ONTARIO'S AFRICAN LION SAFARI OFFERS GREAT VALUE IN A FAMILY OUTING

By Harold Merton

Scope photos by Harold Merton

Situated in the heart of Southwestern Ontario is probably one of the best family entertainment values in the area today - African Lion Safari.

It had been many years since we ventured to the Rockton area not far from
Cambridge, Ontario so we decided last year it was about time we revisited
Canada's Original Safari Adventure.

My last visit was when my children were in the eight to ten year age
group. The oldest is now married and has three children.

We now take our granddaughter Avalon to some of the things we visit and I
thought that the Lion Safari might be of great interest.

I found a lot had changed in the years since my last visit. The general idea is the same but many new features have been added including a fabulous water park that is popular with youngsters of all ages from babies up and with adults too.

But the Lion Safari is primarily an enclosed game reserve and that is the most important attraction at the complex.

You can go on a "safari" and get closer than most of you every imagined viewing over a thousand birds and animals. You'll see lions, cheetahs, giraffe, rhino, baboons and more.

Because the game reserve portion of the complex closes first in the day, it is best to drive through the gates in either your own vehicle or the buses they offer.

You can drive your own vehicle but if you do you are responsible for any damage the animals might do. I can remember the baboons ripping outdoor carpeting off the roof of my Winnebago and prying the covers off clearance lights even though they were on and hot.

 

The optional Safari Bus Tour is not only convenient but has a commentary as well. You purchase your ticket at Jungle Junction.

As your vehicle passes through the double gate entry to the game reserve you begin to see the animals roaming the fields. The first animals were met were cheetah.

Then we moved on to Wankie Bushland Trail were the Baboons were quick to jump on the vehicles. It is not uncommon for them to remove pieces of trim, windshield wipers etc. We guarantee that the kids will get a lot of laughs from this animal clown troupe as your vehicle winds it's way through their area.

 

Travelling through the reserve you get to see a lot of animals up close. It is exciting and very educational for the youngsters.

Animals are grouped in their specific area throughout the reserve and lions, cheetahs, zebra, rhinos, giraffe, bison and elk are easily seen.

 

As you pass through the exit gates and leave the reserve you will probably agree that this trip alone was worth the nominal admission price.

But the reserves are not the only thing to see when you visit.

The elephants are very popular and if you time your schedule properly you can watch them go for a swim in the lake. Their Asian elephants frolic for quite some time in the water and if you want to make pictures you can get reasonably close. The swim takes place twice a day.

 

There is also a Birds of Prey Flying Demonstration where you can see hawks, eagles, owls, vultures and falcons soar above your head.

You can take in the Parrot Paradise Show. Here you'll watch end enjoy these beautiful birds in a show that demonstrates their incredible intelligence and physical dexterity.

One of the most popular shows is the Elephant Round-Up. The outdoor theater showcases a working demonstration of the largest living land animals. Not only is the show amazing but it is entertaining as well. Our pictures in this feature show you what they can do. It is fun and amazing!

 

Last year there were three new elephant babies born.

The African Queen Boat Cruise takes you on a tour around Water Safari Lake. Here you'll get to see a variety of primates and birds from around the world. This attraction, which is included in your general admission price, opens at 11 a.m. daily.

The Nature Boy Scenic Railway takes you on a tour of 16 hectares of open woodlands which serve as a natural refuge for many birds and wild animals native to Southern Ontario. It too beings at 11 a.m daily and is included in your admission price.

 

If you want a bit of a break then the kids may enjoy the pet's corner near the parrot show.

There is plenty of food to eat at the Lion Safari.

The Mombasa Market Restaurant offers a wide variety of menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There's hamburgers, pizza and beef hot dogs as well as chicken dinners, Caesar salads, Philly cheese steak sandwiches, rib on-a-bun and steak wraps.

At the Funnel Cake Factory you can enjoy funnel cakes and ice cream and at
the Cabana Grill and Patio you can enjoy a variety of grilled meals. This
area is licensed.

At Safari Barbecue there's hot barbecued meals of chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs.

The Nairobi Snack Shop offers light snacks and the Samburu Supply Shop has a selection of cool treats.

There's snacks at Jungle Junction and the Last Stop Shop.

Of course they haven't forgotten the gifts and souvenirs. They are available at Safari Outfitters Gift Shop, Safari Bazaar Gift Shop and the African Queen Boat Cruise Gift Shop.

After you have visited the rest of the Safari grounds you can then take in the great water park at Misumu Bay Wet Play, an interactive water adventure for kids. It is open from late May to early September weather permitting. You will find a separate feature on this area in this issue.

Pets are not permitted on the Safari property but can be boarded in kennels located behind the main office. A lock deposit is required and locks are available on the grounds.

African Lion Safari was founded in 1969 by Col. G.D. Dailley. He had a vision of providing an environment for self-sustaining populations of declining wildlife species and realized his vision by creating displays where the visitors were "caged" and the animal were allowed to road free. Today the attraction houses over 132 different species.

The Lion Safari has successfully bred 20 species that are considered to be endangered and more than 30 that are listed as threatened.

The result is a great family entertainment venue that will keep you and your family entertained for just $25.95 for adults, ($22.95 seniors) and $20.95 for children 3 to 12. The optional Safari tour bus through the game reserve is $4.95 adults, $4.75 seniors and $4.75 for children 3 to 12. All prices are plus tax. (2006)

I personally think that at these prices you can have a great time for the day with your entire family. It one of the best family entertainment values I know of. I think your family would enjoy it as well. As they used to say "you'll have a roaring good time!"