Lions live in prides of related females and their cubs, with one or a few males holding a territory. Females do most of the hunting, often at dawn or dusk, and a pride can take animals as large as buffalo. Tanzania holds one of the biggest wild lion populations in Africa.
Big cats
One of the Big Five
African Lion
Panthera leo
The largest social cat, living in prides and ruling the Serengeti plains.
Size
Males 150-225 kg; females 110-150 kg
Lifespan
10-14 years in the wild
Diet
Zebra, wildebeest, buffalo and other large herbivores.
Habitat
Grassland, open woodland and savannah.
About the african lion
Did you know?
01
Lions sleep for up to 20 hours a day.
02
A male's roar can carry about 8 kilometres on a still night.
03
Lake Manyara and Ruaha are known for lions that climb trees.
When to see it
Seen all year round; the best sightings depend on where you are.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Where to see it in Tanzania
Trips that go there
Where to meet the african lion
More wildlife to discover
Big Five
VU
Big cats
Leopard
Panthera pardus
A solitary, powerful climber that hides its kills in trees.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area +7 more
Big cats
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The fastest land animal, hunting by day on open plains.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area +2 more
Big Five
EN
Elephants
African Elephant
Loxodonta africana
The largest land animal on Earth, living in family herds led by a matriarch.
Tarangire, Nyerere +7 more
Big Five
NT
Bovids
African Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
A heavy, dangerous grazer that lives in herds of hundreds.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area +7 more
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