of the Masai Mara. In July, 2 million wildebeest cross the Mara River under the eyes of the hungry lions.
  • Serengeti National Park: Three of the five largest lion populations are in Tanzania and the Serengeti is one of the best spots to see lions due to the availability of food and the million wildebeest.
  • In Southern Tanzania, Ruaha National Park is one of Africas hidden treasures with only 6000 visitors a year. Second to the Serengeti, Ruaha is home to 10% of the worlds lion population so there is great opportunities to see lions around less safari vehicles.
  • The Ngorongoro Crater offers the oppourtunity to see the Big 5 in a different setting, in the worlds largest inactive volcanic caldera.
  • Okavango Delta: The Okavango Delta is the best place to see water-adapted lions in Africa, these lions are 15% larger than others and have adapted to hunting during the day when the buffalo are grazing. The permanent water and nutritious grasses makes the Okavango Delta the perfect habitat for buffalo and you may witness lions fighting them here.
  • Kruger National Park: Most of South Africa’s lions can be found in Kruger National Park. Being the size of Wales, it can be hard to find them, but South Kruger has way more lions as it is wetter and greener. We recommend staying at Sabi Sands, which is one of the most reliable places to see lions in Africa. Timbavati is also the best place to see white lions in Africa.

Lions are highly adaptable, and in Namibia you will find ‘desert-adapted’ or ‘desert-lions’, that have adapted to survive in the harsh landscape of little vegetation and prey. The best places to see lions in Namibia is in Kaokoveld and Damaraland, but be aware these lions are nomadic and you are not guaranteed to see them.

Classic Kenya Safari

An exciting family safari, exploring the masai mara....

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Luxury South Africa Safari

Relax in the ultimate luxury of your lodge after encountering the African big cats whilst out on safari with your expert guide. Spend time on the coast of Cape Town exploring historic Robben Island and the rugged rocks of beautiful Cape Point. Visit Hermanus, a world-renowned whale watching destination, take the opportunity to see both black and white rhino in one place and even search for the rare white Lion in Timbavati Game Reserve.

TAN St Tanzania Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Shutterstock Todd Grimsley

Classic Tanzania Safari

This Tanzania highlights small group safari takes you to the heart of the action trying to catch sight of the migration, witness wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater and enjoy an option hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti.

NAM St Namibia Etosha National Park Lion Shutterstock Ondrej Prosicky

Small Group Namibia Safari

This expertly-guided small group trip consisting of a maximum of seven guests takes in the highlights of Namibia. Over the course of this ten day trip you will get to visit the iconic towering dunes at Sossusvlei, the coast and wildlife at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, the desert-adapted wildlife and unique rock formations of Damaraland, rewarding wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park and an educational tour of the AfriCat Foundation at Okonjima.

Aerial Botswana Kwedi Concession Vumbura Plains Dana Allen

Okavango Delta Botswana Safari

Combining Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, staying in both a 'wet' camp and 'dry' camp in the Delta to really get a feel for the iconic landscapes of Botswana.

African Lion Conservation

In just 25 years, Africa’s lion population dramatically dropped with only 50% of their numbers remaining across the iconic landscapes of the continent. The IUCN classified these majestic creatures as “vulnerable” as a result, a subject of habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal wildlife trade, poaching and human-lion conflict.

It was as a result of this revelation that the Lionscape Coalition was formed, in response to the growing threat of extinction and the predictable knock-on effect this would have on Africa’s biodiversity. Lions are classed as an “umbrella species”; with a wild lion population thriving, the entire surrounding eco-system functions effectively, ultimately also affecting the livelihoods of those relying on ecotourism for survival. The Lionscape Coalition sees four commercial competitors, who share the bold vision of the Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) to double wild lion numbers by 2050, collaborate on lion conservation programmes across Africa. Putting all commercial considerations aside, this alliance brings to this initiative over 100 years of positive conservation and community impact throughout Africa.

Lions are a resilient species so the future looks bright. These animals will rapidly reproduce if their habitats are protected if communities have incentives to co-exist and protect them. Creating healthy ‘lionscapes’ which can benefit these local communities is key to the success of population decline being reversed and many other species will recover in the process.

