best western african lion safari

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African Lion Safari Getaway Package!

A Safari adventure that the whole family will love! Experience a full day at African Lion Safari then kick back at the Best Western Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre to unwind! Just 30 minutes from the safari located just off HWY 403 and Wayne Gretzky Parkway. Our relaxing accommodations will not disappoint you. Choose from a variety of guest rooms including traditional rooms, our popular family suite with bunk beds and a king size bedroom, or a luxury suite with fireplace – all designed with thoughtful amenities including high-speed wireless Internet, on-site laundry, and accessibility. Ask about one of our rooms with ground floor courtyard access, where you can sit back and relax while watching the kids play at our outdoor playground! Upon return from African Lion Safari come relax on our “hidden-gem” patio at Myra’s Bar & Grill.  Our mission is to make people happy!     Our sample package below includes:  1 Night’s accommodation in a traditional guest room 2 Adult and 2 Children tickets to African Lion Safari Delicious Hot Breakfast served at Myra’s Bar & Grill A $20 gift certificate for Myra’s Bar & Grill

Become a Best Western Rewards Member and receive reward points!     Don't monkey around, call us today to customize your getaway! Package must be booked direct by email at [email protected]  

or calling Toll Free 1-877-341-1234 and speaking to one of our friendly Guest Service Representative’s.

Season information:  http://www.lionsafari.com/

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THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to African Lion Safari

Hotels near african lion safari, property types, distance from, neighbourhoods, traveller rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
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• Distance from African Lion Safari See properties located closest to the place of interest first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners.

1. Homewood Suites by Hilton Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario

2. Kitchener Inn and Suites

3. Staybridge Suites Guelph, an IHG Hotel

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Best Lion Safaris in Africa

Travel information, information on the best lion safaris in africa.

Here at Safari Guru, we’re often asked about planning for the best lion safaris in Africa. The one almost mythical animal everyone wishes to see, and experience on a safari, is the lion! Most of us are, in turn, almost in awe, fear, and curious about lions. To many, a lion epitomises strength, bravery, and courage. They represent the very essence of the bush. Yet, perhaps surprisingly, even this creature faces much danger. Indeed, their sheer numbers in Africa are declining at a fast rate. In the past 100 years, the world has lost over 90% of its lions.

Listed on the  CITES  (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) endangered species list, the lion is also classified as ‘vulnerable’ by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; not a word we would associate with the worlds second-largest cat. 

This regal cat plays such a crucial role in keeping Africa’s wildlife populations in balance, supporting vast ecosystems. The African lion population has almost halved since 1993 and live in less than 8% of their historical and habitat ranges. Today, only an estimated 22,500 remain in the wild. Although they were found across most of Africa, lions are now almost entirely found in East and  Southern Africa . We, humans, have taken up much of their land and are their greatest threat. Sobering statistics and facts, aren’t they?  

Many safari camps offer what they consider to be the best lion safaris and will market themselves accordingly; many offer wild predator photographic expeditions; some are even famous for these big cat sightings, but it should be noted that these animals can move along vast ranges of land and different climatic conditions and local and other factors can sometimes make them difficult to find.

There is, however, much hope for increasing the lion population, with many safari companies, governments, and charitable organisations fighting their cause. Of course, the mere fact that so many of us sit in awe of this great cat means we wish to see them in the wild, not just confined to a zoo. Lions are still present in many large and well-managed protected areas across Africa,  Kenya ,  Tanzania , Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa, to name a few.

Your chances of seeing lions on safari are high if booking via an African safari travel specialist, such as Safari Guru. We know and understand wildlife-protected areas versus wildlife hunting areas, which can significantly impact animal sightings, especially the big cats favoured by many hunters. 

Don’t be fooled into visiting wild cat ‘petting parks’, which can often be involved with ill-practised hunting outfits; they market themselves as cat conservation centres yet, can be engaged in a barbaric practice known as canned lion hunting ! 

For the most rewarding experiences when viewing lions on safari, understanding them is always worthwhile. With a lifespan of roughly 12-18 years in the wild, it is carnivorous and specialised in hunting, dependent on the animal and the size of the pride (the lion family in which they live), buffalo, zebra, impala, wildebeest, and even giraffe and elephant in extreme cases. They are, surprising to many, also effective scavengers and opportunists who will take much smaller prey such as birds, fish, and reptiles.

Lions are rarely solitary and don’t do well on their own. However, you will most likely encounter a lone male on a safari. When he is likely ‘patrolling’ his territory, protecting his pride of females and ‘brothers’ and cubs. You may also see a lone female; she may have just separated herself from her pride to give, or have given birth, to between 2-4 cubs.

Lions are fascinating to see on a safari. Generally, however, during the heat of the day; lions will be lazing in the sun with their family groups or alone. You may see the odd movement, perhaps a flick of the tail, a gentle twitch of the paw, a swat of a fly, or a giant yawn, almost as if they’ve been overfed or indulged in too much rum! This is the main reason that the best lion safaris in Africa are conducted at the crack of dawn! It offers the chance to see the big cats still moving and finishing their night’s activities before daylight and, of course, catching the magical African sunrise.

Yet, if you’re fortunate enough to see these magnificent beasts in action, their true colours come to the fore. This is often at night, although you might be rewarded if an unfortunate prey wanders too close during the day or if conditions are suitable, such as cool, cloudy cover. Then you will see their true strength and speed. These animals can move and react quicker than we see, think and process. A lion hunt is an awe-inspiring sight, yet a lion kill is intense—an assault on your senses and certainly not for the faint of heart.

So, where is it best to see lions on safari in Africa?

East Africa’s best lion populations are in Tanzania and Kenya. However, more recently, the population in Rwanda is also growing in Akagera National Park, allowing a fantastic combination safari with gorillas for a primate safari.

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park offers easy access to good lion populations from camps offering various comfort levels, such as  Mkombe House  and  Lamai Serengeti Camp ,  Pioneer Camp , Serengeti Safari Camp and Singita’s Grumeti Concession with Sasakwa, Sabora Plains Tented Camp.

Kenya offers the Maasai Mara National Reserve, an extension of the Greater Serengeti and Laikipia County. Some of our favoured camps in these two regions include Nkorombo,  Mara Plains Camp ,  Mara Nyika Camp  and Rekero Safari Camp, located on the Talek River system, part of the migration route for the one million odd wildebeest, or gnu, that pass through every year in the  Great Migration .

Lion’s Rock from the movie The Lion King is based on an outcrop in  Laikipia County , Kenya. The famous Big Cat diaries documentary is filmed in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and the fantastic movies, Relentless Enemies, Eternal Enemies and Ultimate Enemies by the excellent National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence, photographers, conservationists and film-makers Beverley and Dereck Jouberts are all filmed in Botswana. 

Southern Africa comprises a number of countries actively making strides in wildlife conservation, and this includes lion population management and protection in many areas where they were previously under threat.

South Africa’s Sabi Sands Private Reserve also has a number of safari camps specialising in wildlife photography and lions. These include camps such as  Londolozi , Singita Ebony Lodge and Savanna Private Camp . There are other areas in South Africa where one can see lions in a more children-friendly environment offering family safaris in areas that do not have malaria.

One of the best places to see lions in Botswana is the Linyanti (season dependent). One of our favourite lodges is  DumaTau Camp , which translates to Lion’s Roar in the local Setswana language. The Okavango Delta in the Moremi Game Reserve of Botswana – they’ve even been known to prowl within some safari camps at night or walk on the boardwalks, which can be an intimidating experience. A few of our favourite camps for lion safaris in the Okavango include Chiefs Camp , Chitabe Camp , Mombo Camp Duba Plains Camp  and  Savuti Camp ..

Zambia (again during certain times of the year) almost guarantees lion sightings.  Zambia’s Busanga Plains is also well known for dense lion populations and a trip here almost guarantees sighting of these hunting machines if booking a safari for three days or more at  Shumba Camp .

Photographing Lions

Photographing lions is fantastic fun and achievable for even the novice wildlife photographer with entry-level photographic equipment. They are big, beautiful and majestic. Being within just a few yards of them in an open vehicle is a truly magical experience. A professional safari guide from an authentic safari outfit will park your 4×4 safari vehicle just right, allowing the light to catch their eyes. The golden fur, jaws, claws and paws of these animals make for magnificent images, and playful cubs are simply some of the loveliest photographic sights in the world.

Remember, though, that it’s certainly easy to overexpose or underexpose essential parts of lions – especially the muzzle and the white patches around the eyes. And the eyes, as mentioned above, are a vital part of taking a wonderful photograph – capture the light within them and the eyes staring toward you or their distant gaze on unsuspecting prey!

Safari Guru Deon  has spent countless hours photographing lions in many different landscapes of Southern and East Africa, including arid regions such as the  Kalahari Desert , where the famous black-maned lions can be found. Deon has also spent many years managing Mombo Camp and  Little Mombo Camp  in the  Okavango Delta . This is Botswana’s predator haven.

Deon’s endless supply of  images , memories and experience has come to the forefront when expertly planning our safaris. We know, for example, the best time to visit the Okavango Delta, how many days to stay in the Okavango, which camps give a great opportunity to see lions in the Okavango and photographic tips for photographing lions. Feel free to  ask  other questions; can lions swim, can lions climb trees, or when is the best time to see baby lions?

Another frequently asked question when planning our custom safaris is how close we will get to lions. Safari goers are often surprised at just how close you can get to lions in an open or closed safari vehicle, and this is often a sign of how much respect the local guides have towards the animals, or of course, whether there is hunting happening within the area, as touched on previously – the latter ensuring the animals always keep a wary distance from any human activity, whether it be vehicle-based safaris or walking safaris (although there is a real difference in  Mana Pools  and Zambia’s,  South Luangwa National Park  where walking near lions in the day is possible!).

