Africa is riddled with nature reserves, both private and government owned, where African lions may be seen in their natural habitat. One of the reserves renowned for its sightings of the Big Five is the Mala Mala Game Reserve, which borders the Greater Kruger National Park. Several wildlife documentaries were filmed there, including some for National Geographic. The price range for this exclusive game reserve might however be out of most casual tourist's league.
One of the places I had the most success in observing lions mate, is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Close to Nossob Rest Camp, on the Botswana side and on the access road to Mabuasehube Game Reserve, tourists often find lions either hunting, resting or mating. Even the main road between Nossob and Twee Rivieren regularly deliver lions resting in the shade of the trees along the road. Due to the sparse vegetation in the semi - desert Kalahari landscape, spotting these magnificent creatures are easy.
The Kruger National Park is another nature reserve where lions are seen on a daily basis. In the middle of the Kruger National Park, the small camp of Balule regularly shakes with the roar of lions at night.
SAN Parks administer both the Kgalagadi and Kruger National Parks and their fees are reasonable by anyone's standards. Whether camping or staying in the other accommodation these parks offer, make sure you keep an eye - and an ear - out for the roar of the African Lions.
