This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp
Lion Camp

Lion Camp: Our full report

Lion Camp is located in the remote north of South Luangwa National Park, a three hour drive from Mfuwe Airport.

The camp reopened in May 2018 after extensive refurbishment and we are delighted to see that, while the style and aesthetics may have changed, the service and wildlife viewing has not and all hit a very high standard in this remote section of the park.

Lion Camp's location in the park is well away from the main Mfuwe area, so visitors see relatively few other game-viewing vehicles when out on drives. Game densities immediately around the camp are excellent, with the Hollywood lion pride its most renowned local residents.

Plenty of animals are drawn to the lagoon in front of camp as well – so even during siesta you can watch out for wildlife. In one lunchtime, we saw elephants, impala, zebra, warthog, puku, bushbuck and a lovely herd of kudu come down to drink here.

At the heart of Lion Camp is a big thatched main building with polished wooden floors and, in the centre, a large recessed firepit surrounded by chairs. Brightly covered fabrics adorn the wooden chairs and sofas, which are grouped in separate seating areas overlooking a long narrow swimming pool (a relative rarity in South Luangwa) with sunloungers, and the open plain beyond. An extensive welcoming bar sits to one side, and a large billiards table, and adjacent is the dining area, which extends out towards and around the pool, with tables dotted around for individual dining. A library and a very good shop complete the picture.

Two-metre-high wooden walkways link the main area to nine solidly built chalets, themselves raised on wooden platforms, leaving the ground free for game to wander through. With high thatched roofs, wooden frames and canvas walls, the chalets are spacious, light and airy. Each has lovely views over the plain, and glazed double doors that open out onto a small private deck with a couple of wooden chairs – a great spot to do some game viewing. Two more spacious suites have a larger deck area, and one has its own star bed platform, accessed by a staircase to one side of the deck, a great addition for a night under the stars.

Inside the chalets, double or twin beds are draped in mosquito nets, with an 'Evening Breeze' air conditioning unit in each. Each chalet also has a standing fan as well as a couple of easy chairs and a wardrobe. An extra bed can be added if required - though two chalets also have an interleading platform and lounge area for families.

Separated from the bedroom by a floor-to-ceiling wooden partition and curtain is the bathroom - mesh 'windows' overlook the river or plains, with a basin, rainfall shower and toilet behind the partition. With wood-panelled walls the bathroom feels a little dark, especially when compared to the bright and breezy bedroom areas.

Safari activities at Lion Camp include a choice of walking safaris, 4WD game safaris and night drives. Typically there are two activities per day, each lasting around 3–4 hours and led by a fully qualified guide, and for each you'll have a choice of what you do. As with all of the Luangwa's camps, all walking safaris are accompanied by an armed scout, as well as your guide. On our last visit in October 2023, we thought the guiding at Lion Camp was very good, and the guides were experienced and knowledgeable.


Our view

Lion Camp's facilities are impressive, with an attractive and well designed main area featuring the significant luxury of a swimming pool. Its food and service were also very good, and the chalets comfortable, albeit a little less 'safari' than some purists might like. Whilst the larger size of the camp and its infrastructure might not appeal to those looking for a simple bush experience, Lion Camp is great value compared with its neighbours for this comparatively remote northern area of the park, especially during the peak season.

Megan Green

Megan Green

Zambia expert

Geographics

Location
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Ideal length of stay
3 – 4 nights
Directions
Lion Camp is about a three-hour drive from Mfuwe Airport, through South Luangwa National Park.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
We have always enjoyed good food when visiting Lion Camp – and our most recent stop in October 2023 was no exception.

Typically, a light breakfast is served before the early-morning activity. This normally consists of a selection of cereal, fruit, yoghurt, porridge and toast, with coffee and tea.

You'll then have brunch at around 11.00am when everyone has arrived back in camp after their morning activity. There are set options to choose from, including a cooked breakfast, yoghurt and fruit and eggs to order.

After siesta, a light lunch is served around 3.00pm.
You can expect a selection of warm food as well as salads, such as chicken peri-peri kebabs, veggie burgers, butternut and tomato gratin, Greek salad, bok choi and apple slaw, all served with freshly made bread. A light dessert generally follows this - we enjoyed a delicious lemon meringue pie on our last visit.

On returning from the evening game drive there are canapés around the bar, followed by a three-course plated dinner. A typical meal could be a starter of Thai fishcakes with mango and onion salsa, lentil soup or spring rolls, followed by something like a fillet steak served with mushrooms and potatoes, or perhaps with cauliflower cheese. We also had a really tasty Thai chicken curry. This is then finished off with a dessert, such as sticky toffee pudding, chocolate and vanilla cream trifle, or apple and berry pie with custard.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
Soft drinks, house wine and local spirits are included in the rates, but note that fine wines, champagne and imported spirits and liqueurs are charged as extras.

