Lion Country Safari
With over 1,000 animals and a 33-acre amusement park, Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee, Florida is a unique RV vacation the family will never forget.
Event information
Lion Country Safari Park in Loxahatchee, Florida is an amazing and unique park with over a thousand wild animals as well as a waterslide, water playground, a carousel, paddle boats, and more. Feed the giraffes, birds, and fish before heading into the petting zoo or playing a game of mini-golf. Most visitors start out with a drive through the wildlife safari where the animals roam free in seven different sections.
The Las Pampas has South American grasslands with pelicans, tapirs, alpacas, and rheas. Ruaha National Park is an African wilderness with kudus, impalas, and ostriches. The Gir Forest is full of buffalo, antelopes, and nyalas. To see the lions, head to the Gorongosa Reserve where you can see the king of the jungle up close and in person. And the most popular section, the Hwange National Park has giraffes, wildebeest, chimps, gibbons, rhinos, and zebras.
The kids are going to love it when they get to ride the Rio Grande Train, carousel, flying elephant ride, and take the plunge on one of the water slides. Paddleboats are available, typically for free, where the family can paddle along Lake Shannalee. Or take a tour of the lake on the Safari Queen to get a closer view of groups of animals on their own islands. Visitors can even take a walk through the Prehistoric Park, pan for gold and fossils, or explore a giant maze in the forest. Afterward, relax at the campsite in the KOA Campground on-site where they have even more fun including playgrounds and a pool.
Tickets
In recent years, the tickets to get into Lion Country Safari have been around $40 for those aged 10 through 64. Kids three to nine are typically $30 and seniors run about $35. Toddlers under two years old have been free in the past. Camping and parking fees are not included, but discounts are given to those who stay at the campground.
Explore Lion Country Safari RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Surrounded by the JW Corbett Wildlife Management Area, Jones / Hungryland Wildlife and Environmental Area, Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area, and the Grassy Waters Preserve, Lion Country Safari is a hidden gem in Loxahatchee, Florida. Just off of US-98, the park is generally easy to get to for any RVer and the straight paved roads make it even easier. For visitors who want to hit the beach, West Palm Beach is only 21 miles from the park, Palm Beach Gardens is only 26 miles, and Fort Lauderdale is about 60 miles away.
Parking areas
When doing the drive-through section of the park, trailers of any kind will have to leave their rig in the parking lot. For the safety of the animals, vehicle guidelines apply. Otherwise, parking spots are first-come, first-served, and has been free in the past. The park has two large parking lots just across from the front gate of the park with over 700 parking spots. Lion Country Safari also offers onsite vehicle rentals for the drive-through portion of the facility, which may be very helpful for families who choose to leave larger rigs parked at the campground.
Public Transportation
Although Palm Beach County has excellent public transportation, the bus service does not completely reach Lion Country Safari. The Metro Rail Green or Orange Line buses 1101, 1201, and 1301 can usually get visitors close enough to walk or take a taxi. Park visitors who need transportation can choose to hire private transportation or call a ride service.
Where to stay
Onsite
Just across from the park, the Lion Country Safari’s KOA Campground is huge, wooded, and has over 200 RV campsites. Enjoy the sounds of the wildlife next door while sitting by the pool with the kids or watching the furbabies play at the dog park. All rigs up to 40 feet long are allowed and the recreation area is almost as exciting as the park. With volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, and pétanque, the kids will be busy until bedtime. Each site has 50-amp electricity, water, and sewer hookups as well as free Wi-Fi. Book a site early because they fill up fast.
Nearby
Not far from the park, visitors will find more than a few RV campgrounds including the John Prince Park Campground in nearby Lake Worth. This large park has over 300 sites with utilities, many on the banks of the beautiful Lake Osborne. With fishing, boating, golfing, and playgrounds, everyone will love this huge park. Reservations can (and should) be made up to 90 days in advance. Another good choice is the Palm Beach Traveler RV Park in Lantana, which has hundreds of spots with utilities, a heated enclosed pool, a recreation room, shuffleboard, and bocce ball. They even have planned activities to keep the kids busy.
