Lions are without doubt one of Africa's big attractions. They have a lazy approach, lying under the shade of a tree waiting for the heat of day to pass. Lions are at the top of the food chain. They prowl the planes with a sense of arrogance and pride.

Description:

Lions are the biggest cats in Africa. The total length of a mature male can reach up to 3.3 meters weighing as much as 225 kilograms, while the female can grow as long as 2.7 meters and can weigh as much as 150 kilograms.

The colour of a lion ranges from a light sandy color to a red-brown with a pale-cream underpart. Faint spots are present on the sides of cubs and fade as they mature. The tip of the tail has a tuft of very dark brown hair. Only adult males carry a mane of long hair ranging from black to a light brown.

Distribution:

Lions roamed all of Africa in the past but are now restricted to large savanna conservation areas. Refer to our map for a more detailed explanation.

Some large populations still exist in the Kruger Park with approximately 2 000 animals and in the Serengeti with about 3 000 animals. The total number of animals is unknown but is approximated at less than 45 000 animals. The Okavango delta and surrounding game parks are prime areas for viewing Lions. Winter time is always better when the grassy plains are thin and they have little cover.

Habitat:

Lions are found from desert fringes to woodland and open grasslands. Lions do not roam in tropical forests.

Important note:

As lovable as Lions may seem, there are few pointers to take note of when encountering a pride of Lions.

Lions rarely attack humans unless provoked. It is advisable to know warning signs. Angry Lions usually drop into a crouch, flatten their ears and then proceed to growl while flicking their tail tips rapidly from side to side. Before a charge, the tail normally twitches up and down. A mating pair of Lions should be left alone!