WALK WITH LIONS  

Available daily on request, all year round from Masuwe in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe;
morning or afternoon encounters.

Must be booked in advance

Situated on the Masuwe Estate, only 10 minutes from the centre of Victoria Falls town you'll find a group of lion cubs ranging from 3 to 16 months of age. These lion cubs offer guests an unparalleled experience and insight into the behaviour of this threatened African species.

The “walking with lions” encounter is an opportunity to interact with 2 or 3 cubs for up to an hour and a half during a single session.

The lions are unrestrained and roam free as you join them on a walk through riverine vegetation and African bush on the banks of the Masuwe River.

The encounter is fully supervised and professionally managed by an experienced and qualified team who have been working with lions for over 20 years originally at Gweru’s Antelope Park.
 This activity is available in Zimbabwe only but arrangements can be easily made for guests staying in Livingstone on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls.

African Encounter has established Victoria Fall’s first “Lion Encounter”. This activity offers a once in a lifetime insight into the behaviour and social aspects of one of Africa’s most sought after photographic subjects, the Lion.

The training techniques used by the Lion Encounter team are based on years of experience gained by the management and staff from African Encounter who have been walking and interacting with lions for over 20 years. (By early 2005 approximately15000 walks had been conducted without incident proving the efficacy of the training and rehabilitation techniques adopted).

Trips available
Half day, either morning or afternoon on Masuwe Estate, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Availability
365 days a year

Morning Safari
Pick up from Victoria Falls accommodation:

Between 6.00 - 6.15
Drop off at Victoria Falls accommodation:

Between 9.30 – 10.00

Afternoon Safari
Pick up from Victoria Falls accommodation:

Between 14.45 – 15.00
Drop off at Victoria Falls accommodation:

Between 18.45 – 19.00

Clients traveling from Zambia
Clients staying in Zambia will be catered for on request at an additional transfer/border crossing fee.  (transfers, visas, not included and will be for the client’s account )

Walking with Lions at Victoria Falls

Upon arrival at Masuwe, biscuits/scones, tea, coffee and cordials will be served – after which the guide will give a short introductory talk including safety aspects of the adventure. The guests will then be walked to an isolated area in the bush where they will be introduced to the lion cubs and their handlers.

On meeting the lion cubs, the Encounter begins. Each lion is under the charge of a handler – the guide carries a first aid kit and handheld radio.

During interaction, the guide will give an informative talk on the lions and their relationship with man. Above all, guests will be advised about Safari Par Excellence and African Encounter’s long term plans for rehabilitating the lions back into the wild.

Morning Trip
The Encounter ends with clients being walked back to the starting point and from there being transferred to Masuwe Safari Lodge where the clients have a continental breakfast. Clients then view their video of their personal “Lion Encounter”, before being transferred back to town.

Afternoon trip
Snacks are served during the Safety talk and when the Encounter ends, clients are walked back to the starting point, and from there transferred to Masuwe Safari Lodge where the clients then view their video of their personal “Lion Encounter”, before being transferred back to town.


Health Requirements
There are no specific health requirements for this activity, and physical disabilities will be considered on an individual basis. If a guest has any medical condition such as epilepsy, diabetes or dangerous allergies etc, please ensure that Safari Par Excellence is informed at the time of booking.

Public Liability
The Lion Encounter is covered by a US$ 1 500 000 Public Liability Insurance.

Medical Air Rescue Service
All clients travelling with The Lion Encounter are covered by M.A.R.S. in the unlikely event of an emergency.