LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary image

LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary

Restaurant Hotel Tourist attraction Serviced accommodation Wildlife refuge Education center Wildlife park Animal park Animal shelter Animal protection organization

One of the Most Reviewed Tourist attractions in Dihlabeng Local Municipality


Address

Farm Kleinbloemhof, Bethlehem, 9700, South Africa

Website

www.lionsrock.org

Contact

+27 58 304 1691

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (399 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: cats (20) experience (13) friendly (12) staff (10) animals (10) Lionsrock (9) great (9) amazing (8) time (8) visit (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Gillian 7 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Ladies and gentleman what an experience!!! From the receptionist to kitchen staff and service to our beautiful tour guide Excellence. You have been nothing more than excellent service. To your vet team and staff and all the animals that have been saved, the world thanks you. Keep doing amazing work. We will be back. Lots of everything to you and what you stand for.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Molly W. 5 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    My husband and I, and our son and his wife, have just this week spent 2 nights at Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary celebrating 2 birthdays in 'a feline way'. We booked the package which included 3 tours and all meals. The rooms, which are in the process of being upgraded, were comfortable and beautifully decorated in earthy colours. We were fortunate to see the rescued big cats being fed on our one tour, which was an enlightening experience provided by Chantelle. In a world where so often it is forgotten that animals are sentient creatures, we could not help but feel very emotional at the rescue stories and the wonderful work being undertaken by Four Paws in providing these once abused cats with a safe and caring environment. On our day of departure, and in more overcast conditions, we were very privileged to be taken by our guide Excellent on a tour of Tiger Valley. All the cats were out and about in their enclosures, some on their platforms, and each displaying a unique personality. Excellent had a wonderful way of educating us on the background and ongoing care of each cat. His obvious passion and dedication for wildlife in general was very evident. On initially arriving at the lodge, we were warmly met by front office Manager, Max, who immediately made us feel at home, as did the staff working with him. The meals prepared by Chef, who warmly interacted with us on several occasions, were outstanding and varied and for the first time during our numerous travels, my request for gluten free options were provided for. We were even spoilt with a celebratory gluten free birthday chocolate cake. We were looked after in the dining room by Mapaseka, a young lady with such a positive and giving attitude. Nothing was too much trouble for her and her smile lit up each meal. Our overall experience of Lionsrock, from our personal welcome at the gate, was outstanding in every respect. We have been left with memories that will forever be valued and appreciated. We wish Lionsrock all the very best in their future endeavours and thank them for all the effort and amazing work that has already been done in caring for abused cats from all over the world and feel sure that their continued efforts will make such a difference to these animals who would otherwise have been lost to all of us. We thank you all for a wonderful all round experience and hope that one day we will have the good fortune to visit you again. Molly and Conor O'Hagan Ward.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gillian J. 11 months ago on Google
    I have experienced Lions Rock as a 'thin' place - a place where heaven and earth meet. Great vibe, great food, passionate and friendly people and happy animals. My soul has been restored.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bob R. 3 months ago on Google • 81 reviews New
    We visited just on a day trip. Fabulous place. Great work that the Four Paws organisation does. Rescuing animals that have been bred in captivity. A must visit. Note. That the road to LionsRock is about 20km long and is unmade and uneven
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Megan 8 months ago on Google • 36 reviews
    What an amazing experience! Located near the small town of Bethlehem is a huge big cat sanctuary. We were greeted with a lovely welcome and went on a private game ride to meet all the big cats. The game driver, Excellent, was informative and explained what they are doing at Lionsrock, it is truly amazing! The lunch was okay but the overall experience was lovely! Would most definitely recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chiedza L. 1 year ago on Google • 27 reviews
    Beautiful place. They offer accomodation and have a restaurant. I went to the restaurant. The steak was perfect, juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside. The drive to the restaurant is therapeutic and animals are roaming around so you get to feel a sense of the place beautifully. They do offer game drives as well should you sleep over. The staff is very friendly and helpful. You can take your children with for an exciting experience
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gordon S. 1 year ago on Google
    My wife and I recently spent two nights at Lionsrock. We were warmly welcomed with a very welcome cold drink by Max before being escorted to our room.  We so enjoyed the view from our room which looked over the vast expanse of the grass plains of Lionsrock where herds of zebra, waterbuck and impala roam freely. Archie took us on an early morning tour of the Sanctuary where we saw several of the rescued lions and one beautiful leopard. We were deeply moved by the individual stories of the lions and rejoiced that there is a safe haven for them at Lionsrock where every endeavour is made to ensure the best quality of life for each animal. Absolutely worth a visit. Sent from my Galaxy
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael K. 1 year ago on Google
    What a great place to rest your mind, and add in the interesting tours and facts of the big cats. Just been revamped and looking great
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John T. 1 year ago on Google
    An experience with the large cats is an absolute MUST. The staff are all very friendly & helpful. Great food. Large variety of Darling Craft Beers. At this stage there are renovations being done...watch this page for updates...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 NTOMBELOGISTICS L. 9 months ago on Google
    Pizza was mouthwatering, had an opportunity to see lions, leopards, Tiger and a lesson on antelopes. Just an advice for someone using a smaller car ;use the route from Bethlehem even if you are coming from the side of harrismith, rather take the longer route then to be sorry🤐.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Santjie Du T. 5 months ago on Google • 30 reviews
    We did a sanctuary tour with Kwasi. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, patient and it is clear that he cares for the cats. The stories of the cats are all sad, but you will leave feeling better because at least someone is trying to make the world a better place. Four Paws is an amazing organisation.

