Lions abroad and while traveling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?

Where can you see lions in the wild?

Benin

• Lions can also be found in Benin! Pendjari National Park, located in the north of Benin, is part of the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) transnational protected area, known for its rich biodiversity. This park is one of the few places in West Africa where lions still exist in the wild. Pendjari serves as an important sanctuary for lions, and the park is also home to other large felids, such as leopards.

Ethiopia: Bale Mountains National Park is home to a small population of rare Ethiopian lions.

Guinea: Badiar National Park (Bai-Hakou) contains a small population of lions within a unique ecological zone!

Tanzania

• Serengeti National Park is one of the best places to see lions in the wild. It is a hotspot for lions, which feast in large numbers on the abundant wildebeest during the Great Migration.
• The Ngorongoro Crater is a vast crater where lions live in an isolated environment with a high concentration of wildlife.

Kenya

• Masai Mara National Reserve boasts large lion populations and also lies along the wildebeest migration route.
• Amboseli National Park offers the chance to combine lion-spotting with a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mozambique: Gorongosa National Park has a growing lion population.

South Africa

• Kruger National Park offers plenty of opportunities to spot lions. 
• Addo Elephant Park is home not only to elephants but also to a significant number of wild lions.

Botswana

• In the Okavango Delta, you can see lions hunting in the marshes. 
• In Chobe National Park, particularly around the Chobe River system, there is a high chance of encountering lions.

Namibia

• During the drier months in Etosha National Park, thousands of the lions' prey animals gather at waterholes to drink—and leave again in slightly smaller numbers. 
• In Namib-Naukluft National Park, you can see lions set against the backdrop of spectacular desert landscapes.

Zimbabwe: Hwange National Park is the place to go for lion sightings.

Zambia: South Luangwa National Park is home to lions and much more; it is a remarkable location situated along a river teeming with wildlife.

India: The only place in Asia where you can see the Asiatic lion is Gir National Park in Gujarat. The Asiatic lion is smaller than the African lion and has a less prominent mane.

Are lions dangerous to humans?

• While lions can be dangerous to humans, they generally tend to avoid people. 
• However, there are specific situations in which a lion might attack a human.

When might lions in the wild attack a human?

• When you get too close.
• When they are being pursued or harassed.
• When they are mating.
• When they are feeding.
• When they have cubs.
• When they are sick or old.

How can you tell if a lion is about to attack?

• An aggressive lion can be identified by flattened ears, a low-slung posture, and a tail that flicks rapidly back and forth.
• How can you detect the presence of a lion, and how should you keep your distance? The presence of lions can be identified by fresh tracks, the presence of vultures, roaring, zebras hesitating before they drink, or giraffes and zebras staring intently into the undergrowth. 
• Avoid dense, tall vegetation near waterholes and rivers.
• Do not venture out at night, as this is when lions hunt. 
• If camping in the wild, always keep a large campfire burning and take turns standing guard.

What should you do if a lion attacks?

• If a lion appears to be attacking, there are two things you can do. 
• You can stand completely still while keeping your gaze fixed firmly on the attacking lion. The lion might stop its charge a few meters away, lie down on the ground, and begin to roar. This display may last for a few seconds, after which the lion might turn around and walk away. 
• Alternatively, you can make aggressive noises and throw branches or stones at the attacking lion. This, too, may cause the lion to turn around and walk away. 
• In either case, once the lion has moved off, it is important to back away slowly, while remaining mindful that the lion could potentially attack again. 
• If you find yourself face-to-face with a lion, do not run away; the lion’s instinct will be to chase and attack you.

Where can you volunteer or complete an internship involving lions abroad? 

• In various African countries, you can work with lions, or assist in the conservation of their natural habitat, as an intern or volunteer. Think, for example, of distribution research, anti-poaching activities, and caring for lions at a rescue center. 
• Read more about the opportunities for working with lions abroad.