The most powerful and largest carnivore in the African jungle, the ever-reigning predator, seeing a lion on an African safari is every traveler’s dream. This sociable big cat usually lives in open structures in a company of 15 individuals. Serious night hunters while they spend the day relaxing in shades planning their next capture at night. Their targeted prey majorly consists of buffalo, zebra and the numerous antelope species. For the big cat enthusiasts, there are the hot spots around East Africa to meet and the great the king of the jungle.
Tanzania
Tanzania perhaps has the best place to see lions in the world, the Serengeti national park. Altogether, Tanzania has got about 15,000 lions and this number is four times more than the closest competitor South Africa with about 3,500 lions. the country boasts one of the largest conservation area in Africa, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area home to the biggest number of predators in Africa. Though of recent there has been a fluctuation in the number of the cats around the crater, today you can encounter the lions anywhere around the crater and they are very relaxed and calm around vehicles.
Kenya
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s ultimate gem for sighting lions though the powerful predator can also be seen in several reserves around the country. This vast park has got about 300 lions within its territories and it is one of the largest densities of the big cats in Africa. The park has also got one of the best lion sightings as lucky travelers can encounter a dozen of them or more as they ambush the prey. Masai Mara is always crowded with tourists hustling for space to watch the breathtaking carnivore.
Uganda
Uganda is the home for the famous tree climbing lions that reside in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth national park and is it undoubtedly the best spot for lion viewing in Uganda. There are about 40 individuals in the area living in three groups. The lions of Ishasha sector can be viewed throughout the year however peak sightings happen during the rainy season of March to May and September to November. Sycamore trees, acacia, and Albezia in Ishasha are the main hideouts of the lion where they hang all day long before they descending to the ground in the evening to hunt.
Rwanda
Though more known for mountain gorilla safaris, Rwanda is also not left out the lion bonanza with Akagera national park as her savannah reserve puts her on the same footing with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Akagera today boasts the presence of the big five within its boundaries after the introduction of seven lions in 2015 from South Africa that included two males and five females. Later in 2017, more two males were also brought in and they have settled in comfortably. Since the reintroduction, about a dozen cubs have been born into the park and their population is thriving in the park.
In addition to lions, East Africa is blessed with much more exceptional features which no traveler should miss on his/her African safari. Visit mountain gorillas in the jungle forests of Bwindi forest/Mgahinga gorilla, Volcanoes national park and Virunga national park in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo respectively. Also, visit indigenous local communities especially the Batwa pygmies in southwestern Uganda and IQ in northeastern Uganda for extensive cultural encounters. Hike to the top of Nyiragongo Volcano, Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Rwenzori for exceptional mountaineering experiences with Gorilla Trek Africa.
Away from the above favorite lion destinations, East Africa has got many more spots where lions can be viewed. The great predator is present in most of the national parks around East Africa guided by Gorilla Trek Africa
