Lionspruit game reserve

What Lionspruit is

The fence around Lionspruit is the only one inside Marloth Park. Kudu, zebra, giraffe and the other plains animals wander freely between the houses, and the dangerous animals stay inside Lionspruit. The reserve takes up the southern part of Marloth Park, with the N4 on its far side.

The Nkomazi Local Municipality runs the reserve and sets the entry fee in its yearly tariff list. Volunteer honorary rangers, all local property owners, help the municipal rangers look after it.

Lionspruit isn't part of Kruger. Kruger is across the Crocodile River on the other side of Marloth Park, and lions from Kruger sometimes cross into Marloth itself. See is Marloth Park in Kruger? for how the two fit together.

What you might see

Most people come for the lion and buffalo. The reserve is big and the bush is thick, so finding them takes patience. Drive slowly, stop at the dams and go early or late in the day, when they're most active. Giraffe, zebra and antelope are easier to find, and there are bird hides at the dams. There are no elephants, because the reserve is too small for them.

If you do find the lions, enjoy them and keep the exact spot to yourself. Please don't post where they are online. Our wildlife guide explains why we never place predator sightings precisely.

How to visit

You drive Lionspruit in your own car on dirt roads. They're rough, and some tracks need a 4x4, so a car with good ground clearance is better, especially after rain. In a low sedan, stay on the main roads and turn back where a track looks bad.

Inside there are picnic and braai spots, viewpoints and bird hides at the dams. Bring your own water and food. A loop with stops at the hides makes a good morning, and early or late in the day is when the animals are moving.

Entry fee and opening times

The Nkomazi Local Municipality sets the Lionspruit fee in its tariff list, which runs from 1 July to 30 June. These are the 2026/27 amounts, charged per car.

Who	Fee
Visitors who don't own property in Marloth ParkBefore VAT	R142,69
The same fee with 15% VATRounded	R164
Safari game vehiclesBefore VAT; for tour operators' vehicles	R443,95
Marloth Park property ownersFirst season ticket	Free

Last checked 26 October 2026

Rules inside Lionspruit

The lions are wild, and they move around the whole reserve, picnic spots included.

• Stay in your car while you drive. Get out only at the picnic spots and hides, and have a good look around before you do.
• At the picnic spots, keep children and food close and don't wander off into the bush.
• Keep to the marked roads.
• Don't feed any animal, and take your rubbish home.
• Leave before the gate closes. Ask the time when you go in.

Marloth Park's general rules on speed and feeding are on our rules page.

Questions people ask

Are there lions in Lionspruit?

Yes. Lionspruit is where Marloth Park keeps its lions. They're wild and they move around, so you may not see them. Early morning and late afternoon give you the best chance.

How much does Lionspruit cost?

For 2026/27, visitors who don't own property in Marloth pay the municipality R142,69 a car before VAT, about R164 with VAT.

Can I drive Lionspruit in a normal car?

Usually, on the main roads in dry weather. Some tracks need a 4x4 and the roads get worse after rain, so a car with higher clearance makes it easier.

Is Lionspruit part of Kruger?

No. It's part of Marloth Park, and the Nkomazi Local Municipality runs it. Kruger is on the other side of the Crocodile River, with its own gates and fees.

What can I combine it with?

A morning in Lionspruit and an evening at one of the river lookouts make an easy day without going into Kruger. If you'd rather someone else drove, ask the operators on our game drives page.