Discover the best places in Africa to see lions! Book an incredible African safari getaway and witness lions roaming and hunting in their natural habitats.
When it comes to African wildlife and safaris, the Big 5 are nature’s royalty, and lions have always held the majestic throne. Few moments in life compare to crossing paths with a lion in the wild, from the distant roar (which can be heard from 5 miles away) to watching a pride at ease in their kingdom. It is something you need to experience for yourself to truly appreciate.
Now, picture your getaway to Africa as nature intended – stress-free, streamlined, and unbelievably rewarding. SAFARI.COM are here to curate and oversee your journey, from the time you inquire to all the moments during your stay, and anything you need afterwards. Decades of experience set us apart as Africa’s leading safari company, and our team are available to you 24/7, ensuring your every need is met and your stay is extraordinary.
Our SAFARI.COM team currently include 25 dedicated travel consultants who have embarked on exceptional African safaris and stayed at exclusive lodges. These experiences offer us unique insight into the remarkable adventures that await travelers. What’s more, you’re covered with free travel insurance for complete peace of mind!
We have enjoyed game drives in search of lions across expansive horizons lit by the African sun and calmed by the quiet of the Savannah. With this firsthand experience and immense knowledge of safaris and the Big 5, we have highlighted the best places in Africa to see lions!
Olmara Camp game drive
Where are Africa’s Largest Lion Populations?
Large lion populations reside at South Africa’s Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, which are both high on our SAFARI.COM list. Day and night game drives allow for close-up sightings of Lions as they roam, hunt, or rest. When is the best time to book your stay here? The dry winter months from June to September offer the best opportunities for unforgettable wildlife encounters. Our 5 Day Luxury Kruger Park & Sabi Sand Safari places you in the heart of the action.
One of the world’s largest lion populations can be found within the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, and the Masai Mara in Kenya is home to Lion families that have been studied for years. The best time to visit and see lions is between June and October.
If you are ready to lock eyes with a lion on an incredible safari getaway, we recommend the 10-Day Best of East Africa Migration Safari. This package has it all - stay at both iconic destinations and enjoy a private vehicle and guide, a full-day game drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, unforgettable wildlife adventures and luxurious accommodations throughout your journey.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge - Game Drive
Best Safari Destinations to Spot White Lions
Does your dream safari include spotting a white lion in Africa? Although these encounters are rare, they do happen, and every time is just as unforgettable as the first. White lions are not a common sighting, and were initially thought to be indigenous to the Timbavati region; however, they can also be found in the Kruger National Park, with which it shares an unfenced border.
It is interesting to note that white lions are not albinos; rather, they have a genetic condition that causes loss of pigmentation (leucism). White lions are naturally found only in the UNESCO Kruger to Canyons Biosphere region in South Africa, where dedicated conservation efforts help protect this rare and extraordinary species.
At SAFARI.com, we have brought incredible journeys to life for travelers. The 5-Day Ultra Luxurious Timbavati Fly-In Safari places you in a luxury pool suite within the Makanyi Private Game Lodge, close to all the lion action. Enjoy early morning safari drives, bush walks, and amazing wildlife experiences with possible sightings of elusive white lions.
White lion sightings are few and far between – Some of our SAFARI.COM consultants have been lucky enough to spot a few, and we would love to hear about your experiences as well! Between November and April (the green season), you are more likely to see cubs, including white cubs if they are born. During May and October (the dry season), adult lions are easier to track and spot.
Olamara Camp Lion Signtings
Where Are Africa’s Fiercest Lions Found?
When accompanied by expert safari guides, you can expect awe-inspiring observations of African Lions hunting in the wild. This is nothing like in the movies – here, you will be within viewing distance of bold and highly-skilled predators within their natural habitat, stalking and hunting prey.
Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is a large protected area bordering the Kalahari Desert. The captivating Hwange Lions that live here have earned a reputation for fierce hunting near waterholes during the dry season. They are known to hunt elephants, an unforgettable, dramatic sight and one of nature’s rare phenomena. This is what safaris are made for, and you will feel more connected to the spirit of Africa than you could have dreamed.
