There's a place in Harrismith, South Africa, that offers a unique experience for their guests.
People today are more aware than ever of everything the world has to offer thanks to the internet. Long before the internet, travel agencies had a big role in helping people get away from their everyday lives. But now it's much easier for people to make their own plans. Some people go for relaxing, laid back vacations, while others look for exciting heart-stopping adventures. If you're looking for the latter then this post is for you.People from all over the world come to visit this quaint little cottage. The cottage rental lists for only £84 ($108 USD), a great price for a 3 bedroom. But it's not the price that attracts tourists.
GG Conservation
Looks like a comfortable place to stay, right?
The cottage offers guests all of the comforts of home: a full kitchen, a cozy fireplace, double beds in every room, and WiFi. But still, that's not the reason people travel thousands of miles to this cottage in Harrismith, South Africa.
GG Conservation
The real reason tourists visit this little cottage in South Africa is because of what surrounds it.
It's called the Lion House and it's located on GG Conservation, which is the home to over 70 lions including 3 lion kings! Can you imagine relaxing in the screened patio while watching lions roam?
GG Conservation
This is definitely not the normal check-in at an AirBnB.
Visitors are greeted by lions upon arrival. Guests are escorted in and out of the property by car because they have to drive through a lion camp with double security gates.
GG Conservation
The cottage is literally surrounded by 360 degrees of lions!
Don't worry! Visitors are perfectly safe because of an electric fence that encompasses the cottage. The Lion House's host and conservation director, Suzanne Scott, says "We also have electric fencing on the inside and top of all the camps. This is a necessary precaution to take for the lions' safety, as lions can kill each other through fences if they wanted to."
GG Conservation
Guests can take a hike on the reserve's very own mountain Bakerskop.
Visitors get some stunning photographic opportunities of wildlife and gorgeous African sunrises and sunsets. Other animals on the GG Conservation Wildlife Reserve include zebras, wild antelope, impalas, ostriches, springbok, and wildebeests.
GG Conservation
Scott explains that the interactions people have with the lions is almost surreal.
“You are very close, less than one meter from a lion when stood at the fence. From the step, porch or patio of the house you are two meters away," she says.
GG Conservation / Instagram
Guests can just live among the lions, observing first-hand the majesty of the lion species.
"They can watch their natural behavior, and see the interaction between the lions and their pride mates which is often very interesting, heart-warming and amusing," Scott explains.
GG Conservation / Instagram
It's so wonderful that people can have this once in a lifetime experience, but that 's not the only benefit of this organization.
GG Conservation Wildlife Reserve and Lion Sanctuary is an ethical lion sanctuary with no breeding or public interaction allowed. Visitors are able to observe the lions very closely, but the lions are kept safe and protected.
GG Conservation / Instagram
While some people would just love to see a lion up close and personal, Scott loves something else even more.
“It makes you feel that you are almost living among them, as part of the pride. The best part is being able to hear the nightly roars of 77 lions in surround sound, it is truly awe-inspiring to listen to," says Scott.
GG Conservation / Instagram
There'a aren't too many opportunities out there like this.
Sure, you can go to a zoo, but typically you pay for the day and then leave. If you're looking for a more exhilarating, personal experience, then you should consider sleeping with the lions at the Lion House. All of the booking fees go towards the conservation, which also supports and protects the lions in the sanctuary.
