African Lion Safari - Day Trips from Toronto

African Lion Safari is a family-owned wildlife park, located in Flamborough, Ontario which is just over an hour's drive from Toronto; it is also a short drive from Hamilton, Cambridge, Kitchener and Guelph. It has been in operation since 1969 and now features over 1,000 animals. They have also successfully bred 50 endangered and threatened animal species.

The stated mission of the park is to "provide an entertaining and educational environment in which to display and propagate animals in a safe manner that gives a unique viewing opportunity."

For those not happy with traditional zoos, the African Lion Safari lets them get up close and personal with the animals. There are 7 separate wildlife enclosures that visitors can drive through where the animals roam loose. In addition, there are lots of family fun areas such as Misumu Bay Wet Play, a jungle playground, Parrot Paradise, and an elephant walk about and swim. There is also a petting zoo called Pet's Corner, a birds of prey flying demonstration, and a boat ride on the African Queen. The park features two restaurants and for those who don't want to drive their own cars through the enclosures there is the Safari Tour Bus.

What you need to know

The African Lion Safari is open from May until early October. Opening hours are 9am, closing times are 4pm during spring and fall and 5:30pm during summer. The enclosures close 2 hours before the park does.

Vehicles not allowed in the park are motorcycles, convertibles, dune buggies, etc. Those vehicles with cracked windshields will not be allowed. All windows in the vehicles must be kept closed and doors locked. The park does not accept any responsibility for damage done to the vehicles by the animals or for any other reason.

For the kids

There are several play areas for children. Children between 36" and 60" can play in the Misumu Bay Wet Play area. Swimsuits are mandatory in this area, or water tight swim pants for those still in diapers. The jungle playground also features Safari venture and a toddlers' play area. Pets Corner is a petting zoo and children can feed the goats.

Photos in this article taken by Robinmcnicoll