When photographing lions, it’s always good to take note of what your preferred subject matter is. What is it that you are trying to represent in the image? Sometimes it might not be the lion that actually needs to centre of attention, but perhaps the focus should be on the story and setting around the lion or lions. By understanding this, you can quickly determine where your focal point needs to be – either the face of the animal or the whole animal itself, as in the case of a wider landscape image.

When creating lion portraits, make sure the eye detail is 100% in focus, as when sharing your image, this is where the viewer’s eye will naturally pull toward. By using enough depth of field, you can ensure you have from the eye through the rest of the face suitably in focus for a good wildlife photographic outcome.

Top lion photography tips from Safari Guru Deon:

• If the lions are on the move, you will need enough camera speed to stop their movement and don’t be fooled; they can move with great speed at any time, so be prepared.
•  Remember to take your eyes away from the camera and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells; these safari moments are precious.

Now, it’s time to research your safari or consult with Safari Guru to decide where is best suited for your travel itinerary to experience lions in the wild. Safari Guru creates safaris in East Africa and Southern Africa, and there are great lion densities in both if you know when and where to go.

Why it’s important to engage with Safari Guru for the best lion safaris in Africa

Remember, lion densities change per region as the group sizes change according to natural habitat, local food source, pride politics and human involvement. So it is always best to get up to date information before you book your travels to ensure your investment in time and money is well spent. Safari Guru will share information with you on the best places to stay on safari, the best time to book a safari and even other items such as what to pack on safari and what medication do you need on safari. Contact us, and we will gladly help you with lion safari planning.

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A member of the “Big 5” and perhaps Africa’s most iconic species, the African Lion is a highly sought after sighting while out on safari.

Common Name – African Lion

Scientific Name – Panthera Leo

Current IUCN Red List Status – VU 

Estimated no. of mature individuals – 23,000 -39,000

Lions are capable of living in a wide variety of habitats and are found across parts of sub-Saharan Africa (mostly Southern and Eastern Africa). Lions generally stick to areas such as grasslands, shrubs and open woodland – however a small number have adapted over generations to thrive in the harsh Namib Desert in Namibia.

The only cats that live in groups – known as prides – lion prides can comprise up to 40 individuals. Though rare to see prides of this size, it is possible. More often than not, prides sizes vary between 8-25 individuals. Most of the hunting is done by female lions working as a team, and who will hunt anything from small antelope to buffalo. Some lion prides have been known to specialise in hunting even larger prey including elephant and giraffe. Males will often only help at the last moment or to bring down large prey – sometimes they run in only when the hunt is over taking the biggest share!

Lion viewing Safaris

Most lion viewing across Africa is done by vehicle on morning and afternoon game drives. It’s a thrilling experience coming face-to-face with a lion in the wild and many guests find a lion encounter to be a major highlight of an African safari. The cats may even use the vehicle as spot for shade, and guides can often find their vehicle surrounded by a handful of lions hiding from the sun.

Lions are fascinating to watch, particularly the dynamic within the pride and many safari-goers will happily watch for hours as the lions hunt or play. Playful cubs interact with one another under the watchful eye of their mothers and sometimes, the cheeky cubs might antagonise a big grumpy male.

Walking safaris offer the chance to see smaller creatures and learn more about native plants, but on occasion there is a chance to see lions – and from a very different perspective. To walk in Africa is to be a part of Africa, leaving nothing but footprints behind. Zimbabwe’s Hwange and Mana Pools national parks along with Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park are some of the best places in Africa to experience a multi-day walking safari reminiscent of a by-gone era. Both offer a truly unique experience while walking amongst Africa’s big game creates live long memories others can only dream of.

Best safaris to see lion

Relais & chateaux kenya safari.

This outstanding Kenyan safari incorporates 2 Relais and Châteaux status safari camps with iconic Giraffe Manor.

Timeless Deserts & Namib Wildlife

Discover the silent beauty of Sossusvlei, track Africa's last free-roaming rhino in Palmwag and go on safari in Etosha, Namibia's finest wildlife reserve.

Tanzania’s Northern Treasures

Experience three of Tanzania’s best known national parks and the country’s epic wildlife in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the celebrated Serengeti.

Inspiring Sights of Kenya

This superb safari incorporates the popular Giraffe Manor in Nairobi and 3 luxury camps situated in sensational gameviewing areas throughout Kenya.

Best of Zimbabwe

This safari explores three of Zimbabwe's greatest highlights: Hwange National Park, breathtaking Mana Pools National Park and Victoria Falls.

Exclusive Botswana

Take in the best of Botswana on this 12 day exclusive safari, travelling from the Makgadikgadi Pans through the Linyanti into the Okavango Delta.

Kruger and The Cape

Discover some of South Africa's best known attractions on this journey that begins with a big game safari in the world-renowned Sabi Sand and concludes in beautiful Cape Town.

Recommended places to see Lion

Namiri plains.

Situated in a little-visited, remarkably unspoilt corner of the Serengeti, Namiri Plains is where you’ll find some of East Africa’s best big cat sightings, from lion and leopard to cheetah.

Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains Camp is an extravagant luxury safari camp set in a private concession in the Okavango Delta dubbed "Botswana's Masai Mara" for sheer density of wildlife.

Singita Lebombo Lodge

Perched high above Kruger National Park’s N’Wanetsi River, Singita Lebombo Lodge offers exceptional opportunities for intimate wildlife encounters.

Ruckomechi Camp

Set on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Ruckomechi Camp has been a favourite with visitors to the breathtaking Mana Pools National Park for many years.

What is a male lion coalition?

Coalitions are normally made up of 2-4 male lions (usually brothers or half-brothers) who hunt and fight off threats as a team. The more males working together, the stronger they are. It’s easier to keep control of a territory or fight an intruder if they work together.

When is the best time to see lions?

Like most other animals, the best time to see these cats is during the early morning and late afternoon when they are most active. During the day, lions will often find a shady spot to avoid the heat and conserve energy.

African Lion Facts:

Sleepy cats A lion can sleep for up to 20 hours in a single day.

Hear me roar Depending on the wind direction, you can hear a lion roar from up to 7 or 8 kilometres away.

Big appetites Like other cats, lions may not know when their next meal might come from, meaning that they will consume food at an extraordinarily fast rate. This also helps to explain why they need to sleep for so long, to enable digestion.

Night vision A lion’s night vision is up to 6 times more sensitive to light than humans.

Weight Male lions are much larger than females and can weigh as much as 190 kilograms (420 pounds)Desert-adapted Lions – Also known as ‘desert lions’ these lions can live without water for extended periods. To cover long distances over the hot desert sand their legs tend to be slightly longer than ‘regular lions’, whilst their coats are slightly thicker to combat the cold temperatures at night. The best place to see these lions is in Northern Namibia.

Find out more about our tailor made African safaris. Get in touch with one of our Destination Specialists.

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The Cape buffalo is a member of Africa’s “Big 5” and therefore a must-see for any safari-goer.

Cape Buffalo

The Cheetah is the fastest land animal on the planet and one of Africa’s most well-known and sought-after sightings when on safari

African elephants are the world’s largest land mammal and were once numerous, roaming across the whole African continent.

With their unique and beautiful colouring, giraffes are one of Africa’s most recognised animals.

Grizzly bear or grizzly is the name given to the subspecies of brown bear that inhabits North America.

Grizzly Bear

The largest cat in the Western Hemisphere, jaguars are strongly built, well-muscled predators native to the Americas

King Penguins don’t actually live on the Antarctic ice shelf, instead they prefer the sandy snowless beaches of the Sub-Antarctic islands.

King Penguin

Lemurs are endemic to the island nation of Madagascar where 107 species can be found. However each individual species is often only found in a

Leopards are graceful cats and still geographically wide-spread across Africa, including isolated parts of Morocco and Egypt.

Meerkats are found in Southern Africa and they are often seen standing on their rear legs, forever gazing out over the sweeping plains.

Orcas, informally referred to as killer whales because of their fearsome reputation, are majestic mammals.

Polar bears are found in the Arctic regions of Canada & Europe. The majority of their population are found in Canada, particularly around the

Impressively large and with horns for a nose, these prehistoric looking creatures are one of the most iconic African animals.

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The lions of Africa: expert advice on how to see them on your next safari

Sep 8, 2022 • 7 min read

Observing the social aspect of lions' lives is one of the most memorable elements of an encounter with the species © Thomas Retterath / Getty Images

Few experiences in Africa live longer in memory than the first time you see a lion.

Lithe and ferocious, lions are without rival as Africa’s apex predator and carry on their body what one lion expert described as an “aura of impending violence”. The epitome of wild Africa, they are also the most sought-after prize on any safari to East Africa or Southern Africa for their combination of grace and grandeur, charisma and gravitas. Here we introduce you to the king of Africa’s cats, and tell you where's best to see them.

Africa’s biggest cat

Second in size among felines only to the tiger, lions are easily Africa’s largest cat species. Males can be over 2.5m long, 3.5m if you include the tail. The heaviest wild male lion recorded weighed in at a rather hefty 272kg. Females generally weigh between 110kg and 168kg. Lions can eat up to 25% of their own body weight in a single session and, on such occasions, even male lions can appear pregnant, so swollen are their bellies.

Female lions can live up to 18 years in the wild; males have been known to live up to 16, but rarely make it past 12. Lions can live up to 27 years in captivity.

