TOP 5 PLACES TO SEE SAFARI LIONS IN AFRICA

Safari Lions in Africa / Image: Wade Lambert

The King of the Jungle!

If you’ve landed on this page - you’ve come to learn more about the most regal animal living in the African plains - The Lion. Travellers from far and wide come to Africa to catch a glimpse of this magnificent animal. Lions in Africa are known globally for their strength, courage and power.

Chances are that if you’ve landed on this page - you are considering coming to Africa to spot this brilliant beast. Lions are the true kings of the African jungle and one of the most desired animals to see in the Africa.

What makes lions in Africa so mesmerising is their historical blood line. Through years and years in history - the lion has also been known for royalty and stateliness. Safari lions demonstrate the true epitome of these words. Watching the lives of lions in Africa, you will get to see that their lives within a pride are not only extremely violent but also very simplistic. If you take a closer look into their world - you will see a beautiful story to be told. One of friendship, love, strong bonds, determination and resilience.

The author John Henry Patterson told a different story, in his book ‘The Man-Eaters of Tsavo’ where lions were perceived as nothing more than man-eaters. We see them very differently. Lions in Africa are the beating heart of the African continent and the only animal that feels like a royal privilege to be in its presence. Through their deep breaths and spine-tingling roars, the Lion is a significant reminder that they deserve this land, deserve their life and deserve their true prowess existence. This african wilderness still belongs to them.

PS: Browse our ‘Top 5 places to see lions in Africa’ below for inspiration. We visit some of these locations on our African Safari Trip! If these locations appeal to you, simply contact one of our African Safari Trip Experts and they'll be more than happy to help.

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Serengeti National Park

Feast your eyes on one of Africa’s famous parks with an abundance of lions - The Serengeti boasts a thriving number of safari lions.

How many lions are there in the Serengeti? There are approx 3,000 safari lions in the Serengeti. The Serengeti is believed to have the largest population of lions in Africa due to the large number of prey species. More than 3000 safari lions live here, meaning that you won’t have a problem spotting these big cats on your lion safari.

The Serengeti plains offer safari lions a generous space to roam, hunt and live. If you get to go on an African lion safari in the Serengeti, then you will get to witness the Great Migration too. Not only does this offer a great opportunity to see thousands of wildebeest cross the plains in search of fresh pastures and water but its an ideal opportunity to witness how prides of safari lions take advantage of hunting prey right before your very eyes. Witnessing a kill can be a hair-raising experience but a fascinating addition to watching the Migration. The Serengeti is a great place to book a lion safari and offers year-round lion sightings.

The diverse number of coalitions and prides in the Serengeti is great for lion watching and unlike their solitary big-cat family members - the safari lion is one of the only cats that truly loves to be social and thrives in the dynamics of a big group.

If you’re looking for an ideal safari to spot lions in Africa - head to the Serengeti!

Safari Lions in Africa / Image: Dharmit Shah

Whats great about the Serengeti is that you can camp right in the heart of the national park and sleep under the stars. This is a perfect way to get a real taste of living side by side to safari lions.

If you’d like to experience lions in Africa and the Serengeti - Check out our exceptional African Lion Safari!

Safari Lions in Africa / Image: Avel Chuklanov

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater has a very interesting history of lions in Africa. In fact the history is so turbulent that journeying through this crater and learning about these supreme beasts will bring wonder to your eyes and ears.

Although the number of prides within the crater are conservative, these safari lions here haven’t had an easy ride through history and nearly died out a few decades ago.

Aside from taking a trip to this abundantly beautiful region of Africa, the crater cradles a magnitude of beautiful animals. There are a total of around 65-75 safari lions on the Crater floor. There are only a handful of prides, of which most consist of adult females.

The Ngorongoro Crater has always been considered one of the best places to see lions in Africa. Lion numbers have gone through highs and lows over the decades and in 1975 the Ngorongoro Crater had one of the highest populations of lions in Africa. It then dropped to around 55 in 2014. Just four magnificent lion prides rule over the Ngorongoro now.

