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.
Speak to someone who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our Zambia specialists on 01993 838 505
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 itinerary suggestions
Nearby accommodation
Places & hotels on the map
In & Around Lion Camp
Bilimungwe
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
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
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
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
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.
Crocodile Bushcamp
Crocodile Camp is a superb camp in a very wild area. As there are no roads it offers a true walking safari - its a wonderful area to explore on foot as it is very pretty with lagoons, dry river beds and forests.
Flatdogs Camp
Once a camp known for its overland trucks and backpackers it has now changed direction slightly, offering accommodation for those looking for a more comfortable stay in the Valley.
Kaingo Camp
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
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.
Kapamba
A stay at Kapamba gives you a chance to experience real Africa as you enjoy your dinner under the stars listening to the sounds of the bush after a satisfying day's game viewing.
Kuyenda Bushcamp
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 House
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
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
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
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
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
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 Camp
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
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
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
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.
Tafika
Tafika is located just outside the Nsefu Sector of the South Luangwa Park in a game management area. As it is a remote lodge, on walks and drives you will see superb game but few if any other vehicles.
Tena Tena
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.
Thornicroft Lodge
Thornicroft Lodge is situated just outside the main gate to the South Luangwa, on the banks of the Luangwa River.