Walking with the Kings: My Lion Adventure at Mukuni Big 5 Safaris

September 27, 2024

So, let me set the scene. Picture me, standing in the heart of Livingstone, Zambia, at Mukuni Big 5 Safaris, about to cross off one of the biggest items on my bucket list—walking with lions. If you'd told me a few years ago that I'd have the guts to be in the presence of lions, let alone touch one, I'd have laughed nervously and said, "Yeah, right!"

But there I was, face-to-face with these majestic creatures, and trust me, the reality was equal parts awe-inspiring and heart-stopping.


A Royal Welcome... Literally!


To kick things off, I had the opportunity to meet none other than His Royal Highness Senior Chief Mukuni himself—one of the directors of Mukuni Big 5 Safaris. Now, talk about rubbing shoulders with royalty! I mean, there’s just something extra special about saying, “Oh, you know, I was just casually hanging out with lions and royalty. No big deal.”

Walking with Lions: The Moment of Truth

Before the walk, the guides gave us a very thorough briefing. I appreciated their efforts to make us feel safe, and I did feel safe, but let me be honest here—nothing quite prepares you for the moment when you’re walking alongside a lion with no restraints! It was a moment where my brain was like, “This isn’t a house cat, this is a 250kg killing machine!”



And speaking of weight, these lions are pure muscle. I swear, as soon as I touched one, I could feel its raw power. Let’s just say I’ve gained a few kilos over the years (thank you, pandemic snacks), but even at my current weight, I was nowhere near lion-sized. One swift swipe, and I could’ve been a snack! But they were gracious, thankfully, and I made it out in one piece.

Battle of the Sexes... Even Among Lions!

Now here’s where things got even more interesting. Much like in the human world, the male and female lions behaved very differently. The male was calm, welcoming even—like a big, majestic teddy bear. I thought, “Okay, this isn’t too bad. I’m practically a lion whisperer.”



Then I approached the female, and let me tell you, sis was not having it. She was giving major attitude, her face practically saying, “Don’t even think about touching me. I’m over this, and I need a nap.” I couldn’t help but laugh because, well, don’t we all know someone like that? The moodiness was real, but it made the experience even more memorable.

The Bravest Thing I’ve Ever Done

This lion walk was hands down the bravest thing I’ve ever done. It’s not an experience for the faint-hearted, but if you’re brave enough to do it, it’s something that will stay with you forever. You get to say you walked with the kings of the jungle, and honestly, how many people can say that?

The Bigger Picture: Mukuni Big 5 Safaris' Conservation Mission

What’s even more amazing than the lion walk itself is the story behind Mukuni Big 5 Safaris. Established in 2009, the project aims to help vulnerable and endangered animals like lions, whose populations are dwindling due to poaching and habitat loss. The lions here are gradually accustomed to their natural environment before they’re reintroduced into semi-wild ecosystems like game reserves.



What really blew my mind is that lions born in these semi-wild environments, with no human contact, are eventually released back into the wild. It’s a long and careful process, but it’s helping to stabilize and grow the population of these majestic animals, giving them a second chance at life in the wild.

Final Thoughts

Walking with lions at Mukuni Big 5 Safaris was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combined adrenaline, awe, and a dash of royal flair. While I may not be signing up for another lion walk anytime soon (I think my nerves need some recovery time), I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of something so extraordinary. If you're brave enough to take on the challenge, trust me—it’s an experience you’ll never forget. And hey, you might even get to rub shoulders with royalty while you're at it!

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