A social beast

There are 38 species of wild cats in the world, and the lion is the only social cat among them. Lions live in prides which can include more than 30 individuals, although many prides are much smaller, especially in areas where pressure from human populations is high, or in regions where prey is scarce.

A multi-generational sisterhood of lionesses forms the core of nearly every pride. Females born into the pride will, in many cases, remain with their sisters and mothers, aunties and grandmothers throughout their lifetimes. Together this formidable team of lionesses raises the pride’s cubs and inhabits a defined home range that can be as small as 35 sq km, or as large as 1000. They hunt as a team, defend their territory together against intruders, and raise cubs in a collective creche-like environment.

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Lion pregnancies last between three and four months and, when they are ready to give birth, lionesses retreat to a secluded place where the cubs are born. The average size of a litter of lions is between two and four, but as many as seven have been recorded. Cubs cannot open their eyes until around ten days after birth, and mothers keep their cubs hidden until they are around eight weeks old. Despite the protection afforded by the pride, lions are particularly vulnerable during their first two years of life.

When they reach adulthood, which for lions usually occurs between two and four years of age, the young males will leave their natal pride and search for a territory of their own – this is nature’s way of ensuring that sexually mature males do not mate with their own relatives. They will often join with brothers or cousins to form a coalition and, largely nomadic, these dispersing males will wander until they can successfully challenge a resident male (or males) for control of a pride. Once in control, they will patrol their territory, sometimes remaining on their own with the other coalition male(s), sometimes hanging out with the pride females and cubs.

Where to see rhinos on safari in Africa in 2022

What lions eat

Lions are great opportunists and will eat springhares, elephants and most animals in between. Their favorite prey varies from one region to the next, but their diet often includes zebra, warthog, buffalo, wildebeest, impala, gemsbok, and warthog. One pride of lions even learned to hunt seals along Namibia’s northern coast. Lions also hunt giraffes – this is a particular specialty in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve . Lions commonly hunt elephants in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, especially late in the dry season (September and October); the weight imbalance between lions and elephants, which can weigh 3.5 tons, is the greatest disparity between predator and prey in the animal kingdom. Even one-tonne buffaloes can weigh more than seven times that of the adult lioness bringing it down.

A day on safari in Africa: what you can expect in camp and in the wild

Although lions are skilled hunters and can reach a top speed of 93km/h, they rely on short bursts of speed rather than stamina – a typical lion hunt requires that lions stalk their prey to within around 15m before launching their attack. And despite such skills, their recorded success rate as hunters can be as low as 15% and never higher than 38.5% – in other words, significantly more than half of all lion hunts end in failure. And contrary to popular belief, lions routinely scavenge a significant proportion of their meals.

Lions will also eat domestic livestock, especially cows, and donkeys. With human beings and lions living in ever-closer proximity, such killings are a major cause of human-lion conflict, with many lions killed in retaliation.

Protecting rhinos from poachers in Africa - what it's like working on the frontline

King of the jungle? 

Contrary to popular lore, the lion has never been king of the jungle: they are most at home out on savannah plains or in open woodlands. Lions can adapt to many different habitats, from dense woodlands in Ethiopia and Uganda to semi-arid environments such as Botswana’s Kalahari and the Skeleton Coast of northern Namibia. Although lions, like most cats, aren’t particularly fond of water, they have learned to become strong swimmers in Botswana’s watery Okavango Delta .

Are you ready for a self-drive safari?

The largest lion populations are in East and Southern Africa; some estimates suggest that half of Africa’s lions live in Tanzania . There are small lion populations elsewhere, including the Gir Forest, in the Indian state of Gujarat , and West Africa (where the lion is listed as Critically Endangered). The largest lion populations are in Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park (Tanzania), the Serengeti -Masai Mara (Tanzania and Kenya ), Kruger National Park (South Africa) and the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (which spans Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe).

The best places to see lions on safari

Northern Botswana has excellent lion-watching territory, including Moremi Game Reserve and elsewhere in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park  (especially the Savuti region) and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. 

Kenya is home to around 2000 lions, with sightings possible in Masai Mara Game Reserve and the surrounding community conservancies, Amboseli , Tsavo East and Tsavo West  and Lake Nakuru national parks, as well as Samburu National Reserve and the conservancies of the Laikipia Plateau .

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There aren’t many places in Namibia where you can see lions, but Etosha National Park in the country’s north is a brilliant exception. Khaudum National Park and the emerging parks of the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) are quieter alternatives.

Beyond safaris, these are Namibia’s most awe-inspiring experiences

South Africa

Lions have been reintroduced onto many private reserves in South Africa. Otherwise, Kruger National Park is one of the world’s best places to see lions. Madikwe Game Reserve and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are less busy but also filled with lions.

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This is prime lion-viewing land, and includes the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park in the north, and Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park in the south.

Tanzania: an epic safari following the Serengeti's Great Migration

A much-underrated lion-watching destination, Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is excellent, with North Luangwa and Kafue national parks offering wilder experiences.

Unforgettable adventure activities in Zimbabwe and Zambia

Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s best national parks and lion sightings are common. Mana Pools is another park with a healthy lion population that you can watch while on a walking safari.

8 vital things to know about South African safaris

Lions in peril?

There are more rhinos, more elephants and more gorillas than there are lions in Africa. No one really knows how many lions there were in Africa a century ago, but most estimates suggest that it was more than a million. A study in 2019 estimated that there were just 22,509 left on the continent and that lions have disappeared from 95% of their former range.

Many lions live in isolated populations that may not be viable in the long term, and just 40% of Africa’s lions live within the boundaries of protected areas. Just eight countries are believed to have at least 500 adult lions: Tanzania, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The lion is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Where to go for your first safari in Africa

This article was first published Oct 28, 2019 and updated Sep 8, 2022.

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The best places to see lions in Africa on your African lion safari (where are lions in Africa?)

Posted by Andrew Hofmeyr on January 22 2024 in African Animals & Conservation Enquire Now!

The most iconic animal in Africa, the lion is synonymous with the African safari experience. So, where are lions in Africa? If you are planning an African lion safari or dreaming of seeing these African big cats in the wild one day, this post will tell you all you need to know about the best places to see lions in Africa.

Lions used to roam freely across most of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. As human populations developed and expanded, lions have gradually been confined to smaller and smaller habitats. Today, populations of wild African lions are limited to major African parks where there is enough food for these majestic predators, as well as sufficient land for them to roam. 

The best places to see lions in Africa (in the wild) are in southern and eastern Africa. In particular, the best African lion safari countries include Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. 

While all lions in Africa are the same species ( Pantera Leo) , not all lion safari destinations are equal. While you can see these apex predators in Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, different destinations promise different kinds of African lion safari sightings. Remembering that African lions are wild animals and that sightings are never guaranteed, certain African lion safari destinations have developed reputations for particular kinds of lion sightings.

This guide answers the question, "Where are lions in Africa?" and looks at the best places to see lions in Africa. From tree-climbing and desert lions to the densest African lion populations, the fiercest lions, and the wildest lion safari destinations. Read on to find out everything you need to know about lion safari destinations in Africa.

See Lions in Africa  to get tips for your African lion safari and find out all about these African big cats.

1. Where are lions in Africa the most abundant? - Serengeti and Masai Mara

The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is famous for having the highest population density of lions in Africa, making it one of the very best places to see lions in Africa. Lion numbers are dependent on food and space. With the continuous migration of over 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and other antelope, lion numbers are not surprisingly high. In terms of sheer abundance, the setting of the Great Migration  cannot be beaten. Spanning Kenya and Tanzania, the open savannah landscape of the Serengeti-Mara plains is a fantastic spot for an African lion safari. 

“Nowhere else in Africa supports quite such a concentrated abundance of hoofed meat, amid such open landscape, and therefore the Serengeti is a glorious place for lions and an ideal site for lion researchers” 

– David Quammen, National Geographic Magazine

To see lions on safari in Tanzania you should visit the Serengeti National Park. The Seronera region of central Serengeti is famous for lion safari sightings. High season from July to October, has amazing lion sightings as well as some remarkable game viewing. If the drama of the Grumeti and Mara River crossing is on your hit list, you should visit from June to September. If you are not a fan of large crowds then the low season, November to March, will give you a more relaxed atmosphere in which to seek out the roaming lion prides that call the Serengeti home.

• Serengeti Safari Packages

In Kenya, the top African lion safari destination is the Masai Mara National Park. The lions here were made famous by the BBC nature documentary series “The Big Cat Diary”. The Masai Mara high season starts around July when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest begin migrating across the Mara River into the Masai Mara National Reserve from the Serengeti. The wildebeest herds follow the fresh and succulent grasses that come after good rains. Remember that lions do not migrate. Pride lands are set up along the migration routes and the lions merely exploit the movement of these animals. In addition to the lions, the Masai Mara is also famous for cheetah populations that thrive on the wide-open grasslands.

• Masai Mara Safaris

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2. Where are the biggest lions in Africa? - Duba Plains

The biggest lions in Africa are found on the Duba Plains in Botswana. Permanent water and nutritious grasses make the Duba Plains in the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta the perfect habitat for buffalo. Lions love buffalo. Almost a ton of meat that kicks and stabs with horns is a worthy prey for the king of the jungle.

The Duba Plains lions have evolved into powerful and unique specimens which is why this is one of the best places to see lions in Africa. They are the only (known) group of lions that seem to enjoy the water. Furthermore, constantly running through shallow water and taking down buffalo is the kind of workout that has resulted in the Duba Plains lions being about 15% larger than other lions. Another unique quirk is that these lions have adapted to hunt during the day, which is perfect for some epic game encounters.

