Wildlife Travel: Lions

When people think of lions they usually think of the magnificent creatures lounging in their local zoo. Still others think of the animated version in Disney’s The Lion King. For many neither of these fulfills their vision of what a lion should be: wild and free. It’s these individuals who seek the assistance of US based Ker and Downy, which was named as one of the top 10 Tour & Safari Operators in the world by Travel & Leisure (September 2000).

Lion Safaris

Ker and Downy offers Roar: The Lions of the Kalahari, a 12 day/11 night wildlife tour for $4,955. This safari takes guests into the Kalahari home some of the largest and fiercest lions in Africa. Regardless of the rustic location, Ker and Downy manage to provide a luxurious experience, which is something they are known for. You can expect the best in accommodations, service and cuisine – including one particularly enjoyable meal served in a dining area built high in the trees overlooking the Okavango Delta.

Navigators Four-Wheel-Drive Adventures is a company based in South Africa offering unique and affordable safaris. They keep the groups small, offer registered and experienced guides and provide personal attention and good food

They offer a Kalahari Black-Maned Lions Wilderness & Wildlife Safari 10 day tour for $1,720 US dollars. The highlight of this expedition are the incredible Kalahari black-mane lions found only in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. In addition, you may even catch a glimpse of cheetah, leopard, hyena or any number of other wildlife that thrive in this area.

Experiencing Lions with your Family

Kumuka Worldwide is based in Brooklyn, New York and has been assisting adventures in traveling the globe since 1983. Their name Kumuka is an African word meaning “the start of the journey” – and the start of this African safari bus excursion is just as relaxing as the last day.

They offer a Lions, Leopard and Rhino Family Tour - 10 Day/9 Night for $1,950 per child and $2,175 per adult. Guests will tour Tanzania, home to one of the world’s largest wildlife populations, from the comfort of a climate controlled coach. The trip includes stops at Tarangire National Park as well as the Serengeti National Park where lions, zebras, gazelles, buffalos and other animals reside. Another exciting destination of this trip is the Manyara National Park, where you’ll want to keep an eye out for its famous tree-climbing lions!

Disney World’s Animal Kingdom offers a tamer option closer to home. In this 33-acre wildlife themed park exotic animals like giraffes, gazelles and zebras roam. In addition to a safari expedition guests can also tour an Asian rainforest.

After you tire of experiencing wild animals live, up-close and personal you can sit back, relax and enjoy a show – everything from musicals to parades. And of course, no trip to “the happiest place on earth” would be complete without a few thrilling rides and visits with your favorite Disney characters.