St South Africa Kruger National Park Lion Shutterstock Matthieu Gallet

When is the Best Time to See African Lions?

The best time to see lions is during the peak safari season from July to October. The cool, dry winter means less vegetation for wildlife to hide behind and the lack of rain means wildlife will congregate around the lakes and rivers and most wildlife wont stray too far from the little water left.

Florida Culture and Travel

Lion Country Safari: What to Do, What to See for Your Safari Experience

by floridaculture | Sep 26, 2022 | Things to do in Palm Beach |

safari lion car

Lion Country Safari in Florida’s Palm Beach area gives you a safari experience without the price of a plane ticket to Africa. This drive-thru safari park began in 1967 with several free-roaming lions and other animals. Nowadays, there are nearly 1,000 animals on site that roam among the preserve’s 320 acres.

Just what can you expect if you visit Lion Country Safari? Are you really going to get up close with some of the animals there? Here’s the scoop on what to expect, the cost to visit Lion Country Safari, and some tips for your visit.

safari lion car

What to Expect When You Visit Lion Country Safari

Lion Country Safari is a bit off the beaten path in Palm Beach County. In other words, rhinos and giraffes are not crossing your path while you’re shopping for Louis Vuitton bags in downtown West Palm Beach. Expect to drive about a half hour along 98 from downtown West Palm to get to Lion Country Safari, which is in the town of Loxachatchee. It’s about an hour from Miami.

Lion Country Safari tickets run about $41 per adult and $31 per child. Prices may fluctuate, and you may be able to find discounts for tickets online. Everyone must get a ticket except those age 3 and under. You can buy tickets online or at the gate.

When you enter the park, you can go to the drive-through safari area or the Safari World Adventure Park , which includes lots of kid-friendly activities. From a water playground (bring a bathing suit and sunscreen) to mini golf and a petting zoo, there’s plenty to entertain the kiddos at the Adventure Park. There are also ways to interact with other animals, including giraffes. The park also has a couple of places to eat. Although we didn’t make it to Safari World during our visit, it looks like a fun place for kids. We’ll focus on the safari portion of the park here.

The park also has premium experiences, such as a VIP guided tour . Advanced registration is required.

safari lion car

When preparing to enter the park, you’ll be reminded to keep your car doors and windows closed. This is for the animals’ safety and your own. You can also rent a vehicle from Lion Country Safari for $25 for 1 1/2 hours.

For all the reasons you can imagine, your pets also are not allowed on the drive-through safari. Lion Country Safari has kennels available for $5.

When you enter the park, you’ll be given a brochure and directed to a QR code that provides a link to an audio narration of your safari. You can also find a link to the audio tour here , both in English and Spanish. It’s a little over an hour long and follows the different reserves you’ll drive through (we name them below). It’s a lot of facts, but the narration and the map help you better appreciate what you’re seeing. Remember that the audio tour will use your cell phone data.

Here’s a video from Tom’s Road Trippin on YouTube that gives you a better idea of what to expect during a visit to Lion Country Safari and the Adventure Park. Here’s another video from Kayak7seas .

safari lion car

In the Safari at Lion Country Safari

The four-mile safari features acres upon acres of flat land where the many animals can roam. You drive through the park going through seven different areas (listed below in the order you encounter them….we also list some of the animals you’ll find in each area):

— Las Pampas, modeled after the area of the same name in Argentina. Find alpaca, brown pelicans, and marabou storks

— Buaha National Park from Africa, featuring ostriches and impalas

— Kalahari Bushveldt from southwest Africa, which includes ostriches, gemsbok (a type of antelope), and bongos (another type of antelope)

— Gorongosa Reserve, home to beautiful African lions

— Gir Forest, named for a national park in Gujarat, India. Find Asiatic water buffalo, scimitar-horned oryxes (they have very cool, long horns) and another type of antelope called nilgais

— Serengeti Plains, featuring wildebeests, watusi, and impalas

— Hwange National Park, named for the largest game reserve in western Zimbabwe and including some of better-known, beloved animals, like giraffes, Southern white rhinos, zebras, chimps, and giraffes.