The Duba Plains have pleasant daytime temperatures from March to August, but August is the most popular amongst safari-goers to the Delta. Temperatures are mild and slipping through the canals on a mokoro amongst the throngs of animals is one of the highlights of any safari adventure in Africa.

• Okavango Delta Safaris  

3. Where are lions in Africa the most ferocious? - Savuti Marsh

In the arid Savuti region of Chobe National Park, a mega-pride of 30 lions faced an unprecedented challenge when the Savuti channel dried up. With a decline in water and lush vegetation, the ungulate population dwindled, posing a serious threat to the predators' food supply.

In a remarkable display of adaptability, the mega-pride formed and turned to an unconventional but abundant source: elephants. Forced by the necessity to target these massive creatures, the lions of Savuti became skilled elephant hunters, successfully taking down an estimated 74 elephants over three years. This extraordinary behaviour, which has been passed down through generations, defies traditional notions of lion prey preferences and draws wildlife enthusiasts and filmmakers to the Savuti region, eager to witness and document this unique survival strategy. Today this part of Chobe is still one of the most exciting destinations for an African lion safari.

• Savuti Marsh Tours

4. The best place to see lions in Africa hunting

The best places to see lions in Africa hunt are the banks of the Mara River in the Masai Mara National Reserve of Kenya and at the southern end of the Serengeti, during the calving season. Both locations are saturated with wildebeest at different times of the Great Wildebeest Migration . The wide-open plains are gold for those looking to witness the power of African lions hunting and the drama of a lion kill.

At the Mara River, the most iconic point of the great wildebeest migration, animals queue on mass to cross the perilous, crocodile-infested waters. The lions are waiting in ambush and between July and August is a great time to witness this spectacle.

Wildebeest calving season happens in January and March at the southern end of the Serengeti. The wildebeest gather, near Maswa and Ngorongoro, to have their young before the northward migration begins. Young animals must learn to run within minutes. Lions lie in wait for the comparatively easy pickings.

Difficult to stomach but fascinating to watch, lions in action – doing what lions do – is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not for the faint of heart.

• Masai Mara Safaris  (Kenya)

5. The best places for an African lion safari in Kruger National Park

Southern Africa’s most famous and most iconic national park is a must-visit for an African lion safari. Located in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is not only SA’s premier safari destination but also home to the majority of South Africa’s wild lions. This reserve is roughly (at just under 20,000 km²) the size of Wales. So if it is a lion safari you are after, you need to pay special attention to geography and climate.

Hot and dry in the northern reaches of the park, the lion density is about 6 lions per 100 km². This is because prey is harder to come by. It means that your odds of seeing what you came for are lower. South and central, where there is higher rainfall and therefore more vegetation, supports a greater number of herbivores and the lion population is almost twice that of the north. That means you are twice as likely to meet these majestic beasts. However, south and central Kruger is still pretty broad.

The best place for an African lion safari in the wilds of Kruger National Park is Sabi Sands.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park, is one of South Africa’s top game viewing destinations. This private reserve has unparalleled game viewing due to abundant water and restricted access. While day visitors are not allowed, and only guided safaris are offered, these guides and safari vehicles have unrestricted movement around the reserve. Sabi Sands is renowned for its Big Five safari experiences, especially sightings of the big cats, lion, and leopard. Of the best places to see lions in Africa, this is one of our top favourites.

• Kruger National Park Safaris
• Sabi Sands Safaris

6. Where are white lions in Africa? - Timbavati

The white lions of timbavati have captured the imaginations of the west since the publication of chris mcbride’s 1977 book,  the white lions of timbavati . sacred to the local tsonga people, “tsimba vati”, directly translated, means the place where the star lions fell to earth. these lions are sacred, mystical, and revered. the result of a genetic mutation called leucism, white lions are extremely rare..

“Timbavati Private Nature remains the only reserve in the world … where wild white lions occur regularly and naturally” William Sonnenberg

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, north of Sabi Sands and part of the Greater Kruger National Park , is singular in the naturally occurring white lions. Occurring in two forms; white with blue eyes and pink lips, noses, and pads and brown eyes with black lips, noses, and pads. Reserved for only a lucky few, an encounter with these lions is described by many as a spiritual encounter.

In the late ’70s, two of these cubs were moved to Johannesburg Zoo for a breeding program. The resulting offspring are the estimated 400 captive white lions found around the world. 

• Timbavati Safaris

7. Where to see black-maned desert lions? - Kalahari Desert

The best place to see the black-maned lions of the Kalahari is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park spans northern South Africa and Botswana and shares a border with Namibia to the west. The best time to visit the park is between the dry winter months of April and October. With little water available, animals congregate near permanent water sources. Chances of seeing special animals like the black manes lions increase as the bush thins and foliage dies off.  

Black-maned desert lions are masters of the desert environment. More light-weight and slender with longer legs and larger feet, these desert-adapted lions are built for endurance. Their fur is pale gold and males sport a distinctive black mane. While large lion prides are the norm in game-rich wildlife reserves like Kruger and the Serengeti, in arid regions, prides can consist of a single mating pair, up to small prides of six members. The black-maned Kalahari Desert lions are rare and have become an icon of survival. Scientists believe that the black manes may indicate higher levels of testosterone and in turn, these black manes are more attractive to female lions.

8. Where are the man-eating lions in Africa? - Selous and Tsavo

Yes, that’s right—mane-less lions. Scientists are unsure exactly why these males do not have manes. It’s a bit of a mystery as sometimes mane-less lions are born in the same litter as maned lions in Africa. Mane-less lions are real, and if you are a lion connoisseur, then head to the Nyerere National Park (previously called Selous Game Reserve) of Tanzania. Here, mane-less lions are fairly common and are often the dominant males in their area.

A man-eater is something else altogether. Did you know that the famous man-eaters of Tsavo were mane-less? Between March and December 1898 a pair of male lions reportedly killed around 130 construction workers. Eventually, the rouge lions were shot and after being used as a carpet for a few years were sold to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, USA, where they are on display today.

You can visit the site of these legendary killers and even stay at the Man-eaters Camp. The male lions at Tsavo in Kenya, generally do not have manes. The best time to visit Tsavo is between June and October and in January and February. At these times the game viewing is best and you might just get a glimpse of descendants of the legendary man-eaters of Tsavo.

• Selous Safaris in Tanzania  
• Tsavo Safaris in Kenya

9. Best African lion safari day trips (Big 5 Safaris): Ngorongoro Crater

Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area is part of the Serengeti Biosphere Reserve. Unique among African safari destinations, the Ngorongoro Crater is a large volcanic  caldera . Encircled by the surrounding highlands, Ngorongoro is a wildlife haven. It is an ideal place to get close to wild lions in Africa as it boasts 5 prides on the crater floor. Lion sightings are almost guaranteed on safaris here thus Ngorongoro Crater is consistently rated as one of the best places to see lions in Africa.

The setting for the nearly 30,000 game animals that inhabit the crater floor is really extraordinary. Top African lion safari tip: go early to avoid the crowds, with one way in and one way out, visiting Ngorongoro Crater can get pretty busy. You can visit the wildlife-rich crater on a day trip from Arusha. 

• Ngorongoro Crater Safaris

10. Best place to see lion and predator clashes: Chobe

Chobe National Park in Botswana is well known for its lion versus hyena predator clashes. Savuti, in the southern reaches of Chobe, is famous for its predator-rich safari sightings. With large prides of lions, hyenas, and leopards patrolling the woodlands these predators often clash over both territory and food. Savuti is hands down one of the best places to see lions and other predators clash.

• Chobe Safari Tours

11. Best African lion safari on foot: Zambia walking safari

Historically speaking, South Luangwa National Park is where walking safaris were pioneered. Zambia’s Luangwa Valley is home to a large population of African lions and the perfect place to do a walking safari.

When you walk in the African bush – without the safety of a vehicle – you become another animal, a part of the environment. There is something primal about this experience that is utterly unique. Walking safaris are designed for full immersion. You will leave behind the well-travelled roads and head off the beaten track. In Luangwa, you can do anything from a morning stroll to a multi-day action-packed hike, walking in the tracks of lions. Undoubtedly one of the best places to see lions in Africa, South Luangwa is arguably the best place for an African lion safari on foot!

• South Luangwa Safaris

12. Best big cities for an African lion safari: Nairobi, Cape Town, Johannesburg

Despite being famous for Big 5 safaris, African countries are modernizing and Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Nairobi are modern and cosmopolitan destinations. Cape Town is a tourist mecca, considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the world. Isn’t it reassuring to know that despite their very concrete existence in the modern world, you can still see lions only a short distance away?

Nairobi Lion Safari

Nairobi National Park is just 7km (4 miles) away from the heart of Nairobi. Lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos roam these Kenyan plains against the backdrop of the Nairobi city skyline. The proximity to a big city is unheard of.

• Safaris departing from Nairobi

Cape Town Lion Safari

The last lion was shot in Cape Town in 1802. These days, visitors to Cape Town will have to travel a little further to see lions and the other Big 5 animals, although not as far as you might think.

Here are the best  Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town , including Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (3-hour drive), Inverdoorn Game Reserve (2.5-hour drive), Aquila Private Game Reserve (2-hour drive) and the Garden Route Game Lodge (3.5-hour drive).

These private game reserves are all malaria-free, affordable, and, most importantly, home to a variety of wild animals including the Big 5 animals of Africa. 

