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Lion Camp

Lion Camp

Lion Camp

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As the name suggests, this area is particularly good for lion! The camp overlooks a lagoon area, providing a year round supply of water for both plains game and elephant, which are often to be seen grazing during the day. The camp itself is unfenced and elephant, hippo and antelope are sometimes seen wandering through the camp. 

The large communal  area at the camp is built under thatch, on a raised wooden platform to maximise the view. There are plenty of squashy sofas in bright pops of colour in a large open seating area and a library from which to relax and flick through wildlife and birding books. There is a bar, a boma for post dinner drinks and chatter under the stars, and even the surprising addition of a snooker table. Dinners are usually eaten on the large adjacent veranda  and there is also a small swimming pool and loungers, where guests can cool off in the heat of the day.

Our rating: First Class

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Rooms

Along adjoining boardwalks there are nine thatched chalets made of wood and canvas, each with large comfortable beds and luxurious furnishings in local textiles, as well as a private deck overlooking the lagoon. The rooms have en suite shower rooms and WCs, and stand fans which can be used in the hotter seasons. The four-poster beds also come with mosquito nets.

Location

Lion Camp is located in one of the best game-viewing areas of the South Luangwa, deep within the park and away from other camps, allowing guests to enjoy a very private and wild safari experience.

Food and drink

Dining at the camp is a communal, sociable affair, with food prepared freshly on site by the very talented chefs. A light breakfast will be served before your morning activity, followed by a buffet style brunch on your return. Afternoon tea featuring sweet and savoury delicacies is served before your afternoon adventure, while dinner is a sit-down, plated affair taking place upon your return in the evening.

Facilities and activities

Game viewing activities from camp include both game drives and walking safaris. Guests can also enjoy night drives, which give the option of viewing nocturnal creatures by spotlight and the chance to search for the elusive leopard under the cover of darkness.

Environmental and social responsibility

Lion Camp maintains strong links with several community and conservation initiatives across Zambia, providing both financial assistance and practical help where possible. These include: South Luangwa Conservation Society, Zambian Ornithological Society and Birdlife International. 

The camp also supports Chipembele Wildlife Education Centre, which aims to educate children living in the local community about the value, wonder and rarity of South Luangwa’s wildlife.

Wonderful game viewing and a very comfortable, friendly camp make this one of our favourite stays in South Luangwa.

Our opinion

Wonderful game viewing and a very comfortable, friendly camp make this one of our favourite stays in South Luangwa.

South Luangwa National Park tour ideas

Nearby accommodation

Nearby places

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

    • Bilimungwe Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

      Bilimungwe

      First Class

      Nestled in riverine forest in an exclusive area of the park, Bilimungwe is small and personal and specialises in walking safaris, but can also accommodate limited game viewing by vehicle.

    • Chamilandu Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

      Chamilandu

      First Class

      Chamilandu offers comfort, class and beauty in one of the Luangwa Valley's prime remote river locations. The the area is known for good leopard.

    • Chikoko Tree Camp, South Luangwa National Park

      Chikoko

      First Class

      As there are no roads, Chikoko is a true walking camp on the bank of the Chikoko River. It is ideal for the real wildlife enthusiast who wants to explore with some of Africa's most experienced guides.

    • Chindeni Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

      Chindeni Bushcamp

      First Class

      Chindeni is only six kilometre walk from Bilimungwe, so early morning walks between the camps provides an ideal opportunity to enjoy both of these camps. It is also possible to enjoy day and night drives.

    • Chinzombo Camp,South Luangwa National Park

      Chinzombo Camp

      Deluxe

      Back in the 1970’s Chinzombo Camp was Norman Carr's base during the Green Season (November to May). Now this area on the banks of Luangwa River has been given a new lease of life and Chinzombo is offering a new and unique accommodation in the same pioneering spirit of Norman Carr.

