The African lion is the true icon of the Big Five, a powerful symbol of strength and one of the most sought-after wildlife encounters on safari. Found across East and Southern Africa, these apex predators are the ultimate highlight of an African lion safari. Watching them in their natural habitat is unforgettable, females working together to stalk prey, cubs playing under the watchful eye of their mothers, and males defending their pride with raw power. Whether on guided game drives or walking safaris, lions embody the excitement, drama, and beauty of Africa’s wilderness.
Lions are unique among big cats for their social structure, living in prides of several muscular males and agile females. Males, with manes ranging from pale beige to jet black, can measure up to 3.5 metres in length and weigh as much as 272kg, while the smaller females, between 110–168kg, are the pride’s primary hunters, capable of bringing down prey from antelope to buffalo and even young elephants. Once widespread across the continent, lions are now concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, with 80% of the population found in East and Southern Africa, including three of the five largest populations in Tanzania. Today, the best places to see lions in Africa include the Serengeti, the Masai Mara, Kruger National Park, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, and Namibia’s desert-adapted lion ranges, making lion safaris one of the continent’s most thrilling adventures.
Masai Mara National Reserve – Year-round sightings on the open plains, with July bringing the spectacle of the Great Migration as over two million wildebeest cross the Mara River under the eyes of waiting lions.
Ngorongoro Crater – A unique chance to see the Big Five within the world’s largest volcanic caldera.Serengeti National Park – One of Africa’s lion strongholds with abundant prey and vast prides. Ruaha National Park – A hidden gem with 10% of the world’s lions and far fewer visitors than the Serengeti.
Okavango Delta – Home to water-adapted lions, up to 15% larger than average. These lions often hunt buffalo in daylight, an extraordinary behaviour not seen elsewhere.
Kruger National Park – South Africa’s main lion stronghold. Sabi Sands is particularly reliable for sightings, while Timbavati is renowned for rare white lions.
Kaokoveld & Damaraland – Here lions have adapted to desert life, surviving with minimal vegetation and prey. Sightings are unpredictable due to their nomadic nature, but unforgettable if you’re lucky.
The best time to see lions is during the peak safari season from July to October. The cool, dry winter means less vegetation for wildlife to hide behind and the lack of rain means wildlife will congregate around the lakes and rivers and most wildlife wont stray too far from the little water left.
Relax in the ultimate luxury of your lodge after encountering the African big cats whilst out on safari with your expert guide. Spend time on the coast of Cape Town exploring historic Robben Island and the rugged rocks of beautiful Cape Point. Visit Hermanus, a world-renowned whale watching destination, take the opportunity to see both black and white rhino in one place and even search for the rare white Lion in Timbavati Game Reserve.
This Tanzania highlights small group safari takes you to the heart of the action trying to catch sight of the migration, witness wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater and enjoy an option hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti.
Experience the Kenyan wilderness in the private Naboisho Conservancy. Covered in savannah grassland, acacia plains and rocky hills, this diverse habitat supports a whole host of wildlife including giraffe, elephant, lion (the highest density in the area), and cheetah, as well as hippos and huge crocodiles lazing in the river. There is also a growing leopard population, with 7 resident leopards including a cub in the area.
This expertly-guided small group trip consisting of a maximum of seven guests takes in the highlights of Namibia. Over the course of this ten day trip you will get to visit the iconic towering dunes at Sossusvlei, the coast and wildlife at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, the desert-adapted wildlife and unique rock formations of Damaraland, rewarding wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park and an educational tour of the AfriCat Foundation at Okonjima.
A luxury Botswana safari taking in a selection of award-winning luxury camps combined with world-class game viewing.
The year begins with strong lion activity in East Africa, where big game remains plentiful.
February is one of the best months for lion viewing, especially in Tanzania.
As the rains approach, East Africa continues to deliver rewarding lion encounters.
April marks the start of the long rains, which can make lion viewing more difficult.
The rains continue through much of East and Southern Africa, reducing visibility.
As the dry season sets in, lion sightings start to improve across multiple regions.
July signals the start of peak safari season, with exceptional lion encounters.
Dry conditions make August one of the best months across lion habitats.
The dry season continues, keeping lions close to prey and water.
October is the last month of the peak season, still excellent for lions.
The rains begin to return, dispersing prey and reducing lion visibility.
The festive season brings green landscapes but fewer reliable lion encounters.
