Limpopoland at Knuthenborg Safari Park
High‑energy rides, giant playgrounds and water‑soaked thrills at the vibrant heart of Knuthenborg Safari Park on Lolland.
A playful heart inside a Danish safari
Limpopoland sits at the lively core of Knuthenborg Safari Park on Lolland, transforming a day among wild animals into a full‑scale adventure playground. Once you pass the grand entrance, the mood shifts from quiet safari to joyful theme park energy, framed by distant views of grassy enclosures and grazing animals. This is where children sprint ahead, shoes thudding on rubber surfaces, tempted by colourful rides and the sound of water rushing down chutes. The area is themed loosely around an African journey, but with a distinctly Danish sense of space and safety. Wide paths, generous play zones and plenty of places to perch with a coffee make it feel like a village devoted entirely to fun. For many families, this is where they linger the longest, building the centrepiece of their Knuthenborg visit around a few intense hours in Limpopoland.Congo Splash and watery thrills
The headline attraction is Congo Splash, billed as one of Europe’s steepest water slides. The experience begins gently, with boats drifting through canals before being hauled up a 16‑metre lift. At the top, there is a moment of calm, with views over the park’s "savannah" and its grazing animals, before the track pitches sharply downwards and the boat dives into a soaking splashdown. Height requirements keep the ride safe but still family‑friendly: smaller children can ride from around 120 cm when seated with an adult, while taller kids can brave the plunge on their own. Nearby, a dedicated water playground lets younger visitors enjoy sprays, jets and shallow channels at their own pace. Swimwear and towels are essential here; on warm days, children emerge dripping and grinning while adults gravitate to nearby seating and shade.Kilimanjaro and Denmark’s largest nature playground
On dry land, activity centres on Kilimanjaro, an 8‑metre‑high climbing volcano laced with nets, ropes and scrambling routes. Occasional puffs of smoke add theatrical flair as children weave upwards, emerging onto platforms with wide views and a tangible sense of achievement. The soft ground below absorbs inevitable tumbles, encouraging kids to push their limits. Stretching out from Kilimanjaro is what is described as Denmark’s largest nature playground. Instead of shiny plastic, much of it is built from timber, sand and natural textures. Here, balance beams, swinging bridges and low‑slung obstacle courses invite imaginative play. It is easy for adults to lose track of time while children loop from feature to feature, steadily wearing themselves out in the best possible way.Kampala Express, maze games and gentle rides
For those seeking speed without the intensity of a full‑size coaster, Kampala Express provides a classic family thrill. This 100‑metre‑long, 6‑metre‑high roller coaster threads along a compact course with enough twists to raise a cheer but not enough to intimidate younger riders. Children from around 100 cm can ride with an adult, and slightly taller ones can go solo, making it a staple for siblings to enjoy together. Away from the tracks and water, a leafy labyrinth offers a different kind of challenge. Paths dead‑end and loop back, encouraging friendly competitions to see who can navigate to the centre first. Nearby swings, trampolines and smaller play structures ensure there is always a quieter corner for those who prefer mood‑lifting play over adrenaline.Food breaks, shopping and guest services
When hunger hits, Eatery Mombasa steps in with crowd‑pleasing fuel: burgers, pizzas and quick snacks aimed squarely at families who do not want to interrupt the fun for long. Outdoor seating means adults can keep an eye on playing children while they eat, and the soundtrack is a blend of laughter, music and the occasional distant roar from the safari areas. At the main entrance to Limpopoland, the Limpopo shop and Guest Services act as a hub. The shop stocks souvenirs, toys and curated pottery, providing tangible reminders of the day. Guest Services is the place to resolve practical questions, from lost‑and‑found queries to camp check‑ins for overnight stays elsewhere in the park. Together, they make Limpopoland feel like a self‑contained village within Knuthenborg.Planning your time in Limpopoland
Opening hours for Limpopoland generally follow the park’s daytime schedule, though specific rides may run alternately at quieter times or pause in late autumn. In November, the area usually closes for safety and weather, reflecting its strongly outdoor, fair‑weather character. On typical summer days, you can expect several hours of continuous play, especially if you alternate between water attractions and dry playgrounds. Because Limpopoland is embedded in a much larger safari experience, many visitors break their safari drive into stages, using a long stop here as the energetic midpoint. With restrooms, food, drinks and guest services all clustered in one area, it is a natural base for families with children of different ages. Whether you come for daring water drops, gentle playground time or simply a lively break between animal encounters, Limpopoland delivers a compact burst of amusement‑park joy amid the wild expanses of Knuthenborg.Local tips
- Pack swimwear, sandals and towels so children can fully enjoy the water playground and Congo Splash without spending the rest of the day in wet clothes.
- Check ride height requirements in advance if you have younger kids, so you can manage expectations about who can ride Congo Splash and Kampala Express.
- Plan your day so the most energetic play in Kilimanjaro and the nature playground happens before or after the hottest midday hours in summer.
- Use the Limpopo shop and Guest Services at the entrance as your meeting point if your group splits between rides, food and playgrounds.
- Keep a light waterproof layer or poncho handy if you prefer to stay reasonably dry on Congo Splash while the kids embrace the full soak.
A brief summary to Limpopoland Knuthenborg
- Knuthenborg Park 17, Bandholm, 4941, DK
- +4554788089
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Getting There
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Car from Maribo (regional hub)
From the town of Maribo it typically takes 10–15 minutes to drive to Knuthenborg Safari Park, where Limpopoland is located inside the grounds. Expect well‑signed local roads and on‑site parking included in or bundled with the park ticket. Standard day tickets for the safari park, covering access to Limpopoland, usually range around 260–320 DKK per person depending on season and promotions. Arrive earlier on sunny weekends to avoid queues at the entrance gate.
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Car from Copenhagen and Zealand
From Copenhagen and much of northern Zealand, the drive to Knuthenborg via motorway and the Lolland bridge normally takes about 1.5–2 hours. Fuel and tolls aside, you only pay the safari park entrance fee, which generally falls around 260–320 DKK per person for a full day with access to Limpopoland’s rides and playgrounds. Traffic is usually smooth, but allow extra time on peak summer Saturdays and during school holidays.
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Public transport plus taxi from Maribo
If you travel by train or regional bus to Maribo, you can continue the final stretch to Knuthenborg by local taxi. The ride from Maribo to the park entrance is short, often 10–15 minutes, with fares typically around 150–250 DKK each way depending on time of day and taxi company. Check in advance that your return taxi is booked for park closing time, especially outside peak season when vehicles may be limited.
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Cycling from nearby towns
For active travellers already staying on Lolland, cycling to Knuthenborg from nearby towns such as Maribo or Bandholm is a realistic option, usually 20–40 minutes each way on relatively flat roads. There is no extra charge for arriving by bike, but you still need a standard day ticket for park entry, typically around 260–320 DKK per person. Be mindful of weather and wind, and bring lights if you expect to leave close to closing time on shorter autumn days.