Getting around
The parking lot and campground are both close enough so that trams or shuttles are not needed. However, for guests with limited mobility, wheelchairs are available for rent at the amusement park inside Safari World. It is just inside the entrance and has a big blue awning. Strollers and double strollers can be rented here as well. Of course, wheelchairs and strollers can also be brought from home.
What to pack
Clothing
With temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s during the summer, visitors to Lion Country Safari Park typically wear shorts and tank tops or t-shirts and jeans. Comfortable shoes are a must, and rain gear is sometimes needed, so pack a poncho as well. If coming during the cooler months, pack all of the above, and toss in a hoodie or jacket, too. Don’t forget the swimsuit for the water slides and swimming pool in Safari Splash!
Gear
Bring as little as possible because there is so much to do and some of the rides and attractions require hands-on ability. Carrying around a heavy bag or backpack may be too much after going through the maze, walking through the park, and they are definitely not allowed on the water slides and rides. Most visitors use fanny packs or just put the necessities like wallet, keys, and phones in their pockets.
Health & Safety
It is always important to have sunscreen or sunblock when visiting Florida. Even when the sun is not shining, skin can still get burned. Toss a small bottle of sunscreen in your fanny pack or pocket to reapply as needed. Most visitors to the park also use sunglasses and hats to keep the sun at bay. Lion Country Safari allows food and drink in the park, so bring some water or electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated, or plan to enjoy the park's restaurant options.
Where to eat
Cooking
Whether cooking inside on the stove or out on the grill, there are many things RVers need to remember. A good knife and cutting board are two items to have no matter what. Also, be sure to have all the seasonings and basics like flour, sugar, and baking soda. Aluminum foil and plastic baggies are always great items to stock and trash bags are a must. A camp stove or portable grill is also good to keep in the rig just in case.
Restaurants
Head to the north on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road for a few miles to reach a pizzeria, seafood restaurant, or a fine dining establishment that serves excellent steaks. For everything else, just go southwest on US-98. Hungry travelers may find another pizzeria along the way. Then, look for a group of eateries including a lounge, two sushi places, a sub shop, two Mexican restaurants, several burger joints, and even a fancy dining establishment that serves a wide variety of foods.
Vendors
Lion Country Safari Park has a variety of eating places as well. The African-themed cafeteria restaurant in Safari World is a great place to sit down with the family and enjoy a meal. They serve chicken, burgers, pizza, kids’ meals, and much more. Safari Snacks is a nice small eatery in Safari World across from Safari Splash Sprayground. Choose from all kinds of carnival food like corn dogs, funnel cake, and cotton candy. Carvel is a great ice creamery across from the Lion’s Den Gift Shop. Speaking of gifts, be sure to stop in at one of the shops to grab some souvenirs before heading home.
Safety
Security
Expect bags and purses to be searched at the gate and security cameras throughout the park. If security is needed, talk to one of the staff members in the park or head over to one of the Guest Services stations. One of these is located in the southeastern corner of the park in the main office and the other is by the main restaurant and Lion’s Den Gift Shop.
Weather
Florida temperatures range from the upper 80s to 90s from April until September with lows in the 60s. During the cooler months from October until March, highs are typically in the 70s with lows in the 50s. Rain is likely in the afternoons, especially between May and September. Thunderstorms are common, so download a weather app to stay on top of the forecast.
Medical
Visitors who get injured or feel ill should go to one of the first-aid stations. The first is by the main office near the Guest Services station. Another is by the other Guest Services station in the middle of the park by the restaurant and Lion’s Den Gift Shop. There is another by the Safari Queen and Paddle Boat rides. The fourth is near the Petting Zoo in the southwestern corner of the park, and the final one is in front of Safari Falls.
