The 10 Best Places for a Lion Safari in Africa

While there is plenty of wildlife that roams across Africa’s open savannah, perhaps the most Iconic of them is the lion. Not only is it the apex predator, but also it is the only social cat. So there are various aspects that draw safari tourists to the big cat. From the rolling plains of the Serengeti to the inland floodplains of the Okavango Delta, people love watching lions interact with each other and with the wildlife with which they share their world. 

Home to nearly 20,000 lions, Africa offers an unforgettable lion safari experience. In this blog, we take you through the 10 best places for a lion safari in Africa, so you can decide which ones appeal to you the most.

The 10 Best Places for a Lion Safari

1. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, and the conservancies that surround it are known for their abundant wildlife and high density of lions. This is virtually a year-round destination. Being close to the equator and at an altitude of above 1,600 m, Masai Mara has pleasant weather most of the time, and there is always plenty to see and experience. 

In July and August, almost two million wildebeest and zebras migrate in from Serengeti to cross the Mara River, providing one of the most iconic wildlife spectacles the world knows.

2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti National Park is celebrated for its never-ending savannah, and no wonder; the word, ‘Serengeti,’ comes from the Maa word seringit, which means, ‘endless plains.’ It forms a common eco-system with Masai Mara in Kenya and has large prides of lions along with most of the other wildlife that East Africa is known for. 

Wildebeest migration is a year-round phenomenon. Between January and March, these ungulates give birth in large numbers in the Southern Serengeti, and then once the calves have found their feet, these herds start moving northwards from April. While lions are territorial and do not migrate, there is more predator activity where the wildebeest are concentrated. While planning a Serengeti safari, therefore, it is best to stay where the largest wildebeest herds are expected to be at that time of the year.

3. Kruger National Park, South Africa

One of Africa’s most famous and convenient places to spot lions, Kruger National Park, is home to a substantial lion population. The park has clean, well-maintained roads, and the extensive network of lodges and camps makes it an exceptional destination for wildlife lovers and game drives. It is well connected with Johannesburg, which is the first port of call for most tourists flying in from overseas.

4. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Like the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has some of the most beautiful and breathtaking views to be had on a lion safari. Many lions are among the many species that call Tanzania’s enormous volcanic caldera home. 

The crater’s unique geography–enclosed by steep walls–creates a self-contained ecosystem teeming with prey like zebras, wildebeests, and buffalos, ensuring that you stand a good chance of spotting lions.

5. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

In one of the most adventurous lion safaris in Africa, next we have South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, known for its walking safaris and game drives, which offer exceptional lion and elephant sightings. With varied terrain, the park provides diverse lion habitats. South Luangwa National Park offers visitors a good opportunity to observe lions’ behaviour closely.

6. Okavango Delta, Botswana

A true jewel of Africa, the Okavango Delta, Botswana, is an inland delta unlike any other. safari destination in Africa. It has rich and alluring wildlife. It offers both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife safari experiences that insert you into the wildlife activities happening around you. Furthermore, the Okavango Delta experiences seasonal floods, creating a lavish, lush environment that brings out the available variety of wildlife, including the lions.

7. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa/Botswana

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a large, isolated wilderness area that runs along the South African-Botswana border. Lions, especially the well-known black-maned Kalahari lions, can sometimes be spotted in the park with its dry terrain and scant vegetation. With fewer crowds than other parks, and a raw, untamed atmosphere, Kgalagadi offers an intimate and unforgettable lion safari experience.

8. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park is well-known for its enormous salt flats and plethora of species. The park is a great place for lion safaris because of its waterholes, which draw a range of wildlife, including lions. During the dry season, lions gather at waterholes, offering exceptional opportunities to observe them from close. Lions are more likely to be seen hunting and interacting with other species because of the good visibility offered by the arid, open environments. 

9. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

The large game reserve, Hwange National Park, is a popular location for lion safaris. Known for its diverse landscapes of savanna, teak forests, and open plains, Hwange is home to one of Africa’s largest lion populations. 

A robust lion population is supported by the park’s varied habitats, which include marshes, grasslands, and forests. Hwange is particularly well-known for its sizable herds of elephants, which frequently draw lions and make for fascinating interspecies encounters. With fewer visitors compared to other African parks, Hwange offers a more remote and intimate lion safari experience.

10. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s biggest wildlife park. Lions thrive in the many environments of the reserve, which include lakes, rivers, and forests. The reserve’s size and low human presence ensures exceptional lion sightings, particularly near the Rufiji River, which attracts large herds of prey. With options for boat safaris, walking safaris, and classic game drives, Selous provides a more secluded and uncrowded safari experience.

For an unforgettable lion safari, trust The Bucket List Travel Co. (TBLTC). With expert itineraries and deep African wilderness knowledge, The Bucket List Travel Co. ensures a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Book your safari now and make your dream of visiting Africa on a lion safari come true.