Animals

Lion Encounter

Lion Encounter operates stage one of the African Lion and Environmental Research Trust‘s four stage Rehabilitation and Release into the Wild Program. The first stage of the program involves the young lions being taken out into the Bush, allowing them to build confidence in their natural habitat and practice their hunting techniques before being released into stage two of the program.
By joining the lions walks you are actively assisting in the pre-release training for the cubs as well as giving funding for ALERT to; develop all stages of the release program; implement conservation and research programs to protect Africa’s precious habitat and wildlife; and engage in a variety of community development and empowerment schemes for those living in and around wildlife conservation areas.

Animals

3 hours

2-24 guests

GBP £ 75

Other Adventure Activities Available

Your Lion Encounter Experience

Lion Encounter Zambia can host up to 6 walks a day.
You be collected from your lodges and comfortably transported the short distance to the Boma - our hospitality suite overlooking the Zambezi River within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park – where our friendly hospitality team is waiting to greet you with a welcome soft-drink, (or teas and coffees for those early risers!), after which you'll be shown to your seats.
We'' show you a short film (7 mins) to give you information on our lion release program. It will explain why it is necessary to facilitate such a project, but will also show the guests some “behind the scenes” footage regarding ALERT’s other efforts, which benefit communities bordering conservation areas (run by the ALERT Communities Trust – ACT) and its other wildlife conservation and research programs through the Conservation Centre for Wild Africa – CCWA.
You'll then receive the all important do’s and don’ts in a safety talk delivered by your guide. You are then ready to meet the lions who are already waiting for you in the Bush.
During the walk itself you will be accompanied by our experienced guides, handlers and scouts that ensure that our rigorous safety procedures are upheld allowing you to enjoy watching the lions play, hunt and enjoy their natural habitat. At times the lions may rest allowing you some close encounters and opportunities to get a photo with the lions.
After the lion walk, which lasts approximately 1hr to 1¼ hr, you'll be welcomed back to the Boma by the hospitality staff, who will be waiting for you with a hearty breakfast or drinks and snacks. You can watch the footage of your lion walk, with the option to purchase a DVD of your walk and other merchandise which helps support the lion release program.

Pick Up Point & Times

Morning walk is from 06.30 – 06.45, returning to Livingstone town by 10.30.
Mid-Morning walk is from 10.30 – 10.45 returning to Livingstone town by 14.00.
Afternoon walk is from 14.30 – 14.45, returning to Livingstone town by 18.30.

What You Need To Bring With You

Booking Voucher or money to pay for your activity
National Park Entrance Fees
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Sunglasses
Cap or head wear
Neutral coloured clothing
Trousers or jeans
Comfortable bush walking shoes

The Small Print

No skirts or sarongs are permitted on the lion walks
Please no bright colours of clothing
All guests must be in suitable footwear which is attached to the wearer’s feet over the toe and around the heel – no flip flops /slops.
Bags will not be allowed on the walk, please do not bring valuable items, any items left will be at owners risk
All participants must receive the safety briefing and sign an indemnity form before going on a lion walk
All participants should ensure that they have adequate medical insurance before taking part in an activity

Lion Encounter & Encounters for Prides

Minimum age for Lion Encounter’s “Lion Walk” is 15 years.
Minimum height restriction for Lion Encounter’s “Lion Walk” is 1.5m or 5 ft.

Encounters for Cubs

With cubs aged 3, 4 or 5 months old:
Minimum age for Lion Encounter’s “Encounters for Cubs” with cub interaction is 10 years.
Minimum height restriction for Lion Encounter’s “Encounters for Cubs” with cub interaction is 1m or 3ft 4”.
With Cubs aged 6, or 7 months old:
Minimum age for Lion Encounter’s “Encounters for Cubs” with cub interaction is 12 years.
Minimum height restriction for Lion Encounter’s “Encounters for Cubs” with cub interaction is 1.2m or 3ft 11”.
Children not meeting these restrictions will only be allowed to view the cubs from outside the enclosure. Call us for cub ages at the time you want to come.

We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you'll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.

River Fashion:

A pair of Chacos or similar sandals. Trainers are also okay.
A pair of River shorts or swimming costume.
Long sleeved business shirt to wear under your life jacket in hot destinations.
A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off.
Wide brimmed sunhat.
Sunglasses.
Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head.
Nalgene or similar water bottle.
Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
Thermal Top for cooler destinations. Medium weight - Heavyweight Capilene or polypropylene is the best.
Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF15 minimum.

For evenings and around camp

Lightweight long trousers.
Lightweight Long Sleeved shirt.
Fleece jacket.
Ladies should bring a long skirt or sarong to cover your legs whilst in the company of locals.
Underwear.
Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
Hand wipes
A 3-season sleeping bag.
Travel Pillow.
Small pack towel.
Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries.
Shoes or boots for wearing around camp and on hikes.
Insect Repellent.
Any medication you may be taking.

Optional Items

Your favourite book or a journal for recording your river memories.
Sketchpad.
Photographic or video equipment. On most expeditions we provide a waterproof pelicase for these items. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere. Bring a spare memory card or plenty of film. Also bring spare batteries for your camera.
Waterproof disposable for the "action" on the raft shots.
Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman.
An extra bag to bring back a wooden hippo, a carpet, Thanka or anything else you may purchase on your holiday.
An iPod or other music preferences. We have speakers.

Personal Spending

The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.
Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.

You do NOT need to bring

Tents, sleeping mats.

Interested in this amazing holiday?