The African Lion, famously known as the “King of the Jungle,” has been a symbol of strength and inspiration for centuries. These magnificent creatures, celebrated in cave paintings as early as 3500 BC, have also featured prominently in legends, myths, and even modern films. The African Lion’s powerful presence continues to captivate people around the world.
Despite their iconic status, the African Lion population has faced significant decline over the past two decades. With an estimated 20,000 remaining in sub-Saharan Africa, most African Lions now reside in wildlife game reserves in East Africa and Southern Africa. These reserves are essential for the survival of the African Lion, safeguarding its future.
Are you eager to see the African Lion in its natural habitat? Check out our list of the 14 best places to spot these majestic animals across Africa and experience the true essence of the African Lion’s wild kingdom.
Where To See Lions In Africa?
- Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda
- Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
- Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
- Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania
- Ruaha National Park in Tanzania
- Okavango Delta in Botswana
- Chobe National Park in Botswana
- Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana
- Kruger National Park in South Africa
- Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa
- Timbavati Game Reserve in South Africa
- Etosha National Park in Namibia
- Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe
- South Luangwa National Park in Zambia
- Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania
- Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda
- Amboseli National Park in Kenya
- Samburu National Park in Kenya, etc
The 14 best places to see African Lion
There are a few that do stand out as perhaps the best places to see lions in Africa, and below are some suggestions:
1. Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda
The African lion is one of the most majestic creatures in the wild. Queen Elizabeth National Park, affectionately known as “Queen” by Ugandans, offers a unique chance to witness the African lion displaying rare tree-climbing behavior. These remarkable African lions are often seen lounging on the branches of giant fig trees, creating stunningly photogenic moments that captivate visitors.
Although Queen Elizabeth National Park does not have the largest population of African lions, it remains one of the most breath-taking and biodiverse parks in Uganda. With over 612 bird species recorded, it is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s location, just a few hours from the gorilla tour forests of southwestern Uganda, makes it an ideal stop for adventure seekers.
Spending time in Queen Elizabeth National Park promises an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to marvel at the African lion in its natural habitat while enjoying Uganda’s incredible landscapes and wildlife
2. Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is arguably one of the world’s best safari destinations and boasts the highest population density of the majestic African lion. It stands as one of the premier locations to observe the African lion in its natural habitat.
The Seronera region, centrally located in Serengeti, is an excellent spot to witness the African lion. Here, these magnificent lions are often seen sprawled on towering kopjes, basking in the sunlight and creating unforgettable wildlife moments.
The annual wildebeest migration is a major draw for predators, including the hungry African lion. From July to October, in the northern Serengeti, the Mara River crossing offers thrilling opportunities to see lions hunting as the wildebeest navigate this perilous journey.
In the southern Serengeti, near Ngorongoro, the wildebeest calving season from January to March becomes a prime period for spotting predators. Vulnerable calves attract lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, creating a dynamic and thrilling spectacle involving the powerful African lion.
Serengeti National Park remains one of the most breathtaking places to encounter the African lion and experience Africa’s vibrant wilderness
3. Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the best destinations to see the iconic African lion. Famous for large prides, sometimes numbering over 30 individuals, this reserve offers unforgettable encounters with these apex predators.
The great migration, from July to October, is the best time to observe the African lion. During this season, wildebeest cross the Mara River into the reserve, providing hunting opportunities for lions that establish pride lands along migration routes.
Masai Mara’s wide and open plains are ideal for spotting not only the African lion but also cheetahs chasing down prey. The combination of breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife makes Masai Mara a top choice for African lion safaris.
4. Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania
Bordering Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater is the largest inactive volcanic caldera on Earth and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
Thanks to its mineral-rich volcanic soil, the short-grass plains grow lush on the Crater’s floor; it provides nutritious grazing for a plethora of herbivores. These big herds in turn attract a remarkable number of predators including the African lion.
The Crater’s African lion population is arguably one of the highest densities of prides in the world. Consequently, the African lions here have a complete disregard for safari vehicles – they will hunt within metres of a vehicle and even seek respite from the sun beside one!
5. Ruaha National Park in Tanzania
Ruaha National Park covers over 20,000km2 of remote wilderness. It is one of the wildest and largest protected wildlife areas in East Africa where an African Lion can’t be missed on a typical wildlife safari. It is utterly beautiful with broad sand rivers, vast plains, rugged hills and valleys, and quirky upside down trees (baobabs). In terms of lions, Ruaha host over 10% of Africa’s entire lion population.
In fact, it is second only to the Serengeti in terms of absolute numbers. African Lion prides here swell up to numbers of 25 adults, bringing down large game such as giraffe and buffalo. And here, you can have lion sightings completely to yourself.
Hidden away in southern Tanzania, Ruaha sees less than 6000 visitors a year – or about 16 a day – which makes it one of Africa’s hidden treasures. Ruaha National Park is where you will see many lions in Africa.