Just how close do you get to the animals? It depends, but you can get pretty darn close. The animals seem pretty oblivious to the cars driving through but some of the more curious ones, like ostriches, will come up near the car. We had dozens and dozens of impalas crossing and walking ahead of our driving path (talk about a traffic jam). Because it’s the animals running the show, it all hinges on how close they feel like getting.

safari lion car

There are a couple of exceptions to this, including the chimps. The lions are behind protective, tall metal fences, and we noticed a couple of Lion Country Safari trucks nearby with staff. “They probably have tranquilizer darts,” someone said. “For the lions or the people?” we asked. Because after all, we are in Florida, where the people can be as unpredictable as the animals.

Seriously though, obey the rules and stay in your car. It may be hard to get a good lion shot with the protection there but you can get many other good animal shots.

safari lion car

You can take your time going through each protected area, even if the safari area is busy. That’s because there are many pull-off areas. So, if you want to stay and watch a certain group of animals and let some traffic go by, you can do so. Feel free to take your time, and remember that you can drive through the safari as much as you’d like on the day you buy your ticket.

If you’re in a bit of a rush, some of the areas, including Gorongosa Preserve (for the lions) have cut-through areas so you can skip them. Even if you’re doing this, just watch the speed limit signs as the animals have the right of way.

safari lion car

The park was an enjoyable visit on a sunny day. If you’re a photographer, bring your fancy camera or use your good phone camera. Some highlights included the curious and playful ostriches (at another safari park, we had ostriches chasing after our tram and then posing for us), the impalas crossing the road in droves, and the rhinos that were just eating and playing in the mud and grass. The zebras were pretty cool, too.

Going through the safari took about an hour and a half. If you add a visit to the Adventure Park, you definitely have a busy half-day visit or may be a full day if you stretch it out.

safari lion car

6 Tips for a Visit to Lion Country Safari

  • Plan to visit when it’s raining or early on a sunny day. Surprisingly, the park itself recommends visiting on a rainy day as that’s when the animals are at their most active. If that doesn’t work, then early on a sunny day is their next recommendation (and ours). The park opens at 10 am on weekdays and 9:30 am on weekends. It’s open until 5 pm on weekdays and 5:30 pm on weekends.
  • Consider staying at the adjacent KOA. Lion Country Safari KOA is adjacent to the park, and here’s the cool thing we’ve read: If you’re staying there, you can hear the lions roar. Otherwise, hotels are closer to West Palm.
  • Watch out for other photo opps. The massive, open nature area that is Lion Country Safari naturally attracts other animals, so you may find other photo opps. For instance, we saw a heron snapping up and eating what we think was an eel or snake. It was a cool shot we could have missed had we not been paying attention.
  • Use the map and audio narration to help you get to know the animals better.
  • Drive slow and make use of those pull-off areas. Stay off your phone (unless you’re getting pictures with it) and look around.
  • Remember that these are wild animals. The animals are part of a conservation effort, and they rule the roost, so to speak. Let them stay wild, and everyone will have fun and get along.

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Everything about tourist attractions

Lion Country Safari – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, FAQs

Lion Country Safari Miami

Lion Country Safari, located in West Palm Beach, is a leading tourism destination in Palm Beach County, providing a unique and affordable opportunity to explore the largest drive-through safari in Florida.

Lion Country Safari spans nearly 600 acres of natural area and is home to hundreds of animals.

It is believed to be the first cageless zoo in the country, introducing a new concept in zoology.

This article covers everything you must know before buying tickets for Lion Country Safari in Florida.

Table of contents

What to expect, where to book tickets, how online ticket works, lion country safari ticket prices, lion country safari tickets, how to reach, how long does the tour take, best time to go to visit, food and drinks at lion country safari , map of lion country safari, lion country safari camping, animals at lion country drive-through safari , rides, attractions, and encounters, faqs about lion country safari.

Come and witness ostriches, wildebeests, and impalas in their natural habitat, get up close to a pride of lions, or observe the endangered rhino on the Lion Country Safari.

Get ready to have a personal safari and learn about animal conservation! Enjoy pontoon and paddle boat rides, mini-golf, slides, and other fun attractions on-site.