Due to the inprisonment of the crater walls, the Maasai Tribe population increasing and their cattle blocking the corridor from the Crater to the Serengeti - this has caused many challenges for the resident safari lions here. Lions could not enter or escape and has led to a long history of inbreeding which has affected their fertility and susceptibility to disease. However there does seem to be hope for these historic lions. A program known as Lion Guardians. A fund will pay the Maasai communities for the safari lions that are present upon Maasai land. In other words, the Maasai will receive money for the lions that live, not the cows that die. We’ll be learning more about these iconic safari lions on our African Lion Safari

One supreme and legendary lion lives here named ‘Hjalmar The Dreadful’ and he is not only a sight to behold but the Craters most iconic lion. He is aptly named due to his large maine full of muddy dreads. Born to the Munge pride in the Crater floors in 2010 - Hjalmar teamed up with unrelated male, Kijana and they became the resident males in the two lion prides. Hjalmar has had a brave and triumphant life so far, he wandered from Kijana and journeyed 60 kilometres away and was found in the Serengeti Plains having dodged a lion hunt. Not to be seen or heard for the following 18 months. Reports stirred that Hjalmar was hanging out with a lionesses in the small marsh area of Ndutu. Now at his graceful age, Hjalmar signifies success having survived a trek from the crater floor to the Serengeti and back to the Crater. Lion Conservationists work to secure a safe corridor between the Ngorongoro Crater and the larger Serengeti ecosystem has worked and is a triumphant success!

Top 5 Places To See Safari Lions In Africa — Safari Lions in Africa

Tsavo National Park, Kenya

Kenya has done a stellar job in banning the practice of lion hunting since 1977. Kenya has one park that is particularly famous for a special clan of safari lions - Tsavo National Park. Tsavo East National Park is Kenya’s oldest national park which covers nearly 22,000 km² and is the largest National Park in Kenya, as well as one of the largest in the world. It is also home to the biggest Elephant herds in the country, as well as large prides of Lions in Africa.

Safari Lions in Africa / Image: Jean Wimmerlin

Tsavo National Park is one of the worlds largest game reserves, providing wilderness space to a large number of animals. Due to its sheer size, the Park has been split into 2 separate regions – Tsavo West and Tsavo East. The dividing boundary is the ‘Nairobi to Mombasa highway’. The 2 regions offer different experiences. But within these two parks - they are famous for The Tsavo Lions. A population of adult males who are famous for the lack of manes. There are about 675 safari lions in the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem.

The region was also made famous by the book - “The Man-eaters of Tsavo” two Lions that killed around 130 people during the construction of the Kenyan-Uganda railway line in 1898.

These two mane-less male lions chewed their way through 135 railway workers over a period of 9 months while the Kenyan-Uganda railway was being constructed. These lions were eventually shot and killed by Colonel John Patterson (who wrote the book), and are on display today at the Chicago Natural History Museum in the USA, but their descendents can still be found in large numbers in the Park, although they now prefer zebra and gazelles as their staple food.

The bigger mystery, though, is why the Tsavo lions had an appetite for people? Was it food scarcity and desperation? Or was it the crippling aftereffects of dental injury? We cover the answer and more about these lions in our African Lion Safari

Lake Manyara National Park

If you ever find yourself faced with a lion - don’t climb the trees in Lake Manyara! In Lake Manyara National Park - The safari lions are known as "tree-climbing lions’. These unique safari lions attract visitors from all over the globe and usually spend their days on the branches of the trees, while they descend to the ground at sunset in search of food.

Lake Manyara was once the filming location of the classic Tarzan movies. Its a popular destination for lion safari’s between Arusha and the Serengeti (and one we’ll be visiting on our African Lion Safari Adventure).

The park's tree-climbing lions are the biggest attraction on any lion safari. Up until recently, only Lake Manyara and Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth national Park could boast this rare opportunity of tree-climbing lions. It is now said that these tree-climbing big cats have now spread to the Serengeti as well.

