Africa’s most social big cat, and a safari highlight.
Lions are the only truly social cats. A pride usually consists of related females and their cubs, defended by a small coalition of males. Roars can carry several kilometres.
Quick FactsRelated females, cubs and a few males.
Can be heard from many kilometres away.
Mostly females, often at night.
Up to roughly 20 hours a day.
Females hunt together and raise cubs communally. Males defend territory, and takeovers can lead to cub deaths. Young males leave to find their own pride.
Lions in Queen Elizabeth’s Ishasha sector and in Lake Manyara are known for resting in trees. Sightings are possible but not guaranteed. See Queen Elizabeth and Lake Manyara.
Serengeti, Maasai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater are reliable. See Serengeti.
Read do lions attack humans and white lions.
Frequently Asked QuestionsUp to about 20 hours a day.
Ishasha and Lake Manyara.
Sometimes, but females do most hunting.
A social group of lions.
The Great Migration and Africa’s most famous open plains. Plan a luxury Serengeti safari with Ameera Africa Safaris.
Explore →Tree-climbing lions, the Kazinga Channel and Uganda’s richest birdlife.
Explore →Lions can and occasionally do kill people, but on a properly guided safari the risk is very low if you follow the rules.
Explore →A white lion is a genetic variant, not an albino, and you will not find one on a typical East Africa safari.
Explore →Tell us your dates and interests and we will design the route around you.