6. Okavango Delta in Botswana
The Okavango Delta in Botswana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s 7 Natural Wonders, is an extraordinary habitat for the majestic African lion. Known for its stunning scenery and rich wildlife, the Delta has become a favored location for wildlife documentaries featuring African lions.
While wetlands may not be the typical environment for lions, the African lion in the Okavango Delta has remarkably adapted to thrive in this watery habitat. It’s not uncommon to witness lions swimming through the Delta’s channels, stealthily approaching their prey in an environment uniquely suited to their hunting prowess.
The prides of the Okavango Delta are renowned for taking on formidable prey such as hippos, buffalo, giraffes, and even elephants. These extraordinary hunts often take place in daylight, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness the raw power and ferocity of the African lion in action.
The Okavango Delta is truly one of the most fascinating destinations to observe the incredible adaptability and hunting skills of the African lion, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Botswana’s wilderness.
7. Chobe National Park in Botswana
Chobe National Park spans approximately 12,000 km² and boasts the largest concentration of elephants in Africa, with 60,000 to 70,000 individuals. It is also one of the top destinations to observe the African lion in its natural habitat.
The Savuti region of Chobe is particularly renowned as a dramatic stage for clashes between African lion prides and hyena clans over food and territory. These intense interactions showcase the raw power and dominance of lions in Africa.
Chobe’s lions are also famous for their ability to take down some of the continent’s largest mammals, including giraffes, buffalo, and even elephants. This extraordinary behavior makes the African lion in Chobe National Park a fascinating example of adaptability and strength.
8. Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana
The Central Kalahari Reserve, spread across a vast area of the Kalahari Desert, is renowned for its golden grasslands. It serves as a homeland for the San Bushmen and provides a unique habitat for the African lion, one of the region’s most iconic species.
Male Kalahari lions, a striking subspecies of the African lion, are famous for their dark, luxuriant manes. These majestic predators gained global attention through their starring role in the 1984 classic book Cry of the Kalahari.
9. Kruger National Park in South Africa
When it comes to the best places to see the African lion in Africa, there may be few destinations better than Kruger National Park in South Africa. With hundreds of kilometers of easily accessible safari trails and excellent places to stay, it is a fantastic location to witness not just the African lion but a variety of other big cats as well.
Visibility in Kruger National Park is exceptional, thanks to its open terrain and the abundance of prey species that lure the African lion out into the open. This combination makes it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking unforgettable lion encounters.
10. Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa
The privately run Sabi Sand Game Reserve is part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem. This wildlife reserves are just as good as the national park itself. It’s not uncommon to spot all the members of the Big 5 on a single game drive in Sabi – especially the big cats like the African lion and leopard. This is one of the most reliable places to see lions in Africa.
11. Timbavati Game Reserve in South Africa
Also park of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, Timbavati is one of few places in Africa to have a handful of white lions. Unlike their tawny-coated, amber-eyed comrades, white lions have snowy fur and beautiful blue eyes – making them incredibly photogenic.
Their paleness is not albinism but rather due to a harmless genetic quirk known as leucism. As they occur naturally in Timbavati, which is located to the north of the Sabi Sands on the western edge of the Kruger, their Latin name is Panthera leo krugeri. Timbavati is actually an anglicisation of the traditional name ‘Tsimba Vati’, which means ‘place where the star lions fell to Earth’.
12. Etosha National Park in Namibia
Undoubtedly one of the great parks of Africa, the huge Etosha National Park in Namibia covers more than 22,300 km2. It is home to a staggering amount of wildlife and is also the best place to see an African lion in Africa.
Over 700 are thought to roam across this captivating ecosystem, and lions are often sighted hunting, feeding or just relaxing by the many waterholes in the park. Much of this park wide open spaces with little vegetation, meaning you can spot lions from a long way off, which only adds to the excitement of it all.
13. Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe
Spanning over 14,600 km2, Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and Africa’s 10th biggest. It is almost as big as Belgium, and bigger than all of Zimbabwe’s other parks combined! Hwange also has more animals than any other park in Zimbabwe.
It supports a population of around 500 African Lions. And in 2015, Hwange’s Lions gained international fame with the controversial death of Cecil, a much-loved Hwange Lion killed by a trophy hunter from the United States, sparking an international outcry.
The offspring of Cecil, and lots of other lions, still roam this amazing park, and it is one of few places in Africa where lions are known to hunt elephants. If you are lucky enough to see this happen, it is an epic clash of an African Lion hunting the giant African Elephant.
14. South Luangwa National Park in Zambia
South Luangwa is actually the southernmost of 3 national parks that lie in Zambia’s Luangwa river valley. The butterfly-shaped 9,050 km2 Park is where walking safaris were pioneered is still amongst the top spots to undertake a proper foot safari. It is known for its lions and leopards, among many other species. Though it is one of the most popular parks in Zambia, the safari trails of South Luangwa are much quieter than many others in Africa. And you usually won’t have to share each lion sighting with too many other vehicles.
Want To See lions On Your African Safari?
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