Are Lions good tree climbers and why do they climb trees? Lions in Africa are good tree-climbers but only climb trees to protect themselves as well as get away from the constant irritation of insect bites that they encounter when lazing on the ground. Some say, that these safari lions have perfected the art of tree climbing to escape the sweltering heat and to stay cool underneath the branches and leaves of the tree. A big gain for a lion in a tree is that it provides an excellent vantage point to observe the movement of prey across the plains in search of grazing opportunities and water.

Seasoned animal behaviorists confirm that it is strange behaviour that safari lions climb trees and lay on the branches. It is so rare to witness these bold lions that you are only able to spot these lions in the 3 places above on your lion safari.

Besides these unique species, Lake Manyara is a great location for a safari and even better to combine it on the way to the Serengeti (we cover both regions on our African Lion Safari Adventure). This park is really an integral part of the Tanzanian experience. Its also hugely famous for the bustling amount of pink flamingoes it attracts to the lake. A sight to behold and one, coupled with the safari lions and bird species makes for an epic safari.

Lake Manyara lies at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and is a protected lake by the park. Forests full of climbing safari lions, wetlands that attract over 500 bird species, floodplain, Giraffes slowly sauntering the acacia woodlands - Lake Manyara has it all! We explore Lake Manyara as well as the Serengeti and Mount Longonot on our African Lion Safari Adventure!

Mount Longonot National Park

Mount Longonot was once the mightiest Volcano in the Great Rift Valley! Its also the biggest of the Rift Valley Volcanoes. Longonots crater rim shoots nearly 3000 m above the rift floor and sits over the sparkling waters of Lake Naivasha.

The crater rim provides the most beautiful scenic views of the Great Rift Valley. Mount longmont attracts a plethora of wildlife. Safari lions, buffaloes, elands, leopard, bushbucks, zebra, giraffe and Grant’s gazelles. Mount Longonot is excellent for a walking safari too (we visit Mount Longonot on our African Lion Safari)

This flourishing mountain is surrounded by the popular homelands of the Maasai. The Nilo-Hamitic Maasai tribe are the most visually striking and colourful tribes in Kenya. They are nomads who’s lives have remained the same for many centuries and reflect a constant search for water and grazing plains for their cattle.

Going on a lion safari to Mount Longonot is best when the weather is good (Jan - March or July - October). This mountain offers incredible views! You’ll get to see Lake Naivasha, Mau Escarpment, the peaks of the Aberdares and the Great Rift Valley.

Mount Longonot is famous for the wildlife you may encounter on its trails. Black and white colobus monkeys are plentiful inside the rim of the volcano and bearded vultures will circle ahead. Buffaloes and safari Lions roam the southern slopes and sometimes are encountered on the crater floor.

Come join us on our African Lion Safari where we hike Mount Longonot!

BONUS GUIDE

Safari Lions in Africa / Image: Rohit Valmar

WHAT’S IN THIS GUIDE?

Quickest Ways To Spot Safari Lions In Africa
How To Behave Near Safari Lions
Tips To See Safari Lions In Africa On A Budget
Where else to spot Safari Lions in Africa

QUICKEST WAYS TO SPOT SAFARI LIONS IN AFRICA

Now that you know where the best African National Parks are to see safari lions, what are the quickest ways to spot them?

Some travelers can spend days driving on safari, longing to spot these magnificent creatures with no avail. Safari lions can be elusive, stealthy and mysterious which can make them difficult to find. The legendary safari lion likes to live a private life on occasion.

African seasons also play a big part in spotting lions. If the vegetation and bushes are high during the rainy seasons, lions in Africa can move beneath the tall grasses without being seen. During high heat seasons, lions like to hide in the shade which can also make it difficult to locate them.

As experts in African safaris and lion conservation, we have put our knowledge in writing to create this comprehensive guide to help you see lions quicker. Enabling you to spend more time observing them than trying to find them. Here’s to a better safari.