  • 5/5 Stefan G. 2 months ago on Google • 20 reviews New
    Great sanctuary surrounded by mountains. You can hear the big cats screaming at night. The tours are very entertaining, they take great care of the cats. The service is also great, every single member of staff, from the waiter, cook, reception to the guide and manager were all very friendly and helpful. We would especially like to thank Sam, our head waiter. We had a great stay that we will remember for a very long time. Best regards, Stefan & Nadine

  • 5/5 wayne w. 3 months ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    Staff are there for you on call no matter what it is. Staff so friendly and well organized. Always have such nice attitudes and make you feel more than at home. Guided tours were excellent could not have asked for better. One can see they love and enjoy their work. Thanks Lion Rock i will definately be visiting again.

  • 5/5 Micheele F. 7 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    A tranquil and calming experience EQUALS a stay at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. From the veranda of my comfortable room, I saw kilometres of rolling fields, the sun setting behind the hills and listened to roaring lions in the background. Wow! Staff members and management were heart-warmingly attentive. The food was scrumptious, so compliments to the chefs. My guide, Kwazi, was so knowledgeable about all “things” nature, from the big cats to the forestry surrounding LIONSROCK. During our sunset walk he generously shared the back stories of the big cats and educated me on the vegetation and trees surrounding the sanctuary. Thank you ALL for a memorable time!! Regards. Michele

  • 5/5 N v. 1 year ago on Google
    What a truly special place. Beautiful scenery, magnificent wildlife, lovely staff and excellent food. ⭐️

  • 5/5 Anton F. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely Restaurant at the Lodge, friendly reception and staff. Large property with accommodation which at the time was close for upgrades. We did not do the game drive due to weather and time constraints but this is a large property and ample space for the lions. There are Zebra, Impala and other bucks as well The view down the mountain from the Lodge is spectacular also.

  • 5/5 Mariza L. 2 years ago on Google
    The staff are amazing and friendly. They make the best hot chocolate ever. The well being of the cats are their first priority. Enjoy our time with them everytime!!

  • 5/5 Karin H. 8 months ago on Google
    FOUR PAWS has given more than 100 rescued big cats a new life at the lir sanctuary in Lionsrock. I had a wonderful time at their beautiful lodge and enjoyed the informative tours with my guide “Excellence”. He is very knowledgable and told me many stories of the rescued big cats and gave me insight into their previous and current lives. Excellence has a warm personality, is very friendly and polite, and never got tired answering all my questions. The morning hike up the mountain with a beautiful view on Lionsrock with him was also a wonderful experience. Thank you for this memorable and touching time!

  • 5/5 Masodi S. 1 year ago on Google
    Did a game drive & dined there afterwards. The rangers were very knowledgeable, patient and friendly. The food was very delicious.

  • 5/5 Pranell R. 2 years ago on Google
    An absolutely beautiful place to visit. Perfect for a stay over to get a feel of what it's like to be out in the great african wilderness surrounded by amazing animals. Great place for kids to get a chance to see all happy animals in an open environment living their best life. Absolutely recommend!!! Love love love!!! Hope to be back soon for another visit!

  • 5/5 Verne B. 1 year ago on Google
    A wonderful family outing. Our guide, Archie, was friendly and very knowledgeable. Sad to see that so many animals end up there, but FOUR PAWS do great work. The service at the restaurant was ATROCIOUS but food was good

  • 5/5 Lizelle G. 9 months ago on Google
    What good work Four Paws 🐾🐾 do here at LIONSROCK! Amazing facilities for big cats, incl. Lion, Tigers, Leopards and Cheetahs saved from amongst others circuses and even war zones! Plenty antelope on the game farm, incl. the beautiful Letswe buck. Great service from the staff incl. our expert game ranger, Kwazi. Lovely meals at the modern restaurant - the Chef visited tables making sure his dishes were to customers' satisfaction. Really enjoyed the visit!

  • 5/5 Tav M. 1 year ago on Google
    A very nice place that offers accommodation as well as a restaurant and game drives around the sanctuary. It's not far from Bethlehem but a fair part of the route is bad dirt road if it hasn't been recently graded. All the big cats at the sanctuary are rescues from around the world.

  • 5/5 Anita P. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome views, wild animal can be seen and alot of lions in big cages for there freedom. I am visiting while renovations are still taking place but already it is spectacular.

  • 5/5 Ane-Sonet B. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow wow wow. This is probably one of the most underrated places in our country. I'm not a fan of Sanctuaries because it always feel so far from being 'sanctuary' - but not this place. It's a place where your soul can breathe and empathise with animals that has overcome so much! Loved the visit. Stellar service. Friendly people. All around great experience! Definitely pay them a visit even if it means you have to drive a while to get there. It's so worth it.

  • 5/5 Carina G. 2 years ago on Google
    I am the most blessed to have been able to have this wonderful experience at Lions Rock. There is so much that we don't understand and so much more that truly matters when it comes to protecting and caring for our big cats. Thank you for allowing an opportunity to broaden my understanding, my love and knowledge of the cause. This should be a bucket list for every human❤. You also have the most incredible ranger, Jo-Anne, who made this experience more meaningful and wholesome. Thank you for being you Jo-Anne🌷.

  • 5/5 Nkululeko M. 3 years ago on Google
    Cool and nice place

  • 5/5 Nadine P. 2 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    My Boyfriend and i was two Nights here in the Lions Rock Sanctuary and it was fantastic. The room was so beautiful and the people here was so friendly. We had a Walking Tour and a feeding Tour Here and it was so amazing to See the big cats and the cute hyena Phiri. Thank you guys for all. We will Miss it here so much and we definitly come Back in Future.


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