Summary Best Locations:
Lions are at the top of the wish-list for most safari-goers. They are the most iconic members of Africa’s Big Five and play an essential ecological role as keystone predators. Lions typically favor areas with plentiful open grassland and are found in major national parks and game reserves across Southern and East Africa. Being diurnal and naturally sociable, they are easier to spot than the elusive leopard and many of Africa’s smaller nocturnal felines. However, due to their hunting habits, encounters are more likely during the evening hours when they actively hunt.
Despite their wide distribution, lions are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The African population has declined by 43% since the early 1990s, primarily due to habitat loss and hunting. Observing these kings and queens of the bush remains a rare privilege. You can increase your chances of an encounter by visiting safari destinations known for healthy lion populations. Here are five of the best locations to connect with these magnificent creatures.
1. Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, Tanzania & Kenya
The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem encompasses the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in southern Kenya. Home to around 4,000 lions, this area includes well-known prides featured in documentaries like Big Cat Diaries. Timing your visit to coincide with the annual Great Migration allows for outstanding lion sightings as they follow vast herds of wildebeest and zebra in search of prey. Head to southern Serengeti from December to March for calving season and visit the Mara River in July and August to witness ambush hunting as lions target wildebeest crossing the river. In Kenya, private conservancies offer an exclusive safari experience.
2. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Located in central Tanzania, Ruaha National Park is the country’s largest game reserve and one of its least visited, offering an escape from the crowds of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Approximately 40% of Tanzania’s lions reside here, with some prides reaching up to 30 individuals. The Ruaha lions are known for forming large prides and have smaller territories, making them easy to locate. Lionesses often work together to hunt Cape buffalo, providing a thrilling experience for visitors.
3. Greater Kruger Area, South Africa
South Africa’s largest national park, the Kruger, boasts a lion population of around 1,800. The southern sector is particularly renowned for lion sightings, attributed to a higher concentration of prey animals. Self-driving visitors will find the tar road between Skukuza and Satara offers numerous opportunities for lion encounters. However, the best spots for lion viewing are often found in the unfenced private reserves adjacent to the national park, including Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Manyeleti Game Reserve, and Timbavati Private Game Reserve, known for its rare white lions.
4. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is home to over 2,300 lions, adapted to its unique aquatic ecosystem. These lions can frequently be spotted swimming between islands in search of prey from June to October during the flood season. The dry season, which coincides with the flood, is optimal for lion sightings as prey moves to higher ground. The rainy months (December to March) align with calving season, presenting excellent lion-hunting opportunities. Nearby regions such as Chobe, Savuti, and Linyati are also known for lion sightings.
5. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Located in east Zambia, South Luangwa National Park hosts large prides of up to 30 lions. The dense concentrations of game in the southern region allow lions to find prey easily without extensive territory roaming. Visitors might even witness prides developing a taste for hippos, a fascinating sight for the adventurous. The park is also noted for allowing night drives, offering unique opportunities to see lions in their most active state. Participating in one of the renowned walking safaris provides an unforgettable experience of encountering Africa’s apex predators on foot.
