When most people think of going on safari, they picture traveling halfway around the world to Africa. But what if we told you that you can drive past giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and lions without ever leaving North America?

Located just outside Cambridge, African Lion Safari is one of the most unique attractions in Canada. Part wildlife park, part drive-through safari, it gives visitors the chance to see more than 1,000 animals roaming through large open habitats from the comfort of their own vehicle - or from a guided safari bus.

Whether you're planning a day trip from Toronto, looking for something different to do near Niagara Falls, or simply love animals, African Lion Safari offers an experience that's surprisingly immersive and unlike anything else you'll find in Southern Ontario.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know before visiting, including ticket prices, what animals you can see, how much time to spend, and whether driving your own car is really worth it.

📍 Where is African Lion Safari?

One of the best things about African Lion Safari is that you don't have to travel halfway around the world to experience it. In fact, it's surprisingly easy to visit from some of Ontario's most popular destinations. 🦁🚗✨

African Lion Safari is located in Cambridge, Ontario, about 1 hour west of Toronto and 1.5 hours from Niagara Falls. This makes it one of the easiest wildlife adventures to add to a Southern Ontario road trip.

📍 Address:
1386 Cooper Road
Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5S2

Whether you're visiting Toronto, exploring the Niagara region, or road-tripping through Ontario, African Lion Safari is close enough for a day trip but offers enough activities to easily fill most of a day.

Driving Times

Toronto → African Lion Safari: Approximately 1 hour (100 km)

Niagara Falls → African Lion Safari: Approximately 1.5 hours (130 km)

Hamilton → African Lion Safari: Approximately 30 minutes (35 km)

Kitchener-Waterloo → African Lion Safari: Approximately 20 minutes (15 km)

Because of its central location, many visitors combine African Lion Safari with other nearby attractions such as Niagara Falls, Toronto, or the charming towns and conservation areas around Cambridge and the Waterloo Region.

💰 How Much Does African Lion Safari Cost?

Admission prices vary by season. For 2026, online tickets start around:

• Adults (13+): CAD $39.95–$47.95
• Children (3–12): CAD $26.95–$33.95
• Children 2 and under: Free

Purchasing tickets online is typically cheaper than paying at the gate.

Visitors can also choose to ride the Safari Tour Bus for an additional fee of about CAD $4.82 per person.

🚗 Drive Your Own Car or Take the Safari Bus?

One of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to drive your own vehicle through the game reserves or let someone else do the driving.

Driving Your Own Vehicle

This is the most popular option and allows you to explore at your own pace. You'll drive through multiple game reserves where animals roam freely around your vehicle. Seeing a giraffe stroll across the road or a rhino grazing just a few feet away makes for a pretty unforgettable experience.

Safari Tour Bus (this is the option we chose)

If you'd rather not worry about your vehicle - or simply want to relax - the guided Safari Tour Bus is a great alternative. The tour lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and includes educational commentary along the way.

🦁 What Animals Can You See?

While sightings vary daily, some of the animals commonly seen include:

🦁 Lions

🦒 Giraffes

🦏 Rhinos

🦓 Zebras

🐆 Cheetahs

🦬 Bison

🐘 Elephants

🐒 Baboons

And many more species from around the world.

🚂 More Than Just a Safari

The drive-through portion is only part of the experience.

Other attractions often include:

🚂 A scenic train ride

🚤 African Queen boat cruise

🦅 Bird and animal presentations

🐘 Elephant viewing areas

💦 Splash pad and wet play area (seasonal)

🚶 Walking trails and animal exhibits

Many of these attractions are included with admission.

⏳ How Long Should You Spend Here?

If you're only interested in the drive-through safari, plan for approximately 1–2 hours.

However, to experience the boat ride, train, animal presentations, walking exhibits, and splash area, you'll want to set aside most of a day.

We recommend budgeting 5–7 hours for the full experience. Many families spend an entire day here.

💡 Helpful Tips for Visiting

• Arrive early for the best animal activity and smaller crowds.

• Bring a camera with a zoom lens.

• Check the daily presentation schedule when you arrive.

• If visiting in summer, bring swimsuits and towels for the splash area.

• Purchase tickets online ahead of time to save money.

🤔 Is African Lion Safari Worth It?

If you've ever dreamed of seeing giraffes, lions, and rhinos roaming freely without booking a flight to Africa, African Lion Safari offers one of the most unique wildlife experiences in Canada.

Whether you choose to drive your own vehicle or hop aboard the safari bus, it's an easy and memorable day trip from Toronto, Niagara Falls, or anywhere in Southern Ontario.

If you got this far, thanks for reading and remember to STAY CLASSLESS 😉