The best places to see lions in Africa on your African lion safari (where are lions in Africa?)
The most iconic animal in Africa, the lion is synonymous with the African safari experience. So, where are lions in Africa? If you are planning an African lion safari or dreaming of seeing these African big cats in the wild one day, this post will tell you all you need to know about the best places to see lions in Africa.
Lions used to roam freely across most of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. As human populations developed and expanded, lions have gradually been confined to smaller and smaller habitats. Today, populations of wild African lions are limited to major African parks where there is enough food for these majestic predators, as well as sufficient land for them to roam.
The best places to see lions in Africa (in the wild) are in southern and eastern Africa. In particular, the best African lion safari countries include Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
While all lions in Africa are the same species (Pantera Leo), not all lion safari destinations are equal. While you can see these apex predators in Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, different destinations promise different kinds of African lion safari sightings. Remembering that African lions are wild animals and that sightings are never guaranteed, certain African lion safari destinations have developed reputations for particular kinds of lion sightings.
Where are lions in Africa? Kruger, South Africa
This guide answers the question, "Where are lions in Africa?" and looks at the best places to see lions in Africa. From tree-climbing and desert lions to the densest African lion populations, the fiercest lions, and the wildest lion safari destinations. Read on to find out everything you need to know about lion safari destinations in Africa.
African lion safari in Masai Mara, Kenya
See Lions in Africa to get tips for your African lion safari and find out all about these African big cats.
1. Where are lions in Africa the most abundant? - Serengeti and Masai Mara
The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is famous for having the highest population density of lions in Africa, making it one of the very best places to see lions in Africa. Lion numbers are dependent on food and space. With the continuous migration of over 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and other antelope, lion numbers are not surprisingly high. In terms of sheer abundance, the setting of the Great Migration cannot be beaten. Spanning Kenya and Tanzania, the open savannah landscape of the Serengeti-Mara plains is a fantastic spot for an African lion safari.
“Nowhere else in Africa supports quite such a concentrated abundance of hoofed meat, amid such open landscape, and therefore the Serengeti is a glorious place for lions and an ideal site for lion researchers”
– David Quammen, National Geographic Magazine
To see lions on safari in Tanzania you should visit the Serengeti National Park. The Seronera region of central Serengeti is famous for lion safari sightings. High season from July to October, has amazing lion sightings as well as some remarkable game viewing. If the drama of the Grumeti and Mara River crossing is on your hit list, you should visit from June to September. If you are not a fan of large crowds then the low season, November to March, will give you a more relaxed atmosphere in which to seek out the roaming lion prides that call the Serengeti home.
In Kenya, the top African lion safari destination is the Masai Mara National Park. The lions here were made famous by the BBC nature documentary series “The Big Cat Diary”. The Masai Mara high season starts around July when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest begin migrating across the Mara River into the Masai Mara National Reserve from the Serengeti. The wildebeest herds follow the fresh and succulent grasses that come after good rains. Remember that lions do not migrate. Pride lands are set up along the migration routes and the lions merely exploit the movement of these animals. In addition to the lions, the Masai Mara is also famous for cheetah populations that thrive on the wide-open grasslands.
Duba Plains lion safari in Botswana by Travel Local
2. Where are the biggest lions in Africa? - Duba Plains
The biggest lions in Africa are found on the Duba Plains in Botswana. Permanent water and nutritious grasses make the Duba Plains in the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta the perfect habitat for buffalo. Lions love buffalo. Almost a ton of meat that kicks and stabs with horns is a worthy prey for the king of the jungle.
The Duba Plains lions have evolved into powerful and unique specimens which is why this is one of the best places to see lions in Africa. They are the only (known) group of lions that seem to enjoy the water. Furthermore, constantly running through shallow water and taking down buffalo is the kind of workout that has resulted in the Duba Plains lions being about 15% larger than other lions. Another unique quirk is that these lions have adapted to hunt during the day, which is perfect for some epic game encounters.
The Duba Plains have pleasant daytime temperatures from March to August, but August is the most popular amongst safari-goers to the Delta. Temperatures are mild and slipping through the canals on a mokoro amongst the throngs of animals is one of the highlights of any safari adventure in Africa.
Savuti lions in Africa
3. Where are lions in Africa the most ferocious? - Savuti Marsh
In the arid Savuti region of Chobe National Park, a mega-pride of 30 lions faced an unprecedented challenge when the Savuti channel dried up. With a decline in water and lush vegetation, the ungulate population dwindled, posing a serious threat to the predators' food supply.
