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Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp

Lion Camp: Our full report

Lion Camp is located in the remote north of South Luangwa National Park, a three hour drive from Mfuwe Airport.

The camp reopened in May 2018 after extensive refurbishment and we are delighted to see that, while the style and aesthetics may have changed, the service and wildlife viewing has not and all hit a very high standard in this remote section of the park.

Lion Camp's location in the park is well away from the main Mfuwe area, so visitors see relatively few other game-viewing vehicles when out on drives. Game densities immediately around the camp are excellent, with the Hollywood lion pride its most renowned local residents.

Plenty of animals are drawn to the lagoon in front of camp as well – so even during siesta you can watch out for wildlife. In one lunchtime when we were last here, in September 2014, we saw elephants, impala, zebra, warthog, puku, bushbuck and a lovely herd of kudu come down to drink here.

At the heart of Lion Camp is a big thatched main building with polished wooden floors and, in the centre, a large recessed firepit surrounded by chairs. Brightly covered fabrics adorn the wooden chairs and sofas, which are grouped in separate seating areas overlooking a long narrow swimming pool (a relative rarity in South Luangwa) with sunloungers, and the open plain beyond. An extensive welcoming bar sits to one side, and a large billiards table, and adjacent is the dining area, which extends out towards and around the pool, with tables dotted around for individual dining. A library and a very good shop complete the picture.

Two-metre-high wooden walkways link the main area to nine solidly built chalets, themselves raised on wooden platforms, leaving the ground free for game to wander through. With high thatched roofs, wooden frames and canvas walls, the chalets are spacious, light and airy. Each has lovely views over the plain, and glazed double doors that open out onto a private deck with a couple of wooden chairs – a great spot to do some game viewing.

Inside, double or twin beds are draped in mosquito nets and covered with brightly coloured African fabrics, and an extra bed can be added if required. Each room also has a standing fan as well as a couple of easy chairs and a wardrobe.

Separated from the bedroom by a floor-to-ceiling wooden partition is the bathroom. The basin, shower and toilet each have separate cubicles, but with wood-panelled walls and a small window it all feels rather dark, especially when compared to the bright and breezy bedroom areas.

Safari activities at Lion Camp include a choice of walking safaris, 4WD game safaris and night drives. Typically there are two activities per day, each lasting around 3–4 hours and led by a fully qualified guide, and for each you'll have a choice of what you do. As with all of the Luangwa's camps, all walking safaris are accompanied by an armed scout, as well as your guide.

On our last visit in June 2023, we thought the guiding at Lion Camp was very good, and the guides were experienced and knowledgeable.


Our view

Lion Camp's facilities are impressive, with an attractive and well designed main area featuring the significant luxury of a swimming pool. Its food and service were also very good, and the chalets comfortable, albeit a little less 'safari' than some purists might like. Whilst the larger size of the camp and its infrastructure might not appeal to those looking for a simple bush experience, Lion Camp is great value compared with its neighbours for this comparatively remote northern area of the park, especially during the peak season.

Megan Green

Megan Green

Zambia expert

Geographics

Location
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Ideal length of stay
3 – 4 nights
Directions
Lion Camp is about a three-hour drive from Mfuwe Airport, through South Luangwa National Park.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
We have always enjoyed good food when visiting Lion Camp – and our most recent stop in June 2023 was no exception.

Typically, a light breakfast is served before the early-morning activity. This normally consists of a selection of cereal, fruit, yoghurt, porridge and toast, with coffee and tea.

You'll then have brunch at around 11.00am when everyone has arrived back in camp after their morning activity. There are set options to choose from, including a cooked breakfast, yoghurt and fruit and eggs to order.

After siesta, a light lunch is served around 3.00pm.
You can expect a selection of warm food as well as salads, such as chicken peri-peri kebabs, veggie burgers, butternut and tomato gratin, Greek salad, bok choi and apple slaw, all served with freshly made bread. A light dessert generally follows this.

On returning from the evening game drive there are canapés around the bar, followed by a three-course plated dinner. A typical meal could be a starter of Thai fishcakes with mango and onion salsa, lentil soup or spring rolls, followed by something like a fillet steak served with mushrooms and potatoes, or perhaps with cauliflower cheese. We also had a really tasty Thai chicken curry. This is then finished off with a dessert, such as sticky toffee pudding, chocolate and vanilla cream trifle, or apple and berry pie with custard.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
Soft drinks, house wine and local spirits are included in the rates, but note that fine wines, champagne and imported spirits and liqueurs are charged as extras.

Children

Attitude towards children
Lion Camp welcomes children of seven years and older, but a private vehicle must be booked for families travelling with children aged 7–12.
Property’s age restrictions
Children of seven years and older are welcome.
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
None, but an extra bed can be put in the chalets for a child sharing with parents, and there is a 'family chalet' which comprises of two interleading rooms.
Generally recommended for children
No - this is a remote camp and we feel that it is only suited to older, sensible children. We recommend this camp for well-behaved children of 7 years and older.
Notes
Children will need to be constantly supervised by their parents as the camp is not fenced and game wanders freely throughout.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Lion Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Lion Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Buffalo

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Lion

100% success

Spotted Hyena

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Leopard

91% success

Wildebeest

90% success

Wild dog

30% success

Eland

20% success

Roan antelope

10% success

Sable antelope

10% success

Aardvark

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Communications

Communications
There is a phone in the office which may be used by guests in an emergency. There is no cellphone reception, and limited WiFi in the main area.
TV & radio
No
Water supply
Borehole

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
There is a doctor based at Mfuwe Lodge, about three hours' drive away. Lion Camp has links to a flying-doctor service for medical emergencies.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
There is a night porter on duty.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers in the main area, the chalets and on board the game-drive vehicles.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Night drive

    Night drive

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A complimentary laundry service is included.
Money
There is no currency exchange available.
Accepted payment on location
Lion Camp accepts Zambian kwacha or US dollars cash as payment, but guests are welcome to tip in other foreign currencies. Cards are not accepted.

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