Nestled on the outskirts of Lahore, Safari Park Lahore is a standout destination for families, nature-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Thanks to its unique blend of open-air safari zones, lakeside recreational spots and educational wildlife exhibits, it offers a refreshing escape from city life. In this blog post I will walk you through the history, location, key attractions, tips for visiting, facilities and more — so you can plan a memorable visit to this green gem.
Location & Access
- The park is located along Raiwind Road, about 11 km from the landmark Thokar Niaz Baig in Lahore.
- It spans roughly 242 acres (about 98 hectares), giving it plenty of space for wildlife zones, picnic areas and walking trails.
- Getting there: You can drive your own vehicle, take a taxi, ride-hailing service, or use local transport. On weekends traffic may build up, so early arrival is wise.
- Parking is available. Some reviews mention good parking space near the park.
Brief History & Development
- The park started as Woodland Wildlife Park in 1981 and was later transformed and renamed into the safari-style wildlife facility.
- In recent years, the provincial government approved major upgrades to bring it to an international standard. For example, new cages, exotic species, African-style zones and a planned night safari were part of the expansion.
- In April 2024, the entry fee for people aged 60 and above was abolished, demonstrating a focus on accessibility.
What to See & Do
Here are the key attractions inside the park, with plenty of variety and interest for all ages.
Safari Zones & Animals
- The park features safari tracks where you can view large mammals like lions and tigers in more open settings (rather than only small cages).
- A major highlight is the lion safari: visitors sit in a vehicle and drive or are driven through an enclosure area where lions roam more freely.
- Many species are on display: Indian peafowl, Bengal tigers, emus, ostriches, nilgai, silver pheasants and more.
- Aquarium and aquatic species: The park reportedly hosts up to 142 species of aquatic animals in a dedicated aquarium.
Aviary & Birds
- There’s a large walk-through aviary (one of the biggest in Pakistan) where visitors can observe birds flying and perching in semi-natural habitat.
- Bird enclosures around the entrance allow for a relaxed start to the visit with peacocks, ducks and other feathered friends.
Boating Lake & Picnic Areas
- The park has a scenic lake (with four islands) and boating/fishing facilities adjacent to it. This provides a calm contrast to the safari zones.
- Shaded picnic spots, benches and green lawns make it a pleasant place for a family outing, especially in cooler months.
Kids & Educational Features
- There are dedicated zones for children, interactive learning, animal-feeding experiences and guided tours that aim to raise awareness of wildlife conservation.
- The park’s role in ecological education is emphasized in Lahore’s City Biodiversity Action Plan, noting its green canopy, tree species and educational significance.
Facilities & Visitor Amenities
To ensure a comfortable visit, here’s a rundown of key amenities and tips:
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | As of 2025: Adults ~ PKR 150; Children ~ PKR 100. |
| Opening Hours | Typically from 8:00 AM until sunset. |
| Parking | Available; motorbike/cars/mini-vans have separate charges in some cases. |
| Food & Refreshments | Food courts and stalls are available inside. Shaded rest areas and benches are scattered around. |
| Safari Ride / Special Zones | The lion safari may have a separate charge (vehicle-based). |
| Restrooms & Shade | Basic facilities are present; during hot weather aim for early morning. |
| Accessibility for Seniors | Fee waived for age 60+ (as of April 2024) — favourable for older visitors. |
Best Time to Visit & Strategy
- The best months for a visit are October to March, when the weather in Lahore is milder.
- Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Arriving early (by 9-10 AM) gives you better access and less heat.
- In summer (May-July), the heat can be intense and walking around wildlife zones may be less comfortable. So aim for cooler weeks.
- Bring water bottles, sunblock, hat and light clothing. The grounds are quite open and exposed.
- If you are keen on photography, early morning or late afternoon light is best for animal and lake shots.
- For families: Start with the safari zone, then enjoy the lake/boating, then finish with picnic or playground time.
Why Visit Safari Park Lahore?
- Close to nature: This is more than a simple zoo — it offers semi-natural habitats, safari drives and wide open green space.
- Family-friendly & educational: Kids can learn about wildlife, conservation and ecosystems while enjoying fun activities.
- Large green space & fresh air: In a city like Lahore, such big nature-zones are precious; the park also contributes to air quality and mental wellness.
- Affordable outing: With reasonable ticket prices and amenities, it’s accessible to many, making it a good choice for a day-trip.
- Ongoing improvements: With recent upgrades, new animal zones and infrastructure, the experience is improving steadily.
Considerations / Things To Check
- Some enclosures may still be under renovation or development; as with many large parks, upkeep is ongoing.
- Because the safari tracks are large, keeping children close and following safety instructions is important.
- On very hot or very cold days, animals may be less active; adjust expectations accordingly.
- Although parking is available, the access road can get busy during holidays — allow extra travel time.
- While the park is safe, early morning visits are better for less crowd and better animal activity.
Sample Visit Plan
Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your visit:
- Arrive around 9:00 AM when the gates open. Grab a map at the entrance.
- Start with the lion/tiger safari zone – book or queue early.
- Move to the aviary and bird sections, enjoy the walk-through.
- Visit the aquarium or aquatic animal section.
- Midday: Have lunch or snacks near shaded picnic spots by the lake.
- After lunch: Boating or fishing on the lake, rest under the trees.
- Late afternoon: Visit smaller mammal/deer zones, take a relaxing stroll.
- Before leaving: Grab some souvenir or photo at exit, enjoy a final view of the park.
- Depart close to sunset, avoiding traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ticket price and timing of Safari Park Lahore?
The entry ticket costs around PKR 150 for adults and PKR 100 for children. Senior citizens above 60 can enter free of charge. The park opens at 8:00 AM and closes by sunset.
What are the main attractions inside Safari Park Lahore?
The park features a Lion Safari, Tiger Safari, aviary, and a boating lake. You can also see tigers, lions, deer, ostriches, emus, and peafowls.
What is the best time to visit Safari Park Lahore?
The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Arrive early morning for fewer crowds and active animals.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a family day-out, a nature photography outing or simply seeking a peaceful break from urban hustle, Safari Park Lahore offers a compelling experience. It bridges wildlife, education and recreation in a green, open-air setting. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a full day of exploration, fresh air and memorable moments with loved ones.
If you like, I can also give you a map of zones, a detailed list of animals by section, or tips for visitors with young kids. Would you like that?
