The African Lion
All the wonder of an African Lion Safari
Of all the African wildlife, none arouses as much awe and admiration as the African Lion.
Male African Lion in Maasai Mara
It is the biggest of big cats in Africa, and is reverently referred to as the "King of the Jungle" or "King of the Beasts". In Kenya, you can see african Lions while on an African lion safari in Amboseli or Maasai Mara. African lions are also found in most of Kenyan national parks and reserves.
Unlike other big cats which are solitary, African lions are social animals. A group of lions called a pride, may consist of 15 to 20 members, three of which could be males. Male lions are recognized by their mane - long hair on the neck.
Within the pride, the lionesses do most of the hunting while males defend the pride's territory. When hunting, the lionesses approach their prey stealthily and spring upon them, killing them with a strong bite at the neck. If the prey escapes before the lioness springs the attack, lions do not give a chase for long. This apparent lack of endurance is what makes African lions to be termed as lazy.
The African Lion only hunt when they are hungry. And after a catch, it can spend a whole day sleeping and resting in the shadows of Acacia trees. The lions perfect catch of the day includes antelopes, wildebeests, zebras, and buffalos. The Oryx are a type of antelopes particularly hunted by lions. It was therefore a marvel at one time, when a lioness in Samburu National park adapted 6 baby Oryx in one year.
The Kenya Lions of Tsavo
If you want to see the main king of the beasts, then visit the Kenya lions of Tsavo.
Maneless Lions of Tsavo
They are africa's most feared and fiercest predators of the African animals. They are so ruthless that they are renowned for almost stalling the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway in the early 20th century. The movie "The Ghost and the Darkness" is inspired by these African lions of Tsavo.
Tsavo lions are also very elusive. Spotting a pride of Tsavo lions is indeed a rare sight. Unlike other lions, a pride of Tsavo lions consists of only one male. The male Tsavo Lions have no mane.
African Lion - a Symbol of Pride
Kenya Coat of Arms
In Kenya, the African Lion is perceived as a symbol of power and pride. It's indeed the symbol of Kenya's nationhood depicted in the country's Coat of Arms. If you go on African Lion Safari in Kenya, your safari is not complete until you see the rest of Kenya's wonder animals; the Big Five.
Up, Close and Personal - a researcher's adventure journey to Kenya in 2005 to discover more about the maneless lions of Tsavo National Park in Kenya. You can read his exhilarating story and view the wonderful photographs he took at http://lbah.com/tsavo.htm