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African Safari Tours

Lion Safaris in Tanzania

Lion safaris in Tanzania with Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris offer some of Africa's best big cat viewing, with private game drives in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. The Serengeti holds one of Africa's largest lion populations, famous for prides on granite kopjes and lions hunting the Great Migration. Lake Manyara and Tarangire are known for tree-climbing lions, while Ngorongoro Crater offers dense predator sightings. The best time for a lion safari is June to October or January to March. Choose private, tailor-made lion safari packages, from budget camping to luxury lodges, with expert local guides.

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Lion Safaris in Tanzania: Best Lion Safari Packages

From Serengeti kopje prides to tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara and Tarangire, explore Tanzania's best lion safari packages with private vehicles, expert local guides and flexible itineraries for every budget.

Popular Lion Safari Packages

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Why Choose Us for Your Lion Safari in Tanzania

We Are a Local Tanzania Safari Tour Operator

Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris is a Tanzania-based operator, so your lion safari is planned by local experts who know where prides live, hunt and rest in every season. Local knowledge means better sightings, honest advice and genuine Tanzanian hospitality from your first enquiry to your final game drive.

We Offer Private Lion Safaris

Every lion safari is fully private, with your own 4x4 vehicle and guide. Stay as long as you like with a pride, wait patiently for a hunt, or head out at first light when lions are most active, without sharing the vehicle with strangers.

Our Safari Guides Are World-Class

Our experienced, licensed guides are skilled trackers who read tracks, alarm calls and vulture movements to find lions. They share fascinating facts about pride behavior and position your vehicle for the best photos, always respecting the animals and park rules.

24/7 Customer Support

Our team supports you 24/7 before, during and after your lion safari, helping with lodges, flights, special requests and anything unexpected. You always have a real person in Tanzania to contact, so you can relax and enjoy the big cats.

Best Price Guarantee

We offer competitive, transparent prices on lion safaris, from budget camping to luxury lodges. Working directly with trusted camps, we give excellent value without compromising safety or comfort, and every quote clearly lists what is included with no hidden costs.

What to Know Before You Go on Your Lion Safari

Where to See Lions in Tanzania

The Serengeti is Tanzania's top lion destination, especially the Seronera Valley, Moru Kopjes and the southern plains during calving season. Ngorongoro Crater offers reliable sightings in a compact area, while Lake Manyara and Tarangire are famous for tree-climbing lions. Ruaha and Nyerere in southern Tanzania also hold large lion populations for more remote, off-the-beaten-path lion safaris.

Where to Stay on a Lion Safari

Lion safari accommodation ranges from luxury lodges and exclusive tented camps to comfortable mid-range lodges and budget campsites. Staying inside the Serengeti, close to the Seronera Valley or following the migration, means less driving and more time with lions. Many camps are unfenced, so you may hear lions roaring at night, an unforgettable part of the experience.

When to Go on a Lion Safari

Lions can be seen year-round in Tanzania. June to October, the dry season, offers the easiest viewing as grass is short and prey gathers near water. January to March brings the calving season on the Serengeti's southern plains, when lions hunt newborn wildebeest. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times of day, when lions are most active.

Lion Safari Etiquette & Safety

Always stay inside the vehicle and keep voices low near lions. Never stand up or lean out when lions are close, and follow your guide's instructions at all times. Guides keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing hunts or cubs. Responsible viewing protects both you and the lions, ensuring they behave naturally.

What to Pack for a Lion Safari

Pack neutral-colored clothing, warm layers for cold early morning drives, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens of at least 300mm are ideal for lion photography. Bring spare batteries and memory cards, and use soft bags if you are taking light aircraft flights.

Lion Safaris in Tanzania – Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to see lions in Tanzania?

The Serengeti National Park is the best place to see lions in Tanzania, with one of the largest lion populations in Africa. The Seronera Valley in the central Serengeti offers year-round sightings, and the southern plains are excellent during calving season. Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara also offer good lion viewing, and Ruaha in the south is superb for remote lion safaris.

What is the best time for a lion safari in Tanzania?

