A COMPLETE GUIDE TO LION SAFARIS IN TANZANIA
A lion looks through the tall grass at something of interest in the distance. Lion safaris in Tanzania are a wonderful way to focus on these extraordinary big cats / Image: @kg_medias
Whether you're the ultimate thrill seeker, a keen wildlife watcher or an outdoor enthusiast - a Tanzanian lion safari will surely sweep you off your feet.
Few places on the planet can offer such authentic encounters with these fascinating creatures as Tanzania. Better yet, a journey amongst the country's most thrilling locations will give you enough pinch-me moments to last a lifetime.
Not only are BornWild the only company that provides groundbreaking lion safari tours in Tanzania, but we're also passionate about their conservation, something that plays an integral role in each expedition. Our hopes for this tour extend beyond adventure as we strive to make a positive impact to Tanzania’s spectacular lions, allowing guests with plentiful or limited knowledge to join us on this amazing journey to change the narrative of the big cat.
In this article, you'll find all the need-to-know information about our lion safaris in Tanzania, including action-packed itineraries and the top lion spotting locations you cannot miss out on while visiting in this fabulous country.
AFRICAN LION SAFARI
Discover An African Safari With A Unique Perspective. Bridging Lion Conservation With Adventure Travel. Join us on our adventure!
Our African LIon Safari is one of the best Lion Safaris in Tanzania you can experience. A safari vehicle watches a lion pride gander down a dirt track in the bush
What Is a Lion Safari?
At this point, you might be wondering what a Tanzania lion safari entails. While the title itself might seem rather self-explanatory, our lion safaris in Tanzania are exhilarating expeditions with a unique perspective. We have created one of the most exceptional experiences that connects Lion Conservation with adventure travel. We are proud to be the only company facilitating such tours in Tanzania too.
Our African safari tours will highlight Lion Conservation throughout and we will be exposing travelers to resources and experiences you will only encounter through this adventure.
Our journey takes us on an incredible route through Tanzania - exploring one of the most outstanding pograms in Africa. You will get to observe lion prides closely within an array of renowned safari parks. Witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti, the captivating Great Rift Valley, Ngorongoro Crater and so much more. These points of interest mixed with exotic wild animals is just the beginning of what we’ll encounter on this wild and wonderous expedition. We take a moment to ground with nature as we hike the beautiful grass-covered Olmoti Crater in search of wildlife spotting on foot, as well as track lion spoors as part of our guided nature walks for a more paired-back interaction with the environment.
Our lion safari adventures in Tanzania are both exciting and educational as you'll have the opportunity to understand the work of some of the best lion conservation organizations - African People Wildlife and Kope Lion. Through this experience, you'll learn exclusively how these renowned organizations combat declining lion numbers and the many hurdles they face in their fight for survival.
A key part of your Tanzania travel experience is that you’ll spend much of the tour tracking prides of lions, learning about their compelling stories, their habitat, pride members and family dynamics as well as the hurdles they face within their everyday lives. You’ll acquire an in-depth knowledge of Tanzania’s lion population from our devoted guides and learn how you can make a difference in the prosperity of these creatures long after you’ve returned home.
Experience lion conservation from our hand-picked lion conservation experts and registered conservation organizations to enable you to broaden your safari experience above and beyond your wildest dreams.
The Best Places to See Lions on a Safari in Tanzania
There are some exceptional locations where you can see lions and one of them is Tanzania.
Some of the country's most sought-after destinations, such as the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara - are home to a high density of lion populations.
Look up into the trees in Lake Manyara National Park and you may spot some lions! A famous sighting throughout this park / Image: @djjabbua
Indisputably, the most renowned of all the parks is the Serengeti and you'll quickly see there's a reason why this huge wildlife reserve is so esteemed.
Over 3,000 lions reside in the Serengeti and is thought to have the largest population of these big cats in Africa. If you arrive during the fabled Great Migration (typically from July to October) you will be able to observe lions hunting for wildebeest, zebras and gazelles which is an unbeatable sight to see.
The Ngorongoro Crater is another wonderful addition to most Tanzania safari itineraries and is an ideal place to witness lions in their natural habitat and within the confines of the crater walls. A sight to behold in its own right, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact caldera in the world. The caldera's nature means that quite a substantial number of lions are situated within a relatively small area, which makes for some fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities as well as some of most renowned resident lions fascinating lives and stories.
