THE NIGHT ENCOUNTER

We invite guests to join us as we take our older cubs (18 - 30 months) out into the dark of the African night to allow them to practice their hunting techniques as the final step in their pre-release training.

The Guest Experience

You will be collected from your lodge and transported the short distance to our reception area, nestled amongst majestic trees within the stunning Dambwa Forest. As the sun begins to set our friendly hospitality team invite you to enjoy welcome drinks and snacks around our camp fire before introducing you to your guide.  You will be given a short briefing that details the aims of the African Lion Rehabilitation & Release into the Wild Program, a world-first conservation initiative, aiming to help ensure a future for the African lion, before receiving the all important safety briefing.

You are invited to climb aboard our comfortable 4 x 4 vehicles to take a drive into Lion Country.  On each of our two vehicles will be a guide and a lion handler who are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have along the way, but once you are settled in, you are ready to meet the stars of the night - the lions.

With the awe inspiring spectacle of a star-laden night sky above you, and the sounds of Africa's nocturnal creatures surrounding you, we will drive you out into our carefully constructed pre-release training area - 900 acres of pristine African wildnerness, to follow our pride of lions as they play, meander and hopefully search for game, stalk, chase and perhaps even make a kill.

Few visitors to Africa ever get the opportunity to watch a lion hunting, let alone be a part of the pride as we follow the action with red-filtered spotlights.  Our sister project at Antelope Park in Zimbabwe has been operating a Night Encounter program since 2005 offering visitors an almost guaranteed chance of seeing a hunt and a 39% chance of seeing a kill.

Even with out a hunt, the Night Encounter is an incredible experience; our guides will offer you a unique insight into the behaviours of Africa's most iconic species; the life of a lion and its pride as well as introduce you to the other species you will encounter on your drive. The sights and sounds of Africa's night will be brought to you in vivid and exciting detail.

Your Night Encounter will last approximately two hours before we return to enjoy a meal and share stories around our camp fire.

Immerse yourself in the magic of the African Night and join the pride in all their splendour as they continue on their incredible journey on the path to freedom.

What you need to know...

-  Daily departures from Livingstone town lodges at 16:45 returning around 22:00.

-  Maximum spaces available each night is thirteen.

-  We do accept children but with a minimum age of 8 years.  All minors aged between 8 and 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.  

-  Please note that the sight and sound of a lion kill may be disturbing to some observers.

- The price is USD 195.00 per person inclusive of return transfers, entrance fees, welcome drinks & snacks, ALERT presentation, safety briefing, the Night Encounter and a meal.

-  Why not combine your Night Encounter experience with a lion walk with our younger cubs?  The ultimate lion experience is available at the discounted price of USD 295.00 per person.  Note:  pick up from your lodge at 14:30.  Minimum age 15 years and minium height is 1.5m.

To book, please contact visitlivingstone@lionencounter.com