In a remarkable display of adaptability, the mega-pride formed and turned to an unconventional but abundant source: elephants. Forced by the necessity to target these massive creatures, the lions of Savuti became skilled elephant hunters, successfully taking down an estimated 74 elephants over three years. This extraordinary behaviour, which has been passed down through generations, defies traditional notions of lion prey preferences and draws wildlife enthusiasts and filmmakers to the Savuti region, eager to witness and document this unique survival strategy. Today this part of Chobe is still one of the most exciting destinations for an African lion safari.
Lion hunt, Serengeti safari in Africa by Demetrius John Kessy
4. The best place to see lions in Africa hunting
The best places to see lions in Africa hunt are the banks of the Mara River in the Masai Mara National Reserve of Kenya and at the southern end of the Serengeti, during the calving season. Both locations are saturated with wildebeest at different times of the Great Wildebeest Migration. The wide-open plains are gold for those looking to witness the power of African lions hunting and the drama of a lion kill.
At the Mara River, the most iconic point of the great wildebeest migration, animals queue on mass to cross the perilous, crocodile-infested waters. The lions are waiting in ambush and between July and August is a great time to witness this spectacle.
Wildebeest calving season happens in January and March at the southern end of the Serengeti. The wildebeest gather, near Maswa and Ngorongoro, to have their young before the northward migration begins. Young animals must learn to run within minutes. Lions lie in wait for the comparatively easy pickings.
Difficult to stomach but fascinating to watch, lions in action – doing what lions do – is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not for the faint of heart.
- Masai Mara Safaris (Kenya)
Sabi Sands lion safari in Africa by flowcomm
5. The best places for an African lion safari in Kruger National Park
Southern Africa’s most famous and most iconic national park is a must-visit for an African lion safari. Located in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is not only SA’s premier safari destination but also home to the majority of South Africa’s wild lions. This reserve is roughly (at just under 20,000 km²) the size of Wales. So if it is a lion safari you are after, you need to pay special attention to geography and climate.
Hot and dry in the northern reaches of the park, the lion density is about 6 lions per 100 km². This is because prey is harder to come by. It means that your odds of seeing what you came for are lower. South and central, where there is higher rainfall and therefore more vegetation, supports a greater number of herbivores and the lion population is almost twice that of the north. That means you are twice as likely to meet these majestic beasts. However, south and central Kruger is still pretty broad.
The best place for an African lion safari in the wilds of Kruger National Park is Sabi Sands.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park, is one of South Africa’s top game viewing destinations. This private reserve has unparalleled game viewing due to abundant water and restricted access. While day visitors are not allowed, and only guided safaris are offered, these guides and safari vehicles have unrestricted movement around the reserve. Sabi Sands is renowned for its Big Five safari experiences, especially sightings of the big cats, lion, and leopard. Of the best places to see lions in Africa, this is one of our top favourites.
White lion safari, Timbavati
6. Where are white lions in Africa? - Timbavati
The white lions of Timbavati have captured the imaginations of the West since the publication of Chris Mcbride’s 1977 book, The White Lions of Timbavati. Sacred to the local Tsonga people, “Tsimba Vati”, directly translated, means the place where the star lions fell to earth. These lions are sacred, mystical, and revered. The result of a genetic mutation called leucism, white lions are extremely rare.
“Timbavati Private Nature remains the only reserve in the world … where wild white lions occur regularly and naturally” William Sonnenberg
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, north of Sabi Sands and part of the Greater Kruger National Park, is singular in the naturally occurring white lions. Occurring in two forms; white with blue eyes and pink lips, noses, and pads and brown eyes with black lips, noses, and pads. Reserved for only a lucky few, an encounter with these lions is described by many as a spiritual encounter.
In the late ’70s, two of these cubs were moved to Johannesburg Zoo for a breeding program. The resulting offspring are the estimated 400 captive white lions found around the world.
Kalahari lions in Africa
7. Where to see black-maned desert lions? - Kalahari Desert
The best place to see the black-maned lions of the Kalahari is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park spans northern South Africa and Botswana and shares a border with Namibia to the west. The best time to visit the park is between the dry winter months of April and October. With little water available, animals congregate near permanent water sources. Chances of seeing special animals like the black manes lions increase as the bush thins and foliage dies off.
Black-maned desert lions are masters of the desert environment. More light-weight and slender with longer legs and larger feet, these desert-adapted lions are built for endurance. Their fur is pale gold and males sport a distinctive black mane. While large lion prides are the norm in game-rich wildlife reserves like Kruger and the Serengeti, in arid regions, prides can consist of a single mating pair, up to small prides of six members. The black-maned Kalahari Desert lions are rare and have become an icon of survival. Scientists believe that the black manes may indicate higher levels of testosterone and in turn, these black manes are more attractive to female lions.
