Animals · Savanna · 2026

Lion in the wild: where, when and on which trip

Updated September 8, 2026 · Plan your trip

Leeuw met safari jeep in de savanne
Photo: Meg von Haartman via Unsplash

In short

The dry months June to October give the highest odds because prey animals gather around permanent water and the low grass removes cover. Botswana offers smaller groups of vehicles at a sighting, Tanzania offers bigger prides and the combination with the migration. Count on 2 to 4 game drives for a first good sighting.

Biome
Savanna
IUCN status
VU · About 23,000 in the wild (IUCN, 2026)
Sighting chance
high
Trip type
Guided safari
Budget
3,500 to 6,000 euros per person for 9 days
Scientific name
Panthera leo

About the Lion

The lion is the most sought-after safari animal in Africa and at the same time the easiest to find if you go in the dry season. Prides hold fixed territories around water, so good guides locate them almost daily in the Serengeti and Chobe. Travel between June and October and you see them hunting actively in the cool morning hours.

Vulnerable. About 23,000 wild lions remain, declining through habitat loss and conflict with livestock farmers.

Best countries for the Lion

Botswana

Parks: Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve · best months June, July, August, September, October (June to October)

Tanzania

Parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater · best months June, July, August, September, October (June to October)

Photo tip

Shoot in the first hour after sunrise with backlight for the manes. Keep 200 to 400 mm at hand, lions tolerate vehicles down to about 20 meters.

With children

Yes, suitable from about 6 years. Game drives are long and sitting still is required; pick lodges with a pool for the midday break.

Combine

Combines in one trip with elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo. Botswana covers lion plus elephant in Chobe in one day.

Sources

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How to book this trip

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Best for safari

Safaribouwer (example)

Puts together your Botswana or Tanzania route with local guides.

! Watch out: prices shift per season, always ask for a detailed quote.

Best for flights

Ticketzoeker (example)

Compares flights to safari hubs like Maun and Kilimanjaro.

! Watch out: check baggage rules for charter flights separately.

Best for activities

Tourplatform (example)

Books whale watching or day tours with free cancellation.

! Watch out: always check the cancellation terms per provider.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I have the best chance of seeing lions?

Botswana (Chobe, Moremi) and Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) give the highest odds, especially June to October. Local densities there run about 10 to 14 lions per 100 square kilometres in core areas.

What is the best time to see lions?

June to October, the dry season. Animals gather at water and the short grass makes spotting easy. January to March is the calving season of prey animals, when prides hunt more often by day.

How much does a trip to see lions cost?

As an indication, 3,500 to 6,000 euros per person for 9 days in Botswana or Tanzania including flights, parks and guide. South Africa self-drive can come out 1,500 to 2,500 euros cheaper.

Are lions dangerous on safari?

In a vehicle with a guide the risk is negligible. Lions see vehicles as one object and almost never attack it. Always stay seated and follow the guide.

Can I combine lions with the migration?

Yes. In the Serengeti the prides follow the wildebeest. July to September in the north and January to March at Ndutu give lion plus migration in one game drive.

How many days do I need?

At least 4 game drives spread over 3 days per park. Combining 2 parks takes 7 to 9 days of travel.

Will I see males with manes?

The Serengeti and Masai Mara hold big coalitions with heavy manes. In Tsavo and parts of Botswana manes are thinner because of thorns and heat.

Is a night safari better for lions?

Lions hunt a lot at night, but night drives are only allowed in private concessions (including Sabi Sand, Okavango). National parks run a daylight regime.

Last updated: September 8, 2026. All sighting chances, months and prices are indications based on public sources, not travel advice and no guarantee. Always check your government’s current travel advisory before departure.