The Destinations of Kenya & Tanzania Which Inspired The Filmmaker For “The Lion King”

The Lion King 2019 was truly visually inspired by many Destinations of Tanzania and Kenya. Unarguably the big box office hit movie was the remake of “The Lion King” version 1 made in 1994. Selling more than 360 million tickets the movie was a big success for the directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff.

The storyline revolves around a lion cub who was a lion prince. The incredible the movie showcases true wilderness of Tanzania & Kenya. It tells a moving story of the little cub that flees his kingdom to learn about bravery after his father’s murder, the film gave a successful trial to capture its viewers.

Watching this movie, many of us were curious to know about the true spots of Africa from where the movie got inspiration from. Here we present the stunning movie scene locations in Kenya and Tanzania destinations from which the movie was shot. If you are planning for a Kenya and Tanzania Safaris the list may help to make a great list for your must-visit spots.

Destinations in Kenya

Kenya is one of the world’s most evocative and exciting countries to visit. Travel through the iconic places of Kenya that has inspired “The Lion King”.

Hell’s Gate National Park

The Pride Rock is the most mesmerizing spot that is included in both the lion king movies. That iconic scene when the Mandrill monkey shaman Rafiki stands at the top of Pride Rock showing the newborn samba to see at the end of the opening number, “Circle of Life.”

Residing to the north west of Nairobi, Hell’s Gate National Park covers an area of 68.25 square km. Showcasing unique flora and fauna including 100s of bird species the national park is a wonderland that should excite you and look forward to visiting it.

Samburu National Reserve

Appearing in The Lion King Samburu National Reserve is a magical place to plan for a Kenyan safari. Located in the north of Nairobi city, the national park covers 165 km² and ranges in altitude from 800 to 1230m above sea level.

This semi-arid landscape is home to three big cats, the lion, cheetah and African leopard as well as mammals like olive baboon, warthogs, Grant’s gazelle, Kirk’s dik-dik, impala, and waterbuck. Apart from this, you can spot a greater number of birdlife in the national reserve too.

Masai Mara National Reserve

The pride lands that are proudly showcased in the movie were inspired from Masai Mara National Reserve. The reserve needs little introduction, it is one of the most popular parks in Africa and it is an extension of the mighty Serengeti National park ecosystem. A visit to Maasai Mara will lead you to discover one of Africa’s genuine gems. The great migration that takes place between Serengeti and Maasai Mara is the ultimate once in a lifetime African safari experience.

This greatest wildlife reserve of Africa together with Serengeti park in Tanzania attracts thousands of visitors to East Africa only to witness the largest herds moving together. While in Maasai Mara you are guaranteed world-class sightings.

Karuru waterfall

Karuru Waterfall is the highest and tallest magnificent waterfall of Kenya. The fall is amazingly captured in the movie. The setting where Nala re-enters Simba’s life was truly inspired by its settings from the waterfall.

The waterfall is in the Aberdares National Park that offers breathtaking landscapes and scenery. It The Park is surrounded by tall green indigenous trees, the fall is located in the central moorland of the park. Apart from the mesmerizing landscape, the fall offers to watch many species of birds including Sharpe’s Long Claw, Aberdare Cisticola, Abbott’s Starling, Jackson’s Widowbird, the African Green Ibis and Ayre’s Hawk-Eagle, among others.

Lake Turkana

Lake Turkana is the 4th largest and most saline lake in Africa. The lake view has inspired the movie and is prominently featured in the movie. The lake is named after a 19th-century Austrian prince. The Lake is a lifeline for the people living in the semi-desert area surround the Lake.

In 1997, the lake area became a world heritage site protected by UNESCO which is making efforts to protect this spectacular water body; the lake is listed as World Heritage “In Danger” due to poor conservation practices.

Shaba National Reserve

Near the Kenya’s buffalo spring, Shaba National Park inspired the film’s creative thinker to create the spot where the animals gather to lap up some much-needed hydration. The park is not only featured in Lion King but also in the famous book and film, ‘Born Free’ by Joy Adamson.

The reserve is located in a semi-desert area that showcases a great range of animals and birdlife. The settings include Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, generuk and the reticulated giraffe, amongst others.

Destinations of Tanzania

The lion king is primarily based on many destinations of Kenya however; there are iconic Tanzania Destinations that have placed itself in the movie.

Serengeti National park

Serengeti National Park is probably the most famous park on Earth which sights can be captured in the Lion King movie. This iconic national park is not only featured in “The Lion King” but the park also has been captured in many wildlife documentaries.

A great migration safari is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. The national park offers a view of natural wonder and is home to the largest animal concentration on earth.

Kilimanjaro National park

The national park is another place that has captured the imagination of the Lion King Filmmakers. The towering iconic mountain is located inside the Park. Thousands of adventure seekers attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in African.

As “The Lion King” is an animated film the real-life set location isn’t possible to locate. However, we have gathered the list of breath-taking places that captured the senses of the filmmakers. You have the luxury to locate some of the look-a-like spots while taking Kenya and Tanzania Safaris in Masai Mara, Samburu National Reserve, and Serengeti. Plan your next “The Lion King Inspired Safari” with African Safaris Hub.