Day Visitor's Guide

LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, Free State, South Africa, is a FOUR PAWS sanctuary and permanent home to more than 80 rescued big cats, including lions, tigers, and leopards. Rescued from circuses, zoos, private ownership, and conflict zones around the world, these animals now live in a safe, spacious, and natural environment where they can thrive and enjoy lifelong care.

LIONSROCK is located 18 km outside Bethlehem in South Africa’s Free State province. Situated at the geographical centre of the country, the Free State shares borders with the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, North West, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, as well as the Kingdom of Lesotho. Known for its wide-open landscapes, farmland, mountains and scattered rural towns, the Free State offers a uniquely tranquil setting in the heart of South Africa.

LIONSROCK is open Monday to Sunday, 8:00 to 17:00, with the last tour departing at 15:00

There is no entrance fee to visit LIONSROCK. However, sanctuary tours are subject to a fee, and all visitors are encouraged to pre-book their tours via our website to avoid disappointment.

Explore our selection of guided tours below. All prices are per person:

Sanctuary Tours:

Daily Sanctuary Driving Tour: 

• South African Rates: Adults: R150, Seniors (65+): R100, Children (3-12 years): R100, Children (0-3 years): Free
• International Rates: Adults: R300, Seniors (65+): R200, Children (3-12 years): R200, Children (0-3 years): Free

Feeding Tour/ Enrichment Tour & Activity/ Tiger Tour:  

• Adults: R300, Seniors (65+): R200, Children (3-12 years): R200

Walking Tours: 

Overhang Trail/ Platform Trail/ Sanctuary Walk 

• Adults: R300, Seniors (65+): R200, Children (3-12 years): R200

Special Tours: 

Exclusive Tour & Feeding Tour: 

• Adults: R800, Seniors (65+): R600, Children (3-12 years): R600

LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary offers a unique and meaningful visitor experience centred on animal welfare. Through guided tours, guests can learn about the inspiring stories of our rescued big cats while gaining insight into the important work of a FOUR PAWS sanctuary. By visiting LIONSROCK, you are choosing an ethical destination that supports the lifelong care and protection of rescued animals.

Day visitors are welcome and can enjoy a variety of guided sanctuary tours. Each tour is designed to provide a deeper understanding of animal welfare and the individual personalities and histories of our big cats. Selected tours throughout the week offer special experiences focused on feeding, enrichment, and species-specific insights. 

Please note that outside food and drinks may not be brought onto the premises. You're welcome to dine at our on-site bar and restaurant before or after your Sanctuary tour.

Absolutely, if you have any questions or require assistance with your booking, please contact our Reservations Team:

📞 Cell: +27 (0)83 408 0473
☎️ Tel: +27 (0)58 304 1691
📧 Email: reservations@lionsrock.org

www.lionsrock.org | www.four-paws.org.za

Yes, please let us know about any dietary requirements or food allergies before your visit.

Please note that activities are pre-booked, and refunds cannot be provided if an activity is missed for any reason.

All tours are guided. For the safety of our guests and animals, visitors may not drive or walk around the sanctuary on their own or go near any enclosures, except when arriving or leaving.

Yes, most areas are accessible. There are ramps to the main building, but some visitors may require a little assistance. 

• All beverages purchased from the bar.
• Curio shop purchases.