Setting Up Camp in Lion Territory: My Night-Time Routine That Kept Me Safe
You’ve set up camp under the African sky, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. But there’s one problem — you’re in lion territory. As the sun sets, the atmosphere shifts. Every rustle in the bushes, every distant roar, seems magnified. How do you stay safe when you’re in the heart of a predator’s domain? Here’s the routine that kept me safe through countless nights spent camping where lions roam.
When setting up camp in lion territory, location is everything. You can’t just plop your tent anywhere. During my years of traveling through Africa, I’ve learned that picking the right campsite is the first step in staying safe.
Avoid proximity to waterholes. Water sources attract wildlife, including lions. While it might be tempting to camp by the water, it’s safer to stay at least a few hundred meters away. Lions often use these areas for hunting, and you don’t want to be their next target.
If possible, I always aim for slightly elevated terrain. It offers better visibility of the surroundings, and lions prefer flat or low-lying areas for ambush. Being on higher ground gives you an advantage for spotting any movement before it’s too close.
The Right Tent and Setup
Not all tents are created equal, and when you’re in lion country, your choice of shelter can make or break your safety.
Your tent should be made of durable, thick material. It won’t stop a lion if it wants to enter, but it can withstand weather and minor disturbances from smaller animals. I’ve used tents with reinforced bases and materials that make them less enticing to predators.
Whenever possible, I recommend using a rooftop tent. Elevated off the ground, it’s a safer option compared to traditional tents. Lions are ambush predators, and being on top of your vehicle at night minimizes the risk of them approaching unnoticed.
Make sure all tent flaps and zippers are closed tightly. Lions can smell food from miles away, and they’ll be attracted to the scent of anything left open or unattended.
Lighting and Fire: Nature’s Night Watchmen
When night falls, the African wilderness becomes a different world. One of the most important aspects of your camp setup is the use of light.
Use a Bright Lantern or Spotlight: I always have a powerful lantern or spotlight ready for the night. Keeping a light on makes your camp less inviting for lions. Predators tend to avoid areas with active human presence, and a bright light can act as a deterrent.
Campfire Safety: A campfire is essential not just for warmth, but for security. A well-maintained fire provides light, warmth, and a protective barrier. However, be mindful of keeping the fire under control. The scent of burning wood can attract wildlife, including lions, if left unattended.
Battery-Powered Motion Sensors: I’ve started using motion-sensing lights around my camp. These little gadgets trigger a light whenever an animal approaches, alerting me before a lion or hyena gets too close.
Staying Quiet and Alert
Sounds might seem harmless, but noise can draw unwanted attention. Lions rely heavily on their hearing, so anything that sounds out of place could raise their curiosity.
During my trips, I’ve found that the less noise you make, the safer you are. Loud talking, clattering cookware, or even singing might not be enough to attract a lion, but it could catch the attention of other animals, like hyenas, who tend to roam near lion territory.
It’s important to listen to the sounds of the night. If you hear rustling in the bushes or heavy footsteps, it’s crucial to stay calm. Lions move silently, but hyenas or other scavengers make more noise. Learning the difference between these sounds can help you prepare for what’s coming.
A Good Night’s Sleep: Securing Your Safety
Sleep is essential, but in lion territory, you need to be strategic about when and how you rest.
Take Shifts If Possible: If you’re with a group, it’s a good idea to take turns keeping watch. One person should stay alert, checking the surroundings for any movement. The others can rest, knowing someone has their back.
Sleep Elevated: If you’re in a rooftop tent, it’s easier to sleep without worry. However, if you’re on the ground in a regular tent, keep your gear elevated and make sure your camp is as secure as possible. Lions are naturally curious, but they’re also shy and will avoid human activity if they sense a threat.
Understanding Lion Behavior
One of the most crucial things I’ve learned over the years is understanding lion behavior. Knowing when they’re likely to approach and when they’re not can make a huge difference.
Lions are nocturnal creatures, with the majority of their hunting and activities taking place after sunset. However, they don’t hunt all night. They prefer the early evening hours, just before dusk and after dark.
A lion’s roar is terrifying, but it’s also a good indicator of their location. If you hear a lion roar, take it as a sign that they’re in the area but not necessarily nearby. However, if the roar gets closer, it’s time to reassess your safety measures.
Not all lions are actively hunting. Sometimes, they’re simply scavenging. If they’re not hungry or looking for a kill, they may avoid human camps entirely.
Handling Close Encounters
Despite all precautions, a lion can come too close for comfort. I’ve had a few nail-biting encounters, but knowing how to react can make all the difference.
Stay Calm and Don’t Panic: As tempting as it is to shout or run, your best defense is staying calm. Lions are predators, but they are also opportunistic. If you remain still and show no sign of fear, they might move on. It’s important to never show your back or run.
Make Yourself Look Bigger: If a lion gets too close, try to make yourself appear larger. Stand tall, raise your arms, and make noise if needed. Lions are more likely to retreat when they feel threatened.
Use Your Car as a Safe Zone: If you’re in a vehicle, stay inside. If you’re not, make your way back to your 4×4 for safety.
Why Respecting Lions is Key
Lions are apex predators and a vital part of Africa’s ecosystem. Understanding their behavior, being prepared, and respecting their space is essential for both your safety and their well-being.
By maintaining a respectful distance, staying vigilant, and following the right safety protocols, you can experience the thrill of camping in lion territory without unnecessary risks. After all, it’s not just about surviving the night — it’s about understanding and coexisting with these magnificent creatures.
The Night is Never Truly Silent in Lion Territory
While setting up camp in lion territory is a thrilling experience, it requires careful planning and awareness. With the right precautions and mindset, you can stay safe, enjoy the wild, and witness the majesty of Africa’s most iconic predators without ever feeling like prey.
Have you ever camped in a place that made your heart race? Share your wildest outdoor stories in the comments!
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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!