• Cape Town Safaris & Tours
• Sanbona Safaris
• Inverdoorn Safaris
• Aquilla Safaris

Johannesburg Lion Safari

Johannesburg is not usually associated with lions and African lion safaris. However, if you have flown across the globe, a 4.5-hour drive to South Africa’s premier safari destination is not too bad. Kruger Park is world-renowned for good reason. The best place to see lions in Kruger National Park is south and central, with Sabi Sands being the top pick.

However, if this is a stretch too far, the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve is only 2.5 hours north-west of the big bad city. Pilanesberg is a fantastic Big 5 safari destination. The campsites are brilliant and the game viewing is excellent. Lions, elephants, and rhinos are common as well as a host of other herbivores. So close to both Pretoria and Johannesburg, that if you are pressed for time, it’s a no-brainer.

• Pilanesberg Safaris
• Kruger National Park Tours

13. Wildest places for African lion safaris: Ruhua and Niassa

To see African lions off the beaten path in wild terrain, you can visit Niassa Game Reserve in Mozambique or Ruaha in Tanzania. There are a few places where man has not yet made his mark. For example, while the Okavango is wild, it is also one of the most sought-after safari destinations. East Africa's most popular bucket list reserves are the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. These destinations are popular for a reason but you are not going to get that alone-in-Africa, wild sort of feeling. Niassa and Ruaha are growing in popularity because of their unspoiled allure.

The Niassa Game Reserve in northern Mozambique is a fantastic lion safari destination. Difficult to access because of poor infrastructure, once there, the game viewing is indescribable. For years the reserve was lost to the public because of civil war. The war, though terrible, kept Niassa remote and wild. Today, the reserve is home to prolific game including thousands of elephants, healthy populations of African painted wolves as well as lions, hyenas, and large herds of herbivores. Niassa has three endemic species Niassa wildebeest, Johnstons impala, and Boehms zebra. The exciting thing about Niassa Reserve is that it is part of a proposed Selous-Niassa Wildlife Protection Corridor. This vast corridor would link reserves in southern Tanzania with those in northern Mozambique, creating the largest protected wildlife park on earth!

In Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, when viewing lions, you are likely to have the sighting all to yourself. Hidden away in central Tanzania and part of the 45,000km² Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi  ecosystem , Ruaha has fewer than 6,000 safari-goers per year. That translates to about 16 visitors a day! This makes Ruaha one of East Africa’s hidden treasures.

The park itself has some remarkable draw cards. Wildly beautiful scenery studded with baobabs, Ruaha is home to 10% of the world's remaining lion population. In the Mwagusi area, African lion safari sightings are particularly good but in general, the density of predators in the park is some of the best in the country. Lastly, because of its remote location, Ruaha is excellent value for money and a brilliant African Budget safari option.

• Ruaha Safaris in Tanzania

14. Where are lions in Africa climbing trees?

Tree-climbing lions are a thing, and there are a few places where the behaviour is more common. So where are lions in Africa known to do this? Tree-climbing lions are most commonly sighted in East Africa, especially Tanzania and Uganda, with rarer sightings further south in sub-Saharan Africa. The best places to spot tree-climbing lions in Africa are Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, and Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. The novelty of witnessing lions climbing trees makes these parks some of the best places to see lions in Africa, with a twist.

Find out where to see tree-climbing lions on safari:  Best place to see tree-climbing lions in Africa

• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park

15. The most affordable African lion safari packages

There are many different kinds of African safari, and costs will depend on the destination, duration, season, number of people, and more. For more detailed information you can read our African Safari Cost  page, but for now, here is a list of our most affordable African lion safari destinations and packages.

• Sanbona Wildlife Reserve near Cape Town
• The Kruger National Park , including Sabi Sands and Timbavati
• Etosha National Park in Namibia
• Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe
• Chobe National Park in Botswana

Plan an affordable African lion safari

There you have it, the best places to see lions in Africa, in a nutshell. If you'd like to see wild lions in Africa, African Budget Safaris has a huge selection of African safari tours to choose from.

Dive in and start planning with tips for your African lion safari and all about these African big cats . Or, get in touch with one of our passionate and knowledgeable travel experts to ask them any questions that you might have about lions, African lion safaris, or travelling to Africa in general. 

African Budget Safaris specializes in private and tailor-made African Safaris on a budget, so we can customize a private African lion safari that is just right for you. 

Contact African Budget Safaris today.

If you liked this post, these trips cover similar ground…

• 2 Day Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Aquila Game Reserve - Budget Lodge Tour
• 3 Day Cape Town Safari - Big 5 Budget Tour
• Full Day Addo Elephant Park Big 5 Safari
• Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Aquila Game Reserve - Budget Day Tour

About the Author

Andrew hofmeyr naturalist, artist & writer.

Places Mentioned in this Post

1. Timbavati Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, 1380, South Africa

2. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Portion 4, Shaws Gate, shaws gate, Kruger, 1350, South Africa

3. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, R62, Montagu, 6720, South Africa

4. Tanzania

5. Ngamiland West, Botswana

6. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, R360, Upington, 8800, South Africa

7. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

8. Serengeti, Tanzania

9. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Ngiro-are Road, Kenya

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A private, tailor-made safari is within your reach. Experience all of your bucket-list safari related items on a budget now.

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The 5 best places to see lions in africa.

Regal and majestic, spotting a lion in the wild is the highlight of any safari. Jonathan and Angela Scott, the Big Cat People, reveal the very best places in Africa to see them...

No safari would be complete without the sight (or sound) of wild lions. Their thunderous roars echoing across the plains at night, or in the early morning, is a sound to thrill the heart.  

The dry season – when the grass is short and the bush less dense – is the easiest time to locate and photograph all the big cats. Lions are territorial making it possible to track their movements year-round.  

Some destinations offer a better chance of a sighting than others. Many driver-guides at the camp or lodge you're staying at will be out on safari every day, so they will know the various lion prides' current movements - making it much more likely that you will see them. 

Here are the 5 best places to see lions in Africa...

1. masai mara national reserve, kenya.

Lion cubs in the Masai Mara (Shutterstock)

A year-round destination and the best place in the world to watch and photograph wild lions with amazing access and visibility. We have a stone cottage at Governor's Camp as our base in the heart of Marsh Pride territory.

These are the most famous lion pride in the world. We have been watching the Marsh Pride since 1977. 

As you can imagine there are some great place to stay. Governor's Camp and Rekero Camp are both excellent. And the Wildlife Conservancies bordering the edge of the Reserve – such as Mara North Conservancy ( Richard's Camp ) and Olare-Motorogi Conservancy ( Kicheche Bush Camp ) – also offer wonderful big cat game viewing.  

2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

A lioness on the hunt in the Serengeti (Shutterstock)

The Masai Mara's big brother across the border in Tanzania. The Serengeti is savanna Africa on a grand scale, offering a Pleistocene view of wildlife, with large prides of resident lions staking out their territories among the woodlands.

There are an estimated 3,000 lions roaming the Mara-Serengeti's rolling plains and woodlands. From January to March, the  wildebeest are calving and the massed herds of wildebeest and zebras are spread across the grasslands for as far as the eye can see.  

The sight of prides of lions lying up on the rocky granite outcrops – known as kopjes – are a photographer's dream. 

Asilia's  Namiri Plains tented camps is the perfect place to stay on the southern Serengeti Plains 

Read next:  13 secret African safaris without the crowds

3. okavango delta, botswana.

A lioness wading through the Okavango Delta (Shutterstock)

The Okavango Delta is often described as the Jewel of the Kalahari, a vast river system of palm fringed islands and winding tributaries that eventually disappears in to the Kalahari sands. The mix of wet and dry landscapes makes it an exciting contrast to the wonders of the Mara-Serengeti.  

You can find all of the big cats here as well as packs of wild dogs  (another of our favourites). If you are hoping to see lions hunting, Duba Plains is famous for its lion/buffalo encounters.

Either Mombo or Chiefs Camp  make a great base.

4. Londolozi Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Two lionesses rest among the dry grasses in Londolozi Reserve (Shutterstock)

Londolozi is 150 sq km in extent and part of the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, situated on the western border of Kruger National Park.

Although leopards are their speciality, Londolozi offers wonderful views of lions. We were there in April and saw black-maned males and a large pride of females and cubs.  

The bush is thicker than in the Masai Mara, but the driver-guides are top notch ensuring that you enjoy a first class safari away from the madding crowd.

We stayed at  Founders Camp .

5. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

A male lion relaxing in afield of purple flowers in Ngorongoro crater (Shutterstock)

Famous for its black-maned lions, the Crater is one of the natural wonders of the world and the largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera on the planet.  

The balance between the lion and hyena populations on the Crater floor has oscillated over the years. In the 1960s the lions were decimated by a plague of Stomoxys biting flies during a particularly wet spell. Henry Fosbrooke, the Conservator of the crater at the time, reported that these flies literally bled the lions to death.  

In time, the lion population recovered and today there are around 60 lions living here. The towering Crater wall and variety of wildlife makes the perfect photographic backdrop for lion 'landscapes'.

Both &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge  and Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge make an excellent base for spotting lions.

Jonathan and Angela Scott are award-winning wildlife photographers and authors who have made their name documenting the lives of lions, leopards and cheetahs in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

For more information, visit  their official website .

You may also like:

6 best places to see leopards in africa, the best african safaris for any traveller, 10 best places to see gorillas in the wild, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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12 Top African Safari Tours

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Spot the big five on your safari adventure.

Safari tours in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the "big five" – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you'll find an array of tours to best suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can't-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Note: Some of the African countries in this article may require travelers to get an entry visa and certain vaccinations in order to visit. Jump to the list of visa and vaccination requirements by country at the bottom of this page for more information.

