The lions, kings of the animals, are over 700 in Etosha National Park. Thanks to the low density of trees, they are quite easy to spot. You may even be as lucky as I was, get very close and make eye contact with a lion!
Navigate back to the complete Namibia Travel Guide
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - Spotting Lions in Etosha
Some facts first
- Lions are laid-back creatures. When not hunting they spend most of the day lazing about in the shade
- Lions depend heavily on water as a source of liquid and food (preys coming to drink)
- They live in prides which include five to ten females and two or three territorial males
Finding Lions in Etosha
- Near the waterholes of the park, especially under trees next to them
- Better chances of viewing early or late
- Of course, you always have more chances of spotting them with one of the local guides
Lions lazing around
THe first group of lions we spotted was sleeping quietly near a waterhole
Old lion alone
When getting old, male lions are exiled from the pride by younger and stronger males. They survive by stealing from other predators. We spotted this lion alone and I assumed it was the case.
The absolute lion encounter
And then was the moment!!! When our guide when from OK to ‘best guide ever’
So we were driving around and spotted 2 lionesses walking not too far away from the road. We stop and got our binoculars pointed at them. A great sight in itself. Check out the video:
They seem to be moving forward relentlessly sure of their destination.
This is when our guide told us: ‘I know where they are going!’ And so he moved away from them. We were so happy to see them walking that we were quite afraid he was making us miss something. So he stops further on the road and we waited… Oh HE WAS RIGHT!!!!! Straight to us!!!
The fact is there is a tunnel below the road at this place where they seek the shade. Such an amazing moment when the lions look at you directly…
Want to see MORE of NAMIBIA?
Discover more things to do with photos and planning information in my online Namibia Travel Guide.
Incredible luck, don’t you think?