Lionspruit game reserve
The one part of Marloth Park with lions. You drive it yourself, and because of the lions the rules are stricter than in the rest of Marloth.
Last checked 26 October 2026
Lionspruit is a fenced reserve of about 1,500 ha on the south side of Marloth Park, along the N4. Lion and buffalo are kept inside it, so you stay in your car except at the picnic spots and hides. You drive in through the gate at 1085 Wildgoose Street. The municipality's 2026/27 tariff list puts entry for visitors at R142,69 before VAT, about R164 with VAT. We couldn't confirm the opening times, so ask at the gate when you go in.
What Lionspruit is
Marloth Park has no fences inside it except the one around Lionspruit. Kudu, zebra, giraffe and the other plains animals move freely between the houses, while the dangerous animals are kept inside Lionspruit. It 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 is not 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. Our page is Marloth Park in Kruger? explains how the two fit together.
What you might see
Lion and buffalo are the reason people come, and neither is guaranteed. Visitors who wrote reviews in 2025 had mixed luck: some found the lions, others saw very little. You're more likely to see giraffe, zebra and antelope, 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 their location online. Our wildlife guide explains why we never place predator sightings precisely.
How to visit
You drive through Lionspruit in your own car. The roads are dirt, and some tracks need a 4x4. The roads are rough, and a car with good ground clearance is better, especially after rain. In a low sedan, stick to 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 you're most likely to find animals 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. The list doesn't say whether the visitor fee is per person or per car, so check at the gate.
| Who | Fee |
|---|---|
| Visitors who don't own property in Marloth ParkBefore VAT | R142,69 |
| The same fee with 15% VATOur sum, rounded | 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
These lions are wild, and they move around the whole reserve, including near the picnic spots.
- Stay in your car while you drive. Get out only at the picnic spots and hides, and look around properly before you do.
- Keep children and food close at the picnic spots, and don't wander off into the bush.
- Keep to the marked roads.
- Don't feed any animal, and take your rubbish home with you.
- Leave the reserve 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. Sightings aren't guaranteed in any reserve, and recent visitors have had mixed luck.
How much does Lionspruit cost?
For 2026/27 the municipality charges visitors who don't own property in Marloth R142,69 before VAT, about R164 with VAT. Its tariff list doesn't say whether that's per person or per car.
Can I drive Lionspruit in a normal car?
On the main roads, usually yes in dry weather. Some tracks need a 4x4, and the roads get worse after rain, so a car with higher clearance makes the visit easier.
Is Lionspruit part of Kruger?
No. It's part of Marloth Park and is run by the Nkomazi Local Municipality. Kruger is on the other side of the Crocodile River and has its own gates and fees.
What else 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.