Best place to see lions in East Africa
African lions in East Africa
Lions are the indisputable kings of the African jungle and one of the most sought-after sightings on a safari. Lions are Africa’s top predators and prey on big animals such as zebra, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and even young elephants. Males are unique among the cat species for their thick mane of brown or black hair encircling their head and neck. The mane darkens with age, and the healthier the cat, the thicker and darker the mane is. Both males and females roar — a sound heard as far as 8 kilometres away.
Compared to other big cat species, lions are the most pleasant. They live in groups called prides, which can consist of anywhere from two to 30 members, including three or four males, a dozen or more females, and their offspring. Lionesses remain with the same pride for their entire lives. Male lions, on the other hand, leave after maturing to compete for control of another pride. Leading males defend their territory by marking it with urine and roaring to scare off intruders. A lion’s roar can be heard from five miles away and is also a show of power between males.
- Common Name: African lions
- Scientific Name: Panthera Leo
- Type: Mammals
- Diet: Carnivore
- Group Name: Pride
- Weight: 265 to 420 pounds
- Gestation period: 3 Months
Threats to lion population in East Africa
Lions were once abundant throughout Africa and have long been an icon of the African landscape. Sadly, populations are continuing to fall due to Loss of Habitat, illegal wildlife trade, Human and Animal conflicts and climate change which has caused a dramatic drop in lion population in East Africa.
Adventures to see lions in East Africa.
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Best time to see Lions in East Africa
Sighting lions in east Africa is done throughout the year and the best time is during the months of December to February and then June to October which is relatively drier than March to May and November this offers great sightings and easy shoots.
#1-Masai Mara national reserve Kenya
Masai Mara is home to the Annual wildebeest migration which sees over 1 million wildebeest arrive in July from Northern Tanzania, with supporting roles from some 400,000 Thomson’s gazelle 300,000 zebras and 12,000 elands. These are the main migrators and they cross the ranges of over a quarter of a million other resident herbivores and, of course, carnivores. The lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, and lesser predators await the annual coming of the migration with eager anticipation.
#2-Serengeti National Park Tanzania
The largest area of Serengeti National Park is covered with grassland plains though there are others where you’ll find a riverine forest, woodlands, and savannah. The area of the park is really big but it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to wild animals living there. It has big populations of wildebeest, zebra, lion, hyena, giraffe, buffalo, cheetah, hippo, kongoni, impala, and others and all these can commonly be sighted. Black rhinos are also there though rarely spotted.
#3-Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most likely areas in Tanzania to see the endangered Black Rhino, as a small population is thriving in this idyllic and protected environment. It is currently one of the few areas where they continue to breed in the wild. Your chances of encountering lions, and leopards are also good and fabulous black-manned lions.
#4-Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park game viewing can be enjoyed while on a game drive in several designated game drive areas. The main areas are the Delta where there are great chances of seeing the Lions in wait for prey as they go to drink, the Buligi Peninsula, and the southern sector is famously known as the heart of Murchison.
#5-Akagera National Park Rwanda
Rwandan government in conjunction with African parks since 2010 has seen the introduction of Lions and Rhinos as a way of boasting wildlife targeting incredible destination management to promote Akagera as one of the best destinations to see wildlife in east Africa.