HEAD TO THE ACACIA TREES

Safari lions are often seen climbing trees, especially Acacia trees. When going on safari, make sure to scan trees, particularly in areas where there are tsetse flies as lions retreat to tree tops to avoid them.

Safari Lions in Africa / Image: Anika Mikkelson

HEAD TO THE ROCK FORMATIONS

Large rock formations, also known as ‘Kopjes’ are rocky or hilly areas within a generally flat region. Safari lions in Africa love to retreat here in order to seek refuge, use it as a hiding place to protect their newborn cubs and use the highest look out points to watch out for prey. Rock formations are found all over Africa and are a great place to seek safari lions.

LISTEN OUT FOR BIRDS AND MONKEYS

When a predator is in town, it’s almost easier to hear than spot. If you hear the shrill sounds of birds as well as monkeys and baboons chattering at sudden notice, there is a good chance a lion is close by.

HEAD TO WHERE OTHER SAFARI VEHICLES ARE CONGREGATING

A sure fire and reliable way to spot safari lions in Africa is to keep track of where other safari vehicles are gathering. When there is a lion, a lion pride or other Big 5 animals in the region, you can guarantee that there will be a collection of safari vehicles nearby to witness the sighting.

LOOK OUT FOR PREY ANIMALS ON ALERT

If you approach an area where there are prey animals, use their ears and eyes to tell you if a lion is near. Prey animals' senses are more attuned to their surroundings than we are. They rely on sights, sounds and smells to tell them if they are in threat of an approaching predator. If you see prey animals frozen and staring in one direction, there is a good chance that a lion is close.

Safari Lions in Africa / Image: Neil & Zulma Scott

2. HOW TO BEHAVE NEAR SAFARI LIONS

Are you journeying to Africa to see safari lions for the first time? If so, we hope you have enjoyed reading our helpful guide about spotting safari lions in Africa so you get a good head start in observing this amazing animal. Next comes learning the etiquette on how to behave appropriately around safari lions. Believe it or not and as surprising as it sounds - many people don’t know how to act correctly around lions and their prides.

For you, traveling to Africa might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one that you strive to make the most of, but for the resident lions in Africa, it's an average day in their life. Most safari lions in Africa are well acquainted with tourists, however their daily lives also consist of being followed in safari jeeps, being interrupted whilst stalking prey and being tracked by a crowd of people whilst sleeping or protecting their young.

To get the balance right between visiting safari lions and letting them live undisturbed by humans as much as possible, we have written a comprehensive guide on lions in Africa and how best to behave near them. If you are traveling to Africa to observe lions, then you will probably want to encourage their quality of life - but equally for you to observe the amazing lions themselves. Read our guide on how to do it correctly……

ALLOW SPACE BETWEEN YOU AND THE LION

When going on an African safari, you will most probably be journeying to regions of Africa within the safety of a safari vehicle. It's important to acknowledge that driving too close to lions in Africa or any other wild animal is highly discouraged as well as it not being in the best interests of the animal too.

Safari Lions in Africa / Image: Matthieu Petriard

Lions in Africa live freely, even though we get to visit them in a National Park - we are essentially visiting them in their home.

Granted, we have traveled thousands of miles to observe them, but we still have to be mindful that it is their environment and the way we treat them is essential to their quality of life.

Understandably, desiring a close-up picture or look at a lion is exciting but more importantly, allowing animals space is paramount as well as safer for us too.

DO NOT SHOUT AT A LION

Whilst observing lions on your next safari, it is fundamental to be quiet and respectful around safari lions and their prides. Shouting at a lion to get their attention or to disturb them is not the dun thing. Nowadays, this level of conduct towards the animals is not accepted and could get you removed by the National Park.

Like we said before, when you go on safari - you are visiting safari lions within their home range and if you are a lion enthusiast like us, you will want them to feel as relaxed and undisturbed as possible within your company. Acting correctly will get you better views and images of the lions in Africa as well as more time in their presence.