Enjoy a slow safari and leisurely experience through SAFARI.COM. We recommend the 5-Day Hwange Safari Experience. Embrace days filled with adventure, nights dining under the stars, and, of course, game drives you will never forget. Lions are present all year round, but the prime time for sightings falls between July and October.
The ABSOLUTE best for planning an African safari and experiences! 5 stars PLUS. We usually plan all of our trips ourselves but when it came to the nuances and details of planning an immersive and comprehensive vacation to South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, Jolene Welsh, at Safari.com, exceeded our every expectation. She went so far above and beyond to make our trip a once in a lifetime event and we will be forever grateful! Her communication and flexibility was exemplary and her connections throughout their vast network was unmatched! Thank you, Jolene, more than we can say!
- Michael W
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge - Lioness
Walking & Boating Safaris to Observe Lions
South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is one of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. When visiting, you can get up close with wildlife during walking safaris. Immerse your senses in the sights, sounds, and presence of Africa’s wildlife and abundant beauty. Take in every moment completely and without reservation - the 6-Day South Luangwa Fly-In Safari Adventure is a SAFARI.COM favorite for walking safaris with lions. Lion sightings are best between June and October.
If unique encounters are your thing, consider a tranquil boat or canoe safari. These may offer unique water-level sightings of lions along riverbanks or delta islands. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a water-rich wilderness home to lions who have adapted to stalking prey across water channels. The lions of Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta are said to be among the largest on Earth, resulting in unrivalled safari experiences.
Embrace all that the Chobe National Park and game lodge have to offer through our 7 Day Chobe & Delta Fly-in Tour. For the best lion sighting opportunities here, book between May and October. In the African wild, no two days are the same, and nothing can prepare you for the thrill of seeing apex predators on the prowl.
Olmara Camp Stargazer Tented Suite
Tree-Climbing Lions in Africa
Although considered a rare behavior for lions, some prides in Africa have learned to climb trees to escape the heat and take shelter from biting insects. This height also provides a vantage point across the wild as they survey their territory with quiet dominance.
Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania is famous for its many tree-climbing lions. Our highly recommended 10-Day Masai-Mara, Serengeti, and Manyara Safari is easily a top choice for Lion sightings that will take your breath away and awaken a deep respect for these charismatic, powerful cats. Tanzania’s tree-climbing prides are best seen in the dry season between June and October.
Embark on the ultimate 12-Day Uganda Adventure Safari, which includes a visit to the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, where remarkable sightings of tree-climbing lions are not out of the norm. Take in the exceptionally diverse habitats, which include lakes, forests, wetlands, and savannah grasslands. This curated safari escape is truly special, featuring a chimpanzee tracking venture and a visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The best chance at lion sightings here falls between January and February, or June and September.
Safari experience to the Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha. As a family + 1 we travelled via Nairobi using Kenya Airways to the Masai Mara where we stayed at Governors Il Moran camp. The experience was literally out of this world, from each touchpoint, every little detail was thought through and exceeded my expectations, it's a five-star experience from the moment you arrive until you leave. I had the very special experience of having a birthday whilst at the camp and they pulled out the stops to make it memorable. The staff are friendly, professional and skilled at what they do, our guide; Kerero was incredibly knowledgeable, and we saw all the big five and much more that was off the beaten track, I highly recommend it. From there we went to Loldia house on Lake Naivasha which again was a magnificent experience and our guide there; Bett was equally as knowledgeable. All round it was worth every cent and I highly recommend it. This was facilitated by Kim Abrahams from Safari.com who took care of all the details to ensure that it was a seamless trip.
-Joy
Tree-Climbing Lions in Simbavati Grumeti
Start Planning Your Safari with Confidence
Ready to make timeless family memories? At SAFARI.COM, we’re here to help you find the best safari deal for you and your loved ones. Let our expert team craft something extraordinary. We will guide you with heart, insight, and insider knowledge every step of the way, before, during, and long after your journey. It’s time to explore!
Email us at helpmeplan@safari.com, hit the WhatsApp button above, or call us toll-free on 1-888-SAFARIS (US & Canada).