&Beyond

Courtesy of &Beyond

Visitors who don't want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond's offerings. During the tour operator's 10-day Kings of the Jungle safari – which starts at $11,340 per person – travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and the Maasai Mara savanna. But the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park . After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms.

[See more of Serengeti National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Wilderness Safaris

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

For some of Africa's most jaw-dropping scenery, opt for the seven-night Namibian Adventure Safari tour offered by Wilderness Safaris. This weeklong trip features visits to the Namib Desert's dune-filled Sossusvlei region (which you may recognize from the film "Mad Max: Fury Road") and the mountainous Palmwag Concession – a protected area with springboks, giraffes, black rhinos and more. The package's per person fee starts at $6,725, which covers most meals, park entrance fees, and transfers from Namibia's capital Windhoek and between the safari destinations. It also covers your stay at properties like the fully solar-powered Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp and the five-star Little Kulala lodge amid the stunning desert.

Wild Rwanda Safaris

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris)

Adventurous travelers sticking to a more conservative budget should consider Wild Rwanda Safaris' Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The three-day package features a full day in southwestern Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a haven for silverback gorillas) and an adjacent Batwa Pygmy community. Wild Rwanda Safaris allows guests to choose between midrange, luxury and super luxury accommodation, which can help keep costs down if necessary. The company's packages include the $700 permit required to visit the gorilla park. The round-trip journey by safari vehicle to and from Kigali, Rwanda, and English-speaking guide services are also covered in all rates. The tour can begin from Kampala, Uganda, as well, although you'll spend longer on the road to the park.

Nomad Tanzania

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

Sign up for Nomad Tanzania's Southern Tanzania safari and you're bound to get an up-close look at Tanzania's diverse wildlife. Offering eight days of activities, including game drives and boat trips in Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, this safari gives you prime opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, among other species. What's more, lodging at the company's campsites, select meals, and flights to and from Dar es Salaam are factored into the package's prices. Expect to pay a minimum of $5,700 per person; prices vary depending on the time of year, and the tour isn't offered in April and May.

Micato Safaris

If you want to explore multiple destinations while on safari with plenty of comfort (but a price tag to match), book the 15-day Micato Grand Safari. This outing by Micato Safaris starts with a two-day visit to Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Amboseli and Serengeti national parks for wildlife-viewing excursions. During your trip, you'll see Mount Kilimanjaro as zebras, gazelles and more roam in the foreground. The package costs at least $22,450 per person (based on double occupancy rates) and includes a hot air balloon ride, a camel tour led by members of the Samburu tribe, and lodging at upscale properties like Serengeti's Four Seasons outpost. The company also offers various extensions allowing you to explore other parts of Africa, from the island paradise of Zanzibar to the deserts of Namibia.

Rothschild Safaris

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

If your ideal safari vacation consists of customizing your trip from start to finish, consider an outing with Rothschild Safaris. The company offers itineraries in locales like Zambia and Madagascar , but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the big five animals, the Essence of Tanzania safari is a good bet. This nine-day experience, which embarks from Arusha and returns there by plane, includes game-viewing drives in Tarangire National Park and accommodations like canvas tents and farmhouse lodges. Elephants, zebras and lions are just some of the animals you may spot during your journey. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Lion World Travel

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

As the trip name implies, Lion World Travel's 10-day Best of Cape Town & Botswana vacation package combines sightseeing in Cape Town, South Africa , with a classic safari in Botswana. During the latter half of the itinerary, visitors will explore Botswana's Okavango Delta (home to cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos and more) and Chobe National Park, which is believed to have Africa's largest elephant population. Prices start at $4,299 per person and cover game drives; many of your meals; and stays at luxury hotels, camps and lodges. You'll need to pay an extra charge for the flights within the tour (Cape Town to Botswana as well as Botswana to Johannesburg ).

[See more of Cape Town: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Bearded Heron Safaris

Neil Heron | Courtesy of Bearded Heron Safaris

Travelers keen on seeing South Africa's Kruger National Park through the eyes of a local naturalist will appreciate the 15-day safari with Bearded Heron Safaris. Led by Neil Heron, a nature guide and wildlife photographer and writer, Bearded Heron Safaris' longest option features small game drives that may include lion, rhino, zebra and leopard sightings throughout all corners of Kruger. Rates are inclusive of in-park cottage accommodations and all breakfasts, dinners, snacks and drinks. Flights and park fees are not included. For a 15-day safari, expect to pay 76,900 South African rand (about $4,500) per person.

[See more of Kruger National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Discover Africa

Getty Images

For an inside-out trip through the natural wonders of Botswana, Discover Africa's nine-day Epic Botswana Adventure is a formidable option. You'll start out at a riverside lodge on the Chobe River – a great location for elephant spotting – before moving onto the marshy Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich area where you can spot a huge range of animals from leopards to rhinos. The safari ends at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a good place to admire wildlife like zebras and buffalo on the savanna as well as salt pans from a former lake. You'll stay in upscale lodges and campsites within close reach of the wilderness. All meals and transport along the tour are included in the price tag (which starts at $4,800 per person), but international flights are excluded.

Wild Wings Safaris

If you're looking to have a broader experience that mixes in some history and beach time, consider Wild Wings Safaris' eight-day Battlefields, Bush and Beach Safari. You'll start off visiting some of South Africa's historic sites from the Boer wars, before moving on to the Phinda Private Game Reserve, which doesn't allow day visitors, so you should be able to look out for the big five without too many crowds. The tour wraps up at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel or scuba dive near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. As far as safaris go, this one is an affordable option, starting at about $2,795 per person with all meals included as well as a rental car; for the cheapest price, you will need to drive yourself between the destinations, but it's possible to pay an additional fee for a driver to guide you instead.

Cuckoo Safaris

This tour company kicks off its tours from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with a host of safaris that range from two days to nine, across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, including some family-friendly choices. For an affordable option, there's the four-day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe and Hwange Park safari, which will take you on two full-day tours to Chobe National Park (across the border in Botswana) and to Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and more. This safari also includes a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The price starts at $900 per person, which includes the tours plus breakfast, lunch and lodging in Victoria Falls; travelers will need to pay for entrance fees to the parks and dinner.

Compass Odyssey

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

Explore the savanna and deserts of southwest Africa with Compass Odyssey's eight-day Namibia Wildlife Safari. You'll visit a community-based conservation area in Damaraland – known for its desert-adapted elephants, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife – while staying in the rustic-chic Doro Nawas Camp. You'll also spend two days in Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife at the park's bustling waterholes by day and embarking on an evening game drive as well. Starting at $3,750 per person, the tour includes most meals and all park entry fees, but not flights; the company does allow the tour to be customized on request.

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

Some popular safari destinations may require you to have received certain vaccinations in order to enter the country as a tourist. Inoculation requirements can include vaccination against COVID-19 and yellow fever, and you'll need to get these vaccines before departing on your trip. Be sure to bring proof of vaccinations with you. If you are transiting through another country en route to your safari tour, you must check that you also meet immunization requirements for the stopover location.

Note that, outside of what's required, there are a number of other vaccinations that are recommended, so ensure you're up to date and fully protected before you travel. In addition, many safari locations are prone to malaria; you should consult with your doctor to see if you need to bring anti-malaria medication on your trip.

Safari countries have varying visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. – these are detailed below. Depending on your itinerary, you may need a single- or multiple-entry visa, and some visas require you to apply in advance of traveling and/or have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Regardless of your destination, your passport should be valid for at least six months before you leave for your trip.

Here are the vaccine and visa requirements for major safari destinations as of November 2022:

Botswana: If you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to be vaccinated against this illness. This does not include the U.S. but does include a number of countries in Africa, Central and South America. Consult the World Health Organization's website for a list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda.

U.S. citizens and nationals can stay in Botswana for 90 days without a visa.

Kenya: Travelers to Kenya must have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with the last shot administered more than 14 days before arrival in the country. Unvaccinated visitors can enter with a negative PCR test, conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Proof of COVID-19 tests or vaccines must be uploaded to an online system called Panabios. Kenya is a country where you'll be at risk of yellow fever transmission; it also requires those traveling from other places with yellow fever or cholera outbreaks to be vaccinated against these illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you protect yourself against yellow fever before your trip here.

Americans need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You should apply online at the eVisa government website no more than eight weeks before your trip, as visas are not available upon arrival in Kenya. See more on the U.S. Department of State's website .

Namibia: Those traveling from a country where yellow fever is common need to be vaccinated against it. No visa is required as long as you're staying for 90 days or less.

Rwanda: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination is required before departure.

U.S. citizens and nationals can be issued a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in Rwanda or through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. A single-entry visa costs $50, and it's recommended you bring sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for this (although credit card payment may be accepted at Kigali International Airport). Consult the State Department website for more information.

South Africa: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you're traveling from a country with a risk of transmission. No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less.

Tanzania: Travelers must be able to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination with a QR code to enter Tanzania. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure, and the test results should be accessible by QR code. Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory if you're traveling from a location where yellow fever is present – including if you spend more than 12 hours in transit in such a country.

Visas are required for tourism in Tanzania. You can apply for a single-entry, 90-day visa online for $50 – and be sure to print a copy of the approval to bring with you. The processing period takes up to 10 days. You can also obtain a visa on arrival for a $100 fee; it's recommended you bring cash to cover this. Find more Tanzanian visa information on the State Department website .

Uganda: To enter Uganda, you must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Like Kenya, Uganda is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. All visitors must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Uganda, regardless of where you're traveling from.