Additionally Lake Manyara National Park, also a famous safari park in Tanzania have a solid number of lions to observe. However these lions are a little different from other lions you might see in Tanzania. If you've heard about this park before, you might have learned about its distinct tree-climbing lions. Though no definitive reason has been found for the lions' tree-scaling habits - some believe they do so to watch their prey from above, take shade from the midday sun or avoid irritating insect bites. Whatever the reason, these lions have established Lake Manyara National Park as an essential Tanzania safari location.
Make sure to bring a good camera on your next Lion Safari in Tanzania - you will witness many perfect photo opportunities / Image: @martinsanchez
Budget Breakdown of a Lion Safari in Tanzania
Our Tanzania lion safaris are available for all eager and adventurous travelers who have a keen interest and passion for lions. Our safaris are set at various price points, giving you the freedom to choose an experience best suited to your budget. With economical, mid-range and luxury options you can tailor your expedition to your specific needs. If you have an exact budget you would like to adhere to - no problem. We can design our African Lion Safari exclusively to suit you.
Here's a quick rundown of what to expect for each option before making your Tanzania safari booking.
ECONOMICAL: The most simplistic and cost-effective option, this package incorporates most of the standout lion safari experiences, including staggering game drives and scenic hiking trails. You'll spend your evenings unwinding at classically rustic accommodations surrounded by beautiful landscapes. A must for intrepid travelers or those who prefer to feel a more authentic African experience.
MID-RANGE: If you'd prefer to rest your head somewhere a little more upmarket, our mid-range offering will allow you to do just that. Consisting of gorgeous three and four-star properties and camps. You'll enjoy all of the lion safari experiences without sacrificing your comforts and amenities as the night rolls in.
LUXURY: For those discerning travelers, we offer incredible customizable luxury lion safaris where everything from private Tanzania safari tours to lavish private jets and opulent accommodations can be built into your bespoke 7-day itinerary. The unforgettable experiences don't stop there as you'll have the option to request the most exquisite campsites, acclaimed personal chefs and sumptuous spa treatments. If you have your heart set on an unparalleled getaway, it doesn't get any better than this.
A safari vehicle watches a lion devouring his kill. A breathtaking sight to observe if you get the chance / Image: Ikuka Safari Camp
What can you learn on a Lion Safari?
Throughout a lion safari, you can learn many fascinating aspects and features about lions that are extremely informative and captivating. Below we give you an outline of everything that you can expect to learn on your next lion safari in Tanzania.
Lion Behaviour and Social Dynamics:
Lion Pride Dynamics - Learn about how the social structures of lion prides work, from dominant males to powerful lionesses and their cubs. Witness the fascinating interactions between pride members through communication, protection and sharing food amongst themselves.
Approach To Hunting - Lions typically hunt with other pride members, usually this group are the lionesses of the pride. Learn how they collaborate and stratergize together when it comes to taking down large prey animals.
Male and Female Lions - During your safari you will get to observe many male and female lions in action and learn what their specific roles are within the pride. Male lions tend to protect and defend the pride and their terrirtory, female lionesses do the majority of hunting for food. However, there is much more to uncover about the different gender dynamics which you will gain insights to, along your journey.
How lions communicate:
Roaring - You can hear a lion roar from up to 5 miles away reaching up to a staggaring 114 decibels. Why do lions roar? A lion safari will uncover why their roar is used to communicate to other lions, mark their territory as well as let their pride know they are near.
Physical Expression - Lions are not only known to roar, they also use varied facial expressions and postures to communicate. Learn how they use their ears, faces and tails to communicate how they are feeling to other lions.
How Lions Hunt and Feed:
Approach to Hunting - When hunting with other pride members, they typically hunt for prey that are large herbivores, such as zebra, buffalo and antelope as well as other species which can also include giraffe. A lion safari will teach you how lions choose their prey, stalk and chase as well as how they work together to kill the targeted animal. There are many different skills they use including timing and stealth to take down their prey.
Feeding order - Within a pride, the male lions will eat first even though the female lions have killed the prey. Females will feed after the males and cubs will be last to feed on the carcus. How do lions make sure all pride members get fed adequately? A lion safari will give you all the insights.
The Conservation of Lions:
Threats to Lions - Throughout a lion safari, its important to gain a deeper insight into the obstacles lions face in the plight for survival. Many of the challanges they face are human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, poaching, hunting and climate change. You will most likely learn how conservation is helping to protect lions and what they are doing to tackle these subjects.
