A Lion King Inspired Safari | Top 5 Destinations to see wild lions
BAAAAAAAHH SOWHENYAAAAAA MAMABEATSEBABAAAAAAHHH is the chant you think of when you think of this favorite childhood film. The all new Lion King is coming to theaters this week, reigniting the phenomenon that moved millions of adults and children across the world. While the movie is an animation, it’s all inspired by the safari destinations of East Africa, such as the Serengeti (Pride Lands) and Olduvai Gorge, where Mufasa was trampled. In honour of the new film, we thought we would share the secrets and inspiration to enjoy a Lion King safari in Africa! Now you can turn your African bucket list dream into a reality!
Our Top 5 African Destinations to see Lions
Busanga Plains- Kafue National Park
The Busanga Plains, situated in the far northern section of Kafue National Park in Zambia, is famous for its lions – and other exceptional predator viewing. The lions of Busanga are a highlight of the region and the encounters of these cats moving around the floodplains is something to behold.
Tick the Busanga Plains off your list!
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest reserve & offers some of the best game viewing opportunities in the country. This National park offers excellent lion habitat – including grass plains, deciduous woodlands and thorn savannah, and the network of waterholes provide good positioning for tourists wishing to experience a lion kill. Just a shorty drive from Victoria Falls, Hwange is a convenient add-on to your southern African safari.
Tick Hwange National Park off your list!
Northern Botswana
The Okavango Delta (and Moremi Game Reserve) hosts the largest lion population in the world, but also expect to see lions in the adjoining Chobe, Savute, Kwando/Linyanti/Selinda and Khwai areas in the unfenced wilderness of northern Botswana. In fact further south in Botswana, the Kalahari and Tuli also host good lion populations.
Tick Northern Botswana off your list!
Serengeti / Masai Mara
The best place to see lions in Tanzania is Serengeti National Park, described as ideal big cat country, along with Masai Mara (the part of the Serengeti Ecosystem that lies in Kenya). Masai Mara, considered by many to be the best wildlife destination on earth, is home to one of Africa’s highest concentrations of lions.
Tick the Masai Mara and Serengeti off your list!
Etosha National Park
Etosha is home around 300 – 350 adults lions, which are commonly sighted hunting at one of the numerous watering holes dotting this arid national park.
Tick Etosha National Park off your list!