5 African National Parks That Offer Camping in Lion Territory—If You Dare!
Camping in Africa is a thrill like no other, but camping in lion territory takes the adventure to a whole new level. Hearing the distant roar of a lion as you sit around your campfire or waking up to fresh paw prints outside your tent is an experience both exhilarating and humbling.
These apex predators are synonymous with the African wilderness, and sharing their space requires respect, preparation, and courage. Here are five African national parks where you can camp in lion territory and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the wild—if you dare!
1. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa, and Botswana
Why It’s Spectacular
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a vast, arid expanse straddling South Africa and Botswana, known for its iconic black-maned lions. These majestic creatures thrive in the harsh environment of the Kalahari Desert, adapting to its sparse vegetation and extreme temperatures.
Camping in the Kgalagadi is a raw and remote experience, with campsites like Polentswa and Rooiputs located deep within lion territory. These unfenced campsites allow wildlife to roam freely, giving you a front-row seat to nature’s untamed drama.
The Lion Experience
The black-maned lions of Kgalagadi are not just known for their size and strength but also for their incredible resilience in this challenging landscape. Sightings often occur near waterholes, where lions wait patiently for prey like springbok and gemsbok to arrive.
Safety Tips
Stay in Your Vehicle: When near lions, remain inside your vehicle and observe them from a safe distance.
Store Food Securely: Lions are curious and can be attracted by the scent of Food. Keep all supplies in secure, airtight containers.
Be Vigilant at Night: Lions are most active during the evening and early morning hours. Use a strong flashlight or headlamp to scan the area around your campsite.
2. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Why It’s Spectacular
Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic wilderness areas. Known for its stunning views of the Zambezi River and its abundant wildlife, the park offers a unique combination of beauty and raw adventure.
Mana Pools is famous for its walking safaris, where you can track wildlife on foot. This includes lions, which are a common sight in the park. Camping here is not for the faint-hearted, as predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas roam freely through the campsites.
The Lion Experience
Mana Pools’ lions are often seen patrolling the floodplains, where they hunt impalas, zebras, and buffalo. The park’s open terrain provides excellent visibility, making it easier to spot these big cats from a safe distance.
Safety Tips
Avoid Walking Alone: Always be accompanied by a professional guide, especially in lion territory.
Follow Park Rules: Mana Pools has strict guidelines for interacting with wildlife to ensure both visitor and animal safety.
Use a Tent with Zippers: Lions are unlikely to attack unless provoked, but a fully enclosed tent adds an extra layer of protection.
3. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Why It Will Blow You Away
The Serengeti National Park is synonymous with the African wilderness and is home to one of the largest lion populations in the world. Known for the annual Great Migration, this park offers incredible opportunities to witness lions in their natural habitat as they stalk wildebeest and zebras across the plains.
Campsites like Lobo, Ikoma, and Seronera are situated in the heart of lion country, where the sounds of roaring lions often serve as your nighttime soundtrack. The combination of open savannas, breathtaking sunrises, and close encounters with predators makes the Serengeti a must-visit for adventurous campers.
The Lion Experience
The Serengeti’s lions are known for their boldness, often lounging near roads or even using safari vehicles for shade. Observing their interactions—whether it’s a pride feeding on a fresh kill or cubs playing in the grass—is a privilege few forget.
Safety Tips
Stay Inside the Tent at Night: Lions are most active after dark, so avoid wandering outside your tent.
Be Aware of Water Sources: Lions often frequent waterholes; stay alert when camping nearby.
Follow Guide Instructions: Guides in the Serengeti are experienced in handling close encounters with wildlife. Trust their expertise.
4. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Why It’s Spectacular
The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems. This inland delta is a maze of waterways, islands, and floodplains, teeming with wildlife, including a healthy population of lions.
Camping in the Okavango Delta is a true wilderness experience. Campsites like Third Bridge and Xakanaxa in Moremi Game Reserve offer the chance to hear lions roaring across the floodplains as you sleep under the stars. The delta’s remote nature means fewer visitors, giving you an exclusive encounter with the wild.
