Lion & Wildlife Sanctuary Excursion Victoria Falls

If you’re dreaming of an encounter with Africa’s iconic animals like lions and hyenas, the Lion & Wildlife Sanctuary Excursion in Victoria Falls might just be your perfect match. This tour promises more than just photos; it offers a genuine look into the lives of rescued animals, combined with opportunities for up-close viewing and learning about wildlife conservation.

Having looked into the experiences shared by travelers, we’re particularly drawn to the knowledgeable guides, the intimate animal interactions, and the chance to witness feeding moments from eye level. However, some might find the experience somewhat “zoo-like,” with a limited number of rescued animals and a shorter duration for the price, which is worth considering.

This experience is ideal for wildlife lovers, families, or anyone wanting a meaningful, interactive encounter in Victoria Falls. If you’re seeking a mix of education, adventure, and conservation, this tour offers a compelling option.

Key Points

• Close animal encounters with lions, hyenas, ostriches, and more.
• Educational focus on wildlife rescue stories and conservation efforts.
• Guides like Liki receive high praise for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Limited group size (max 24 travelers) for a more personalized experience.
• Short duration (around 3 hours), making it a manageable addition to your itinerary.
• Contributes to ongoing conservation projects, adding an ethical aspect to your visit.

What Is the Lion & Wildlife Sanctuary Excursion?

This tour is aimed at giving travelers an up-close look at African wildlife within a sanctuary setting. It’s not just a drive-by safari; it includes walking interactions with hyenas, an eye-level lion feeding, and personal stories about the rescued animals. The experience combines animal viewing, educational insights, and photo opportunities—making it a well-rounded activity for wildlife enthusiasts.

For many, the highlight is the lion feeding, which, thanks to the special setup, allows you to observe lions tearing into their meal from a safe, yet surprisingly close, vantage point. The tour lasts about 3 hours, and transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, adding comfort to the experience.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Itinerary

Pickup and Arrival

Most tours offer pickup services, which means you can relax knowing transportation is handled. Once at the sanctuary, you’ll meet your guide, who is often praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge—Liki, in particular, gets rave reviews for his friendly manner and clear explanations.

Hyenas: Curious and Playful

You’ll walk up to view three hyenas in a spacious enclosure (around 25 acres), which is a rare chance to see these often misunderstood animals up close. According to reviews, the hyenas are curious and playful, making for fantastic photo opportunities. Reviewers mention that the hyenas are friendly enough to get close without feeling unsafe, and the experience is described as “a favorite part” of the tour, especially for families with children.

The Lion Pride and Feeding

The core attraction is the lion feeding, which is set up to be both a spectacle and an educational moment. Tour guides like Liki explain the feeding process, illustrating the lions’ capacity for meat consumption and behaviors. Visitors describe this as “incredible” and a chance to observe lions from an eye-level perspective—something that’s tough to find in traditional safaris.

Other Rescued Animals

The tour also includes meeting other animals such as ostriches, and sometimes sable or various birds. These are often rescue cases, with stories shared about their journeys to the sanctuary, emphasizing the conservation efforts behind the scenes. Reviewers found this part “interesting” and appreciated learning about the animals’ backgrounds.

Optional Extras

Some tours include a snack or breakfast, typically served after the main activities, adding a relaxed, social element. The sanctuary is committed to supporting environmental and community work, meaning your participation directly aids ongoing conservation projects.

What to Expect and Practical Insights

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, which makes it a convenient half-day activity. The group size is limited to 24 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience. This smaller size helps guides share detailed stories and ensures better animal viewing opportunities.

Transportation and Comfort

Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle means you stay comfortable despite the outdoor heat or weather conditions. The pickup service is often included, simplifying logistics—especially if you’re staying near Victoria Falls.

Physical Considerations

The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness. Walking to view hyenas involves some steps and standing, but generally, it’s manageable for most guests. Reviewers note that safety is well-prioritized, with enclosures protected by concrete barriers, so even close-up views feel secure.

Cost and Value

At $120 per person, the price may seem steep compared to traditional safaris; however, reviews highlight the value in the intimate interactions and the chance to photo the lions from an unusual perspective. Plus, your fee supports conservation efforts, making this more than just a sightseeing activity.

What We Love

• The chance to get close to animals in a controlled, safe environment.
• Insightful commentary from guides like Liki, who make the experience educational and fun.
• Authentic stories about rescued animals, adding meaning to the visit.
• The photo opportunities, especially during lion feeding and hyena walks.

Possible Drawbacks

Some reviewers compare the experience to a “zoo”, feeling that the animals are somewhat displayed rather than roaming freely. The short duration might leave some wishing for a longer encounter, but for most, the quality of interactions compensates.

Authentic Experiences in a Conservation Setting

What sets this tour apart is the storytelling aspect—the sanctuary is clear about its rescue mission, and guides often share heartfelt stories about each animal. For instance, the hyenas and ostriches are rescued animals with stories of recovery and rehabilitation.

Reviewers have shared that Liki’s knowledge made the experience stand out. One described him as an “amazing guide”, who knew his stuff and made the tour both informative and engaging. Others appreciated the personalized interactions, such as hand-feeding ostriches and walking among hyenas, which are rare in typical safaris.

The feeding of lions is often highlighted as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness predators in action up close. The setup ensures safety, with a concrete bunker separating visitors from the lions, yet the proximity is close enough to capture stunning photos and videos.

Conservation and Supporting the Sanctuary

By participating in this tour, travelers contribute directly to the sanctuary’s ongoing work. The fees help fund rescue efforts, habitat maintenance, and community projects. This adds an element of ethical tourism—your visit helps ensure these animals receive care and protection.

Guests often leave with a sense of having supported meaningful conservation, and some mention feeling inspired by the sanctuary’s dedication to animal welfare.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For wildlife lovers and families, this tour offers an engaging and educational opportunity to see Africa’s majestic animals from a more personal perspective. The guides’ expertise and the interactive nature of the encounters make it a memorable experience.

While it may not replicate the expansive feeling of a game drive in national parks, the up-close animal interactions and heartfelt rescue stories give this experience a special edge. It’s perfect for those who want a short but meaningful** wildlife adventure that supports conservation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re interested in learning about wildlife rescue stories, want close-up encounters with lions and hyenas, or prefer guided, intimate experiences over large-scale safaris, this tour is a great choice. Families, animal enthusiasts, and travelers seeking authentic conservation stories will find this excursion rewarding.

Those craving expansive wilderness or traditional game drives might want to supplement this with other safaris; however, this activity is ideal for a meaningful, hands-on experience that combines fun with purpose.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, making logistics straightforward.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Are the animals actually rescued?
Most of the animals you see, such as the hyenas and ostriches, are rescued animals, though only a handful of animals are in the sanctuary.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. The setup provides amazing photo opportunities, especially during lion feeding and hyena walks.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but with some considerations. Hyena walks have a 15-year age limit, but children generally enjoy the close encounters and stories.

What is the cost of the tour?
The price is $120 per person, which many reviews suggest is good value for the experience and support to conservation.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking, a camera, and perhaps a hat or sunscreen for sun protection are advisable.

Final Words

The Lion & Wildlife Sanctuary Excursion in Victoria Falls offers a compelling blend of animal encounters, conservation education, and memorable photo ops. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who value authentic interactions with rescued animals and want to support meaningful work.

While it’s not a traditional safari, the personalized experiences and stories elevate this activity beyond simple sightseeing. Expect to leave with not just pictures, but a deeper appreciation for the animals and the efforts being made to protect them.

If you’re in Victoria Falls and want a short, impactful wildlife adventure with a strong ethical component, this tour deserves a spot on your list.