Why Aren’t There Any Wild Bears in Africa?

Lions and tigers and…oh, no bears? Oh my! Even without bears, we still think Africa is hands down one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations on Earth.

Historically, bears have roamed all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Fossil records indicate there were once likely hundreds of bear species worldwide. Today, however, just eight species remain across North and South America, Europe and Asia.

In Africa, only one native bear—the Atlas bear—was known to survive into modern times. This bear, named after northern Africa’s Atlas Mountains, once inhabited a wide range from Morocco to Libya. The Atlas bear, thought to be a subspecies of the brown bear, had distinctive brownish-black fur. Sadly, it became extinct in the late 19th century, with the last known individual reportedly killed in the 1870s.

So, if you’re hoping to see lions and tigers and…wait, tigers aren’t native to Africa either! In fact, endangered tigers are found only in select parts of Asia, including India, Nepal, Indonesia, Russia and China.

However, if it’s lions you’re seeking, an African safari with Natural Habitat Adventures promises an unforgettable, life-changing encounter. Or, if you’re drawn to bears—the kings of the northern wilderness rather than the savanna—you’ll want to explore Nat Hab’s remarkable polar bear and brown bear trips, offering thrilling opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures up close (but not too close!).