American visitors to Uganda must apply online for an electronic visa before departure; arriving in Uganda without completing this process could result in your detainment. Visit the State Department website to learn more.

Zambia: Visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must show proof of vaccination but do not need a test to enter Zambia; unvaccinated travelers must undergo a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure. Yellow fever vaccines are only required if you're coming from an area considered at risk.

Visas are required to visit Zambia, but these can be obtained online before your departure or at a port of entry. Check the State Department website for more details.

Zimbabwe: To enter Zimbabwe, travelers must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or must take a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours before your departure. As with other countries on this list, visitors from countries with yellow fever outbreaks also require a vaccine against this illness.

U.S. visitors can obtain a 30-day, single-entry visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe for $30. If you're taking a tour that requires you to leave and reenter Zimbabwe, be sure to get a double-entry visa for $45. You can learn more from the State Department website .

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Wallets (That Also Hold Vaccine Cards)
• The Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options
• The Best International Travel Insurance Plans
• The Best Zoos in the U.S.
• The World's Best Places to Visit

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World's Best Places To Visit

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Lion Safari

Unforgettable lion safaris in africa.

Lion safaris in Africa are among our most frequently requested itineraries. It makes sense, as seeing these majestic creatures up-close will take anyone's breath away! Their sheer power and regal beauty rightly give them the title of "King and Queen of the African Bush". 

These mighty cats are one of the most recognised members of the Big 5 and African wildlife. A big carnivorous feline mammal, lions boast a tawny-coloured coat, tufted tail, and, in the male, a heavy mane around the neck and shoulders. A pride of lions consists of related females and cubs residing in a home range or territory. Males are typically nomads that have gained custody of a pride through competition with other males. We share some of our favourite destinations for lion safaris in Africa where you can see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. 

The best destinations for lion safaris in Africa 

Lions safaris in south africa.

The Greater Kruger Area is a top pick for lion-spotting in  South Africa . Lion prides are particularly easy to see in  Sabi Sand Game Reserve  and  Timbavati Game Reserve,  located just north of Sabi Sand. Other winning picks in Kruger National Park include Lion Sands and  Singita's Ebony  and  Sweni  lodges – both found in the very heart of "big cat country".

Seeing white lions is something special but also very rare as there are not many left in the wild. However, at Timbavati Game Reserve, this bloodline continues, and you have the chance to see them up close! Another place in South Africa where you could get the opportunity to see white lions is  Sanbona Wildlife Reserve , located only a couple of hours from Cape Town.  

Lions safaris in Botswana

The  Okavango Delta  in  Botswana  is a magnificent destination for lion safaris in Africa. Still, there's one place in particular that's sure to astonish even the most seasoned safari-goer, a place where lions take on buffalo – a feat almost unheard of. The remote northern reaches of the Okavango Delta are home to  Duba Plains , an intimate camp set in among game-rich grasslands and seasonal floodplains. Only accessible by light aircraft, this camp is renowned for its resident lion prides and never-ending battles with the thousands of buffalo roaming the area. You can often see these large Botswana lions hunting in broad daylight or swimming through the permanent channels that flow through the landscape. 

Lions safaris in Tanzania

The  Serengeti  is a no-brainer choice when it comes to seeing lions in  Tanzania . Thanks to its rolling plains abundant in prey, lion sightings here are regular occurrences. While most visitors flock to the Serengeti, you'd regret leaving  Ruaha National Park  out of your lion safari itinerary. Ruaha is not only the largest national park in the country, it's one of its best-kept secrets too. Wildlife sightings are largely undisturbed thanks to low visitor numbers, leaving you free to marvel at Ruaha's impressive predator population – most notably the lion. 

Lions safaris in Kenya

The perennial motion of The  Great Wildebeest Migration  in  Kenya  acts as a bottomless buffet for the  Maasai Mara National Reserve 's lion population. With its grasslands brimming with an impressive ungulate population, it will come as no surprise that a plethora of predators, particularly lions and cheetahs, follow in their enticing wake. The lion population in the Maasai Mara is impressive, and sightings are common and exhilarating. 

Lions safaris in Zambia

The density of wildlife in the  South Luangwa National Park  in  Zambia  lends itself to sublime game-viewing opportunities. More importantly, its savannah grassland, Luangwa River and open plains make it an ideal environment for lions. Sightings of Africa's most renowned big cat are recurring thanks to its thriving population and abundance of prey.

Tailor-make your own lion safari experience

When looking for the best places to visit for lion safaris in Africa, we've got you sorted. We've scoured the continent for the best lion sightings and will take care of every detail of your trip. And as the World's Best Safari Company, you can rest assured that you're in good hands! Contact our  African Travel Experts  today, and let's start planning!  

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99 Best Africa Lion Safaris for 2024/2025

Comfort level, trip length.

99 match of 209

Greater Kruger Safari Short and Sweet

From $ 1360 /USD

Affordable Sabi Safari

Southern Africa South Africa Sabi Sands

From $ 1490 /USD

Livingstone Discovery

Zambia Livingstone Victoria Falls

From $ 1570 /USD

Timbavati Safari Short and Sweet

Southern Africa South Africa Johannesburg Timbavati

From $ 1850 /USD

Affordable Greater Kruger Safari Combo

Southern Africa South Africa Timbavati

From $ 1900 /USD

Kruger Park Safari

Southern Africa South Africa Kruger National Park

From $ 2100 /USD

Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park Discovery

Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Botswana Chobe Chobe River Southern Africa

From $ 2130 /USD

Namibia Highlights Group Tour

Southern Africa Namibia Sossusvlei Damaraland Etosha Swakopmund

From $ 2290 /USD

Elephant Kingdom with a Chobe – Savute Safari

Southern Africa Botswana Chobe Savuti

From $ 2500 /USD

Highlights of Tanzania Group safari

East Africa Tanzania Lake Manyara Serengeti Ngorongoro Crater

From $ 2600 /USD

Value For Money Botswana Safari

Botswana Chobe Chobe River Moremi Southern Africa Okavango Delta

From $ 2740 /USD

Botswana Mobile Safari

Botswana Moremi Okavango Delta Southern Africa

From $ 2745 /USD

Luxury Kruger Park Safari

From $ 2800 /USD

Malaria-Free Big 5 Safari in Madikwe

Southern Africa South Africa Madikwe

From $ 2880 /USD

Sabi Sands and Kruger Safari

From $ 2950 /USD

Budget Safari Bliss: Exploring Tanzania's North...

Tanzania Tarangire Ngorongoro Crater Lake Manyara

From $ 2980 /USD

Victoria Falls, Chobe and Moremi Affordable Safari

Southern Africa Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Botswana Chobe Okavango Delta

From $ 3200 /USD

Family Safari in Malaria Free Waterberg

From $ 3300 /USD

We offer a wide range of safari tour packages to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for a luxury safari experience or a budget-friendly adventure, we’ve got you covered.

Our safari vacation packages are designed to give you the best possible wildlife viewing experience. We offer tailor-made tours that can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences. Whether you want to go on a traditional safari drive, a walking safari , or a combination of both, we can create a package that’s perfect for you.

If you’re new to safari tours and aren’t sure where to start, we offer a range of pre-designed safari packages to choose from. These packages include everything from luxury safari accommodation and transport to meals and activities, so you can sit back and relax while we take care of the details.

Our team of expert safari guides have extensive knowledge of the local wildlife and habitats, and they’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. We also work with a network of trusted partners to provide you with the best possible service and value for money.

If you’re looking for something truly unique and special, we offer tailor-made safari packages that can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences. These safari tour packages are perfect for those who want to create their own dream safari experience.

Whether you’re an experienced safari-goer or a first-timer, we have something for everyone. So why wait? Start planning your dream safari adventure today and let us take you on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Africa. So, these are the Safari Packages, Tailor-made Packages, and Tailor-made Tours we offer. Thank you for choosing us as your preferred safari tour partner.

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10 Best African Countries for Safari

Posted: April 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 30, 2024

Unleash the explorer within and embark on a journey that echoes with the rhythmic heartbeat of the wild! If you’re craving the ultimate safari adventure, look no further. We’ve meticulously curated the ultimate guide to unveil the 10 Best African Countries for Safari, designed especially for intrepid travelers yearning to witness nature’s grandeur up close.

Investigate the 10 Best African Countries for Safari below:

#1 Botswana

Recommended Tours:

Thus, poachers are seen as enemies of the people. As a result, Botswana has come into view as Africa's most sought-after ecotourism destination. Starting from the Chobe National Park to the Moremi Nature Reserve, you'll be able to witness numerous gems all around the country.

Back in 2014, Botswana widely banned the hunting of wild animals and implemented strict laws which are still in practice. The country resumes its zero-tolerance for poaching and their very own environmental minister, Tshekedi Khama, has even launched a shoot-to-kill policy for poachers.

Botswana, with its wildlife conservation and natural parks, is a haven for nature lovers. It is currently in the top 5, as its approach to the protection and conservation of wildlife is worth the praise. As a country, it is very forward-thinking, some may even call it aggressively forward-thinking when it comes to its preservation and anti-poaching laws.

Not only do they have some of the best conservations, but Kenya is also home to 1100 different species of birds, 115 amphibians, 280 reptile species and not to mention 390 species of mammals. It is without any doubt, one of the best places to go for a Safari and witness wildlife.

When it comes to parks and national reserves, Kenya houses 16 national reserves and 25 national parks. Along with that, the country also boasts numerous private conservations which are open for visitors.

