The entrance fee was R130 for adults and R90 for kids (they
take cards). After you've entered the park you drive along dirt roads (a 4x4
would've been a more comfortable choice in car!) past mixed herds of animals.
They have set up feeding areas along the road for the grazing animals, complete
with salt licks.
The first heard we saw was a mix of wildebeest, impala and a
snoring buffalo next to the road. Along the way we also saw sable, gemsbok,
waterbuck, ostriches (one relaxing in the middle of the road), zebras, eland, a
rhino, squirrels and a mongoose.
We drove through to the Predator enclosure just in time for
feeding time. The first stop is the wild dogs. Most of them were in a field to
the left having a go at a big rack of ribs but three were sitting in the shade
to the right. They got up and starting sniffing the cars, rubbing the exhaust
of one and chewing the wheel cover of another. From there, it’s through to the
Lion enclosure. After queuing like peak hour traffic we got in just in time to
see a cow (or something similar) get dumped off a ranger vehicle. The pride jumped
on it and got going. It was quite scary to hear the growls coming from a pile
of lions. When we’d had enough, it was a drive through the very big cheetah
area, but we didn’t see any.
The next stop was the animal crèche where they keep the exotic,
baby and sick animals. We played with the baby lions – there were 3 month olds
and 6 ½ month olds to choose from, we took the younger ones. Three of the four were
asleep and the fourth was very playful. They were very sweet little things. We also
saw baby giraffes, clouded leopards, a black leopard, jaguar, Siberian tigers,
white tigers (one was trying to stalk the hyena in the enclosure next door),
blue cranes, bat-eared foxes and so on. It is R30 to play with the Lions and
you have to pay for each animal you want to interact with, like the grown
cheetah. They only take cash in the crèche but do take cards at booking office
a short walk away at reception. There is also a reptile section though we didn’t
go in.
The crèche is also part of an area that has picnic areas, a restaurant
and kids play area. And lots of squirrels.
At a few points along the drive you can see the Coca Cola Dome
and Sandton in the distance, which reminds you that you're actually quite close
to home but still surrounded by a game park. It was a very dusty experience as
well, there is red dust everywhere! It looked like we'd been off-roading in the
dessert. I assume it's better in summer?
They also have accommodation, game drives and Wondercaves.
So all in all, well worth the visit! It’s a great day out of
Joburg without really going out of Joburg.