Tsavo lion on safari in Kenya by Matt Berlin
8. Where are the man-eating lions in Africa? - Selous and Tsavo
Yes, that’s right—mane-less lions. Scientists are unsure exactly why these males do not have manes. It’s a bit of a mystery as sometimes mane-less lions are born in the same litter as maned lions in Africa. Mane-less lions are real, and if you are a lion connoisseur, then head to the Nyerere National Park (previously called Selous Game Reserve) of Tanzania. Here, mane-less lions are fairly common and are often the dominant males in their area.
A man-eater is something else altogether. Did you know that the famous man-eaters of Tsavo were mane-less? Between March and December 1898 a pair of male lions reportedly killed around 130 construction workers. Eventually, the rouge lions were shot and after being used as a carpet for a few years were sold to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, USA, where they are on display today.
You can visit the site of these legendary killers and even stay at the Man-eaters Camp. The male lions at Tsavo in Kenya, generally do not have manes. The best time to visit Tsavo is between June and October and in January and February. At these times the game viewing is best and you might just get a glimpse of descendants of the legendary man-eaters of Tsavo.
Ngorongoro Crater - best places to see lions by William Warby
9. Best African lion safari day trips (Big 5 Safaris): Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area is part of the Serengeti Biosphere Reserve. Unique among African safari destinations, the Ngorongoro Crater is a large volcanic caldera. Encircled by the surrounding highlands, Ngorongoro is a wildlife haven. It is an ideal place to get close to wild lions in Africa as it boasts 5 prides on the crater floor. Lion sightings are almost guaranteed on safaris here thus Ngorongoro Crater is consistently rated as one of the best places to see lions in Africa.
The setting for the nearly 30,000 game animals that inhabit the crater floor is really extraordinary. Top African lion safari tip: go early to avoid the crowds, with one way in and one way out, visiting Ngorongoro Crater can get pretty busy. You can visit the wildlife-rich crater on a day trip from Arusha.
Africa lions, Botswana safari in Duba by Travel Local
10. Best place to see lion and predator clashes: Chobe
Chobe National Park in Botswana is well known for its lion versus hyena predator clashes. Savuti, in the southern reaches of Chobe, is famous for its predator-rich safari sightings. With large prides of lions, hyenas, and leopards patrolling the woodlands these predators often clash over both territory and food. Savuti is hands down one of the best places to see lions and other predators clash.
African lion safari in South Luangwa, Zambia
11. Best African lion safari on foot: Zambia walking safari
Historically speaking, South Luangwa National Park is where walking safaris were pioneered. Zambia’s Luangwa Valley is home to a large population of African lions and the perfect place to do a walking safari.
When you walk in the African bush – without the safety of a vehicle – you become another animal, a part of the environment. There is something primal about this experience that is utterly unique. Walking safaris are designed for full immersion. You will leave behind the well-travelled roads and head off the beaten track. In Luangwa, you can do anything from a morning stroll to a multi-day action-packed hike, walking in the tracks of lions. Undoubtedly one of the best places to see lions in Africa, South Luangwa is arguably the best place for an African lion safari on foot!
Pilanesberg Big 5 safari lion by George Gillams
12. Best big cities for an African lion safari: Nairobi, Cape Town, Johannesburg
Despite being famous for Big 5 safaris, African countries are modernizing and Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Nairobi are modern and cosmopolitan destinations. Cape Town is a tourist mecca, considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the world. Isn’t it reassuring to know that despite their very concrete existence in the modern world, you can still see lions only a short distance away?
Nairobi Lion Safari
Nairobi National Park is just 7km (4 miles) away from the heart of Nairobi. Lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos roam these Kenyan plains against the backdrop of the Nairobi city skyline. The proximity to a big city is unheard of.
Cape Town Lion Safari
The last lion was shot in Cape Town in 1802. These days, visitors to Cape Town will have to travel a little further to see lions and the other Big 5 animals, although not as far as you might think.
Here are the best Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town, including Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (3-hour drive), Inverdoorn Game Reserve (2.5-hour drive), Aquila Private Game Reserve (2-hour drive) and the Garden Route Game Lodge (3.5-hour drive).
These private game reserves are all malaria-free, affordable, and, most importantly, home to a variety of wild animals including the Big 5 animals of Africa.
