Our Adventures at African Lion Safari

Since 1969 African Lion Safari is one of the most interesting destination to visit, with educational and recreational programs and shows. It is an opportunity to get close and learn more about different exotic birds and animals. Last year we visited African Lion Safari and we had such an amazing day. After that during cold winter days we played African Lion Safari game using the safari map and imagine how we browse through Game Reserves and watch the shows.

This year we were more than excited to visit African Lion Safari again. Going in the middle of the week was a good choice, to skip the crowds at this popular Hamilton attraction. We started with Elephant Swim watching how elephants having fun in the refreshing water of Recreation Lake. There were elephants of different ages making water fountains and playing like little children. Hot days require having more water fun and entertaining the safari audience at the same time.


Next, we took a Safari bus driving through the large Game Reserves (did not risk to drive in own vehicle). I like the guided tour the safari offers, plus the bus is very convenient with wide windows to see all the animals and take great pictures. The length of the bus tour is around 30 minutes. It was interesting to see lions relaxing on a hot day, herds of zebras and giraffes, cheetahs, baboons, white rhinos, ostriches and watusis. Animals freely moves around and sometimes decide to sit on visitors’ cars. When animals came near the bus it was truly amazing to see them very close, like zebra’s lovely stripes or giraffe’s spots, everything is so real and created by the nature.


Exciting shows were on our agenda, and first one was Parrot Paradise with various colorful birds presenting their skills from catching a snake to sorting the rings. Since we went to celebrate birthday that day it was nice to hear how one parrot was singing “Happy Bithday”, “Oh Canada!” and imitated other funny phrases. Second show was Birds of Prey Flying Demonstration with hawks, eagles, owls, vultures and falcons. The birds introduced flying abilities; their big wings and strong catches help showing amazing things. The last show we had a chance to watch was Elephant Round-Up, it is Teddy’s favorite one. This performance is not only showing elephants strength and creativity, it is kindly funny and interactive. Elephants play with a ball, show artistic skills and very friendly. After each show everyone has a chance to get very close with participating animals and take photos, which is great, our little one was so excited to see birds and elephants that close.

For children loving water fun Misumu Bay Wet Play is a paradise splash pad. Teddy was so excited running, jumping, taking water slides and having fun. Little fountains invite to run through, huge tumble baskets pour on you, be ready to climb on top and then go down on one of the slides.
After Misumu Bay Wet Play we headed to have lunch at Mombasa Market Restaurant with pizza, salads and dining. There are different places to eat at African Lion Safari and everyone can find something to their taste from funnel cakes to BBQ, burgers and chicken nuggets. Kid’s lunch box is very cute and practical too, can be used later to pack food for children.

Next two attractions waited for us that day, they are not long to take, around 15 min, but truly enjoyable: "African Queen" boat tour along around Water Safari Lake where we had a chance to see lemurs (Madagascar movie came to our minds right away), a stork and a pelican. And another one was “Nature Boy” Scenic Railway ride, which was really fun. Even though we did not see many animals during our journey, the train itself (a miniature replica of an 1863 C.P. Huntington Steam engine) deserves some attention. At the end of the busy safari day Teddy expressed some interest to play on Jungle Playground with slides, climbers and jungle cars. Kid’s energy never ends on a playground.

While summer is coming to the end, there is still time to visit African Lion Safari and have a wild day filled with real adventures.