Lion Camp

Lion Camp

Located within South Luangwa National Park, Lion Camp is an independently owned luxury safari camp in Zambia.  

Built at the edge of a seasonally flooded oxbow lagoon, with tents cradled within a canopy of sausage and mahogany trees, Lion Camp’s serene and unfenced wilderness setting attracts a steady parade of wildlife. Enjoy armchair safaris right from your suite’s terrace.  

This property also has the distinct advantage of being located well away from the fray of the park’s busy Mfuwe Gate—assuring a less crowded safari experience in this premier Zambia safari destination.  

Superb game viewing, an on-site hide, a stylish aesthetic, delicious food, a convivial camp atmosphere, and excellent guiding make Lion Camp one of Zambia’s best luxury safari lodges.  

Lion Camp amenities 

Built on stilts at the water’s edge, Lion Camp has a unique “treehouse lodge” vibe. Tented suites are linked to the central main lodge and Round House Area by an elevated wooden walkway. Being raised off the ground enables guests to move freely around camp without an escort. 

Camp life unfolds at the Arrival & Communal Area where you’ll find a lofty dining area and bar, lounge seating, a snooker table, a boutique, and a sunken campfire. A water-level hide for wildlife-peeping and a swimming pool are located nearby. The swimming pool is a welcome retreat during Zambia’s hot summer months. 

Situated at the far end of the camp is the Round House Area where you’ll find a modest gym, a photographic studio, and a library.  

Dining at Lion Camp is a shared affair, served at a common table—a unique social touch. African-inspired gourmet meals are served in a variety of al fresco locations. Take lunch on the terrace while drinking in the views, enjoy dinner in the boma beneath a starry sky, or savor a bush breakfast in a surprise location overlooking the Luangwa River. The menu includes a curation of South African estate wines.  

Lion Camp accommodations  

There are just 10 suites at Lion Camp, each of which has been designed to maximize spectacular views of the oxbow.  

The camp’s seven Luxury Suites are canvas wall tents with thatched roofs. Screen netting can be rolled up for breezy indoor-outdoor living between your bedroom and the private deck. Suites also boast luxuries like evening-breeze cooling systems, Wi-Fi, and hairdryers. 

Three Deluxe Suites sit in prime locations at the edge of camp. They’re similar in design to the Luxury Suites but are larger and have secluded outdoor bathtubs.  

A Sunset Deluxe Suite features a king-size bed, a large wrap-around deck with 180-degree views over the plain, and a “Galaxy” Sleep-Out Deck.  

The Ebony Deluxe Suite can combine with suite nine to accommodate families.  

Safari activities at Lion Camp 

All safaris at Lion Camp are led by highly qualified guides who will help spot wildlife and decipher the subtle signs of the wilderness.   

Twice-daily game drives and optional night game drives are conducted in open Land Rovers. In this part of South Luangwa, you have great odds of sighting lion, elephant, leopard, and buffalo. Cooksons wildebeest, Crawshay’s zebra, Thronycroft’s giraffe, and the largest population of hippo in Africa all call South Luangwa home, too.  

Be sure to stretch your legs for a walking safari where you’re on the same footing as a lion or elephant. Walking safaris were pioneered in Zambia and should not be missed.  

Photographic safaris are led by specialist photographer guides who can help you capture the best shots. An on-site studio offers a Wi-Fi-enabled workspace with USB charging where you can review, edit, and back up your images.  

Who will enjoy Lion Camp?  

Lion Camp is a well-rounded luxury tented safari camp. A handful of room categories (family, honeymoon, etc.) appeal to almost all traveler types. 

Children 10 years and older are welcome at Lion Camp but families must secure an exclusive-use vehicle and guide. Note that walking safaris have a minimum age requirement of 16.  

Lion Camp is a superb option as a standalone South Luangwa property. With plentiful amenities and game viewing, you can easily spend three-plus nights here.  

Our favorite South Luangwa luxury safari camps on a map