Kingdoms of the King: 10 Countries Where Lions Reign

Lions have vanished from 90% of their historical range, but a few nations still protect these iconic predators. Tanzania leads the pack with over 14,500 lions – more than any other country. For Emnel Adventures, this isn’t just a statistic; it’s a call to safeguard Africa’s “King of Beasts” through responsible tourism. Here are the 10 countries where lions still reign, and how to witness them ethically.

1. Tanzania

Lion Population: 14,500–17,000 (TAWIRI 2023 census)
Key Strongholds:

• Serengeti: 3,000+ lions, including the famous “Swahili Pride” near Moru Kopjes.

• Nyerere-Selous: Africa’s largest lion population in a single protected area.

• Ruaha: “Lion capital of the world” with 1,000+ lions and rare tree-climbing prides.
  Why Visit:

• Great Migration river crossings (July-October) offer unmatched lion vs. wildebeest action.

• Night drives in Selous reveal lions hunting hippos and crocodiles.
  Emnel’s Ethical Edge: Partner with Hawega Foundation to fund predator-proof livestock enclosures for local communities

2. South Africa

Lion Population: 3,284
Key Parks: Kruger, Kgalagadi
Notable: The Mapogo Coalition (2006–2012) – six males that ruled 70,000 hectares – became symbols of raw power and conservation urgency1.

3. Botswana

Lion Population: 3,063
Key Parks: Okavango Delta, Chobe
Unique Trait: Delta lions hunt buffalo in waist-deep water, a rare survival skill.

4. Kenya

Lion Population: 2,515
Key Parks: Masai Mara, Tsavo
Threats: Human-wildlife conflict near Amboseli reduced prides by 40% since 20007.

5. Zambia

Lion Population: 1,200
Key Parks: South Luangwa, Kafue
Specialty: “Walking safaris” pioneered here let you track lions on foot with expert guides.

6. Zimbabwe

Lion Population: 1,000
Key Parks: Hwange, Mana Pools
Famous Pride: Cecil’s descendants still roam Hwange, a testament to anti-poaching efforts.

7. Namibia

Lion Population: 800
Key Parks: Etosha, Kunene
Innovation: Desert-adapted lions survive on seals and gemsbok in the Namib Desert.

8. Mozambique

Lion Population: 600
Key Parks: Niassa, Gorongosa
Comeback Story: Gorongosa’s lions rebounded from near extinction (2014) to 150+ today.

9. Uganda

Lion Population: 400
Key Parks: Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls
Rarity: Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha – only two populations exist worldwide.

10. India

Lion Population: 674 (Asiatic)
Key Sanctuary: Gir Forest
Exclusivity: The last Asiatic lions outside Africa, genetically distinct from their cousins.

• Conservation: $1.5M annual funding for lion collaring and anti-poaching drones.

• Exclusive Experiences:

  • Lion Research Camps: Join scientists collaring prides in Ruaha¹.

  • Maasai Warrior Tours: Learn tracking from communities who’ve coexisted with lions for millennia.

• Ethical Lodges: Stay at Serengeti Under Canvas (Emnel’s partner), where 10% of revenue funds lion conservation¹.

Ethical Safari Tips

1. Avoid Canned Hunts: Tanzania banned lion trophy hunting in 2022 – choose Emnel’s photo-focused tours.

2. Support Communities: Book Hawega Cultural Safaris to fund girls’ education in lion territories¹.

3. Stay Alert: Lions are most active at dawn – prioritize 5:30 AM game drives.

How Emnel Adventures Protects Lions

• Science Partnerships: Collar lions with TAWIRI to study migration patterns.

• Anti-Poaching: Fund ranger units in Selous with thermal imaging tech.

• Education: Train 200+ Maasai guides annually in lion conflict resolution.

FAQ

Q: How many lions are left in Africa?
A: Roughly 23,000 – Tanzania alone hosts 60-70% of the continental population.

Q: Are Tanzanian lions endangered?
A: Listed as Vulnerable, but stable in Serengeti and Selous due to strict protections.

Q: Can I see a white lion in Tanzania?
A: White lions (leucistic) are extremely rare in the wild – South Africa’s Timbavati has the only known population

Book a 7-Day Serengeti Lion Safari with Emnel – includes a donation to lion collaring.
safari@emneladventures.com