Lion King Animals in Real Life: Where to See Them in East Africa
The animals of The Lion King are real African species, and most of them can be seen on safari in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with a few exceptions that live elsewhere on the continent.
The film The Lion King is set in the African savannah, and its characters come from familiar wildlife. Many of the names are Swahili, such as Simba, which means lion. The Pride Lands are fictional, and the film's makers visited Kenya's Hell's Gate National Park while researching the setting.
This guide lists the main animals in the film, what they are in real life, where to see them and a few differences between film and fact. It is a fun starting point for a family safari.
This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Setting: Fictional African savannah
- Swahili names: Simba (lion), Rafiki (friend)
- Real parks: Masai Mara, Serengeti, Hell's Gate
- Not in East Africa: Mandrill (West and Central Africa)
- Family fun: Great introduction to safari
The Lion King Characters and Their Real Species
| Character | Real animal | Where to see it |
|---|---|---|
| Simba, Nala, Mufasa, Scar | African lion | Masai Mara, Serengeti, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison |
| Pumbaa | Common warthog | Most savannah parks |
| Timon | Meerkat (southern Africa) | Not in East Africa; mongooses are common here |
| Zazu | Red-billed hornbill | Parks in East Africa |
| Shenzi, Banzai and Ed | Spotted hyenas | Masai Mara, Serengeti, Queen Elizabeth |
| Rafiki | Mandrill (forest of West and Central Africa) | Not in East Africa; baboons and monkeys are common here |
| The stampede | Wildebeest | Serengeti and Masai Mara |
See wildebeest facts and Scar in real life.
Herbivores and Meat-Eaters in the Film
In real life, lions, hyenas and leopards are carnivores, while zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, elephants and rhinos are herbivores. Warthogs are mostly herbivores that also eat insects and carrion, so Pumbaa's taste in grubs is not far off. Meerkats eat insects and small animals. See what lions eat.
Where the Real Pride Lands Are
The Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania are the closest match, with open plains, acacia trees and large herds. Uganda's Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls offer savannah with elephants, buffalo, hippos and lions. See Masai Mara, Serengeti and Queen Elizabeth.
Swahili Words From the Film
- Simba: lion.
- Rafiki: friend.
- Hakuna matata: no worries.
- Pumbaa: foolish or careless.
- Nala: gift.
A Family Safari Inspired by the Film
Children often love the chance to see real lions, giraffes and zebras. Choose a safari with shorter drives, good lodges and flexible days. See Uganda family safari holidays and Uganda family tours.
Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Scar the Lion in Real Life: Lion Scars, Scarface of the Mara and Pride Politics
- What Do Lions Eat? Lion Diet, Prey, Hunting and How Prides Feed
- Uganda Family Safari Holidays
- Spotted Hyena Facts: Clans, Laughing, Hunting and Where to See Them in East Africa
- Meerkats in Africa: Where They Live and What to See Instead in East Africa
- African Wild Dogs: Facts, Hunting, Packs and Where to See Them in East Africa
- Animals of Uganda and East Africa: Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Big Five and Bird Fact Guides
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