    • Flatdogs Camp , South Luangwa National Park

      Flatdogs Camp

      Medium

      Far from a traditional safari camp, Flatdogs combines a relaxed vibe with excellent safari opportunities from its location bordering Zambia’s Souyth Luangwa National Park.

    • Kaingo Camp, South Luangwa National Park

      Kaingo Camp

      First Class

      Kaingo is a peaceful lodge in a prime position in the Luangwa valley. The addition of private outdoor baths and decking complete with comfy chairs in front of each chalet overlooking the river is a lovely touch.

    • Kakuli Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

      Kakuli

      First Class

      Kakuli is never a quiet camp as over 400 hippo live in the stretch of the Luangwa River in front of camp. The guides and camp staff are superb and it's a wonderfully laid back and friendly camp.

    • Kuyenda Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

      Kuyenda Bushcamp

      First Class

      Kuyenda is a wonderful bushcamp situated in a very remote area of the park on the banks of the Manzi River. It is a wonderful walking area and activities are tailored to the client needs.

    • Luangwa Safari House, South Luangwa National Park

      Luangwa House

      Deluxe

      This is one of the 'Houses of Zambia' which have been built to offer guests a superb luxurious and private safari experience. This is the ultimate in tailor-made with your own chef and safari guide to look after you.

    • Luangwa River Camp, South Luangwa National Park

      Luangwa River Camp

      First Class

      Located on the banks of the Luangwa River under an ancient ebony tree lies the Luangwa River Camp. The small size of the lodge means there is a lot of flexibility as regards game viewing activities.

    • Luwi Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

      Luwi Bushcamp

      First Class

      Luwi is a very simple camp. The camp staff, guides and rangers are all very good and there's always a friendly relaxed atmosphere around camp. Its in a very wild location with a hippo pool nearby.

    • Mchenja Bushcamp,South Luangwa National Park

      Mchenja Bushcamp

      Deluxe

      Mchenja is a real treat, boasting the most beautiful position high up on the banks of the Luangwa and the perfect combination of luxury with a real 'bush' feel.

    • Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa National Park

      Mfuwe Lodge

      First Class

      Mfuwe Lodge is a great place to stay as it has every comfort and yet it is still in Luangwa park. We particularly love the hippo pool in front of the lodge. You can sit on your balcony and there's always something to see from the hippos and birds to animals coming to drink from the waters.

    • Mwamba Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

      Mwamba

      First Class

      Mwamba Bushcamp is a tiny camp beside the seasonal Mwamba River providing an opportunity for those of a more adventurous spirit to explore the Luangwa's heartland.

    • Nkwali Safari Camp, South Luangwa National Park

      Nkwali Camp

      Deluxe

      Nkwali Camp, located on Robin Pope's private land along the river bank and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, has six open fronted chalets allowing you to fully appreciate the view.

    • Nsefu Camp, South Luangwa National Park

      Nsefu

      First Class

      Nsefu Camp is beautiful and stylish. The views from the lawn of the river are lovely and when staying there we often saw elephant come to drink near camp in the early morning. Activities from Nsefu focus on the Nsefu Sector of the park - a particularly rich game area.

    • Nsolo Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

      Nsolo Bushcamp

      First Class

      Nsolo is an excellent camp which has recently been completely rebuilt after a fire destroyed the old site. Guided walks from the camp, often following the course of the Luwi, are a real treat, and it is a great area for lion, buffalo and zebra.

    • Robin's House, South Luangwa National Park

      Robin's House

      First Class

      Robin's House has been beautifully decorated but manages to be totally unpretentious and just feels like a warm family home. The staff are excellent and its a great place for families or groups of friends.

    • Tena Tena, South Luangwa National Park

      Tena Tena

      First Class

      There is no doubt that Tena Tena is a top notch safari camp. The tents are very luxurious and views of the river from camp stunning.

    • Zungulila Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

      Zungulila Bushcamp

      First Class

      Zungulila is the latest addition to the Bushcamp properties. The tented camp is set on a raised knoll overlooking a plain, with the Kapamba River snaking across one side of the plain into the distance.