The lion is Africa’s largest cat: males weigh 330–550lbs (150–250kg) and stand about four feet at the shoulder, with the mane — unique among cats — signalling age and condition. Lions are also the only truly social cat, living in prides of related females, their cubs and a coalition of males.
Lionesses do most of the hunting, usually in the cool of night and early morning, while a male’s roar — audible five miles away — marks the pride’s territory. On safari you will most often find lions doing what they do best: resting, up to 20 hours a day, before the evening’s work begins.
Highlights of The African Lion
Size & strength
Males 330–550lbs and up to 10ft nose to tail — Africa’s largest cat, with a bite three times stronger than a human’s.
Pride life
The only social cat — prides of related lionesses, cubs and a male coalition, from a handful to 30+ animals.
Hunting behavior
Lionesses hunt cooperatively by ambush, mostly at night — wildebeest, zebra and buffalo are staple prey.
The roar
The loudest roar of any big cat, carrying five miles — a territorial broadcast at dawn and dusk.
Rest & rhythm
Lions sleep or rest up to 20 hours a day, saving energy for the cool hunting hours.
Where to see them
The Serengeti and Maasai Mara hold Africa’s densest lion populations; Okavango prides even hunt in water.
Explore Where to see them →Best time to visit
Dry season — prey concentrates at water and lions are easiest to find.
Calving season on the southern Serengeti — dramatic predator action.
Planning & cost
Lions feature on virtually every East and Southern Africa safari we design, from $8,000 per person.
Every journey is private, all-inclusive and tailor-made — your own guide and vehicle, the finest lodges, and a specialist on call throughout.
Continue exploring
Big Five Safari
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino — Africa’s most sought-after sightings.
Explore →TanzaniaSerengeti National Park
Endless plains, two million wildebeest and the best big-cat country in Africa.
Explore →KenyaMaasai Mara
Big cats, river crossings and the finest year-round game in Africa.
Explore →The African Lion FAQs
The Serengeti (Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (Kenya) have the highest densities — the Serengeti alone holds around 3,000 lions. Botswana’s Okavango Delta and South Africa’s Sabi Sand are superb too.
Males typically weigh 330–550lbs (150–250kg) and measure up to 10 feet from nose to tail tip; lionesses are smaller and faster, doing most of the pride’s hunting.
Lions almost universally ignore safari vehicles, which they do not recognize as prey. Your guide reads their behavior constantly — follow their instructions and lion viewing is remarkably safe.
Let’s design your The African Lion journey.
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