Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary

We spent 3 wonderful hours at LionsRock. After a bumpy 13km drive on a dirt road, the drive from the gate to reception was filled with a variety of wildlife and birds. We received a very friendly greeting at reception and after an introductory video we started the tour. Our guide whose nickname is Excellence did a great job of pointing out the different animals and birds and providing insights into their characteristics and habits. He clearly has some deep knowledge about a variety of species. We then toured the different habitats. He knew facts about each animal including history, issues and goals. We were able to get out of the truck a few times and get closer to the animals outside the fence. Many were shy but some curious or comfortable with the gawking humans. One even strolled along beside us for at least 100 meters. Excellence clearly enriched our experience. After the tour we had a delicious lunch overlooking the property. Next time I hope we can do other activities for a more intimate experience.

Wow - we had a great experience at Lionsrock! Four Paws do amazing work to help and support rescued big cats from around the world, it is a good feeling to know that by staying at the lodge you are helping the animals as all profits are ploughed back into this worthwhile cause. We booked a comfort room but were upgraded to a better room (Room 29). Sitting on the little patio outside our room we sipped our tea while listening to the lions roar in the distance. Precious moments like this are priceless, the emotion I felt is hard to describe. We went on the game drive in the afternoon with Anvil and he was full of interesting facts and information. We couldn't stop taking photos of the beautiful cats, thankfully he was happy to indulge us. We enjoyed the meals from the restaurant, delicious and great presentation. My favourite was the volcano dessert, a delicious gooey chocolate sponge cake with ice-cream - my compliments to the chef! The wide open spaces, the many animals roaming free on the property and the opportunity to get up close to the lions and tigers made this visit one that will always be special in our hearts. I take my hat off and bow down to the people of Four Paws who are involved with these "big cat" rescues. It was such a privilege to see the (formerly abused) animals happy and settled in their new home at the sanctuary.

We were part of a large party and arrived around 9:35pm. Our 52 seat coach was sent on a run around by staff, we drove around the grounds for 35mins and the bus was nearly grounded. On arrival at reception we struggled to carry our cases up the very steep wooded staircase which need some TLC. More stress was added by being given the wrong room, this was quickly addressed and given keys to a small block of three rooms, two of which were ours. It was now gone past 22:00hrs and just glad to crash. Unfortunately we found our rooms to be of a very poor standard, the cleanliness was questionable and both rooms differed in equipment, i;e kettle in one and a fridge in the other? The middle room of three we observed to be treated as a store room for the rest of the hotel. i:e spare mattresses and many other items stacked high. The hotel had WIFI however we found this to be slow when it worked. In the morning we were met with a fabulous view of the surrounding plains and hills. The scenery was outstanding! Then we noticed the many animals including the Lions and a Tiger. Breakfast was served early for us 'Thanks' and unfortunately we had to leave. We would have loved to stay longer and sample more of the Lionsrock lodge, however this would only been possible in different rooms. I have included a picture of our block. Please make sure you are not staying in this block and request a different part of the lodge. (Sorry but I can't remember the name of the block) Its a shame as the hotel, the view and the animals appeared to be fantastic and we were just given the 'Wrong Room' To the manager; Please do not give your guests these rooms until they have been upgraded in keeping with your other rooms.

We spent one night in a small standard room (with a huge bathroom), looking at the swimming pool and the lions area. We think they do a perfect job for the animals and we are very thankful for that. It is definitely worth to support such projects. During our tour we saw all these beautiful wild cats very close (almost face to face) and learned a lot about them. If you should go there by your own car, it helps having a 4x4 car and enough time, because the last kilometers to this place are not that easy.