The best places to see lions in the wild in South Africa

The world-famous Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga and Limpopo is home to the Big 5 and has a population of between 1,500 and 2,000 lions. Satara Rest Camp, which is located in the southern part of the park's central region, is known unofficially as 'Big Cat Country', meaning lions are frequently seen in the area. Orpen is the closest of Kruger's nine public gates to reach this camp. 

Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, and Skukuza are also located in prime lion areas, but given the luck of the draw when it comes to seeing animals of all shapes and sizes, just enjoying your stay at any of the rest camps is a treat in itself.

Time Out Tip: Having seen lions many times in the Kruger, I would opt to stick close to rivers, especially in the hotter months. The open plains of Satara are ideal, but so is the broken bush of Skukuza, especially at dawn. One of my favourite areas is Lake Panic, which is located on the golf course and nursery road west of Skukuza, Kruger's main camp and administrative centre. The Sabie River Road connecting Skukuza and Lower Sabie camps is also known for its lions, as well as leopards, elephants, and buffalo.

Did you know? A group of lions is called a pride.

With a population of around 250 lions, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, located in the Northern Cape and spanning into Botswana, offers a distinctly different terrain for spotting these extraordinary beasts compared to Kruger National Park.  

The vast, arid landscapes of the area afford slightly easier game viewing, but, again, no guarantees. A recent sighting of 21 lions on a single kill was reported by a visitor, showing that the unpredictability of what nature can throw at you is very much alive and kicking (unlike the poor lions' prey). Twee Rivieren is the park's biggest and most popular camp. For your best chance at seeing lions, the dry riverbeds of the Auob and Nossob rivers are a prime area, especially between Twee Rivieren and Mata Mata. As the area is dry, waterholes are also a good place to check out, as that's where their prey will be hanging out.

Time Out Tip: I would suggest you don't take a sedan with you, as the roads are much more suited to vehicles with a higher clearance. This also assists with game viewing, as the higher vantage point opens up a lot more of the terrain for you to spot these glorious kitty cats.

Did you know? While lions are incredibly powerful, they are also, well, a bit lazy, sleeping for up to 20 hours per day. Typical cat, really.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) in KwaZulu-Natal is considered by some to be South Africa's premier game reserve. While I believe that Kruger is and will always be number one, HiP is still a nature-lover's paradise.  

With over 120 lions within the park, sightings are regular. Sadly, the lions have long suffered from genetic issues following the discovery of inbreeding in the 1990s, with the rescue mission intensifying over time. The introduction of lions from other parks around South Africa has been used as a way to diversify the genetic makeup of the lions. Continued monitoring of the lions is essential for the long-term success of the animals in the park.

Time Out Tip: Hilltop Camp (Hluhluwe) and Mpila Camp (iMfolozi) are known for their lion sightings. As previously mentioned, your best chance is at dusk or dawn, so bear that in mind. If you can, a guided game drive will assist in tracking the lions, but the thrill of finding them yourself is always first prize.

Did you know? Lion cubs are born with spots and are raised communally within the pride. Male lions opt to leave their pride when they reach the age of two (in most cases).

While Addo Elephant National Park's lion population may not be the biggest in South Africa, new additions in 2025 from the Kgalagadi (two males) and the Khamab Kalahari Reserve (two females) mean the health and well-being of the cats in the park have been future-proofed. I have seen lions in the southern region of the park near the Colchester gate, but they do roam most of the reserve, with frequent sightings near Addo's main camp. Lions were reintroduced to Addo in the early 2000s, following a period when the last known lions inhabited the area in the mid-1800s.

Time Out Tip: While you may be there for the lions, the real stars of the show are the elephants and the magnificent spekboom (Portulacaria afra) forests. The elephants go crazy for spekboom and can sneak up on you from deep within the forests. It's actually crazy how they manage to stay hidden... and then all of a sudden appear. Also, be sure to head to the waterholes, as when the big herds of ellies descend upon them, you're in for hours of entertainment - especially if there are little ones around.

Did you know? Addo is home to the Big 7 - the Big 5 plus Southern Right Whales and Great White Sharks. This came about following the expansion of the park to include a portion of the Eastern Cape's Indian Ocean coastline.

