1. Overview
The African Lion Safari, located near Toronto, Ontario, is a unique wildlife experience where visitors can observe animals in spacious reserves while driving through the park. This attraction prioritizes animal welfare compared to traditional zoos.
2. Tips for Visiting
- Driving your own vehicle around the animal reserves is at your own risk. Baboons have been known to jump on and scratch cars, pull at antennas or remove windshield wipers. Take the Safari Bus if you are concerned about your car being damaged.
- If you decide to drive your own vehicle, you have the option of a monkey-free route; monkeys tend to be the biggest car hazard.
- The park is less busy and not so hot if you arrive for the 10 am opening.
- As with most theme parks, food is generally unhealthy and overpriced. Pack a picnic lunch or at least bring a snack and a water bottle.
- July and August can be very hot; be prepared with water, sunscreen, hats, and bring bathing suits for the kids to take advantage of the splash pad.
- Slightly rainy days are good days to visit, with fewer visitors and animals that are more active than on very hot, humid days.
- If you wish to see some of the shows (Birds of Prey, Parrot, Elephants), find out their start times and plan your activities accordingly.
3. See the Animals
Animals wandering the African Lion Safari reserves include giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses, ostriches, lions, cheetahs, baboons, and more. Birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, and falcons, as well as parrots, can be seen during demonstrations and shows. Gentle animals, such as baby goats, can be handled and petted at the Pets’ Corner.
4. How Much Time to Spend at the Safari
Visitors should plan on spending at least three hours at the African Lion Safari. The drive through the animal reserves takes between one and two hours, while the other amenities will keep you at the park for longer. Many people arrive for the 10 am opening and stay the entire day.
5. Getting There
Located in a rural part of Cambridge, Ontario, the African Lion Safari is about an hour from Toronto and 1.5 hours from Niagara Falls. Note that depending on your source, the location may be given as – not Cambridge – but Hamilton or Flamborough. The route is marked clearly with blue Ontario attraction signage.
6. While You’re in the Area
- Where to eat: Enjoy delicious Mexican food in a casual atmosphere at Latinoamerica Unida. Slightly more sophisticated than a food truck, Little Louie’s Burger Joint & Soupery serves up delicious fast food.
- Where to stay: Several hotels are in the vicinity of the African Lion Safari – mostly mid-range. Homewood Suites by Hilton is particularly convenient for families as each guest room has at least one bedroom plus a full kitchen and double sofa sleeper. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, Langdon Hall is a Relais & Chateaux property in the area.
- Other attractions: A lot of green space, farmland, and conservation areas surround the African Lion Safari. Some charming towns within a 20-minute travel include Elora and Fergus – famous for 19th-century architecture and a preserved mill – and St. Jacobs Country – popular with tourists because of the hiking trails, strong Mennonite presence, and artistic offerings.
- The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is a less touristy, quieter way to observe animals roaming freely, specifically, donkeys who have been rescued from abuse and/or neglect.
