Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Free State, South Africa

LIONSROCK is a big cat sanctuary established by FOUR PAWS, the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Our vision is a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding.

Bagamoya Wildlife Estate is a lion sanctuary farm, ideally situated about 25km from the Bloemfontein International Airport and 35km from the centre of the City of Bloemfontein, Free State Province, South Africa. A beautiful getaway place, where you get the chance to move around in the African bush, and see the African wildlife in a way that will leave you captivated. There are currently over 27 lions at Bagamoya and you can have the opportunity to interact with some them. You will get extremely close to lions and tigers, you will never forget this amazing moment! Interactions are possible on Saturdays & Sundays from 9am to 6pm, also during the week on reservation. Bagamoya offers all the necessary facilities to give you a relaxed and comfortable stay: the Lioness Restaurant with children's play area and swimming pool, a Mini-Zoo with animals from all over the world, self-catering Chalets and outdoor activities. The Estate is also the perfect venue for functions of any kinds (weddings, birthdays parties, kids parties, conferences, corporate functions, and more).

Love Lions Alive Sanctuary exists for the sole purpose of giving lions in need a place of safety and refuge in which to live out the rest of their natural lives with as much dignity as we can possibly give them. They all come from captive environments and now live in the best enclosures we could design. Our lions are our life. They are not here for us, we are here for them. There are no cubs here, no interaction, no lion walks and no photo booth with baited lions. As we are not a tourist venue or lion park, we are only available for a tour by appointment. We are a working sanctuary and may be busy with food collection, cleaning enclosures or any number of work tasks, we need to have an arrangement to meet you, so please phone ahead of time to book. We do not have a set entrance fee either, but ask for a donation of your choice. As a Non-Profit, we survive only on donations and paying volunteers.

Most of this vast nature reserve comprises the enormous Gariep Dam and a game sanctuary. Numerous resorts, sporting attractions and tours, including a tour of the great dam, dot the area.