Children

Attitude towards children
Lion Camp welcomes children of seven years and older, but a private vehicle must be booked for families travelling with children aged 7–12.
Property’s age restrictions
Children of seven years and older are welcome.
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
None, but an extra bed can be put in the chalets for a child sharing with parents, and there is a 'family chalet' which comprises of two interleading rooms.
Generally recommended for children
No - this is a remote camp and we feel that it is only suited to older, sensible children. We recommend this camp for well-behaved children of 7 years and older.
Notes
Children will need to be constantly supervised by a parent or guardian as the camp is not fenced and game wanders freely throughout.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Lion Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Lion Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Buffalo

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Lion

100% success

Spotted Hyena

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Leopard

94% success

Wildebeest

93% success

Wild dog

40% success

Eland

27% success

Roan antelope

7% success

Sable antelope

7% success

Aardvark

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
The camp has a back up generator.
Communications
There is no cellphone reception. The camp has limited WiFi in the main area.
TV & radio
No
Water supply
Borehole

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
There is a doctor based at Mfuwe Lodge, about three hours' drive away. Lion Camp has links to a flying-doctor service for medical emergencies.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
There is a night porter on duty.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers in the main area, the chalets and on board the game-drive vehicles.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Night drive

    Night drive

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A complimentary laundry service is included.
Money
There is no currency exchange available.
Accepted payment on location
Lion Camp accepts Zambian kwacha or US dollars cash as payment, but guests are welcome to tip in other foreign currencies. Cards are not accepted.

Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Tafika

Tafika

One of the best camps in Zambia, Tafika is naturally built, combining excellent service and food with top guiding skills for a superb wildlife experience.


98% (340 reviews)
Nkwali

Nkwali

On the banks of the Luangwa River, with its own access to the national park, the intimate Nkwali is open year round.


97% (252 reviews)
Kaingo Camp

Kaingo Camp

Small and owner-run, the riverside Kaingo occupies a a quiet but excellent game area, with a series of wildlife hides and a focus on photography.


97% (221 reviews)
Nsefu

Nsefu

One of the Luangwa's oldest camps, Nsefu is a great safari camp in a remote, beautiful and game-rich location with top-rate guiding.


98% (203 reviews)
Mwamba Bushcamp

Mwamba Bushcamp

Small, remote and owner-run, Mwamba offers first-class walking, 4WD safari drives and superb hides, with excellent guides and a real bush feel.


99% (160 reviews)
Tena Tena

Tena Tena

One of the Luangwa's best camps, in a beautiful, remote bush location, Tena Tena is very small, exceedingly well-run and has top-rate guiding.


95% (160 reviews)
Chikoko Tree Camp

Chikoko Tree Camp

Chikoko Tree Camp is an excellent small, rustic bushcamp that concentrates on walking safaris, and is run by a top-quality operation.


99% (126 reviews)
Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp is a great little rustic bushcamp built to high standards that focuses on excellent walking safaris, with the emphasis on top wildlife guides.


98% (101 reviews)
Luangwa River Camp

Luangwa River Camp

Luangwa River Lodge is a small and consciously stylish lodge in the Mfuwe area, overlooking the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park beyond – an area renowned for great game.


97% (82 reviews)
Flatdogs Camp

Flatdogs Camp

A relatively big safari camp, Flatdogs offers value for money with great guiding and good food in a comfortable, relaxed setting.


98% (78 reviews)
Kapani Lodge

Kapani Lodge

Kapani Lodge is now the main office base for Norman Carr Safaris, one of the Luangwa's oldest safari operations.


95% (78 reviews)
Mchenja Bushcamp

Mchenja Bushcamp

Set in a shady ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa, Mchenja is a smart tented bushcamp. It combines well with Kakuli and Nsolo – its sister camps with a focus on walking safaris.


98% (71 reviews)
Kakuli Bushcamp

Kakuli Bushcamp

Beside the Luangwa River, Kakuli is a comfortable tented bushcamp offering 4WD safaris and walking safaris – the best of which are camp-to-camp walks linking Kakuli with its nearby sister camps.


97% (66 reviews)
Nsolo Bushcamp

Nsolo Bushcamp

Nsolo is a small, comfortable bushcamp overlooking one or two pools in the usually dry Luwi riverbed. It concentrates on walking safaris in an interesting and diverse area, led by a knowledgeable guide.


97% (55 reviews)
Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta is a laid-back, friendly and good-value lodge on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park.


96% (45 reviews)
Luwi Bushcamp

Luwi Bushcamp

In a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi is a rustic bushcamp whose emphasis is on walking safaris with great guiding and a chance of seeing some rarely seen and elusive antelope.


