Lion Encounter

Lion Encounter is an active conservation program that is passionate about ensuring a secure future for the African lion, Panthera leo. Lion Encounter operates the African Lion Rehabilitation & release into the Wild Program, which is Africa’s first genuine program to ethically re-introduce the offspring of captive-bred African lions back into the wild. In the first stage young lion cubs are taken out into the bush to build confidence in their natural habitat. As the cubs become familiar with the environment, they start to develop and practice their stalking and hunting skills – skills that are crucial for their release into Stage 2 of the program. By joining our lion walks or volunteering with us, you are actively assisting in the pre-release training for the cubs, as well as providing essential funding for the program’s continued progress to help save Africa’s most iconic species. Lion Encounter is partnered with ALERT, the African Lion and Environmental Research Trust, a conservation and community NGO that is dedicated to the future of Africa’s wildlife and people. Lion Encounter operates on both sides of the majestic Victoria Falls, within the beautiful Masuwe estate in Zimbabwe, and in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia.