Looking for a fun filled way to spend the day with your family and friends? One of the top attractions in Southern Ontario during the summer months, African Lion Safari is celebrating 4o years in the animal safari business and we highly recommend a visit. African Lion Safari is a safari park situated in Flamborough, (Hamilton) Ontario Canada, about 100 kilometres (62 mi) west of Toronto. It features more than 1,000 animals, representing over 130 species of mammals and birds from across the globe. Guests are treated to seven game reserves (with a total area of about 300 hectares) traversed via tour buses or the visitors’ own vehicles where animals roam freely in large contained areas. Accompanying the game reserves is a large walking section where hundreds of exotic birds and primates, as well as the park’s herd of Asian Elephants, are on display.

We started the day off at 10 am – by the time we paid for our tickets and parked it was around 10:20 am. Just a note, that the ticket booths to enter open at 9 am, but, the game reserve does not open until 10 am. There was plenty of parking at this time.

We decided to not go through the game reserve with our van since on our last visit a few years back we saw the monkeys go to work on a BMW (broken wipers and side mirror), rather to use their safari bus. GREAT DECISION! It was an airconditioned, very clean vehicle with large windows. You just sit back, relax and enjoy the commentary from the driver. The bus ran every 1/2 hour, so we only had to wait that time to get the next one. The kids are free.

Included in your admission to the park is the water park, animal shows, a boat tour, and a scenic train ride. Don’t miss the animal shows, they are hilarious, especially the one with the parrots! When you arrive at the park, if you’re taking the bus into the reserves, book that first, so you can plan the rest of your day, they fill up fast. There are two not-to-be-missed elephant swims! Show up early to get a good viewing space though! Have a designated person who can hold your space at the lake for viewing, but children should be taken up to the roadway where they actually parade these elephants in line right down the middle of the park to the lake! It’s amazing and you’re so close to the elephants you’d never believe it! We opted to take the bus into the reserves and were glad we did when we did see animals all over cars that had driven in. We had no problems taking pictures out the bus windows either.

We packed a picnic lunch since buying food for 5 people can be very expensive, plus you never know how good the food at these parks are. You have unlimited access to your cars so it was easy to get our strollers, coolers etc. There are lot’s of picnic tables and shelters to sit and eat. If you don’t take your food, the selection of food isn’t too bad (Pizza Pizza, Hamburger joint, the usual type of park food).

Right beside the picnic area the Elephant Swim was happening. Yes, it is fun to watch but, EVERYONE at the park seemed to be there. Very tough for the kids to get a chance to see anything.

There are too many things to mention, but the scenic train ride is about 10 minutes and the wait to get on about 30 minutes. The shows are great, especially the birds of prey show. They run 20 minutes. There are elephant rides ($5 per person). The water park is fun and very crowded.

Washrooms were surprisingly very clean for the amount of people at the park at any given time. And I do recommend that you take  strollers/wagons  if you have young ones, since there’s a lot of walking as the park is very spread out. And remember to wear comfortable shoes.

Here are some pics courtesy of Kieana and Indy (our daughters), followed by driving directions, park hours, entrance fee and some final thoughts.

Game Reserves

Convertibles, motorcycles and other unsuitable vehicles will not be permitted to drive through the game reserves. Windshields with cracks are not permitted to drive through the game reserves. Alternate transportation, the Safari Tour Bus, is available at additional cost.

No responsibility is accepted for damage to vehicles or trailers, their car bras, tires, lights, or canvas covers, vinyl roofs or other accessories. Make sure to remove all loose items.

Do not feed the animals.

Obey all signs. Keep all windows closed. Keep all doors locked.

Do not leave children unattended anywhere.

You’ll notice that there’s no pics of the Misumu Bay water park area.. our girls are teenagers now and they refuse to be seen among all the little kids. Basically we skipped this part of the park. But I do recall when they were younger they had tons of fun here (so did I). A great place to cool down after a hot day in the safari.

At Misumu Bay Wet Play swim wear is required. Tight sealed swim pants are required on children wearing diapers. Height restrictions are in place, for the enjoyment and safety of children. Children will be measured by staff, and will receive appropriate wristband. To enter the area that has the Bucket children have to be between 40 and 60 inches (102cm to 150 cm) in height. Children under this height must remain in the other area of Misumu Bay that has the mushroom spray. Please supervise your children at all times.

At Jungle Playground height restrictions are also in place for the enjoyment and safety of children. Children must be between 3 and 5 ft (92 to 150 cm) in height.

At Toddler play area children must be 5 years of age or younger.

Admission Costs!

SUMMER ADMISSION RATES: (SUMMER – June 27 – Sept 7, 2009)

Adult (13-59)…………….$29.95
Senior (60+)……………..$26.95
Children (3-12)…………..$24.95

SPRING/FALL ADMISSION RATES:

SPRING – May 2 – June 26, 2009
FALL – Sept 8 – Oct 12, 2009

Adult (13-59)…………….$24.95
Senior (60+)……………..$21.95
Children (3-12)…………..$19.95
* Children 2 and under are admitted FREE

Taxes not included. Prices in Canadian dollars.

Click here for a map of the African Lion Safari park.

Address /  Contact.

MAILING ADDRESS
African Lion Safari & Game Farm Ltd.
RR #1 Cambridge, Ontario Canada
Postal Code N1R 5S2

SITE LOCATION (see below for a google map of the area)
1386 Cooper Road, Flamborough

Toll Free 1-800-461-WILD(9453)
Telephone (519) 623-2620
Fax (519) 623-9542

Overall a great experience for both the old and young alike. The only beef I have is the horrible way the entrance /parking is set up. On a busy summer’s day you’ll find yourself stuck outside the gates for a long time ( no bathrooms outside so be prepared) as you wait to enter (we’ve read reviews where people had to wait close to 2 hrs to get in on a busy day). Though parking is free it’s a nightmare finding a spot, especially if you go as a group. Management should invest some resources to accommodate the increased volume of visitors.

Also.. looking at the food prices, you may want to pack some food with you as it’s a bit expensive.

Leave me questions or comments in the area provided below.

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