Lion

 


The lion is Africa's largest carnivore, the proverbial king of beasts, and although its numbers are in general decline outside reserves, it's still Africa's most abundant large predator on the savannah, along with the hyena.

The lion, (Panthera leo) is unmistakably: a massive, tawny cat with it's distinct black mane. Its visual presence is exhilarating. Lions stand about 48 inches (1.2 metres) at the shoulder and weigh 300 to 500 lbs (130-225 kg). Males develop their huge manes at about age three. .

   
 
Although lions once roamed most of Africa, they are now found in isolated patches south of the Sahara except lowland rainforest and true desert. It is thought that there are about 50,000 lions in existence, mostly in reserves.



Mainly mammals, with a preference for antelope species. Preference varies geographically. Lions will also scavenge the kills of other predators.



They live in prides of up to 30 related females. Young males leave the pride and form their own groups, then begin to compete for dominance of a female pride. Lions' main prey are grazing animals, from small impalas to large wildebeests, and they will also take animals as large as Buffaloes and as small as birds and rodents.

They are the only cats to hunt communally. Females do the hunting, mostly at night, with three or more lionesses working together. Males do hunt, but only for themselves, and they often displace lionesses at kills.



Below is the Lion picture gallery. Click on the 'next' or 'back' button to navigate through the pictures.





   
 
Game Drives & Safaris

Find out more about our game drives and view Lions up close in their natural environment.