Explore seven areas, each packed with creatures great and small, from the Serengeti Plains to Gorongosa Reserve and Hwange National Park.

The park has rides, a water play area, and a walk-through section. Kids will love it along with three feeding encounters, including the most giraffe feeding.

The park has also recreated the animals’ natural habitats down to the last detail. So, grab your khaki pants and binoculars; it’s time to go on a safari!

Tickets for the Lion Country Safari are available to be purchased at the ticket office or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

Go to the Lion Country Safari booking page, select your preferred date, and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

Show the smartphone tickets on the day of your visit and begin your tour.

Cost of Lion Country Safari tickets

Lion Country Safari tickets cost US$52 for all visitors aged 10 years and above.  

Tickets for children between three to nine years of age can be purchased for US$40. 

Infants up to two years of age can join for free.

The ticket provides access to various exciting attractions at Lion Country Safari.

You can enjoy the drive-thru safari experience along with admission to the Adventure Park.

The ticket also includes access to all the rides, including the Flying Elephant Ride and Rio Grand Train.

You can explore seven different areas, each featuring a variety of creatures from the Serengeti Plains to Gorongosa Reserve and Hwange National Park.

Moreover, you can have fun at the Safari Splash Sprayground Water Park, enjoy pontoon and paddle boat rides, and play mini-golf.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (10+ years): US$52 Child Ticket (3 to 9 years): US$40 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free

Save time and money! Buy the Miami Go City Pass and discover over 25 top Miami-area activities, attractions, and tours. With this all-inclusive pass, you can explore Zoo Miami, Seaquarium, Big Bus Miami Hop-On Hop-Off, and many more!

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Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres in Loxahatchee, Palm Beach County, Florida.

Address : 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470, USA. Get Directions

You can reach the Lion Country Safari by both public and private transportation.

Take Bus Number 40 and get off at Southern BL at Lion Country Safari Rd , 2.3 miles (4 km) from the attraction. 

If you’re traveling by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!

You will find metered parking lots inside Lion Country Safari.

Lion Country Safari opens daily at 9.30 am and closes by 5.30 pm.

However, the last car admission to the attraction is at 4.30 pm. 

How long does Lion Country Safari take

Visitors should plan for around 5 hours to enjoy Lion Country.

It takes around an hour and a half for the drive-through and around three and a half hours for the walk-through.

The best time to go for Lion Country Safari is as soon as it starts at 10 am.

In the early morning, it’s typically cooler, and the animals are usually more active.

The best season to visit Lion Country Safari is the rainy season. 

The animals are typically more active during this time of year because they enjoy the cooler, rainier weather. 

During adverse weather, including lightning alerts, rides, and some attractions are closed until it is safe to reopen.

Lion Country Safari has Café ROAR, a Cones ice cream shop, a Safari Food Truck, a Base Camp refreshment trailer, and a Safari Snacks outlet.

You can bring your favorite foods and dine in the outdoor picnic area near the Safari World walk-through park. 

On-site barbecues and alcohol are not permitted.

There are several picnic areas available around the walk-through park.

Tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Lion Country Safari also offers a pavilion that must be reserved ahead of time.

The Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres, so download the map to plan your visit.

The map will help you identify enclosures and services such as restrooms, restaurants, picnic areas, medical facilities, locker rooms, and souvenir shops.

They are useful for families who want to see their favorite animals first instead of whatever is on the route.

Lion Country Safari Camping

Where else can you hear a lion’s roar in the morning and African music while you sleep?

Only at the 320-acre drive-through wild animal sanctuary and adventure park, part of the acclaimed Lion Country Safari KOA!

The well-known Lion Country Safari introduced a new full-service KOA campground to serve visitors looking for an outstanding wild animal experience in the safari region.

The campground offers RV sites with full hookups, rustic cabins that accommodate up to four people, and tent sites.

Animals at Lion Country Drive-Through Safari

You will find out various exotic species from all over the world.