93% (39 reviews)
Robin Pope Safaris bush-camp

Robin Pope bush-camp

RPS bushcamping in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia


99% (30 reviews)
Robin Pope Safaris Mobile Safari Camp

Robin Pope mobile

RPS mobile safari camps are at the heart of their set-itinerary walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, which start and finish at a permanent camp.


98% (25 reviews)
Puku Ridge

Puku Ridge

Puku Ridge is a luxurious designer camp set in a stunning location, high on a hill overlooking a floodplain within South Luangwa. Explore from here on 4WD safaris and walks.


96% (23 reviews)
Kapamba Bushcamp

Kapamba Bushcamp

In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Kapamba is a small and very comfortable bushcamp offering good walks and game drives.


95% (20 reviews)
Mfuwe Lodge

Mfuwe Lodge

In a game-rich area close to the South Luangwa’s main Mfuwe Gate, Mfuwe Lodge is relatively large by park standards, but it’s stylish, modern and family friendly.


95% (19 reviews)
Kuyenda Bushcamp

Kuyenda Bushcamp

Kuyenda Bushcamp is a classic bushcamp with particularly delightful hosts and offers top-class walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.


99% (16 reviews)
Luangwa Safari House

Luangwa Safari House

Luangwa Safari House is a vast and very smart four-bedroom house specifically designed for families and small groups, and offering an exclusive and flexible safari experience.


100% (14 reviews)
Three Rivers Camp

Three Rivers Camp

In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Three Rivers Lodge sits at the confluence of three of the valleys rivers.


95% (13 reviews)
Island Bush Camp

Island Bush Camp

Island Bushcamp is a good-value, rustic, walking-only camp, in arguably one of the most remote parts of the South Luangwa, well away from all other camps.


100% (13 reviews)
Bilimungwe Bushcamp

Bilimungwe Bushcamp

A smart bushcamp with four very spacious chalets, Bilimungwe offers interesting walking safaris in pretty riverine woodland, as well as day and night safari drives.


95% (13 reviews)
Chinzombo

Chinzombo

Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo offers luxurious and stylish accommodation with very high levels of service and excellent guiding.


98% (13 reviews)
Chindeni

Chindeni

Chindeni Bushcamp is a very modern and minimalist camp, which is a far cry from your traditional bushcamp and unlike most of the other camps in South Luangwa.


97% (12 reviews)
Robin's House

Robin's House

With your own expert guide, private vehicle, chef and valet, the two-bedroom Robin's House offers an exclusive, flexible safari experience – and is open year round.


95% (11 reviews)
Kawaza Village

Kawaza Village

Kawaza Village – beside the South Luangwa National Park, offers guests the rare opportunity to appreciate local village life. Visit for a few hours or stay overnight.


95% (11 reviews)
Chamilandu Bushcamp

Chamilandu Bushcamp

A comfortable little bushcamp, Chamilandu has a picturesque setting by the Luangwa River, in an area with a range of habitats to explore on foot and by 4WD.


100% (6 reviews)
Mwamba Camp-out

Mwamba Camp-out

The Mwamba-Camp Out allows you to have an incredibly adventurous night in the bush, sleeping under mosquito nets with activities led by some of the best guides in Zambia.


92% (5 reviews)
Zungulila

Zungulila

Zungulila is a small, comfortable tented bushcamp with an emphasis on walking safaris, in the remote southern section of the South Luangwa.


93% (3 reviews)
Shawa Luangwa Camp

Shawa Luangwa

Opened in June 2021, Shawa Luangwa Camp is a small, intimate and rustic camp, with a good location in a remote section of the South Luangwa National Park.


93% (3 reviews)
Luwi Riverbed Sleepout

Luwi Riverbed Sleepout

For an adventurous night in South Luangwa National Park, come and sleep out in the bush, around a campfire, with an experienced guide and game scout.


100% (2 reviews)
Chichele Presidential Lodge

Chichele Lodge

Currently in the final stages of an extensive rebuild, Chichele Presidential Lodge stands high within the park, with superb views, and is due to reopen in early 2025.


100% (1 review)
Chikunto Safari Lodge

Chikunto

Chikunto Safari Lodge is a more traditional property in the South Luangwa National Park, sitting on a peninsula of land created by the meandering Luangwa River.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Newsletter background

Stay in the know with Expert Africa

Join our newsletter. Get the latest on new camps and lodges, insights from our team, uplifting conservation stories and more...

A few more details and you're subscribed

Thanks!

Almost there! We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Just click on the link and you'll soon be receiving our newsletter in your inbox.

In the meantime, take a look at our previous Bush Telegraph newsletters.
Africa