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Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers

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Exterior - Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers (Harrismith)
Interior - Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers (Harrismith)
3 bedrooms, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets - Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers (Harrismith)
Property grounds - Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers (Harrismith)
Property grounds - Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers (Harrismith)
At Lion House, immerse yourself in the majestic world of lions within the GG Conservation Wildlife reserve and Lion Sanctuary. Enjoy a self-catering stay with a full kitchen, unwind on the patio with braai/BBQ areas, or cozy up by the log fire inside. The sounds of nature surround you - listen to birdsong and witness game roaming freely.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathrooms

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue
The current price is NZ$540
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers

Lion House is a 3 bedroom, self contained cottage set within the world famous GG Conservation Wildlife reserve and Lion Sanctuary housing 70+ magnificent lions! You are never more than 5 metres away from a lion at Lion House!! The whole lion experience is what you get here, as you have lions right outside your door!

At Lion House you are guaranteed to experience the surround sound of up to 70+ lions 'chatting' to each other, an experience like no other on earth, especially the night time roars! Forget the outside world here and indulge in the quiet and stillness of Mother Earth, listen to natures chorus of birds, and soak up the true spirit of Africas wildlife. There is also wifi for those of you who need to keep in touch with the outside world.
The amenities are self catering with a full kitchen, and also a great outside patio for relaxing on, sipping your favourite sundowner and viewing the lions up close. The patio also has braai/BBQ areas for outside dining. Lion House also has a beautiful log fire inside, perfect for getting cosy on those cool winter evenings.
Lots of game are free ranging our land including zebra, ostrich, springbok, gemsbok (oryx) bontebok, waterbuck, black wildebeest and impala with amazing photographic opportunities galore! A game drive can be arranged at extra cost on request.
Magnificent walks possible in the surrounding nature reserve, containing our very own mountain Bakerskop, which is also available for hiking.

***GG Lions NPC is a non profit charity and your whole booking fees directly benefit the GG lions***

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping on request

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Composting
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Property does not allow children
  • Recycling
  • Towels (changed on request)

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Please advise one of the GG team what time you wish to check out in order for your escort to be ready and available to drive you out.
Alternatively message Traci on +27 83 6275691
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Please ask us regarding young children visiting.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Lion House @ggconservation for lion nature lovers

About the area

Maluti a Phofung is home to this holiday home. Local points of interest include Harrismith Memorial Park, Harrismith Country Club, and Thebe District Hospital. Explore all the area has to offer with mountain biking and hiking. Visit our Maluti a Phofung travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Maluti a Phofung
Map
Harrismith, FS

What's nearby

  • Harrismith Memorial Park
    8 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Busamed Harrismith Private Hospital
    9 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Thebe District Hospital
    9 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Harrismith Country Club
    9 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Driekloofdam Pier
    21 min drive - 40.6 km

Restaurants

  • Wimpy
    9 min drive
  • Mugg & Bean
    10 min drive
  • Seattle Coffee Company
    10 min drive
  • Ocean Basket
    9 min drive
  • Wrap it UP caff'e
    9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers?

As of 21 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers on 24 Mar 2026 start from NZ$540, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers located?

Situated in Maluti a Phofung, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Harrismith Memorial Park, Harrismith Country Club and Thebe District Hospital. Busamed Harrismith Private Hospital is 5.3 mi (8.5 km) away.

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Lion House @ggconservation for lion and nature lovers Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 31 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 31 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 31 reviews

9.8

Cleanliness

10

Location

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Drew D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was spotless and comfortable, and the staff couldn’t have been more friendly and accommodating. Such a unique experience—can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tristian T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic place

This is a very unique property and we loved staying at GG's Lion House. It was clean and tidy, with everything we needed. Plus having the lions so close was absolutely amazing. Loved listening to them calling to each other.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Silvana V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What an Amazing Experience!

I loved every minute of it. Definitively a dream came true. Being so close to the lions was lovely. The feeding experience, the lion tour and specially the roarings is something I will never forget.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lian O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What an experience

We stayed for 2 nights but really you need 3+ nights as that gives you time to adjust to the 'roars' during the nights. What a magnificent sound to sleep to. Sitting on the stoep just watching the lions was so relaxing. Would like to go back in summer when the grass is green as we stayed in winter and it was typical Orange Free State, dry and brown veld. Loved it and miss it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing...definitely going again

Beautiful location where you are simply at peace and far from the bustle of everyday life. The roar ofthe lions and dawn and dusk are the few sounds to break the tranquility....and they are a magnificent sound. The property was spotless, kitchen and bbq well equipped. Little touches like a selection of games for the evening and blankets to keep warm on the terrace were thoughtful and made the house feel homely. The staff were amazing...big shout out to Wade, Kayleigh and Suzanne. The owner Patrick is a real character and was a great source of information. Definitely recommend this place and will go back next year
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle F.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Experience

We had an amazing time at the Lion House. The lions are obviously the main attraction and they did not disappoint. The house is older and some of the windows don't quite line up to the frame of the house, so we had some large spider visitors and lots of flying bugs also since there isn't AC and windows are open for breeze most of the time - so something to consider if critters bother you. Communication with the host prior to arrival required multiple follow ups, but once we were there, the staff and communication were wonderful. Sadly, the photography cage that was advertised is no longer in use, but we did get to observe feeding day which was cool.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chelsi P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Magical Place

To experience life with the lions was such a privilege that we will cherish for life! A quaint cottage and property full of history with amazing staff.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peggy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderfull!

