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You should have no problem spotting lions in most of Africa’s major national parks; just be prepared for them to be sleeping. Witnessing a lion kill is relatively rare and a tad gory, so be careful what you wish for! Here are the top five National Parks and Conservancies where you have an excellent chance of seeing lion, one of Africa’s “Big Five“.
Serengeti, Tanzania
With a population of above 4,000 lions, the Serengeti is an excellent bet for lion enthusiasts. Wherever you are headed in the Serengeti National Park (and it’s huge), you are likely to pass through the central Seronera area. This is a gorgeous landscape of undulating savanna, punctuated with little rocky outcrops called “kopjes”.
You’re almost guaranteed to come across a nice pride of sleeping beauties here. As the great migration moves through the park, it is also highly likely you will witness at least an attempt at a kill. Last time I experienced this, the lions were using our vehicles to hide as they stalked the thousands of zebra on the other side of us. An easy add-on for more lion viewing in the area is the Ngorongoro Crater, and it is interesting to note that the lions here have much shorter manes.
Masai Mara, Kenya
Even if you miss the great migration (July – October) in the Masai Mara, you are still highly likely to see plenty of lions in the Mara ecosystem. Personally, I favor the private conservancies adjacent to the National Park (less crowded, much better safari experience), like Olare Motorogi and Mara North. I recently stayed at Porini Lion Camp and saw no less than two dozen lions in just one game drive. If you like the “Big Cat Diaries,” this is their playground. A close second to the Mara in Kenya is Amboseli National Park, which offers the scenic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro and excellent wildlife viewing.
Greater Kruger Area, South Africa
Similar to Kenya’s Masai Mara, the best Kruger safari experience is actually in private reserves adjacent to the National Park, they include: Sabi Sand Reserve, Manyaleti, and Timbavati. Lions are plentiful in this area, and with some of the best guides on the continent, a 2-3 night stay should be more than enough to see them. Timbavati also boasts the famous white lion (not albino), but don’t expect a sighting, they are very rare and have mostly been hunted to extinction
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango River cuts through the center of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert, creating a unique inland water system that supports a wide variety of birds and mammals. The best season to visit for lion viewing in the Delta would be during the dry months from June through October, when the vegetation is more sparse, and the lion’s prey move about in larger herds.
If you’ve seen Joubert’s excellent “Last Lions” documentary, you’ll want to head to the Duba Plains area to check out the lion on buffalo action. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong on Hunda Island, and Chitabe and Vumbura concessions. The Savuti/Linyanti area is becoming the next “go to” spot for wildlife viewing and offers a great combination with the Delta.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
The concentration of wildlife that lives around the Luangwa River is one of the highest in Africa. Even back in the 1980’s, when poaching was rife, and the Zambian tourist industry was negligible, my family would almost get bored with the amount of lions we’d see on safari here. Not much has changed, except now you have a wonderful choice of camps and walking safari options to really get up close!
Kafue National Park, just a short flight away from South Luangwa, is also a stellar place to view lions. The Busanga lions are huge, numerous, and incredibly impressive. Stay at Busanga Bush Camp, and you won’t be disappointed.
More About Lions
The African lion (Panthera leo) king of the sub-Saharan savanna, has been admired by man for its beauty and strength for thousands of years. It’s one of the most exciting animals to see on safari. These beautiful, large cats are excellent hunters but you’re more likely to see one sleeping than hunting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place in Africa to see lions?
One of the best places to see lions in Africa is the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania. The park is famous for its large lion population and wide open plains that make wildlife viewing easier. Lions are often seen resting under trees, hunting during the early morning, or walking near safari vehicles. The nearby Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also known for excellent lion sightings throughout the year. Many travelers visit these places because the chances of seeing lions are very high during a safari.
What time of year is best for seeing lions in Africa?
The dry season is usually the best time to see lions because animals gather around water sources and grass is shorter. In East Africa, the best months are often from June to October. During this time, lions are easier to spot because they spend more time in open areas searching for prey. The weather is also more comfortable for game drives and photography. Even during the green season, lions can still be seen, but thick vegetation may make viewing harder.
Which African countries are famous for lion safaris?
Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia are all famous for lion safaris. Tanzania and Kenya are especially popular because of the Great Migration and strong lion populations. Botswana offers more remote and quiet safari experiences with excellent wildlife viewing. South Africa is known for well-developed safari lodges and easy access to parks like Kruger National Park. Each country offers a different safari style, but all provide unforgettable opportunities to see lions in the wild.
Can you see lions closely during a safari?
Yes, lions can often be seen surprisingly close during guided safari drives. Safari vehicles are designed to safely approach wildlife without disturbing the animals too much. Visitors may watch lions sleeping, grooming, or interacting with cubs from a short distance away. Experienced guides know how to position vehicles carefully while respecting wildlife rules. Even though the experience feels close, it is important to remember that lions are wild animals and should always be treated with caution and respect.
Why are African lions so special to travelers?
African lions are special because they are powerful, social, and deeply connected to the image of the African safari. Many travelers dream of hearing a lion roar across the savannah at sunset. Lions live in family groups called prides, which makes their behavior interesting to watch during a game drive. Seeing cubs play or adult lions working together during a hunt creates unforgettable memories for visitors. For many people, spotting a lion in the wild becomes the highlight of their entire African adventure.
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