The African lion (Panthera leo) is the largest mammalian predator in Africa. As the only large, social feline, they dominate both the predator hierarchy and the food chain.
Today, a dwindling number of lions roam across sub-Saharan Africa, with most populations concentrated in the national parks of east and southern Africa. In South Africa, lions occur in their greatest numbers within the Greater Kruger National Park.
In this article, we’ll share some tips to increase your chances of spotting lions when visiting the Kruger National Park.
Latest Sightings app
The Latest Sightings app provides real-time updates on where popular species have been spotted.
However, for some, half the joy of seeing a lion is being able to brag that you found it yourself… and then share it on the app.
Kruger’s lion population
In 2015, researchers estimated that around 1,600 lions lived in the park. According to data collected, they live in prides averaging 12-15 members, with a density of around 13 lions per 100 km².
Considering that Kruger covers 19,485 km², that’s an awful lot of space for them to hide. However, you’ll be glad to know that lions are the most frequently spotted big cats, and the second most often spotted predator, after spotted hyenas.
King of the jungle? Not so much
Jungles are quite a different habitat from that preferred by lions. They are most at home in fairly open terrain, with enough cover in which to stalk their prey.
This means you should concentrate your search in areas of open savannahs and mixed woodlands. While lions often rest or move through dense bush, your chances of spotting them are quite slim.
In Kruger, these habitats stretch between Skukuza and Lower Sabie, as well as across the central plain which run along eastern Kruger, from Lower Sabie northwards past Satara.
Excellent sightings can also be had further north, particularly along the rivers near Olifants, Letaba, and Shingwedzi Camps.
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These mixed grasslands attract the favoured prey species of lions: buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe.
Now consider the fact that both predator and prey need water to survive. As such, it is safe to assume that the likelihood of spotting lions increases near water. Indeed, waterholes and riverbanks are statistically where you are most likely to witness predator-prey interactions.
Bear in mind that in summer (October to March), standing water is widespread after the rains. In winter, water supplies are limited to a few dams, rivers, and artificial waterholes. Therefore, your best chance of seeing lions near water is in winter (April to September).
Also, monitor the behaviour of other species. You may notice a herd of zebras all focused on a particular bush, or hear the alarm calls of monkeys. Learning to read these signs greatly increases your chances of finding predators nearby. Likewise, circling vultures, particularly when descending, can point you towards lions on a kill, although it might not be visible from the road.
When to find lions
Strictly speaking, lions are most active at night, when cooler temperatures allow for higher activity levels and increased cover from prey species. So, consider booking a sunset or night drive to see them in action.
Also, when in camp, listen for lion vocalisations at night. They may be closer than you think. Lions often come onto roads in the early morning, so be sure to set out as the camp gates open, as they are regularly found walking on roads throughout the park.
That said, they are not averse to daytime activity, particularly in cooler weather. Also, windy conditions work in their favour when hunting.
Taking all that into consideration, remember that lions are notoriously lazy, spending up to 20 hours a day sleeping. However, with patient scanning, you might be rewarded with a glimpse of a flicking ear or twitching tail. And don’t be shy to take a closer look at that lion-shaped rock.
And last, but not least, when all else fails, try asking other visitors. Most people love sharing their sightings. And you should, too.
Woman Adopts Her Perfect Dog, But One Heartbreaking Vet Visit Changes Everything
In the vast sea of dog stories, this particular one had me break into a million pieces! Taylor and Ozzie’s story is real proof of how incredible the bond between dogs and humans can be.
You laugh together, cry together, you share the most intimate secrets and moments, and you just can’t imagine living life without each other anymore! But, what do you do when everything goes wrong? What happens then?
Ozzy’s life story will reveal how truly inspiring the human-dog bond can be, even in what can only be called the worst of times.
Ozzie Was The Perfect Dog
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Taylor adopted Ozzie at just a few weeks of age. She looked on Craigslist for puppies needing to be rehomed and saw a picture of a floppy-eared, brown pup with one blue and one brown eye – and she instantly fell in love!
Ozzie looked like the perfect dog, and the fact that she had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Washington D.C. didn’t stop her! She was inclined to adopt him!
“I was in college, didn’t have that much money, had 3 roommates, was in school full time, played tennis for college full time, and worked part time. How could I fit a puppy into that schedule,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The two formed an amazing bond right off the bat! He was just an amazing pup that adapted into the new life in no time. In a way, both Taylor and Ozzie shared the same hobbies and interests.
Both loved hiking, going to the beach, walking in the park, and basically any outdoor activity.
“He is THE adventure guy. He loves to go hiking, to the beach, kayaking, in the snow, to breweries, parks, literally you put him in the car (or on a train, yes, he has been on a train) and he is ready for the adventure,” wrote Taylor.
Every time they had a chance to embark on a new adventure – they took it! Ozzie has always been an adventurous boi, and that really made his new mom fall in love with him even more!
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Years later, Taylor and her partner adopted another dog, Lulu, who became Ozzie’s best friend.
The two formed an incredible bond and really enjoyed each other’s company. Their playtime was practically a zoomie-show, and despite the fact that both were so energetic, they would always end the day with the sweetest snuggling ever!
Several amazing years later, Taylor noticed Ozzie limping, and she immediately rushed him to the vet. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was horrible!
The Devastating Vet Visit
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The vet took Ozzie to do some X-rays, and ten minutes later, he came out with the heartbreaking diagnosis. Ozzie suffered from osteosarcoma – a bone tumor and he only had a couple of months to live.
After receiving the news, Taylor was devastated. She called her husband who immediately left work and came. Luckily, there was one option to extend Ozzie’s life for several extra months – the amputation of his front leg and chemo.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The couple didn’t think twice. They agreed to subject Ozzie to treatment despite all the hardship and extra commitment that awaited.
But, even through his surgery – Ozzie was just the most enthusiastic, happiest boi! He didn’t take the smile off his face even for one bit. He was a real fighter, and so were his parents!
Ozzie got his own, big bag that Taylor and her husband got just for walks. As he didn’t have so much strength (especially after chemo) to hike and walk like he used to, the couple carried him on their back, sometimes even for several miles.
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A post shared by Lulu & forever Ozzie (@livingdogfriendly)
They just couldn’t stand the idea of Ozzie not being able to enjoy his favorite things – and this was the only way to do it. His mom and dad did everything to make his quality of life better, and despite his progressing disease, Ozzie enjoyed every single moment!
The entire family helped Ozzie during his journey. Taylor’s dad, who was also battling cancer and lived in another state, felt the need to support this big boi. He’d send ice cream for Ozzie after every chemo session, which was just the cutest thing ever.
And, Lulu was just the greatest sister ever. Normally, she’s extremely hyper, but once she realized her brother was in pain, she turned into the gentlest sibling ever.
Your Memory Will Be Preserved, Good Boi
Source: @livingdogfriendly
After months of battling with his terminal disease, Ozzie sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. He lost the battle with cancer in March 2023 and went to eternal sleep.
Taylor and her husband were very heartbroken to part ways with Ozzie, but the fact that this beautiful boi had an amazing life till his last breath helped them cope.
“You touched so many lives, more than I had ever imagined a dog could. The love you gave was ever present and you lit up every room you walked into,” Taylor wrote in the touching Instagram post.
Ozzie was a unique dog, and he indeed made his family’s life so beautiful! Taylor and her family have moved to a new home in Virginia, but if I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that his legacy will certainly be remembered by his loved ones… Forever!
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