Tanzania Is Home to Africa's Largest Lion Population
Tanzania has once again confirmed its status as one of Africa's greatest wildlife destinations.
According to the 2024/25 national wildlife census, the country is home to approximately 17,200 lions — the largest lion population on the African continent.
The findings were presented by the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) as part of the country's latest wildlife census, conducted across all major ecological systems in Tanzania. The survey was the first nationwide wildlife census of its kind in a decade.
According to the census results, Tanzania hosts an estimated 17,200 lions. South Africa follows with approximately 3,284 lions, Botswana with 3,064, Kenya with 2,515 and Zambia with 2,349.
For visitors on safari, these numbers reflect the scale of Tanzania's protected ecosystems, which include world-famous destinations such as the Serengeti National Park, Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, Tanzania remains one of the best places in Africa to encounter lions during a safari.