Ready for an African lion safari? It's no secret free ranging populations have been on the decline in Africa. The king of the jungle has been humbled in recent years by human progress and despite it's obvious symbol of strength, the African lion has virtually been consigned to spending it's life in large conservation parks.
Is this a bad thing? Well, looking at the positves, it's a whole lot better than seeing this proud creature wiped off the face of the Earth completely!
African Lion Facts
The lion is unquestionably at the top of the food chain in Africa. The fact remains, if it's demise becomes permanent, then the repercussions for some of Africa's ecosystems could be dramatic. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one area where it's survival is imperative.
The Lion's Demise
The african lion's numbers have been a cause for great concern in recent times in fact, there has even been talk of extinction. It's a dirty word in the world of conservation and while the big cat presents as a creature of indestructible dimensions, the sad fact is, the one creature on the planet capable of wiping it out, man, has been responsible for it's dwindling numbers.
Take for example just over 100 years ago, the African lion was around in numbers south of the Sahara desert. Today, it's almost got to the stage where the only place you can see the king of the beasts in it's "natural habitat" are large conservation parks. The reason; man's yearning for progress.
Keeping The African Lion On The Planet
In some parts of Africa the sounds of the lion are no longer heard. It has succumbed to the tunes of progress and has vanished from areas where it once ruled.
Free ranging lions are now in the minority but there is a glimmer of hope in the shape of some hardy individuals hell bent on ensuring the lion's survival. Why does it seem like such a lone battle? Amazing as it sounds, while conservation groups realise the predicament at the moment, convincing those in authority with the power and the finance to fund rescue operations has been a little retarded.
In Central and Western Africa, free ranging lion populations are critically low and it's been a tough battle to keep the big cat's future on the up and up.
The Best Lion Safari Destinations
Despite the gloom and doom over the lion's preservation in Africa, there is little doubt an African lion safari is still the preferred choice for many would be adventurers.
When you visit your local zoo, which animal holds the biggest mystique? The big cat with the flowing mane always attracts a crowd. Botswana and Kenya are two excellent destinations to see the lion in all it's glory under the strict supervision of guided tours. South Africa's Kruger National Reserve is also a popular choice for lion lovers. And don't forget the magnificent Serengeti!