DO NOT FEED LIONS

It is not allowed to feed wild lions in any of the National Parks in Africa. Feeding safari lions can be tempting if you witness a lion in desperate need of food, however it is essential to leave them to survive independently and the way nature intended.

Feeding lions food rests can also be harmful towards the animal too. If you are concerned about a lion - report it to the National Park and allow them to deal with the issue separately.

It is also essential to retract from littering any National Park where lions in Africa roam. Africa is working towards a more sustainable future for all inhabitants and it's important to contribute towards these efforts when we visit.

DO NOT APPROACH LIONS

Never approach any lions in Africa. Lions are able to kill a human with one swipe of their paw as well as being an extremely dangerous animal. Any lions in Africa that are accompanied by cubs will be fiercely aggressive if you come too close. A mother lioness will be severely protective over their young and will kill if she feels threatened.

Observe safari lions from a distance and with respect.

If there is any concern that a lion could be injured, do not approach. Contact the National Park in which you are and alert them immediately. It is strongly advised to never approach any wild animal, despite how harmless it may seem.

STAND YOUR GROUND IF A LION CHARGES AT YOU

In the rare event that you experience a safari lion charging at you, it is paramount to follow the instructions your tour guide and ranger give you. However, it is no secret to face the lion directly and to not turn your back and run if they are charging at you. It’s essential to stand your ground but to back away slowly keeping eye contact whilst clapping your hands. Most lion charges are mock charges and not dangerous but with any wild animal - it’s important to remain as safe as possible and act accordingly.

Two other tips for remaining safe is to shout and make as much noise as possible, as well as throw anything you have in your hand at the lion.

3. TIPS TO SEE SAFARI LIONS IN AFRICA ON A BUDGET

Safari Lions In Africa / Image: @weipanux

GET CLEAR ON YOUR BUDGET
Once you have decided you want to travel to Africa to see safari lions, the most important next step is to determine what your budget is. Your budget should include what you can afford for the overall trip cost (flight / accommodation + safari guide), spending money and then food costs. The bulk of your budget will go on flights, then accommodation, then guide / food and lastly spending money. Unless you have points or miles, flight costs will be the biggest cost you will expect to swallow. However, the good news is - there are many options on the market to book affordable safari guides and lodges. Food and drink in Africa isn’t expensive and spending money is optional.
DROP THE NUMBER OF DAYS
Being able to book a trip to see safari lions in Africa doesn't have to be a long adventure. To be able to afford a hearty adventure, sometimes all it takes is to minimize the days of your trip. An ideal minimum number of days to see safari lions in Africa, can be done within 5 days, not including travel days.
BOOK DURING OFF-PEAK SEASONS
Another great tip in booking an affordable adventure is to book it during off-peak seasons. These seasons are outside of school and public holidays. You will find the best deals traveling within these months and booking off-peak is one the best travel hacks in the book!
FLY ON A TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY
Once you have determined your budget, number of days and which off-peak season you will travel in, one of the cheapest days to travel on is either a Tuesday or Wednesday. This is because most people travel on the weekends, hence why prices are higher. Traveling on a Tuesday or Wednesday will also be less busy too.
OPT FOR A SAFARI COMPANY IN AFRICA
When you decide to purchase your safari - there are an array of options when it comes to selecting which safari company you book with to see safari lions in Africa.
If you are on a tight budget, our advice is to avoid booking with a fully organized tour operator. Booking a full adventure means that you will be escorted and guided by your tour operator from the minute you land in Africa to the day you depart. They will take care of everything for you from lodges, transport, food and all excursions throughout your trip, and this will come at a price. Booking with a safari tour company whilst you are in Africa is your best bet. This means booking a two to three day adventure where the guide and vehicle pick you up from your hotel and take you on a shorter safari adventure. You will also be able to choose from a variety of lodges and campsites and you can shop around to choose the most affordable.
CAMP YOUR WAY THROUGH YOUR TRIP
If you are not able to afford lodgings when you travel to see safari lions in Africa, do not worry. There is a great alternative to booking lodges - camping! Camping in Africa is very accessible and there are always available campsites in every National Park. It’s a great way to experience Africa too, especially at Night. Camping allows you to get a real taste of the wild and feel much more connected to nature. Rustic camping is a fantastic way to see safari lions in Africa.