Las Pampas: Aldabra Tortoise, Alpaca, Brazilian Tapir, Greater Rhea, Marabou Stork

Ruaha National Park: Greater Kudu, Impala, Ostrich

Kalahari Bushveldt : Eastern Bongo, Gemsbok, Nile lechwe, Waterbuck, Wildebeest

Gir Forest: Asiatic Water Buffalo, Blackbuck, Lowland Nyala, Nilgai, Scimitar-horned Oryx

Gorongosa Reserve : African Lion

Serengeti Plains: Common Eland, Common Waterbuck, Watusi/ankole cattle, Wildebeest

Hwange National Park : Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Plains zebra, Southern white rhinoceros, White Handed Gibbon

Rides at Lion Country Safari Adventure Park

Rides: Flying Elephant ride, Carousel, Rio Grande Train

Water park: Safari Splash Sprayground, Safari Water Slides, Safari Falls

Animal Encounters: Giraffe Feeding, Petting Zoo, Lorikeet Feeding

Other attractions: Gemstone Mining, Maze, Mini Golf, Fun Slide, Safari Queen Pontoon Boat, Paddle Boats

Here are a few questions visitors to the Lion Country Safari usually have.

Lion Country Safari tickets are US$52 for tourists aged 10 and above, while kids aged 3 to 9 years pay US$40.

There are two ways to experience Lion Country Safari: You can bring your own car or get a vehicle for rental for a fee from the main office of the attraction. 

Convertibles, motorcycles, or any open-air vehicles are strictly NOT allowed. Vehicles cannot have broken windows. Windows and sunroofs must always be closed while driving through the preserve.

Infants up to 3 years old are admitted free of charge at the Lion Country Safari.

There is no need to take the printout of your Lion Country Safari tickets. You can show tickets on your smartphone and walk in.

Lion Country offers animal feeding experiences for a minimal fee at the walk-through attraction Safari World. Giraffe Feeding Encounter, Lorikeet Feeding, and Petting Zoo are among them.

The wildlife facility is handicap accessible, with a few exclusions owing to architectural constraints. You will be in your vehicle or one of the rental vans in the drive-through section.

Yes. You will find a few rides inside the walk-through park, such as the Rio Grande Train ride, animal carousel, pontoon boat tour, and flying elephant ride.

The rides at Lion Country Safari are included with all entry tickets.

Smoking is permitted only in guest vehicles and in the main parking area of Safari World, a walk-through adventure park.

There are numerous picnic areas spread around the walk-through park. Tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It also has a pavilion that may only be reserved in advance.

Guests can enjoy their own food in the outdoor picnic area located inside Safari World. Please note that alcohol and barbecues are not permitted.

Yes, it is best to buy tickets in advance to ensure availability and have a hassle-free experience.

Pets are not allowed on the tour because of safety reasons.

Popular attractions in Maimi

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This article was researched & written by

Devyani Bhattacharjee

Devyani Bhattacharjee enjoys traveling to new, exotic locations. She is always waiting to step out and explore the amazing historical structures, delectable cuisines, magnificent cultures, and gorgeous people worldwide. She believes in frugal travel - where she can have endless fun without spending too much money. Favourite Cities: Buenos Aires, Auckland, Montreal, Port Louis, St. Petersburg

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Lion Country Safari

  • 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd. West Palm Beach, FL 33470
  • (561) 793-1084

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COMMENTS

  1. Lion climbs into safari car full of tourists in Crimea

    A video released by a Safari Park in Vilnohirsk, Crimea showing the moment a lion got into a car with tourists has gone viral....Watch the Euronews live news...

  2. Lion climbs into safari vehicle in Crimea, shocking tourists inside

    Lion climbs into tourist safari vehicle in Crimea 01:31. ... while one woman appeared to be frightened and hops out of the car. The man in the green shirt driving the vehicle is the park owner, ...

  3. Lion Hops Into Safari Car Full of People in Terrifying Video ...

    Terrifying footage that shows a lion jumping into a safari car full of people has gone viral. The video was posted to TikTok on Tuesday by an account under the name, Life (@animalslions). The ...

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    African lion couple and safari jeep in Masai Mara in Kenya. Let's explore the key reasons why a lion will avoid attacking an approaching vehicle. Predator Perception. To understand why a lion avoids attacking a safari vehicle, it's important to be aware of predator perception, which illustrates a lion's thought process before attacking. ...

