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Small-group African tours from Johannesburg
Ukutula Lion Park walking with lions tour from Johannesburg
Popular today – often combined with Pilanesberg safaris

Ukutula Lion Park – walking with lions from Johannesburg & Pretoria

Experience the world-famous Ukutula Lion Park – walk with lions, meet predators and enjoy a peaceful bush sanctuary just ±1 hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Why choose the Ukutula Lion Park walking with lions tour?

The Ukutula Lion Park tour from Johannesburg is one of my most popular day tours for guests who want an unforgettable close wildlife experience but do not have many days for a full safari. It combines bush scenery, predators and hands-on experiences with safe guiding and strict safety rules.

  • Close to Johannesburg & Pretoria: around 1–1.5 hours' drive – ideal as a half-day or full-day tour from your hotel.
  • Unique walking experience: walk with young lions in a controlled, supervised setting with experienced rangers and guides.
  • Flexible programs: choose between the 08:00 or 14:00 Ukutula program, or combine with the Elephant Sanctuary for a full-day combo tour.
  • Perfect add-on: many guests combine Ukutula with a Pilanesberg Big Five day safari or a longer Kruger Park safari.

Ukutula mini FAQ – dress code, age & height

What should I wear for walking with lions?

Wear comfortable closed walking shoes (no sandals), neutral-coloured clothing such as khaki, green or brown, and bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Avoid very bright colours, long scarves or loose items that can flap in the wind.

Are there age and height requirements?

Ukutula has minimum age and height rules for the walking with lions activity. Younger children can still join the predator / educational tour and time at the lodge, but may not be allowed on the lion walk itself. When you send your enquiry, I will confirm the latest requirements for your family.

How long does the Ukutula program last?

The walking with lions & predator tour normally lasts about 3 hours at Ukutula, including briefing, walk and predator section. With travel time from Johannesburg, it forms a half-day tour, or a full-day combo when combined with the Elephant Sanctuary.

If you travel with children or have mobility questions, just mention it in the booking form and I will suggest the safest and best option for your group.

Lion relaxing at Ukutula Lion Park
Ukutula lodge pool area
Thatched chalet accommodation at Ukutula
Lioness on the move during a Ukutula walk

Popular Johannesburg day tour – Ukutula walking with lions & predator tour

Ukutula Conservation Center is located near Brits, about an hour and a half from Johannesburg and Pretoria. It is well known for its ethical research work and carefully managed lion experiences. This is one of my most requested tours for guests staying in Sandton, Rosebank, OR Tambo Airport hotels and Pretoria.

Your Ukutula visit includes a walking with lions experience, a guided predator tour and time to relax at the lodge. You can also book a combo tour with the Elephant Sanctuary – a full, exciting day in the bush.

Guests walking with lions at Ukutula Lion Park
Lion in a tree at Ukutula Lioness on the move at Ukutula Lion Park Ukutula lodge swimming pool Thatched chalet at Ukutula

Photos: Ukutula walking with lions, predator tour and lodge facilities.

Ukutula Lion Park tour options & daily program

NEW: Pilanesberg Big Five Safari + Ukutula Walking With Lions (Full Day Combo)

This new full day combo tour is perfect for guests who want to experience a Big Five open-vehicle safari in the morning and Ukutula walking with lions in the afternoon. It is one of my most popular wildlife experiences from Johannesburg.

  • 06:00 pick-up from your hotel in Johannesburg / Pretoria.
  • Drive to Pilanesberg National Park (Big Five reserve).
  • 3-hour open-vehicle safari with a qualified ranger.
  • 11:30 depart Pilanesberg for Ukutula Conservation Center.
  • Light lunch on the way (own account).
  • Join the 14:00 Ukutula walking with lions & predator tour (± 3 hours).
  • Return to your hotel in Johannesburg or Pretoria at ± 18:00–19:00.

Price: From R5,100 per person (minimum 2 people). For 4 or more guests the rate is from R4,800 per person.

Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, Pilanesberg open-vehicle safari ticket and Ukutula program. Lunch is for your own account.

Full program – walking with lions & predator tour (± 3 hours at Ukutula)

The full Ukutula experience includes a safety briefing, walking with lions accompanied by experienced guides and rangers, and a predator tour where you learn more about lions and other predators kept for research and conservation.

08:00 morning program – departure 06:00 from your hotel

  • 06:00 pick-up from your Johannesburg or Pretoria hotel / guesthouse.
  • Drive to Ukutula in a comfortable closed vehicle.
  • 08:00 walking with lions & predator tour (± 3 hours).
  • Free time at the lodge – photos, drinks, light meals (own account).
  • Return to your hotel in the early afternoon.

14:00 afternoon program – departure 12:00 from your hotel

  • 12:00 pick-up from your hotel / guesthouse.
  • Arrive at Ukutula in time for the 14:00 program.
  • Walking with lions & predator tour (± 3 hours).
  • Return to Johannesburg or Pretoria in the early evening.

Combo: Elephant Sanctuary & Ukutula walking with lions

  • 08:00 departure from your hotel.
  • Morning program at the Elephant Sanctuary.
  • After the elephant program, drive to Ukutula.
  • Join the 14:00 walking with lions & predator tour.
  • Return to Johannesburg / Pretoria in the evening.

Combo tour price: from R5,600 per person (minimum 2 people). For 4 or more people the rate is from R5,300 per person.

Ukutula Lion Park tour prices

  • R2,900 per person – Ukutula walking with lions & predator tour (08:00 or 14:00 program).
  • R2,500 per person – Walking with lions only (no predator tour). For 4 or more people the rate is from R2,100 per person.
  • R5,600 per person – Combo Elephant Sanctuary & Ukutula walking with lions, minimum 2 people. For 4 or more people the rate is from R5,300 per person.

Prices include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Johannesburg or Pretoria and the program ticket for Ukutula and, for combo tours, the Elephant Sanctuary. Lunch and drinks are for your own account. Final quotation depends on the number of people and exact pick-up location.

Dress code, age & height requirements

What to wear

  • Comfortable closed walking shoes (no sandals or high heels).
  • Neutral colours – khaki, brown, green, grey. Avoid very bright red, white or shiny clothing.
  • Shorts or long trousers depending on the season, plus a light jacket in winter.
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.

Age & height rules

  • Minimum age for walking with lions: usually from around 12 years, with a minimum height of approximately 1.5 m.
  • Younger children can join the predator tour and lodge visit but not the lion walk itself.
  • Final safety decision always rests with Ukutula’s guides on the day of your visit.

This Ukutula Lion Park tour from Johannesburg and Pretoria is often combined with Pilanesberg safaris or other Johannesburg day tours. Ask Pieter if you would like to create a short package including lions, elephants and a Big Five safari.