Lion Camp

Lion Camp, the northern-most camp from Mfuwe, is found on the west bank of the Luangwa River. Access is via a two-hour game drive transfer from Mfuwe through a remote and intensely game-rich area. Its locale is one of its strongest assets. By the time you reach camp, you’ll have truly left the busy Mfuwe area long behind. There are lagoons in the vicinity of camp and the rich riverine vegetation and mixed woodland has a high carrying capacity, so game viewing is quite exceptional.

The nine standard canvas and thatch tents have raised wooden decks and a solid protected feel about them. The rooms are smartly decorated but we found the bathrooms to be slightly disappointing. In general, the camp is large and built-up by Zambian standards, which can be good for children but does make it feel more like a lodge than a safari camp. Meals are enjoyed at a common table – a very social touch – and the camp has a large deck, a spacious open-plan lounge, and bar area. The swimming pool is a huge asset, especially in the hot summer months.

Game drives and gentle walks are offered, with guides stopping regularly to educate you on your surroundings, ensuring you get the most out of your safari experience. This is also a great benefit for children. You should be away that the atmosphere often feels like a summer camp with your guides as counselors: you can tell they are used to having families and children around. Name tags and programs for adults and kids add to this impression, along with sundowners with twenty people.

This South Luangwa property is an independently owned and well-run camp which we believe is ideal for families and less confident travelers. Photographers and birders also love this camp.