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.
The guest experience…
Lion Encounter Zambia can host up to 6 walks a day. Each day can see 2 morning walks, 2 midday walks and 2 afternoon walks. For each walking session there is a minimum of 2 pax and a maximum of 24 pax. (Please contact us if you have more people than the stated maximum as we may be able to accommodate you!)
Guests will be collected from their 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 them with a welcome soft-drink, (or teas and coffees for those early risers!), after which they will be shown to their seats.
The guests will enjoy a short film (7 mins) to give them 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.
All participants of the walk then receive the all important do’s and don’ts in a safety talk delivered by their guide. Guests are then ready to meet the lions who are already waiting for them in the Bush.
During the walk itself guests will be accompanied by our experienced guides, handlers and scouts that ensure that our rigorous safety procedures are upheld allowing guests to enjoy watching the lions play, hunt and enjoy their natural habitat. At times the lions may rest allowing guests for some close encounters and opportunities to get a photo with the lions. Guests experience will be enhanced by hearing about the lion as a species as well as receiving the latest updates on the progress of the release program.
After the lion walk, which lasts approximately 1hr to 1¼ hr, the guests are welcomed back to the Boma by the hospitality staff, who will be waiting for them with a hearty breakfast or drinks and snacks. The guests will have the opportunity to watch the footage of their lion walk, with the option to purchase a DVD of their walk and other merchandise which helps support the lion release program.
Encounters for Cubs…
When the parents depart for their lion walk our friendly guides will take the children on a short walk to introduce them to the many wonderful sights and sounds of the African Bush. This learning trail will lead them to one of enclosures where they will have a chance to meet and hear about our lions. Please see below on whether participants will be permitted a supervised interaction with the cubs inside the enclosure. Your children will arrive back at the Boma at the same as you to tell you all about their incredible experience.
Height and age restrictions
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”.
WALK WITH LIONS