Johannesburg Lion Safari
Johannesburg is not usually associated with lions and African lion safaris. However, if you have flown across the globe, a 4.5-hour drive to South Africa’s premier safari destination is not too bad. Kruger Park is world-renowned for good reason. The best place to see lions in Kruger National Park is south and central, with Sabi Sands being the top pick.
However, if this is a stretch too far, the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve is only 2.5 hours north-west of the big bad city. Pilanesberg is a fantastic Big 5 safari destination. The campsites are brilliant and the game viewing is excellent. Lions, elephants, and rhinos are common as well as a host of other herbivores. So close to both Pretoria and Johannesburg, that if you are pressed for time, it’s a no-brainer.
Ruaha lion safari Tanzania by Pius Mahimbi
13. Wildest places for African lion safaris: Ruhua and Niassa
To see African lions off the beaten path in wild terrain, you can visit Niassa Game Reserve in Mozambique or Ruaha in Tanzania. There are a few places where man has not yet made his mark. For example, while the Okavango is wild, it is also one of the most sought-after safari destinations. East Africa's most popular bucket list reserves are the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. These destinations are popular for a reason but you are not going to get that alone-in-Africa, wild sort of feeling. Niassa and Ruaha are growing in popularity because of their unspoiled allure.
The Niassa Game Reserve in northern Mozambique is a fantastic lion safari destination. Difficult to access because of poor infrastructure, once there, the game viewing is indescribable. For years the reserve was lost to the public because of civil war. The war, though terrible, kept Niassa remote and wild. Today, the reserve is home to prolific game including thousands of elephants, healthy populations of African painted wolves as well as lions, hyenas, and large herds of herbivores. Niassa has three endemic species Niassa wildebeest, Johnstons impala, and Boehms zebra. The exciting thing about Niassa Reserve is that it is part of a proposed Selous-Niassa Wildlife Protection Corridor. This vast corridor would link reserves in southern Tanzania with those in northern Mozambique, creating the largest protected wildlife park on earth!
In Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, when viewing lions, you are likely to have the sighting all to yourself. Hidden away in central Tanzania and part of the 45,000km² Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem, Ruaha has fewer than 6,000 safari-goers per year. That translates to about 16 visitors a day! This makes Ruaha one of East Africa’s hidden treasures.
The park itself has some remarkable draw cards. Wildly beautiful scenery studded with baobabs, Ruaha is home to 10% of the world's remaining lion population. In the Mwagusi area, African lion safari sightings are particularly good but in general, the density of predators in the park is some of the best in the country. Lastly, because of its remote location, Ruaha is excellent value for money and a brilliant African Budget safari option.
Tree climbing lions in Africa
14. Where are lions in Africa climbing trees?
Tree-climbing lions are a thing, and there are a few places where the behaviour is more common. So where are lions in Africa known to do this? Tree-climbing lions are most commonly sighted in East Africa, especially Tanzania and Uganda, with rarer sightings further south in sub-Saharan Africa. The best places to spot tree-climbing lions in Africa are Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, and Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. The novelty of witnessing lions climbing trees makes these parks some of the best places to see lions in Africa, with a twist.
Find out where to see tree-climbing lions on safari: Best place to see tree-climbing lions in Africa
Kruger lion safari in South Africa
15. The most affordable African lion safari packages
There are many different kinds of African safari, and costs will depend on the destination, duration, season, number of people, and more. For more detailed information you can read our African Safari Cost page, but for now, here is a list of our most affordable African lion safari destinations and packages.
- Sanbona Wildlife Reserve near Cape Town
- The Kruger National Park, including Sabi Sands and Timbavati
- Etosha National Park in Namibia
- Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe
- Chobe National Park in Botswana
African lions safari in Serengeti, Tanzania by Christoph Strassler
Plan an affordable African lion safari
There you have it, the best places to see lions in Africa, in a nutshell. If you'd like to see wild lions in Africa, African Budget Safaris has a huge selection of African safari tours to choose from.
Dive in and start planning with tips for your African lion safari and all about these African big cats. Or, get in touch with one of our passionate and knowledgeable travel experts to ask them any questions that you might have about lions, African lion safaris, or travelling to Africa in general.
African Budget Safaris specializes in private and tailor-made African Safaris on a budget, so we can customize a private African lion safari that is just right for you.
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- Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Aquila Game Reserve - Budget Day Tour
On the outskirts of Marloth Nature Reserve, Andrew can be found walking and swimming in the beautiful Langeburg Mountains. He is passionate about animals, birds, reptiles, and plants and loves nothing more than an adventure in nature. An established artist with a master's in English literature, Andrew has traveled far and wide but South Africa still has his heart.