Meetings with Conservation Organisations - On our African Lion Safari, we offer our travelers the opportunity to connect and experience an exclusive talk with renowed conservation organisations in Tanzania that can give travelers an in depth insight into lion conservation as well as tell you more about what they are doing to stabalize and increase lion numbers.
Visiting local communities - Lions and local communities have experienced a rich history in conflict. Typically on a lion safari, you will be able to visit these communities or tribes and learn how they are dealing with these clashes in todays world and how they are living alonside wildlife harmoniously.
Lions and the Ecosystem:
Lions play a key role in the Ecosystem - Learning how lions play a crucial role in the ecosystem is an important part of any lion safari and your guide will most likely tell you how their roles contribute largly to the environment. Mainly, they maintain healthy herbivore numbers in turn helping plant life flourish. Lions play a key part in preserving the health of the savanna, forests and plains of Tanzania.
Lions and other wildlife - Its a fascinating aspect to learn about how lions coexist with wildlife species, such as other apex predators, scavengers and herbivores.
Lion Habitat - There are sevaral different landscapes and terrains in Tanzania and whats interesting is to learn where lions like to live, where they thrive and which habitats work best for their environment.
Lion Breeding and Reproduction:
Cubs, Mating and Heirachy - Mating and breeding behaviours are an insightful topic and will give you many insights into how lion prides truly work. The heirachy of male lions also plays a big part in mating rights. Lionesses can give birth to litter at any time during the year so if you are lucky enough to catch a mother with her young cubs you’ll gain an insight into their early development.
The early lives of Lion Cubs - Lion cubs are extremely vulnerable in the wild and some do not make it to adulthood. The prides responsibility to raise and protect them is important. Learn how the pride teach them hunting skills, how to play and fight, and the risks they will experience from other predators as well as adapt to the changes in environment and climate change.
Observing Lions Respectfully:
Principled wildlife viewing - When on a lion safari, your guide should be educating you about ethical and respectful wildlife viewing practices. Keeping a safe distance from lions as well as allowing them enough space to feel comfortable without disturbing them in their natural habitat is extremely important.
Tracking Lions - On nature walks in particular, you will learn how to track lion spoors and how to decipher how old the footprints have been there for as well as learn signs of lion scat, both of which can indicate how this helps to locate the lions.
A lion pride laze on top of a rock near a water source. There are countless things to learn about on a lion safari in Tanzania / Image: @markattree
What's Included With a Lion Safari in Tanzania?
To make your preparation process as smooth as possible, take a look through this comprehensive list of everything that's included in our tours.
Pre-departure Information Package: This helpful package contains the most important information you need to know before setting off on your exciting safari trip. A detailed breakdown of each day of the tour, a practical packing list of must-have items and all the necessary forms you'll need to fill out are included.
All Lodging Details (Hotels & Camps): Each package is inclusive of your accommodation for each night of the tour. Depending on which option you choose and which area you're staying in - this will either be a combination of classic campsites, hotels and luxury lodges.
All Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all built into the tour on the days of your adventure. Depending on which package option you have chosen, the type of meals you'll be served will be parallel to your selection. You can be rest assured that all food that is served is at a high standard.
Experienced Local Trip Leaders Fluent In English: Our excellent local guides ensure you have the most extraordinary journey through Tanzania's parks and nature reserves. Fountains of knowledge and passionate about Tanzania's breathtaking nature, our guides are what make each tour so remarkable and their dedication to improving the outlook for the country’s lions is unwavering. This is why its so important that conversing with our guides is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
All Ground Transportation: We'll take care of all your ground transportation when you land and throughout the entire adventure returning you back to the airport comfortably. Allowing you to travel in style in a 4X4 vehicle as you spend your days wildlife spotting and cruising through the most stunning pockets of the country.
Airport Transfers: Your transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport is included, though this doesn't apply if you're visiting from a different airport.
National Park Site Entry Fees: Each park has its own entrance fee and the price of entry to every park on the tour is included in the total cost of the package.
All Local Taxes: Additional taxes can be an unexpected cost for many travelers but our tours include all such fees, meaning you won't need to worry about accounting for these costs at a later date.
Let Us Plan Your Ideal African Safari
Tailored safaris in Africa, customized to your needs. Our team designs personalized experiences to match your preferences. Explore top destinations like Serengeti and Okavango Delta. Travel solo, with a partner, in a group, or with family. Click HERE to contact us to start your adventure!