Lions can be seen all year, but June to October is the best time for a lion safari in Tanzania because short grass and concentrated prey make sightings easier. January to March is also excellent, when lions hunt newborn wildebeest on the Serengeti's southern plains. The best time of day is early morning and late afternoon, when lions are most active.

Can you see tree-climbing lions in Tanzania?

Yes, tree-climbing lions are found in Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park, and are sometimes seen in parts of the Serengeti. Lions climb trees to escape heat, insects and flooding, and to get a better view. Sightings are not guaranteed, but experienced guides know the best areas. It is one of the most unique lion experiences in Africa.

How many lions are in the Serengeti?

The Serengeti ecosystem is home to one of the largest lion populations in Africa, estimated at around three thousand lions, although numbers vary and are difficult to count precisely. Prides are found throughout the park, from the central Seronera Valley to the northern and western regions. This high density makes the Serengeti one of the best places in the world for lion safaris.

How many days do I need for a lion safari?

Three to four days in the Serengeti gives excellent chances of seeing lions, while a seven to ten day safari combining the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara offers a wide variety of lion encounters, including tree-climbing lions. Longer safaris allow more time to watch pride behavior and possible hunts. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris designs lion safaris of any length.

How much does a lion safari in Tanzania cost?

The cost of a lion safari in Tanzania depends on the season, number of days, accommodation style and group size. Budget camping safaris are the most affordable, while mid-range lodges and luxury tented camps cost more. Prices usually include park fees, accommodation, meals, a private vehicle and guide. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris provides a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

Is a lion safari safe?

Yes, a lion safari in Tanzania is safe when you follow your guide's instructions. Lions generally ignore safari vehicles and see them as part of the landscape. Always stay inside the vehicle, remain seated and keep noise low near lions. Camps have staff who escort guests after dark. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris uses experienced, licensed guides and well-maintained vehicles.

Can I see a lion hunt on safari?

Seeing a lion hunt is possible but never guaranteed, as lions often hunt at night or in the cool early morning. Your chances are highest during the Great Migration and calving season, when prey is abundant. Patient guides watch for signs such as stalking behavior and nervous herds. Spending more days in the Serengeti greatly increases your chances of witnessing a hunt.

What other big cats can I see on a lion safari?

A lion safari in Tanzania often includes leopards and cheetahs too. The Serengeti's Seronera Valley is famous for leopards resting in sausage trees, while cheetahs hunt on the open southern and eastern plains. Servals, caracals and African wildcats are occasionally seen. Many travelers combine lion safaris with a full Big Five experience including elephants, buffalo and rhinos.

Why book a lion safari with Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris?

Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris is a Tanzania-based local operator specializing in private, tailor-made lion and big cat safaris. Our expert guides know where prides live and hunt in every season, and we choose lodges close to the best lion areas. We handle flights, transfers and park fees, with transparent pricing and 24/7 support for an unforgettable lion safari.

How do I book a lion safari in Tanzania?

Booking a lion safari with Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris is simple. Send your travel dates, group size, budget and interests through our enquiry form, and our team will design a tailor-made lion safari itinerary with a detailed quote. Once confirmed, a deposit secures your lodges and vehicle. We then send your travel documents, packing list and full support until you return home.

Your African Adventure Awaits

Plan Your Lion Safari in Tanzania

Tell us your dates, style, and preferred parks, and we will build a genuine Tanzania adventure around you.

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What Our Travelers Say

Real 5-star reviews from guests who traveled with us

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★★★★★

Our Private African luxury Safari experience with Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris was nothing short of exceptional. From the very beginning, owner Gabriel was incredibly responsive, making the entire booking process smooth and stress-free. Gabriel went above and

Charlotte T
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★★★★★

We had an incredible private safari experience with Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris. Their office staff was very helpful and informative, and they communicated very well. Our pick-ups to and from the airport were on time and hassle-free, an unforgettable Safari

Evans Aiden
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★★★★★

Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris is truly one of the best local tour companies in Tanzania. From start to finish, their service was professional, reliable, and personalized. The team went above and beyond to make sure every detail of our trip was perfect. Our saf

André T
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★★★★★

Our family chose Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris for a custom 11-day safari itinerary, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice! Everything from our initial inquiry to building our custom itinerary to pre-departure and on-trip support was top quality. Communic

Ida N