Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is set in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, west of Johannesburg. This private game park opened in 1985 with just two white rhinos, but today boasts more than 600 animals. The more than 30 species in the reserve include buffalo, lion, white rhino, wild dog, cheetah, hippo, crocodile and more than 20 antelope species.

The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve has a breeding centre where visitors can learn about the reserve’s efforts to preserve endangered species. Among its successful breeding programmes is that of the wild dog, which saw the reserve expand the programme to include Bengal and Siberian tigers and the white lion.

Predators at the reserve are kept in separate enclosures, and visitors can watch them being fed. The Rhino and Lion Park also has a sanctuary for the rare Cape vulture, in addition to the 200 bird species in the reserve.

You can visit the snake and reptile park, go on game drives, night drives and horse trails. The reserve also offers visitors experiences other than game viewing: overnight visitors can book into the reserve’s luxurious log cabins that all have jet baths, or into self-catering chalets. Children can amuse themselves at the jungle gym and playground, and there is a swimming pool.