Introduction: More Than Just a Safari Destination
Deep in South Luangwa National Park, Lion Camp Zambia stands as a sanctuary where the rhythms of the wild merge with the dedication of an extraordinary team. More than just a safari lodge, it is a carefully curated experience shaped by the passion, expertise, and hospitality of the people who bring it to life every day.
From the moment a guest books their stay to the final farewell, each detail is meticulously handled by a diverse and highly skilled team. Many of them hail from Mkasanga village and Mfuwe town, bringing with them lifetimes of knowledge, deep cultural roots, and an unshakable commitment to hospitality and conservation.
At Lion Camp, every department works in unison—a harmonious blend of expertise, hard work, and pride in what they do. This is a tribute to the individuals who make it all possible.
Management: The Visionaries – Wayne & Vicky
At the helm of Lion Camp Zambia is the dynamic duo, Wayne and Vicky, known for their transformative leadership and their ability to completely revolutionize safari destinations. Together, they have elevated Lion Camp to a benchmark of excellence, setting an incredibly high standard that they diligently maintain with immense pride.
Vicky – The General Manager & Culinary Visionary
Vicky is the beating heart of the lodge, seamlessly managing all guest and lodge operations. Her leadership style strikes the perfect balance between authority and empathy, ensuring that her team is both empowered and nurtured.
✔ A Natural-Born Leader – She unites her team with purpose and precision, helping individuals refine their talents and reach their full potential.
✔ An Avid Food Lover – The mastermind behind every handcrafted recipe, ensuring the kitchen delivers world-class cuisine in a remote wilderness setting.
✔ A Culture Builder – Fosters a sense of unity and pride among her staff, elevating the Lion Camp experience beyond expectations.
Wayne – The Bushman, Storyteller & Mentor
Wayne is a larger-than-life presence at Lion Camp, a former Kruger National Park guide with a wealth of storytelling and wilderness experience. More than just an operations lead, he is a mentor, a builder, and a crucial part of the guest experience.
✔ A Guest Favorite – His stories, humor, and deep bush knowledge make him an integral part of the Lion Camp experience.
✔ A Meticulous Builder – Works tirelessly pre-season, preparing roads and infrastructure, ensuring the camp is ready for guests.
✔ A Natural Mentor – Guides his team with wisdom and confidence, encouraging them to take ownership of their roles and grow into leaders themselves.
Together, Wayne and Vicky have not just maintained Lion Camp—they have transformed it into one of Zambia’s finest safari destinations.
Oscar – A Rising Leader in African Hospitality
Stepping into a prestigious leadership role, Oscar, the newly appointed Assistant Lodge Manager, is a shining example of what dedication and perseverance can achieve.
✔ A Story of Growth – From humble beginnings, he has risen to become a respected leader in the industry.
✔ An Inspiration – His leadership is a source of pride for his family and his community.
✔ A Key Player in Lion Camp’s Future – Brings fresh energy and dedication, reinforcing the camp’s commitment to excellence.
Oscar’s journey showcases the immense potential within local communities and the power of opportunity.
Reservations: The First Point of Contact – Dottie
Before guests even set foot in South Luangwa, their experience begins with Dottie, the highly experienced Reservations Manager who ensures that every trip is seamlessly planned and perfectly executed.
✔ The Personal Touch – She has an unmatched ability to connect with guests, ensuring that every inquiry feels warm and welcoming.
✔ A Master Coordinator – Manages complex itineraries, liaising with agents and handling every detail of arrivals and departures.
✔ The Guest Experience Architect – Helps guests envision their safari, offering insightful guidance to tailor the perfect trip.
Dottie is the first link in the chain that delivers the magic of Lion Camp, ensuring that every journey starts with a sense of excitement and ease.
Guiding: The Storytellers of the Bush
The guiding team is at the heart of every safari adventure, offering guests an unparalleled connection to the wilderness. These are not just guides—they are interpreters of nature, deeply rooted in the landscapes they call home.
✔ Masters of the Land – Each guide grew up in the region, possessing an innate understanding of the bush.
