Lions are a big draw to Africa for almost everyone, but are sadly seriously endangered. Simply by travelling to Africa on safari you are helping these huge, beautiful creatures; 90% of the conservation work in Africa is done by tourism groups through the money raised by a percentage of your bed night fee.
Tourism is the only thing that can save these incredible big cats and we hope we'll be seeing them on safari for many years to come. Lions are not as easy to see as one might think so we've outlined top 5 places to see lions in Africa which virtually guarantee you'll catch sight of these amazing beasts.
1 Masai Mara, Kenya
The Masai Mara in Kenya is world famous for having the highest concentration of predators anywhere in the world, lions here are plentiful and you will see them. Try and stay on a conservancy, not in the Reserve as you are likely to be hounded by other tourist vehicles in the Reserve itself. In the conservancies you can spend some quiet time with the cats and not see another vehicle.
2 Northern Serengeti, Tanzania
The Northern Serengeti in Tanzania is more commonly known for being a hot spot for the Wildebeest Migration between July and October but the truth is it's one of the best places to see lions in Africa, all year. The rocky outcrops here provide the perfect place for them to relax and hide; often you'll see their fluffy ears poking out as they peer at you from above.
3 Sabi Sands, Kruger, South Africa
This area is a little managed, but very well so. The wildlife at Sabi Sands near the Kruger National Park, is positively thriving and the guides know a lot about the lions here, so you are likely to know their life story and relations, something that always adds to lion viewing!
4 Duba Plains, Okavango, Botswana
This luxury safari camp in Botswana has built a solid name for itself as being the best place in Africa to potentially see lions hunt buffalo. The lions at Duba Plains have adapted to hunting in deep water and as result are bigger than lions in the rest of Africa. This camp is well worth a visit.
5 South Luangwa, Zambia
The South Luangwa Park has received a lot of publicity recently and we're not surprised. The game viewing here is spectacular and offers action and drama every day. Lions are present everywhere here and you should see no shortage of them – they will also serenade you at night with those thrilling roars, which epitomize Zambia and Africa.
This article is brought to you by The Luxury Safari Company. They love Africa and provide access to the best rates, off the beaten track unknown and exclusive luxury experiences and top safari camps throughout the Africa.
Don’t these animals look magnificent. It is so sad that our planet might one day lose these creatures. If, by travelling to see them with an ehtical and responsible safari company, we can also help to conserve them, that has to be a win-win for all.
Being a South African I can certainly agree with this and also personally been to Sabi in South Africa I can say they are exceptional animals and it was an amazing site to actually get to see them hunting in the wild right in front of us it was a sight and a memory I will never forget.
How wonderful to have been able to see the lions hunting – so different from seeing them in a zoo. You must miss such a beautiful country with its diverse animals and stunning scenery. From what I have read, these safaris, if well organised and responsible, are a positive contribution to the conservation work done in Africa.
Never been to Africa but if I do go then this is what I would like to do. Don’t like seeing animals in the zoo but to see them in their own habitat would be amazing.
They really look magnificent, We must help to conserve them.
So agree Tina, and isn’t it great that by going on a wonderful trip like this, visitors are actually help do just that 🙂
Uganda’s rare tree-climbing lions
Ishasha Sector in Queen Elizabeth NP is the best place to find Tree Climbing Lions. Tree Climbing Lions are a rarity in all of Africa and since you are in Uganda
If you were to find yourself being chased by a lion you might try and climb a tree to escape – but this would not be much help in the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.
Lions have been spotted sleeping in trees as they digest their lunch and escape the hottest part of the day.
Never heard of tree-climbing lions – sound a bit scary!