Our Tanzania Lion Safari Itinerary
Get excited for the adventures ahead and explore our itinerary for Tanzania's astounding lion safari tour.
Day 1: As you touch down in Tanzania and enjoy your private transfer to Arusha - you’ll get acquainted with your very own BornWild guide and enjoy a welcome drink on arrival. Savor your first Tanzanian dinner and learn about your up and coming trip with your personal guide.
Day 2: Get ready - for our adventure begins! Exciting times lay ahead as we experience one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa - Lake Manyara and embark on the most unique adventure - Tanzania’s Treetop Walkway to observe wildlife with a birds-eye-view from the tops of the trees. After our sky-high adventure, we will hit the road and travel to the famous Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 3: Welcome to one of the 7 Wonders of Africa - The Ngorongoro Crater! Not only will we be observing the Crater’s 65 resident lions but our day will be filled with breathtaking blends of scenery and wildlife coupled with a fascinating historical and cultural element. In the afternoon we will enjoy our private talk with lion conservation organisation - Kope Lion.
Day 4: Enjoy a day of sun-soaked experiences! Our day starts early as we pack up, leave camp and head to the legendary Serengeti. Here, we will witness the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth - The Great Migration. Observing lions and their actions towards the famous stampede is breath-taking and thoroughly captivating. We will also be observing the other fabulous resident wildlife of the Serengeti which consists of elephant, crocodile, zebra, cheetah, leopard, black rhino and so much more!
Day 5: We will awaken at dawn to enjoy our gorgeous sunrise game drive as we depart the Serengeti and head towards the stunning Ndutu Plains. On this game drive we will be tracking lions and watching them come to life in the cool hours of the morning light. In the afternoon we will enjoy an immersive nature walk in the Ndutu Plains where we will learn about wildlife from the bush as well as track lion spoors.
Day 6: Our adventures wouldn’t be a BornWild experience without an spectacular mountain hike. Today we get to hike one of the most sought-after hiking spots in Tanzania - the Olmoti Crater and Munge Waterfalls. After our hike we will head to Nainokanoka where we will enjoy a cultural experience and spend time with the Maasai tribe and learn about their way of life.
Day 7: After an exciting week in Tanzania, it’s time to head back home. As we gather for one last breakfast to say our goodbyes to our fellow explorers - take a moment to reflect on this incredible journey we have experienced in Tanzania. The heart of lion-land.
Our Lion Safari Itineraries are subject to which level of adventure you choose to book. This itinerary is based on the mid-range option and is our most popular.
Download the African Lion Safari Itinerary here:
A lioness peering down from a tree top branch gazing at the camera. Lake Manyara is renowned for its tree-climbing lions - make sure you stop there on your next lion safari in Tanzania / Image: @tomsnaps
A Final Note on Lion Safaris in Tanzania
BornWild Tanzania Lion Safaris: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters
At BornWild, we hold ourselves to the highest standard as one of the premier safari companies in Tanzania. What sets us apart is our singular focus on providing exceptional lion-focused encounters, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wonders of these majestic creatures like never before.
Our team takes immense pride in crafting meticulously planned Tanzania lion safaris that promise an unforgettable journey through the heart of the wild. Expect to witness the raw beauty of nature, the awe-inspiring sight of lions in their natural habitat, and the thrill of spotting these magnificent animals up close.
For those seeking a truly remarkable adventure, look no further than BornWild's curated lion safari experiences. Our expert guides will lead you on an unparalleled wildlife expedition, ensuring every moment is filled with discovery and excitement that will stay with you forever.
If you're ready to embark on this extraordinary journey with BornWild, we invite you to explore our exclusive lion safari packages on our dedicated page. Let us be your gateway to the untamed beauty of Tanzania's wilderness, where every safari moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered.
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YOU DREAM - WE CREATE
Our tailored Tanzanian safaris are bespoke and customizable and we design to cater to your every need.
Our Design team is dedicated to crafting personalized experiences that perfectly align with your preferences, requirements, and aspirations. From the sweeping plains of the Serengeti to the untamed beauty of Ngorongoro Crater, we leave no destination in Tanzania unexplored.
Whether you're venturing alone, with a partner, as a group, or with your family - Reach out to us today, and let's embark on the journey of a lifetime!