Lion in Tanzania
Home to 40 to 50 per cent of the world’s lions, Tanzania is one of the best countries in Africa to see them, and they remain a firm favourite with safari travellers.
Quick facts about Lion
| Scientific name: | Panthera leo | Habitat: | Savanna & woodland |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Vulnerable | Adult weight: | 120–225kg |
Lions are in decline across Africa and as few as 30,000 remain in the wild. Tanzania is a hotspot for these iconic big cats and they are found in all the key safari areas, with sightings almost guaranteed – more than 90 per cent of our travellers see them here.
Due to Tanzania’s importance as a lion stronghold, there are several lion research and conservation projects in the country. This includes Kope Lion in the Serengeti and the Ruaha Carnivore Project in southern Tanzania.
Both projects emphasise monitoring lion populations while engaging with local communities to reduce human-lion conflict, conserving these magnificent cats for future generations.
8km
AUDIBLE RANGE OF ROAR
80km/h
TOP SPEED
4 months
GESTATION
~15,000
POPULATION IN TANZANIA
Tanzania's top camps for seeing lions
Based on 556 reports since May 2018, the camps below have the best chance of seeing lions. Simply follow the key below.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
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Where to see lions in Tanzania
Despite being in decline, lion populations in Tanzania are relatively high and most travellers can expect to see several prides and individuals during their safaris.
Top tips for viewing lions in Tanzania
Numerous prides can be found in the Serengeti National Park, where their silhouettes are easily spotted on the short grass plains. The Eastern Serengeti, around Namiri Plains camp, is particularly rewarding, but you can have excellent sightings anywhere. While prides normally number ten to 30 lions, they occasionally form super prides of more than 40 animals. The Serengeti males are particularly beautiful with their long, thick manes.
Ruaha National Park is also an outstanding lion area. More than 1000 cats live in this rugged landscape and, together with the wider population outside the park, they represent some 10 per cent of Africa’s lions. If you spend time around the Mwagusi River, you’ll be spoiled for choice, with several different prides in the area.
Holiday ideas to see lions in Tanzania
These trip ideas include places that will give you a chance of seeing lions in Tanzania
Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land- and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.
US$17,640 - US$25,560 per person
Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Experience the highlights of Tanzania with a safari in the country’s famous northern parks followed by historic Stone Town and the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, staying in high-quality accommodation throughout.
US$9,850 - US$16,370 per person
Dik Dik Safari
12 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.
US$9,850 - US$15,130 per person
Red Colobus Monkey Safari
11 days • 3 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.
US$6,230 - US$8,490 per person
Flufftail Guided Safari
10 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Stay in three unique camps as you safari across the Ngorongoro Crater and the iconic Serengeti Plains with your private guide and 4WD vehicle: a trip of comfort and autonomy, with excellent wildlife.
US$13,020 - US$18,460 per person
Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Enjoy a combination of privately guided and shared game drives during this good-value exploration of northern Tanzania. Explore game-dense regions from three comfortable bases which offer a variety of activities.
US$8,840 - US$10,760 per person
Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.
US$11,570 - US$17,740 per person
Gorillas and Migration Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.
US$17,930 - US$25,280 per person
Jackal Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Enjoy a range of activities on this luxury fly-in safari. Explore the remoter regions of Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park with phenomenal guides during stays at two impressively comfortable camps that remain perfectly in keeping with their surroundings.
US$9,340 - US$12,080 per person
Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari
8 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Combining two of the remotest parks in Tanzania, this safari can deliver extraordinary wildlife viewing in Katavi, and East Africa's best chimp treks, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
US$13,190 - US$16,530 per person
Our top destinations for lions
Read tips for spotting lions in these countries and the best camps and lodges for sightings