The Lion Experience
Lions in the Okavango Delta are skilled swimmers, often navigating channels in pursuit of prey. Observing these water-savvy predators is a testament to their adaptability and power.
Safety Tips
Set Up Camp Early: Avoid pitching your tent after dark when visibility is low and animals are most active.
Keep Fires Small: While campfires can deter wildlife, overly large fires might attract attention.
Use a Torch: Always scan your surroundings with a flashlight or headlamp before stepping out of your tent.
5. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Why It’s Spectacular
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve, is known for its large lion population and iconic elephant herds. The park’s vast savannas and waterholes make it a prime location for camping in lion territory.
Main Camp and Ngweshla are popular camping sites where lions frequently roam. The unfenced nature of these campsites means you’re fully immersed in the wild, with the thrill of knowing that predators are nearby.
The Lion Experience
Hwange’s lions are often seen near waterholes, where they ambush prey such as buffalo and zebras. The park is also famous for its lion research programs, which allow visitors to learn more about the behavior and conservation of these majestic animals.
Safety Tips
Listen for Roars: A lion’s roar can be heard up to 8 kilometers away and serves as a warning of their presence.
Stay Calm in Sightings: If you see a lion near your campsite, remain still and avoid making sudden movements.
Use a Guided Safari: Professional guides can help you safely navigate lion hotspots.
How to Camp Safely in Lion Territory
Camping in lion territory is an unforgettable experience, but it requires a cautious approach. Here are general safety tips to follow:
Choose Enclosed Tents: A sturdy tent with zippers and no gaps ensures lions or other predators cannot enter.
Avoid Attracting Wildlife: Store food securely and never leave scraps around the campsite.
Stick to the Group: Always camp with others and avoid wandering off alone.
Carry a Torch: Bright lights can deter curious animals, and scanning the area before stepping out is essential.
Respect Wildlife: Never provoke or approach lions. Admire them from a safe distance.
Why It’s Worth the Risk
Camping in lion territory is not for everyone, but for those who dare, the rewards are immense. The thrill of sharing the wilderness with one of nature’s most formidable predators is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and wildlife and a chance to connect deeply with the natural world.
So pack your gear, follow the safety tips, and prepare for an adventure that will leave you with stories to tell for a lifetime—if you dare!
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Who am I? Well, the least you can say is that I am quite crazy about Africa, its nature, its climate, its culture, and more.
As a young woman in my twenties, I had already traveled to several African countries by traveling along in an overlander on my own and mostly camping ( or glamping ) and just fell in love with the diversity of it all.
So much, so that at the age of 26, I went back to university to study biology, which, unfortunately, I couldn’t finish because of health reasons (yes, I got sick from a tropical disease, oh cynicism). But this did not stop my dream of traveling back to Africa several times, and I still do.
My dream was back then to leave Europe and go study animal behavior, especially the elephants (sure, that’s every girl’s dream haha), but I am also very much intrigued by hyenas and other “ugly African animals“.
So, I “kind of” have a little bit of a scientific approach to my articles, when I write about African birds, for example. And most of all: the passion.
But life goes on, you move from one side of the country to the other, you get sick again and top it off with lower back problems, and before you know it, you are over 50 hahaha!
Now, I still travel to Africa, but take it a bit “easier” than the good old camping days, and stay in comfortable, yet affordable accommodations, together with my husband Wouter.
These are some of the countries I have traveled to: Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tunisia, and a little bit of Lesotho LOL .
While clearly not being African territory, but Spanish, I also visited Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and location-wise, I consider them “African”, because of their climate and nature, sue me :-p
The last trip I took was to South Africa in the year 2023, and it sure got the fevers for Africa back! From the Barberton mountains to the Drakensberg and the Southcoast, one month wasn’t enough at all to see the whole country, so we’ll be back! At ease and with a little bit more luxury than in my younger days haha!
