Chad: Zakouma NP – Lions

While the park is massive, there are estimated 150 lions roaming the expanse of the savanna, and the sighting are likely, albeit not guaranteed. We were super lucky to spot lions three times, early mornings and late afternoons near waterholes, probably lounging after a meal (with prey in abundance everywhere). Thanks to African Parks’ management since 2010 – improved security, anti-poaching, and habitat restoration – the population is considered stable to growing, with lions benefiting from the park’s overall wildlife recovery. Interestingly, in the past lions in Zakouma used to hunt little antelopes a the bigger game was scarce. Now, with booming buffalo herds and healthy populations of giraffes, waterbuck, and other large antelopes, lions preferentially hunt larger prey like buffalo, giraffes, and adult waterbuck (although the latter has foul taste).