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How many species of lions are there?

How many species of lions exist?

There is actually only one species – the Panthera leo, however, there are several sub-species of lions which you may not know about. So when you head off on your African safari, read up about the various species and have a look at the photographs below to make sure you know which ones you will be seeing.

1. North East Congo lion

north-east-congo-lion

2. An African lioness

african-lioness

(Image)


3. Katanga lion (Southwest African Lion)

katanga_lion

(Image)

4. White lion (mutation of Kruger subspecies)

white_lion

(Image)

5. Masaai lion or Serengeti lion

masaai_lion

(Image)

See Lions on these Safari Tours through Africa!

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    Group Size Max 20
    Starts & Ends Starts: Cape Town Ends: Victoria Falls
    Countries South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
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  • Tour Length 14 days
    Group Size Max 20
    Starts & Ends Starts: Johannesburg Ends: Johannesburg
    Countries South Africa, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Mozambique
    Overview Bush breaks and beach escapes are at the front-and-centre on this 14-day trip across three countries - South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique. The adventure kicks off with the chance to get your boots dirty on a three day Big Five escapade in the Kruger Park followed by a scenic drive through the legendary Panorama Route. From then on, it’s all dense coconut plantations, ocean safaris, and bustling seaside villages in the Portuguese-influenced cities of Mozambique.  

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    Mozambique & Kruger Camping Tour – 14 Days

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  • Tour Length 12 days
    Group Size Max 17
    Starts & Ends Starts: Nairobi Ends: Nairobi
    Countries Kenya, Tanzania
    Overview Nothing can compare to encountering the legendary wildlife of the Serengeti and Masai Mara in the flesh. That’s why we’ve dedicated 12 full days to exploring this iconic safari circuit. Traverse incredible national parks where golden grasslands stretch onto the ends of the earth, watch wildebeest kick up the rich African dust as they migrate in their millions, and venture off track to isolated regions to meet local tribes world apart. The road is as diverse as it is unpredictable, so be prepared for adventure. Your tour requires participation from all group members. This entails assisting with the food preparation, washing of dishes, keeping the truck clean and the setting up the camp. Please keep in mind that flexibility and an open mind is needed on the trip. All guides are registered with the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA).

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6. The Asiatic lion

asiatic_lion

(Image)

7. Abyssinian lion

abyssinian_lion

(Image)

8. West African lion, or Senegal lion

senegal_lion

(Image)

9. Somali lion

somali_lion

(Image)

10. Kalahari lion

kalahari_lion

(Image)

How about seeing some beautiful lions in the wild?

There are many game reserves across Africa to view lions but some of the most popular locations are on a Kruger Safari or on a Tanzania Safari.

 

 

About Bronwyn Paxton

Article by: Bronwyn Paxton
on December 23, 2022
Filed under  Africa Blog • Ask Gerry • Travel Articles 
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