A Gift for My Animal-Loving Mom: Our “Wake Up The Wild” Adventure at African Lion Safari!

When I was a kid, African Lion Safari was like a second home. I have fond memories of sitting in the backseat of my mother’s car, wide-eyed as Ostriches poked their beaks at the windows and lions lazed in the sun. And let’s not forget splashing around in the waterpark, which was always the perfect way to cool off after a day of wildlife excitement! Fast forward a few decades, and it felt like life had come full circle when I gifted my animal-loving mom the “Wake Up The Wild” tour. She’s been coming to African Lion Safari since I was little but had never experienced this adventure. That had to change!

Our day started bright and early—we arrived at 8:45 a.m., greeted by a friendly staff member who outlined the tour’s plan. With a mix of excitement alongside a small group of other visitors, we climbed aboard an open-air bus and headed into the first three game reserves. The crisp morning air and the anticipation of seeing animals up close set the scene for the adventure ahead.

First stop: the cheetah conservation centre. Let me tell you, the cheetahs were stunning! Their spotted bodies and piercing eyes were mesmerizing, but what really blew me away was learning about African Lion Safari’s cheetah conservation program. The centre’s design includes an alleyway system that lets males pass by the females, giving them the ability to choose their partners. Their conservation programme is very successful, with over 45 cubs born at the park! I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride, knowing how much this park has contributed to conserving such an iconic and endangered species.

Next, we rolled into the tawny lion section and witnessed the lions running into the reserve for their breakfast. It was amazing! Watching the male lion with his gorgeous mane stride confidently through the grass felt like something straight out of a wildlife documentary. My mom was absolutely enthralled, and I could see her excitement building with each moment.

The white lions were up next, with their bright coats gleaming in the sunlight. I learned something fascinating here—these magnificent creatures are not albino but leucistic, meaning they have reduced pigmentation that gives them their striking pale appearance while still retaining normal eye color. It’s impossible not to be awestruck by their beauty! After soaking in their magnificence, we swapped our bus for an open-air truck and headed towards one of my favourite parts of the tour: the giraffe feeding.

As we approached the hill where the giraffe feeding happens, the Game Warden explained the do’s and don’ts of feeding these towering giants. Then, with a tree branch in hand, they expertly invited the giraffe herd towards us. My mom’s face lit up as she got to feed them—you’d think she’d won the lottery! We also learned about African Lion Safari’s successful births using artificial insemination, and how it contributes to giraffe conservation both locally and globally! Cameras clicked, videos rolled, and everyone took a moment to simply bask in the wonder of these gentle giants.

The tour wrapped up with a drive through the rest of the section, where we learned about various animals including rhinos, zebras, and ostriches! Each stop added a new layer of appreciation for the incredible animals that call African Lion Safari home.

But the fun didn’t end there! “Wake Up The Wild” tickets include access to the park for the rest of the day, so we made sure to take full advantage. We drove through the game reserves in our own car, just like we did when I was a kid. Then we hopped on the ‘Nature Boy’ scenic railway, enjoyed the ‘African Queen’ boat cruise, caught all the animal presentations, and visited the Elephant Lookout.

Reflecting on the day, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Sharing this experience with my mom, who’s loved African Lion Safari for so many years, was truly special. And seeing her light up at every turn made me feel like that little kid again, rediscovering the magic of the park for the first time.

For anyone considering the “Wake Up The Wild” tour: do it. It’s a unique, unforgettable way to connect with wildlife and make memories that will last a lifetime.