Fact – it’s not humanly possible to watch Disney’s The Lion King and not immediately want to pack your bags for a safari across Africa.
Whether you’re in love with the 25-year-old classic or are eagerly awaiting the release of Jon Favreau’s epic remake – these photos give you a window into the continent that inspired them both.
From the plains of the Serengeti and the snowy slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to the caves of Hell’s Gate National Park and deep gorges of the Great Rift Valley – the flora and fauna that makes up Africa are truly unique.
Have a scroll through these 19 astonishing images and we dare you not to be reaching for your khakis and camera in no time…
A male lion cleverly camouflages himself against the Serengeti savanna.
Damien Raggatt
A mob of meerkats huddle together in Oudtshoorn, South Africa.
Ryan Bolton
Impressive views over the Three Rondavels in South Africa’s Blyde River Canyon region.
Allison McCarthy
The sunset silhouettes of two giraffes stand tall over Kruger National Park.
Allison McCarthy
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A rhino takes a moment to survey its surroundings in Kruger National Park.
Allison McCarthy
A red-billed hornbill perches in the trees of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park.
Allison McCarthy
Cloudy skies over the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Damien Raggatt
An African buffalo grazes on the dry grasses in Serengeti National Park.
Damien Raggatt
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Down in the Ngorongoro Crater, a lone ostrich stands quietly.
Damien Raggatt
The expansive Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley.
Oleg Znamenskiy / Shutterstock
In the Serengeti, a bloat of hippos wallow in a swamp.
Victoria Thorn
Zebras migrate across the plains of Serengeti National Park.
Danielle Nguyen
The sun casts dramatic shades of red and orange over the Serengeti savanna.
Damien Raggatt
A lion cub dozes peacefully on a rock in Kruger National Park.
Dianne Muldoon
Wildebeest cross the Mara River in their thousands during the Great Migration.
Gudkov Andrey / Shutterstock
Fischer’s Tower rises high above Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya.
mbrand85 / Shutterstock
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An elephant ambles across the Serengeti to the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Susan Schmitz / Shutterstock
Gazelles make their way through Amboseli National Park in Kenya.
Oleg Znamenskiy / Shutterstock
A dung beetle rolls its way around Addo Elephant National Park.
Addo Elephant National Park
Searching for more safari inspiration? Check out these Africa blogs:
- 17 photos of what it’s really like on a Kenya safari
- How to choose your ideal African safari
- Why Zambia might be Africa’s most underrated safari destination
- Botswana in photos: The magic of an Intrepid safari
- When’s the best time to go on safari in Africa?
Ready to go? Now’s your chance, as to celebrate the release of Disney’s The Lion King we’re giving you the chance to win an African safari for two. Click here to find out how to enter.
Please be aware that entry is open to residents of Europe, Middle East and Africa only. T&Cs apply.
