A SINGLE TREE – A PLACE WHERE LIONS GO FOR THEIR “HONEYMOON” IN THE NGORONGORO CRATER

You might be surprised, but it’s true. If you want to witness lions in their mating moments, visit the “One Tree” area in the Kasoko region of Ngorongoro, a spot surrounded by shrubs, trees, and medium-height grass.

This area is very popular among tour guides because lion prides in the reserve often choose it as a resting place—especially during their mating season, when they are focused on reproduction and expanding their families.

Lions prefer to mate after they have eaten, and this activity can take place at any time, whether during the day or at night.

Unlike humans—where men are often seen as doing the “hard work”—in lions it’s quite different. The lioness leads the hunt and provides food for the pride. When she feels both hunger and the urge to mate, she first ensures there is enough food before engaging in reproductive activity.

During hunting, lions target prey that will satisfy their hunger. They usually avoid smaller animals like gazelles, as chasing them would waste energy for little reward. Instead, they focus on larger animals such as buffalo, eland, zebras, or wildebeests.

After a successful hunt, the lioness leads the feeding, but the male lion typically eats first—starting with the softer parts like the liver and prime cuts. Once he is satisfied, he approaches the lioness and mating begins.

Like many animals, the male lion does not spend much time during each mating act. A single round lasts about 20 to 40 seconds, followed by a short rest before the next round.

If you want to observe how lions engage in this behavior, visit the One Tree area and other parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It’s a unique natural spectacle—often happening in the open rather than hidden in the bushes.