If you are planning a trip to experience a safari in wildlife reserves, especially in African countries, you are likely to encounter lions during your tour.
Lions are apex predators in the African food chain. But why don’t lions attack people in safari vehicles?
Lions are the only felines that live in groups. Each pride typically includes between two and 40 lions. Larger prides may contain about three or four males, around ten females, and their cubs.
There are not many recorded instances of lions attacking safari tourists or jeep vehicles. The main reason behind this is their natural hunting instincts.
You may have seen lions attacking deer and antelopes, but it is rare to see them attack fully grown elephants. This is primarily due to size differences. Lions generally hunt smaller animals when they are hungry.
When lions see humans, they may attack if they feel threatened. These animals become more aggressive when people panic and start to run away.
However, humans can be safer when sitting inside a jeep. This is because lions perceive safari vehicles and jeeps as “large animals.” For this reason, they are less likely to attack them.
This is why visitors are requested to stay inside their vehicles during the trip. Moreover, tourists are advised not to “separate themselves” from the jeep. This means they are warned against getting out of the vehicle or wandering alone during the tour without a local guide.
All female lions in a pride are typically related, and they usually stay with their pride after reaching maturity. On the other hand, males are driven away when they are 2-3 years old to establish their own prides. Male lions generally take on the role of protecting the pride’s territory. While female lions are the hunters, they work together to catch prey and care for their cubs.
Lions attack mainly for two reasons – when they are hungry and when they feel threatened. Therefore, an important strategy to ensure human safety during safaris is to take precautions so that lions do not feel threatened.
To achieve this, local officials and guides often train lions to become accustomed to vehicles as part of the landscape before opening the nature reserve to tourists. Consequently, the lions in these areas tend to ignore vehicles as they pass by because they do not feel threatened.
On the rare occasions when lions approach a jeep, local guides will ask tourists to remain still and silent. They also warn tourists not to stand up or stick their heads out when these predators are near the vehicle, as this alters the original appearance of the jeep and can make the animals feel threatened.
The main reason lions form alliances is to protect each other. When they are removed from their original pride, each day becomes a struggle for survival as they face numerous challenges while trying to hunt and defend themselves against stronger male lions. This is why male lions that are expelled from their initial pride at the same time form strong bonds reinforced by their shared struggles. By banding together, they increase their chances of survival.
Although lions in African reserves are now accustomed to vehicles, they are still not familiar with tourists. Thus, lions continue to perceive humans as a threat, which is the primary reason they may attack people. Additionally, lions tend to be more aggressive than usual when they are with their cubs, as they are protecting their young.
Furthermore, lions are primarily nocturnal animals. Consequently, they may lose their inherent fear of humans at night. Therefore, tourists should avoid camping in areas with a high density of lions, especially at night.
Encountering a lion in the wild can be an unsettling experience, but knowing how to respond appropriately can increase your chances of survival. It is crucial to remain calm and avoid panicking or running away, as this can trigger the lion’s hunting instinct and make it more aggressive.
Instead, try to make yourself look larger by raising your arms and opening your jacket, while avoiding sudden movements that could startle the lion. It is also important to maintain eye contact with the lion – without staring in a threatening manner. Remember that lions typically attack when they feel threatened, so it is essential to give them space and avoid provoking them. If you follow these guidelines and heed the advice of your local guides, you can confidently enjoy your safari tour in the lion’s natural habitat.