Safari Lions In Africa / Image: huchenme

4. WHERE ELSE TO SPOT SAFARI LIONS IN AFRICA

Safari Lions In Africa / Image: @vincentvanzalinge

MAASAI MARA NATIONAL PARK

Masai Mara National Park, located in Kenya - is one of the best National Parks to spot safari lions in Africa. It is also considered to have the highest number of lions in the continent. Traveling to the Masai Mara will guarantee you have a high chance of seeing the magnificent lions and their prides.

Masai Mara National Park is situated north of the Serengeti and is an ideal spot to capture a glimpse of the Great Migration too, which in turn attracts a lot of lions who are hunting prey.

This beautiful Kenyan region is ideal to observe lions. Its untamed natural landscapes, friendly people, a variety of exotic animals, reptiles and birds make this park one of the most famed regions in Africa.

The Maasai Mara also boasts some of the most luxurious impressive and eco-friendly safari lodges in the whole continent. One of our favorites is the Angama Safari Camp which is located right in the heart of Kenya, perfect for safari vacations as well as spotting safari lions in Africa. It’s also situated right above the legendary Great Rift Valley which makes for breath-taking views. Read more about it HERE

Safari Lions In Africa / Image: @zhenomad

BOTSWANA

Botswana is one of the best countries to see safari lions in Africa. Particularly Northern Botswana and within the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

Botswana is a mecca for wild animals as its landscapes are high ranking for the most beautiful nature reserves in Africa. Botswana offers many diverse terrains and regions to explore, from the Kalahari Desert to the Okavango Delta to the Makgadikgadi Basin. It also provides many fabulous settings to observe wildlife as well as endless landscapes to explore.

If you opt to travel to Botswana to see safari lions in Africa - you have chosen a wonderful place. You will see lions dotted throughout Botswana so wherever you are, you will be spoilt for choice. The Savuti Chobe National Park is home to magnificent sightings of lions. The Okavango Delta is situated here and even though the region has a high percentage of water swamps and rivers, lions who live here have adapted to being so close to water due to the large populations of buffalo.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK & SABI SANDS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve are two of the most renowned and esteemed safari destinations within South Africa.

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is located within the borders of Kruger National Park which make the two safari destinations very accessible to each other, ideal for visiting both and optimizing sightings of safari lions in Africa.

Both locations are rife in numbers of the Big 5 as well as an array of extraordinary wild animals you have never seen before.

Sabi Sands is famed for its large lion population but equally Kruger has more than its fair share, being home to over 1500 lions.

If you are weighing up which Park to go to, Kruger tends to be a little more affordable whereas Sabi Sands is more high end luxurious as it is situated within a private game reserve. Kruger is more populated with tourists since Kruger has the biggest name for a safari destination in South Africa. If budget is no option, we recommend to visit both and enjoy the diverse landscapes and experiences both offer.

Make An Impact On Your Next African Safari!

Discover an African Safari with a unique perspective. We have developed one of the most extraordinary experiences that bridges Lion Conservation with adventure travel.

Our expedition takes us on a thrilling route through Tanzania - exploring one of the most extraordinary journeys in Africa.

Our African safari trip will highlight Lion Conservation and we will be exposing travellers to resources and experiences you will only encounter through this adventure. Experience lion conservation from the worlds best lion conservation experts and registered conservation charities to enable you to broaden your safari experience above and beyond your wildest dreams.

‘AFRICAN LION SAFARI’ Is Our Biggest Adventure Yet

Main Image: Fabrizio Frigeni

Top 5 Places To See Safari Lions In Africa