Where to see Lion
The parks with the most verified sightings, out of 200+ safari areas where it has been recorded.
- 1Masai Mara National ReserveCommonPark
Maasai Mara Ecosystem, Kenya · Common
- 2Mara Triangle ConservancyCommonLodges
Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, Tanzania · Common
- 3Olderkesi Wildlife ConservancyCommonLodges
Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, Tanzania · Common
- 4Ngorongoro Conservation AreaCommonLodges
Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, Tanzania · Common
- 5Manyeleti Game ReserveCommonLodges
Greater Kruger & Mpumalanga Lowveld, South Africa · Common
Common: 500+ verified sightings. Occasional: 50 to 499. Rare: under 50.
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Lion facts
Quick facts
Facts sourced from Wikidata (CC0).
Best months to spot
Most sightings recorded in Jul, Aug, Sep. Data from GBIF - a global database of verified wildlife observations by researchers and citizen scientists.
Conservation status
Faces a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Lions face significant threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key habitats and mitigating conflict, with some populations showing signs of stability or recovery in well-managed areas. Responsible safari tourism provides vital funding for anti-poaching patrols and community conservation initiatives, directly benefiting lion populations.
Conservation hubAbout the lion
The lion is a large cat of the genus Panthera, currently ranging only in Sub-Saharan Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; a short, rounded head; round ears; and a dark, hairy tuft at the tip of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions are larger than females and have a prominent mane that extends from the head to the shoulders and chest.
Adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.