Lions, Lionesses, & Lion Cubs
“We had a family of lions visit one day around dusk as well as some buffalo and zebras.
You never felt unsafe despite being so close to the wildlife as the staff were very attentive and walked guests to and from their rooms at night. It was pretty neat!”
The Serengeti is home to one of the largest lion populations in Africa, with an estimated 3,000 - 4,000 lions roaming its vast plains. Thanks to Moyo Tented Camp's locations in the heart of lion country, guests enjoy exceptional opportunities to experience these magnificent cats throughout the year.
Here's everything you need to know about spotting lions during your stay.
(Photo Credit to Marco Zonta)
One of the World's Best Places to See Lions
Lions thrive in the Serengeti's open landscapes where abundant prey supports large prides year-round.
The Serengeti's resident populations of zebra, buffalo, gazelles, topi, and hartebeest provide a constant food source, while the seasonal Great Migration brings millions of additional wildebeest and zebra through the ecosystem.
For guests, Moyo Tented Camp’s locations means more time watching lions, and less time searching for them. There’s a reason we chose to set up our camps in the Big Cat Capital of the world!
Here are lion spotting highlights by season:
January to March: Best Time for Lion Cubs
The southern Serengeti's calving season brings hundreds of thousands of newborn wildebeest into the ecosystem. With prey abundant, many lionesses give birth during this period, making it one of the best times to see young cubs.
Expect to see:
Tiny cubs staying close to their mothers
Lionesses nursing or moving cubs between hiding places
Frequent hunting activity as prides take advantage of the abundance of vulnerable prey
If seeing lion cubs is high on your safari wish list, this is one of the most rewarding seasons.
April to May: Green Season
The Serengeti transforms into a lush, green landscape after the rains. Long grass provides excellent cover for stalking lions, while fewer visitors mean quieter sightings and more intimate wildlife encounters. The dramatic skies also create beautiful conditions for photography.
June to October: Dry Season
The dry season is considered one of the easiest times to spot lions. As grasses become shorter and wildlife gathers around permanent water sources, visibility improves dramatically. Lions are often found resting beneath acacia trees during the heat of the day before becoming active in the cooler mornings and evenings.
This is also a wonderful season for photographing the Serengeti's famous golden landscapes.
November to December: The Secret Season
Short rains bring fresh green grass and renewed wildlife activity. Predators including lions remain highly active, migratory birds arrive from Europe, and visitor numbers are generally lower than during peak season. It's an excellent time for guests seeking exceptional wildlife with fewer safari vehicles.
Meet the Next Generation: Lion Cubs
Few wildlife encounters are as heartwarming as watching lion cubs discover the world.
Young cubs spend their first weeks hidden in thick vegetation before gradually joining the pride. As they grow, they can often be seen chasing siblings, climbing over resting adults, pouncing on each other, and practicing the hunting skills they'll need later in life.
Watching the pride interact offers a fascinating glimpse into lion family life. Lionesses work together to protect and raise the cubs, while older siblings often join in their games.
Because Moyo Tented Camp is located in one of the Serengeti's richest wildlife regions, guests frequently have opportunities to witness these unforgettable family moments during game drives.
Lion Viewing from Every Moyo Location
Moyo Camp Warangi
Located along the beautiful Warangi River in the heart of the Serengeti, Moyo Camp Warangi combines outstanding lion viewing with the rich diversity of a permanent river ecosystem. The river attracts zebra, buffalo, waterbuck, giraffes, and other herbivores throughout the year, creating productive hunting grounds for resident lion prides.
Moyo Migration Camp Mara
For guests dreaming of witnessing lions during the Great Migration, Moyo Migration Camp Mara offers an unforgettable seasonal experience. Located in the northern Serengeti near the Mara River, the camp places you close to one of Africa's greatest wildlife spectacles. As hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra gather to cross the river, lions patrol the surrounding plains, following the migration in search of hunting opportunities.
Moyo Camp Hembe
Moyo Camp Hembe is perfectly positioned for guests wanting to experience the Serengeti's famous southern plains, especially during the wildebeest calving season. Outside the calving season, the area remains home to resident lions, offering excellent year-round sightings across the open grasslands where visibility is exceptional.
Staying Inside the Serengeti Supports Its Future
Choosing to stay inside Serengeti National Park is a meaningful way to support one of the world's most important wildlife conservation areas. Park entrance and concession fees contribute directly to protecting the Serengeti's remarkable ecosystem, helping to fund anti-poaching patrols, habitat conservation, scientific research, road maintenance, ranger programs, and wildlife monitoring.
These efforts are essential to safeguarding the park's lion population and ensuring future generations can continue to witness lions thriving in the wild.
Staying inside the reserve makes a difference. Instead of spending valuable morning hours driving through park gates or traveling long distances, you can begin immediately in prime lion habitat.
With the knowledge of Moyo's experienced local guides (who understand pride territories, recent sightings, and seasonal wildlife movements), you'll enjoy the best possible lion encounters.
(Photo Credit to Catherine Merlin)
Encounter Wild Lions at Moyo Tented Camp