Walk with Lions, Pet a Cheetah, in South Africa
Head to the Ukutula Lodge to walk with Lions, see Tigers, and More!
While you are exploring Johannesburg, take some time out to head to Ukultua Lodge and Game Reserve to learn about many species of animals in Africa. I did a guided bushwalk and got to pet some lion and cheetah cubs after learning about how they are increasing the lion species through in vitro fertilization.
We even got to visit the facility where they do the procedure and they told us about the process. The lion species is dying out so they are using this to build it back up.
How to Book the Ukutula Walk with Lions?
On my fourth day in Johannesburg, I headed to the Ukulta Lodge and Game Reserve for a Guided Bushwalk and Tour of the Facilities. We booked our tour through this company here and communicated mainly through WhatsApp. We were able to pay when we were picked up by credit card! Yes, to the points earned.
How much did the Ukutula Guided Bush Walk with Lions cost and is Transportation Provided?
They charged us R2600 per person for a 3-hour program that included pick up, drop off, and ticket for the program. You also get coffee, tea, or light refreshments mid-way through the program which is included.
You can call Uber if you want to, but we went on a tour that provided transportation because our phones sometimes did not work.
The Experience: Walk with Lions, Petting Cheetah Cubs
This felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only did I get up close with Lions, but I was also able to see the cubs and learn why lions are going extinct. Hearing about their process for artificial insemination and seeing the lions born from it was truly fascinating.
The first part of the tour was a tour of the reserve. We saw hyenas, cheetahs, and lions in the natural habitat. Our guide was amazing and provided in-depth information about each animal. Once we finished, we headed over to meet our guides for our Guided bush walk.
This was the highlight of the trip, after being briefed on safety. I got to walk with lions they had trained. You are not allowed to touch or get too close to the lions. You stand a few feet behind them while everyone else stands even further back.
This was a great photo opp and we got many great videos I still watch today. Their names were Milo and Hip Hop.
We did stop a few times for them to feed the lions. They got chicken and could rest before we finished their walk.
When not doing a guided walk, they can freely roam in their encampment and hang out with their friends. Most of the guides had been working at the reserves for years and were very familiar with the lions they took out each time.
If you want to see another angle of my walk with the lion, click here.
After you guided bush walk you stop for refreshments. This is a great time to let out the breath you may have been holding!
After you are finished with your refreshments, you head to where the baby lions and cheetahs are. You do not feed them but can pet them and interact with them for a few minutes.
I really enjoyed this and felt safe in the encampment with them.
This is another great opportunity to take both photos and videos of you interacting with them.
They were free to roam around and many of them were either eating or getting water during our time there.
They still interacted with us or paid us no mine the entire time we were there.
Would I do it again?
I would do a safari. While I did enjoy both the informational part and interacting with the animals, I want to make sure I am an ethical tourist and want to avoid situations that can cause harm to animals
Conclusion
It was an amazing experience to learn more about the animals and also be able to interact with them. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to explore differently.
If you are planning a trip to South Africa and want information on how I planned mine read How to Prepare for a Trip to South Africa.
Looks scary and also beautiful!
I really appreciate that you are considering ways to be an ethical tourist and respect the animals and their habitats.
I got to feed a Cheetah once, but it was behind a fence. What a great opportunity this is. Africa would be amazing.
This sounds like an unforgettable experience!. Walking with lions and learning about their breeding program is a unique way to connect with wildlife. Thanks for sharing!
Walking with lions would be a huge thrill and one to remember for ever. Seeing the cubs too would be a joy for me.
A photo op with a lio.n would be terrifying but amazing! I can’t believe they let you get so close.