Places to see lions in Africa
Over this summer you may be heading to the cinema to watch Disney’s re-make of The Lion King. It might also be inspire you to book an African safari to see thse magnificant animals for real. And here are some great ideas for places to see lions in Africa.
Where to go? There are numerous safari options available, it’s a long way to travel and there’s cost involved so you want have the best experience possible. To help you on your way, here are five ideas for African safaris where lion spotting is a safe bet.
We work closely with Somak and African Pride, both excellent tour operators who specialise in wonderful safari holidays; their websites are full of inspiration on places to go and points of interest. With quality accomodation, knowledgable, friendly guides and awesome scenery, you will enjoy every minute of your trip to Africa. And when you do see your first wild lion, it will undoubtedly take your breath away!
Masai Mara, Kenya
The Masai Mara is the most famous of Kenya’s 30+ National Parks and Reserves in Kenya.
Game viewing here, and in the conservancies which surround it, is very good throughout the year.
And perhaps the most spectacular time to safari here is between July and September. At this time of year, depending on the earlier rains, over 2.5 million plains game, particularly wildebeest and zebra migrate through the reserve. Followed closely by big cats such as lions and other hunters.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The word ‘Serengeti’ comes from a Masai word meaning ‘endless plains’?. During the annual migration, over a million herd animals including wildbeest and zebra undertake a treacherous journey to the western Serengeti and the Masai Mara. And this area is home to large populations of lions, cheetahs and leopards.
Travelling here may embrace four diverse national parks: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Lake Manyara lies at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, home to early man. Tarangire, with its lush grasslands and floodplains lies to the southeast. The spectacular Ngorongoro Crater is 20km across and 600m deep. It has the greatest permanent concentration of wildlife in Africa including elephant, lion, wildebeest and buffalo. And the wide plains of the Serengeti seem endless to the eye. You can combine all four in wonderful, “once-in-a-lifetime” itinerary.
Kafue National Park, Zambia
Located in the heart of Africa, Zambia is home to an impressive variety of big game. Here you will find some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world.
Within Kafue National Park is the spectacular Busanga Plains. Located in the north of the park, it is one of the country’s most significant wetland resources. Game viewing here tends to be seasonal. June to November sees vast herds of antelope and buffalo closely followed by the big cats, including lions.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a collection of private game reserves next to the unfenced Kruger National Park. An area is of outstanding natural beauty, it isperhaps one of the most abundant and diverse areas for wildlife in Africa. There’s a good chance of spotting not only lions but also elusive leopards here.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Botswana is home to some of Africa’s finest game viewing not least in the seasonally flooded Okavango Delta, a thriving wetland within the Kalahari Desert.
The Okavango Delta’s palm islands, lagoons and grass floodplains are home to a loads of wildlife. You’ll spot lions, elephants, buffalos, hippos, leopards and over 450 species of birds. From June to August the water levels are at their highest offering the opportunity for boat and canoe safaris. And from September to October, the climate is hot and dry. Especially good for game viewing along the banks of the river.
If you would like to know more about any of the destinations in this blog, do give us a call on 01923 284148. Or pop an email over to info@ultimatedestinations.co.uk.
A holiday to see lions and all the multiplicity of wildlife in Africa is an incredibly special trip, one that, from first-hand experience, will repay you in spades and comes highly recommended.
