One of the best experiences I had whilst in South Africa was to spend a morning walking with two absolutely beautiful 16 month old lions. Unlike in many Asian countries, these animals are not drugged, caged, tranquilised, collared or mistreated in any way.
These lions are not bred for tourism, but are taken on by Botlierskop Private Game Reserve from various farms and zoos that are unable to take care of these cubs; if these cubs had not been brought to Zorgfontein, they would have been sold to lion hunters. The female lionesses are all on birth control, which proves that the reserve is not interested in exploiting these beautiful animals. Some may feel that these animals would be better off being released back into the wild, but these animals are unable to hunt, as they did not learn this from their mothers. When the animals are too old to continue safely walking (they become a bit moodier as they age), they are moved to the nearby Botlierskop to live the rest of their lives in peace.
I was incredibly lucky on the day, I arrived for my 7am walk and found that the other people booked for that slot had cancelled, so I had the lions all to myself! It was a wet and rainy day, which may sound unpleasant, but the lions are naturally more active and playful in the cooler weather, so I was lucky enough to watch them run, leap, climb trees and wrestle with each other.
The lions I walked with were named Rambo and Gina. They were truly massive but at 16 months old they were still technically cubs. I felt nervous when first approaching the lions, but soon felt quite at ease, even when they got close enough that I could feel their breath on my skin.
The handlers are all obviously very attached to these lions and are very passionate about their work. An added bonus is that they are all pretty accomplished photographers and they go out of their way to make sure you go home with some pretty spectacular memories.
The walk costs R590 ($59) which is considered expensive by South African standards, but for that money in Australia I would be lucky if I could buy three movie tickets, so it was definitely money well spent.
What do you think? Would be brave enough to walk with these big cats?
Do You follow the BucketList? This adventure would be right up her line of travel do. Have you ventured to Scotland? I’m hoping to visit the Isle of Skye, home of my ancestry.
I don’t follow the bucket list- I’ll have to check her out! As for Scotland, I have been there numerous times! I have been to Skye too 😊 https://wwellend.wordpress.com/2014/08/12/rainy-days-on-skye/
You can read about it there if you like!
Ooh–I will definitely look it over.
this is completely awesome!
Thank you! 😊
That is amazing! So cheap and the photos are excellent!
Thankyou! I know! Such an absolute bargain 😊
Hi fellow wanderlust sister! I am South African and heading up the coast in a week’s time, somewhere close to Mossel Bay – this post has just inspired me to visit these cats! I’ll take my younger brothers and sisters with me – they will absolutely love it! Thanks for the idea – it looks like you had an amazing time! what a blessing to be so close to the king of the jungle! x x x
Wow I’m so glad to have inspired you! Please get lots of shots and send me a link to your post when you are done, I would love to see them! X
Ahh I love reading all your entries re: South Africa. I am in the airport right now about to depart for Cape Town and thought I’d just WordPress – good thing I did. Thanks for the tips – will definitely try and hit up some of these places!
Julia
Awesome! How long are you in SA for? 😊
I am here for 5 weeks! Hoping to do the Garden Route in between volunteering around the Knysna area.
I have been there a few times with my Knysna volunteers, met these big cats
lovely big cat. wonderful.
What an amazing experience
Heeeeere kitty kitty kitty….. 😀 it sounds amazing!!!!!
Love the young male lion’s beard! Hadn’t seen how the mane progresses like that.
Priceless experience and photos.
Adorable! What an experience!
Wow. How awesome!
Wow; you are BOLD!!!! great pics:)