Located next to Sun City, Pilanesberg National Park is prime Big 5 territory, with frequent lion sightings. A fun fact about the Pilanesberg is that it is set on the eroded rings of an ancient volcano. A 2023 study suggests that 44 adult lions live in the park, which is a drop from the 2019 census, which recorded 60 to 70 of the big cats doing their thing in the North West. Like lions in most other game parks, the Pilanesberg residents prey on zebra, wildebeest, impala, warthogs, and buffalo in the main.

Time Out Tip: While lion sightings take place right across the Pilanesberg, I've often seen them around Mankwe Dam, which is the park's large, central water source. Taking some time to sit and wait at Makorwane Dam's hide has also proven to be fruitful on the lion front. Sadly, the roads are not great in the Pilanesberg, so please take care when travelling in your own car. However, the natural beauty and chance to see the Big 5 outweigh the potholes.

Did you know? Lions in the Pilanesberg have a life expectancy of around 12 years. Some males don't live for much more than 10 years, mainly due to territorial struggles and fights for dominance they encounter within the dynamics of the park.

At just over two hours' drive from Cape Town, Aquila Private Game Reserve has earned a name for itself as a top safari experience near the Mother City. Whether you opt for a day trip or book a couple of nights, you can take a traditional safari in an off-road vehicle or choose to search for the Big 5 from a quad-bike. While sightings of lions are all but guaranteed due to the setup of the reserve, you'll be extremely lucky to spot the elusive Cape mountain leopard, another big cat that deserves love and attention. The lions at Aquila have been rescued from the canned hunting industry, which makes their story all the more interesting for visitors. Canned hunting is where lions are bred in captivity purely for hunting purposes. Disgusting, I know.

Time Out Tip: After a day of wildlife thrills and ticking lions off the bucket list, check out the infinity pool, refuel with some traditional South African cuisine or treat yourself to a spa afternoon of relaxation bliss. Accommodation ranges from rustic digs to plush cottages.

Did you know? The darker a male lion's mane, the healthier the animal is. Healthy manes also help in attracting females.

When one thinks of lions in the wild, the Karoo isn't the first to pop into your mind, given the harsh terrain. However, lions once thrived in the region and after a 170-year absence, the decision was made in 2010 to reintroduce the big cats. This was done in order to balance the ecosystem of the Karoo National Park and, well, let's be honest, provide a big reason for people to visit the park - other than the stunning natural beauty, of course. The reintroduction hasn't been smooth sailing, though, with some of the lions escaping the confines of the park. The most high-profile of which was Sylvester in 2015. After killing nearby livestock and going on a bit of an adventure, Sylvester was safely captured and returned. 

Time Out Tip: While the lions are wonderful to see, the tranquillity and rugged beauty of the Karoo National Park make for an all-round wonderful experience. I especially love the drives up to the top of the mountains, with the seemingly endless views from the top, an experience I won't soon forget. I'd also recommend staying a few nights in the camp, as it is really a wonderful place to escape the craziness of life and simply chillax. If you can't get accommodation inside the park, nearby Beaufort West is a perfect base for day trips to see the lions.

Did you know? Lionesses do the majority of the hunting, with males only really called upon when big game is being eyed up for the pride's next meal.

Located near Pretoria and just over an hour away from Johannesburg, Dinokeng Game Reserve offers Gauteng residents the chance to see the Big 5 right on their doorstep. With over 140km of road for visitors to traverse, the game viewing is great and the lions provide that extra adrenaline rush. In 2024, four new lions were added to the reserve after the population dropped to 50% of the conservation-friendly number that Dinokeng can accommodate. The hope now is that Dinokeng will be able to establish 'a dual pride structure', where two dominant males can thrive with their respective prides.

Time Out Tip: If you are visiting for the day, I'd suggest booking a guided tour of the reserve to maximise your chances of seeing the lions. The guides are well-versed in the lions' general movements and territories. While you may be there to see the lions, don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for the other members of the Big 5, as well as the plethora of game that calls Dinokeng home.

Did you know? A lion's roar can be heard up to 8km away, which is not unlike me when my son leaves his shoes in the lounge.