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

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    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.

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    • Chamilandu Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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    • Kaingo Camp, South Luangwa National Park

      Kaingo Camp

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    • Kakuli Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

      Kakuli

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    • Kuyenda Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

      Kuyenda Bushcamp

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    • Luangwa Safari House, South Luangwa National Park

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    • Luangwa River Camp, South Luangwa National Park

      Luangwa River Camp

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    • Luwi Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

      Luwi Bushcamp

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    • Mchenja Bushcamp,South Luangwa National Park

      Mchenja Bushcamp

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    • Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa National Park

      Mfuwe Lodge

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      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

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    • Nkwali Safari Camp, South Luangwa National Park

      Nkwali Camp

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    • Nsefu Camp, South Luangwa National Park

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      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

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      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

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    • Tena Tena, South Luangwa National Park

      Tena Tena

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    • Zungulila Bushcamp, South Luangwa National Park

      Zungulila Bushcamp

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