✔ A Unique Perspective – Their knowledge extends beyond the Big Five, offering insights into the lesser-known wonders of the wild.
✔ A Bond with Nature – Whether tracking predators or identifying rare birds, they make every safari an educational and exhilarating experience.
Meet the Guides
- Innocent – The Intuitive Tracker – Has an almost supernatural ability to read the bush, sensing wildlife movements before they even unfold.
- Mukupa – The Master Storyteller – A passionate, detail-oriented guide and founder of the Mkasanga Hope Foundation, dedicated to community empowerment.
- Simon – The Regal Young Guide – A youthful yet incredibly mature presence, with a keen eye for the smaller details that often go unnoticed.
- Donald – The Joyful Guide – The youngest team member, bringing an infectious sense of enthusiasm and warmth to every drive.
- Robert – The Gentleman of the Bush – A thoughtful and respectful guide, praised for his quiet confidence and deep reverence for nature.
Game Scouts: The Guardians of Safety and Protocol
At Lion Camp Zambia, safety is paramount, and no aspect of guest protection is taken lightly. The game scouts play a critical role in ensuring that every safari—especially walking safaris—is conducted with the highest level of safety, professionalism, and respect for the environment.
As representatives of South Luangwa National Park, these scouts are highly trained, experienced professionals who enforce strict safety protocols, wildlife ethics, and conservation regulations. Their presence ensures that both guests and wildlife coexist in harmony, maintaining the delicate balance of nature and human interaction.
While game scouts rotate regularly, Lion Camp is meticulous in selecting only the best—those with extensive field experience, a deep understanding of animal behavior, and an unwavering commitment to guest safety. Their expertise is particularly vital during walking safaris, where encounters with wildlife happen at ground level, demanding exceptional situational awareness and calm, decisive action.
Through a strict vetting process, Lion Camp collaborates with only the top-tier game scouts, ensuring that every guest can immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the bush with confidence and peace of mind.
Workshop & Laundry: The Unseen Forces Behind Seamless Operations
Behind every smooth game drive and well-kept lodge is a dedicated team working tirelessly behind the scenes. While often unnoticed, their expertise ensures that Lion Camp operates flawlessly, no matter the conditions.
✔ Workshop Team – Led by John
- Maintains safari vehicles, lodge infrastructure, and essential equipment.
- Keeps vehicles in top condition, tackling the wear and tear of challenging terrain.
- Handles repairs, power systems, and structural maintenance, ensuring smooth operations throughout the season.
✔ Laundry Team – Led by Luca
- Manages the washing, drying, and preparation of high-quality linens and towels.
- Maintains impeccable cleanliness, creating a fresh, inviting atmosphere for guests.
- Ensures that after a long day in the bush, every guest experiences the comfort of crisp, well-cared-for bedding.
Though they work behind the scenes, the impact of the workshop and laundry teams is felt in every detail, ensuring efficiency, comfort, and the high standards that define Lion Camp.
Kitchen & Front of House: Crafting a Culinary Experience
Led by Head Chef Freddie and Assistant Head Chef Phil, the kitchen team creates exceptional dining in a remote wilderness setting.
✔ Freddie – 20 Years of Excellence – Ensuring world-class meals with limited ingredients.
✔ Vicky’s Culinary Influence – Her passion for food inspires the team to create extraordinary dishes from scratch.
The front-of-house team completes the experience, offering expert wine knowledge and seamless service.
✔ Bar Staff – Wine & Spirits Experts – Well-versed in South African wines, ready to curate the perfect drink for any occasion.
✔ A Social Experience – Guests often find themselves engaging in snooker challenges, sharing stories over a perfectly mixed cocktail.
Conclusion: The People Who Make Lion Camp Extraordinary
At Lion Camp Zambia, the wilderness is breathtaking—but it is the people who make the experience truly unforgettable.
Every department, from guides to chefs, housekeepers to mechanics, works tirelessly and harmoniously to create a safari that lingers in the hearts of guests long after they depart.📍 Come and meet the people who bring Lion Camp to life. Your adventure awaits.
