As the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to thank everyone who made 2025 such a memorable chapter at Lion Camp. To our guests, both new and returning, thank you for choosing to share this special corner of the Luangwa Valley with us. And to our team, thank you for the dedication, resilience, and heart you bring to camp every single day. This year was busy, challenging, and deeply rewarding, and it was the people behind Lion Camp who made it all possible.
A Global Recognition
One of the standout moments of the year was being named World Luxury Hotel Awards Global Winner: Best Luxury Safari Lodge. This recognition was a huge honour and a reflection of the collective effort behind the scenes. From guiding and hospitality to maintenance, logistics, and management, every role played a part in delivering an experience that remains authentic, thoughtful, and rooted in the wilderness that surrounds us.
Rising to the Challenge
2025 also presented real challenges. Severe drought conditions across the valley required quick thinking and hard work from the team. Boreholes were drilled, solar-powered pump systems were installed, and water was brought back into areas that desperately needed it.
What began as a response to difficult conditions became a vital lifeline for the wildlife around the lodge. These new water points quickly became hubs of activity, and some of the most memorable sightings of the season unfolded in or around the camp.
Wildlife Highlights of the Season
As always, the wildlife shaped much of the story. Chiphadzuwa continued to shine as one of the valley’s most iconic leopardesses. While her cub sadly did not make it through the season, each breeding attempt carries hope, especially given her success raising Chisomo and Taonga. Taonga herself was seen mating this year, opening the door to the exciting possibility of a new generation continuing this powerful lineage.
As we closed the season, one of our River Pride females appeared to have cubs, and we look ahead with optimism, hoping to see the pride grow stronger in the seasons to come. These moments remind us how dynamic and fragile life in the valley can be, and how privileged we are to witness it unfold.
The presence of the buffalo super herds this season brought one of the most iconic and larger-than-life spectacles to Lion Camp. As conditions dried, the herds began to arrive in their thousands, visible from miles away as dust lifted on the horizon and their deep, rumbling calls carried through the valley. Watching these immense groups roll in front of the lodge, kicking up clouds of dust and filling the landscape with movement and sound, was a powerful reminder of the scale and abundance that still exists in this part of the Luangwa. For guests, it was a front-row seat to one of Africa’s great wildlife dramas, unfolding right at camp.
Scooter and the Usual Suspects
This season, Scooter undoubtedly stole the show around the lodge. His presence became a near-daily feature, often appearing multiple times a day and casually moving through camp. More than once, he stuck his head straight into the lodge, as if he truly owned the place. His confidence and familiarity brought constant excitement and endless smiles to both guests and staff.
Charlie was a little more elusive this year, but when he did appear, there was no question who ruled the roost. On a few rare occasions, seeing Charlie and Scooter arrive at camp at the same time was a real highlight and a powerful reminder of the characters that move through this landscape.
Adding to the daily rhythm were the ever-present troops of monkeys, affectionately known as the Peaky Blinders. Their energy, curiosity, and constant activity around the lodge brought a sense of liveliness and plenty of entertainment throughout the season.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with gratitude and excitement. Bookings are open, and we look forward to welcoming familiar faces back to camp, as well as meeting new guests who are yet to experience the magic of the Luangwa Valley.
From all of us at Lion Camp, thank you for being part of this journey. We cannot wait to share what the next season brings.
For enquiries and bookings, please feel free to get in touch at in**@******mp.com