  5. Drive-Through Safari & Adventure Park

    The Lion Country Safari Experience. Lion Country Safari is situated on nearly 600 acres of natural area and home to hundreds of animals. Explore one of Florida's wildest attractions and one of the top things to do in Palm Beach County.

  6. Lion jumps into open vehicle full of tourists on safari tour

    Providing a unique photo shoot opportunity to a group of guests at a safari adventure park in Crimea, the cuddly predator not only welcomed the guests but ev...

  7. Watch: Lioness Jumps Into A Safari Vehicle, Here's What Happens Next

    However, the act doesn't always go well for them. But in a recent viral video, a lioness is seen jumping into a tourist vehicle and showing love to the visitors at a safari. Rather than getting ...

  8. Lion Country Safari

    9:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Write a review. About. Florida's only drive-through safari and walk-through amusement park invites you to spend the day on safari with over 1000 animals. With animal displays and encounters, animal feeding experiences, 5 rides, water sprayground, food, shopping and more, you are sure to have a memorable experience at Lion ...

  9. Watch this chill lion climb aboard a safari vehicle full of tourists

    During a safari at Taigan Safari Park in Vilnohirsk, Crimea, a lion named Filya boarded a vehicle full of tourists, according to the Associated Press. Once aboard the lion nuzzled the tourists and ...

  10. Lion Country Safari: Drive-through Zoo with Wildlife, Water Rides

    7/24/22 - By Jackie Jones. With more than 900 animals, a water park, and carnival rides, Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee is a must-see attraction for visitors and locals in south Florida. Located 90 minutes north of Miami (30 minutes outside West Palm Beach ), Lion Country is the kind of place where a family can spend the entire day and ...

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  12. Lion Country Safari: What to Do, What to See for Your Safari Experience

    Lion Country Safari in Florida's Palm Beach area gives you a safari experience without the price of a plane ticket to Africa. This drive-thru safari park began in 1967 with several free-roaming lions and other animals. Nowadays, there are nearly 1,000 animals on site that roam among the preserve's 320 acres.

  13. Lion Country Safari

    How to reach. Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres in Loxahatchee, Palm Beach County, Florida. Address: 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470, USA.Get Directions. You can reach the Lion Country Safari by both public and private transportation.

  14. Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach

    Embark on a Safari Adventure at Lion Country Safari - The Ultimate Family Experience in West Palm Beach, Florida! Buckle up and venture into the heart of the African savannah in your own vehicle! At Lion Country Safari, you'll get up close and personal with large herds of animals, including graceful giraffes, dazzling zebras, lumbering rhinoceroses and more, roaming freely in natural habitats ...

  15. Plan Your Visit

    Lion Country Safari is located at 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, Florida 33470. ... In the event you are unable to utilize your own vehicle for any of the above reasons, a limited number of rental cars are available at the main office on an emergency basis only. Guests with motorcycles, soft-topped convertibles, broken windows ...

  16. Rides, Attractions, & Encounters

    Max capacity: 2 riders per car or 1 adult per car; Don't ride if you are an expectant mother or if you have a serious medical condition. Carousel. A wild take on the traditional merry-go-round. Riders can choose from one of thirty animals to ride on in our safari-themed carousel. Rides are complimentary. Open daily at 9:30AM. Ride restrictions

  17. Lion Country Safari: General Admission Ticket (Two Parks)

    Bring your printed E-Ticket to Lion Country Safari, once redeemed for entry you're free to get hoppin '! Lion Country Safari is located in western West Palm Beach, Florida (USA) at 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470. The safari park is just miles outside of major shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues as well as ocean ...

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  19. Lion Country Safari Tickets

    Lion Country Safari tickets. Admission may be purchased online or at the ticket booths upon arrival. Online tickets are not date specific and will be honored for 6 months after the date of purchase. Regular (ages 10 and older): $49 plus tax. Child (ages 3-9): $37 plus tax. 2 and under: Free.

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  21. Visiting

    OPEN DAILY - 365 DAYS A YEAR 9:30AM - 5:30PM (last car admitted into the preserve at 4:30PM)

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