We had an amazing time!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place

I cannot thank everyone @ggconservation enough for their generous hospitality. Staying on the estate was an unforgettable experience and the highlight of my trip to South Africa.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

GG conservation

Second visit and so great to come back and live next to the lions!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

madeleine w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible experience

We loved our Lion House, surrounded by lions was just the most amazing experience, though don't expect to sleep much at night as the lions will serenade you with their fantastic roars!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Timothy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Once in a Lifetime Experience

There are no words to describe 2 days in the Lion House. Transcendent? Overwhelming? Enrapturing? Without overstaying it, The experience was perfect in every way.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alan V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lions, lions, lions!!!

Wonderful reconnection with Glen Garriff. The beauty of the lions is incomparable to anywhere.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Philippe C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such a different life!

We staid a week at GGconservation and we loved it as it gave us the opportunity to build some relationship with the lions (Shalom and Ariel in particular) facing the Lions House which is what we were looking for. Thank you so much Pat for these great emotions !
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Above & Beyond my Expectations

This was an experience of a lifetime. Our host was very personable and friendly and made our trip the most memorable. This had been a 4yr plan in the making and dream come true. Waking up to the lions right outside our back yard, getting a tour of the conservation and meeting the lion prides up close and personal was life changing. I will definitely be back to visit and stay at the Lion House.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Megan B.

An absolute dream!

I can't say enough about the Lion House and GG Conservation! The house is adorable and had everything we needed including heating blankets on the beds for the chillier nights. The owners were there to greet us as we arrived and then Suzanne made sure we were settled in. We did the feeding experience and the game drive around the property as well. They cost extra, but well worth it as all the proceeds go back to the lions. To be able to sit out on the patio, have lions playing/walking right in front of you and to hear lions roaring in unison is something I don't want to ever forget, absolutely incredible. The love they have for the lions is obvious and they are more than happy to talk to you all about them. Pat, Traci, and Suzanne, thank you for everything and I will be back someday!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One of the most special places we have ever been.

One of the most special places we have ever been. The lions roaring at night is indescribable amazing. The Lion House has everything you need. You can walk around and see the lions up close. Our neighbour and his 2 ladies were running around and chasing each other. The lions look like they have a good life and get all the need. This is definitely a good stop over for 2 or 3 days.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

CHATURVEDULA S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful location of Lion House where you can watch the magnificent cats 24x7 very closely

Excellent arrangements and warm hospitality by the host
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rashida J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

If you love lions…this is IT

We cannot explain how happy we are after our stay..Mr patt( the owner) his love and passion for the lion’s has made us experience an unforgettable memories in our hearts…the entire team is so well trained and its safe..if you are visiting South Africa..This has to be in your bucket list..Our love and support to the entire team..Can’t wait to visit them back..Love from kuwait
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lion House

I stayed 4 days at the Lion House at the Lion Sanctuary. Everything was amazing. You walk out the back door to the covered patio and there are 2 lions just 5 meters away. Then you look to the left and there are 3 more and another 5 just beyond the first 2’s pen. You hear them all night long. Best nights sleep I have had in ages. I would definitely recommend everyone to go there
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheel P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best trip of my life!

From the moment I met Pat to the moment I said goodbye to him, I had the time of my life! The entire team at GG is amazing! Traci, Pat, Suzanne and their team are rockstars who genuinely love their jobs. The lions are magnificent and they make you forget about your city life (thank God for that). They are very accommodating and it is a must visit! I recommend doing all the activities there since you'll see different moods of the lions. I'm definitely visiting again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lion House - Amazing

The Lion House experience was amazing! My son and I had a great time. Patrick took time to show us around. Amazing time. Would definitely go back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alex N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely perfect

One of the best experiences of a lifetime definitely, I went on this trip for the lions but when I checked out I realized I gained a family and friends for life , they are extremely nice extremely helpful and very intelligent, Patrick was extremely amazing and he has the best stories ever and Zelda is a sweetheart -her beauty and her soul and her positive energy are absolutely everything. Suzie and I had a talk and I gained a lot of great information regarding lions and the importance of finding the best place to see those beautiful wild animals Places like GG are the reason probably why the next generation will be able to see lions as well and won’t be extinct hopefully. Those people put love, energy , resources and time into protecting our plant and the magnificent lions, from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU for all you do.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

We have had the most amazing experience at the Lion House. Suzanne was a fantastic host and living up close to so many lions for a few days was an experience never to forget. We will be back and also highly recommend the human cage experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mick M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Brilliant stay

Brilliant stay at a unique place Suzi is an amazing host
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020