Top 5 places to see Lions in Southern Africa
Sara • 09/17/2025
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Regardless of how many times we see lions in the wild, every occasion comes with a frisson of excitement. It is hard to take in their sheer stealth, size, power and magnitude, until you have actually seen them in real life on safari.
Southern Africa is one of the best regions in the world to spot these majestic cats in their natural habitat, offering both high lion densities and unforgettable safari experiences. Whether you’re after guaranteed sightings, raw wilderness, or luxury safari comfort, here are the top 5 places to view lions in Southern Africa.
1. Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
If you want the best chance of seeing lions – often up close – the private Sabi Sand Reserve tops the list. As you know, we have 2 Arc Earth directors who fell in love in the Sabi Sands. Famous for its big cat sightings, this reserve shares unfenced borders with Kruger National Park, but offers more exclusive game drives. Here, guides are allowed to go off-road, meaning you can follow prides through the bush and sometimes even watch a hunt unfold. Night drives also reveal the more secretive side of lion life. We know the best rooms, lodges and places to make your experience an exceptional one.
2. Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where lions thrive in a watery wonderland. This is one of the few places on Earth where lions have adapted to swim and hunt in wetlands – even taking down buffalo in water. The iconic prides of Duba Plains are especially known for their dramatic predator-prey battles. For photographers and adventure-seekers, lions in the Okavango provide some of the most extraordinary safari moments imaginable. Richard and Matt spend an extensive amount of time in Botswana and are well versed in the best times to go as well as the ideal destinations to go dependent on what the occasion is, whether it be honeymoon, Birthday or anniversary ceelbrations.
3. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha is super popular and some people find its vastness a little disconcerting, others find it almost mesmerising and otherworldly. It offers a completely different lion-viewing experience: wide, open salt pans where wildlife congregates around scarce waterholes. During the dry season, lions are often spotted lounging nearby, waiting for antelope or zebra to approach. The stark white landscapes make for striking photographs, and sightings can feel almost cinematic. Unlike other parks, you can even self-drive here, making it a great choice for independent travelers.
4. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe used to be one of the most visited countries in Southern Africa and it is slowly gaining in recognition again. Hwange is renowned for its elephant herds, but its lions are equally iconic. This park has one of the highest lion populations in Africa, and prides here are known to hunt large prey, including buffalo. The remote, untamed feel of Hwange offers a wilder edge compared to more commercial reserves. Stay at a private concession bordering the park, and you’ll likely have lion sightings with barely another vehicle in sight.
5. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
One of Matt’s favourite places, South Luanga is a mecca for big cats. Nicknamed the “Valley of the Leopard,” South Luangwa is also a fantastic lion destination. Prides here are large and active, often seen along the Luangwa River where prey gathers. This park is famous for walking safaris, giving you the chance to track lion activity on foot (with expert guides, of course) – a thrilling and humbling way to connect with Africa’s apex predator.
Final Roar
Southern Africa is unrivaled for big cat encounters. No matter which destination you choose, seeing a lion in its natural domain is an experience that will stay with you forever – a reminder of the wild beauty that defines Africa.