Kenya, as a country for Safari, is a force to reckon with. Its stunning wildlife environment is too phenomenal to put into words. Most of the African countries will not be able to even compete with their national parks and wildlife conservations. If you don't visit there at least once in your life, you're missing out on a huge chunk of excitement.

Its fertile land provides a safe and comforting home to around 200 mammal species. This includes elephants, hippos, monkeys and so much more. Along with 650 bird species and 5,500 plants. Even though the country is still underdeveloped and most of the population live in rural households, its national parks, and sight-seeing destinations are on the top 10 of our lists.

Even though many would face some difficulties in locating Malawi on a map, given how tiny it is, the country is home to the world-renowned Lake Malawi National Park. This is practically one-third of the country and is the most biodiverse lake in the world.

Most of the land in Namibia is occupied by the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. Along with that, the country also has 12 national parks and many other areas which are protected. So, if you go there for a safari, you'll have many rich areas to see and explore.

When it comes to countries with the least amount of population, Namibia is one of them. Which proves to be a good thing for nature. This is because most of the land in Namibia is still unspoiled by human filth or any sort of development, giving nature a chance to breathe.

In the country's Volcanoes National Park, you'll find 10 habituated gorilla families. Groups of 8 trekkers can visit them for one hour per day. But that's enough to get the best African safari experience. And as a nature lover, you'll enjoy the experience to the max.

If you've been around for some time, you'll be familiar with Rwanda's mountain gorillas. They were famously broadcasted and their fight for survival was shown on  National Geographic . This was all thanks to the late  Dian Fossey  back in the 1970s who advocated for the rights of these mountain gorillas throughout her life.

Considering the tragic history surrounding the mass genocide of the people of Rwanda back in 1994, it's truly a blessing what the country has achieved in the past 25 years. There have been countless investments in infrastructure. This has resulted in the country being a very fast-growing destination for ecotourism.

#6 South Africa

But given all the advantages, it's safe to conclude that South Africa also suffers from over-tourism. I mean, if you have so many great attractions, people will flock towards it. Chances are that you'll find yourself in the middle of dozens of unruly visitors who are not too keen on obeying the rules. This occurs mostly during the peak seasons.

Annually, the country has one million visitors. Its biggest attraction is the Kruger National Park with its enrichment in biodiversity. Visitors there also have the liberty to self-drive, thus, getting a first-person private but superb experience. 

For some time now, South Africa has been climbing the charts to become one of the most popular destinations for African safaris. Given its location, South Africa is a very convenient and cheap destination for people from the United States. Besides that, the country also boasts a well-developed infrastructure which makes it perfect for luxury travelers as well.

#7 Tanzania

One of the most popular locations would be the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The country is also a haven for 1100 different bird species. It's no wonder that Tanzania gets this much rep. Especially when the country boasts so many wonders.

We talked about Kenya being the top destination for Safari. Now Tanzania here takes second place in being the continent's most popular safari destination. And why shouldn't it? The country has 16 national parks and an extraordinary amount of wealth and wildlife wonders for the people to witness.

Some of its natural attractions include housing the highest mountain range in Africa. It also has the world's largest free-standing volcano and the second-largest freshwater lake. With its 30 national parks and other wildlife reserves, Uganda boasts many more sanctuaries which are worth the visit. Especially if you're a lover of nature and wildlife.

Often called "The Pearl of Africa", Uganda is certainly a great pick for an African safari. Its reputation as being one of the best ecotourism destinations comes from the country's natural attractions and wildlife.

Out of its 20 national parks, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to many wildlife animals such as African elephants, Angolan giraffes, Cape buffalo, etc. Other than that, there are many private ownerships of National parks, notably the Kasanka National Park which is near the basin of Lake Bangweulu. It's a safe place where visitors can see 400 different avian species.

Zambia may be a bit far down the list of popular destinations for your African safari, but many consider it to be a destination for diversified and immersive safari experiences, and making a notable feature on our 10 Best African Countries for Safari guide. The country is steadily focusing on conservation as their president has shown a keen interest and is working on building the nation's economy as well as the infrastructure.

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Safari Tours

Take a Tour of a Wildlife Safari Zoo in Central Pennsylvania

Guided safari tours in central pennsylvania.

The dry plains of Africa and the woodlands and forests of Australia have never felt closer thanks to the incredible safari tour at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. Like our other amazing attractions , the safari allows you and your family to see first-hand the various animals native to those lands and learn about their natural habitats. Discover more about our animal safari in Central Pennsylvania and all you can expect to see on your journey.

Guided Safari offered May thru October.

Self Drive-Thru Safari Available Only in April and November

Guests who wish to enjoy our safari tour from the comfort of their vehicles can do so with our self drive-thru option. VEHICLES WITH HARD DOORS AND HARD TOP ROOFS ONLY. Those interested in this experience should first read the Self Drive-Thru Rules to ensure their safety and the wellbeing of our animals. You will be required to sign a vehicle waiver prior to entering the safari fields.   

SELF DRIVE-THRU RULES AND INFORMATION PER USDA:

All vehicles MUST have hard tops and doors. Sunroofs and trunks must be closed-USDA requirement (Mesh doors on jeeps are not permitted).

Strict 5 mph speed limit (USDA requirement for animal safety).

You MUST remain in your vehicle during the entirety of the tour.

Pets are not permitted in vehicles.

No riding in the bed of pickup trucks.

No motorcycles, motor homes, buses, or trailers are permitted.

Touching animals is not encouraged.

Feeding animals is prohibited.

LOUD NOISES --honking horns, music and yelling--are not permitted.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The drive-thru trail is an unpaved dirt trail with loose stones, possible animal dung, and occasional mud puddles.

Some animals may not be visible on every drive-thru.

No refunds will be given for any reason after entering the safari fields.

ZOO EXHIBITS ARE NOT AVAILABLE  during the weekends of the self drive-thru.

Admission for the self drive-thru will be $9/person ages 3 through adult.

The Self Drive-Thru Safari pre-season/post-season option is available on select weekends only in April and November

from 10:00 a.m.  to 3:00 p.m.  

Please note: Only the Safari Tour Fields are open for the Self Drive-Thru option. Zoo exhibits are open during our regular season May 1st through October .

Adventure Awaits at Our Wildlife Safari Zoo

Say Hello to Our Animals

One of the best parts about our safari zoo in Pennsylvania is all the different animals you may see. More than 500 animals roam the safari fields freely at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. You may meet curious critters that are just as interested in you as you are in them — it is common for animals to approach the tour bus and get close enough for guests to reach out and touch them. Interacting with these animals is sure to be an unforgettable and highly beneficial experience for your party.

Our New Safari Station

Dedicated to providing our guests with the best possible experience, we are happy to introduce our safari station. Built and launched in 2015, the safari station includes the following:

• A comfortable holding area large enough to fit guests as they wait for their turn to hop aboard the cruiser
• A snack shop where you can grab a drink, some food for the ride, and even feed to give the animals while on the tour
• Well-maintained restrooms for your convenience

Things to Keep in Mind for Your Next Safari Tour

To help guests get the most out of their animal safari in Pennsylvania, we encourage all to be mindful of when the tours begin. Rides go out right when the park opens, and guests are welcome to come early to avoid crowds or waiting in long lines. Our tours last around 45 minutes, providing plenty of time to take in the entire tour without tiring out the youngest in your group. The last tour departs our Safari Station one hour before closing.

Please be advised that we do not accept reservations for our tours as they are offered on a first come, first serve basis. However, even if you miss your preferred time, another is coming up shortly!

Plan Your Visit Today to Our Safari in Pennsylvania

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park welcomes guests from Central Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas to enjoy a first-hand experience with animals from six continents. Our safari tour allows visitors to witness a variety of majestic animals and gain insight into their way of life. Contact us today to learn more about our Pennsylvania safari tours and rates , or to view our park hours .

Safari Times

• Safari tours begin when the park opens.
• Tours last approximately 45 minutes.
• Last tour goes out one hour before closing.
• Tours are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and depart multiple times per day.

Attractions

Zoo Exhibits

Petting Zoo

Reptiles & Exotics

Baby Animal Program

J.R. Tobias Museum & Education Center

Catch & Release Fishing

Dining & Food

New Giraffe Exhibit

Visitor information.

Directions/Parking

Handicapped/Accessibility

Table Reservations

Groups & Parties

Accommodations

About/History

Educational Outreach

ZooVenture Summer Camp

Affiliations

Site Map |  Employees

Search LakeTobias.com

THE 5 BEST Moscow Safaris

Safaris in moscow.

• Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
• Gear Rentals
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• District Central (TsAO)
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District North-Eastern (SVAO)
• District Eastern (VAO)
• District South-Western (YuZAO)
• Lomonosovskiy
• Ostankinskiy
• Meshchanskiy
• Krasnoselskiy
• Maryina Roshcha (Jewish Quarter)
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Rybokhotsoyuz

2. Easy Russia Tour Guide

3. UTS GROUP

4. 365AltaiMongolia

5. #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD

6. Aviashop.Ru

7. Transsib Moscow

8. BASK TOUR

• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD
• 365AltaiMongolia

There's Been A Rise In Mountain Lion Encounters In Idaho This Winter After Heavy Snow Storms

More by this Author

Most of the time, we Idahoans are proud to live in a state with so much wildlife. However, we also like to keep our distance from said wildlife when we can! According to reports by Idaho Fish and Game, there’s been a marked rise in mountain lion encounters this winter, specifically in the Wood River Valley. Scroll on to learn about what’s causing these animal encounters and what to do if you experience one yourself.

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Whoa! Mountain lion encounters are no joke. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and stay safe out there!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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