Wednesday February 4th ~ Antelope Park, Zimbabwe

Tim and Joanne with two 19 month old lions – you might think they are posing, but the truth is they are eyeing two giraffe off in the distance. Their hunting instincts are kicking in.

Oh how I had been looking forward to this day. I mean, come on, an opportunity to walk with the lions! How does one possibly top this?

I honestly can’t remember if the bus ride was long or short to get there, I was just so excited to arrive at Antelope Park.

“Antelope Park is home to the world-famous African Lion and Environmental Research Trust (ALERT) lion rehabilitation programme which is a multi-phase lion conservation initiative as featured in hit UK TV documentary “LION COUNTRY”. It is Africa’s first genuine programme working to ethically re-introduce the offspring of captive-bred African lions back into the wild.” ~ Antelopepark.co.zw

Along the drive toward Antelope Park – open grasslands, sparse trees, typical landscape in this area

Billed as the premier private game park in Zimbabwe, it offered up such interesting optional activities including: 

• Ride an elephant
• Bird viewing
• Carriage rides
• Day or night game drives
• Horseback riding or lessons
• Elephant interaction
• Walking with the lions

This is the pair we walked with

• Lion cub viewing
• ALERT educational tour and breeding program
• Lion feeding
• Night Encounters with the lions
• Fishing
• Canoe/boating/cruise
• Bush Walk

Yes, these are extras, and a fee applies to each one. Here is the current price list.

And I know some of you are interested in/concerned about the health and well-being of the animals in this program. At Antelope Park, they have teamed with several top organizations to ensure that the animals are all well cared for and treated humanely.

They have won numerous awards for conservation and care of their animals.

Tim and I had pre-paid to walk with the lions, but after seeing a brief introductory film upon arrival, we soon agreed that we also had interest in the lion cub viewing, night encounter where we went on a “hunt” with adult lions from their breeding program, and the lion feeding.

First an introduction to the facilities.

I was immediately in love with the place – large open property, sweeping panorama views overlooking a marshy river.

View from our eating terrace

Eating terrace

Cross over the bridge to get to several water-front cottages including family units and the honeymoon suite. We were in River Lodge number 3 which we loved. Some of our group were in tents, but they too were roomy and had attached full plumbing bathrooms.

Inside our river front lodge, complete with mosquito netting and an open air shower

View out to our deck from our room

The main lodge,  has a reception area, large outdoor meal area where a wonderful buffet is served three times a day, covered eating area, gift shop, lounge/bar and more. From the raised eating area you look out onto an open grassy area where resident elephants stroll by, munching on green grass as they go.

One of my favorite shots this day – simply serene

Just taking his time, slowly passing by

View of the area from the small bridge across the river

Sit and watch the elephants play in the water, or simply relax

After getting settled in, and signing up for the activities we each were interested in, we were given a schedule. We had a LOT to squeeze into our short one night stay. I have already made a recommendation that a minimum of two nights be spent here as there are several things we would have loved to include after getting feedback from other members of our group. Top two that I would add: horseback riding – they got up very close to animals in their natural setting (be sure to wear long pants) and the lecture about ALERT and their breeding program.

But I am still thrilled with what we DID get to do, starting with walking with the lions!

There is a tent set up for our meeting point, where a safety presentation is given, and a list of what to do or even more importantly, NOT to do is reviewed. The highlights include:

• Stay Alert
• Do not panic
• Don’t run! (heavily emphasized)
• Do not crouch
• Stay with the group
• Stand your ground
• Do not wear dangly items
• Approach the lions from the rear
• Do not put anything on the ground
• Do not touch the lions face or ears
• Use stick correctly, not for hitting the lions!

And just in case you are wondering – NO, the lions are not drugged or tranquilized in any way. Normally this is the 6 month – 18 month old lions that are used in the “walk-with” program, but we were lucky enough to get two 19 month old lions.

When we walk with them, we are NOT inside a cage or small fenced area. We are in the open 3,000 acres of savannah and grasslands. Well, there is a fence around the border of the property to help protect the animals from poachers, and the neighboring communities…

So, after a few of us quickly stripped off anything “dangling” like back packs, camera bags, scarves, etc. we each chose a “lion stick”. Really a simple walking stick, but the lions have gotten use to the idea that whoever has the stick is in control, and a leader in the pack.

They also seem to respect us if we are higher than them, so at no time were we to get down lower than they were. For example if they are standing, so are you. If they are lying down, you can get down on ONE knee (never both so that you can get back up easier and quicker) if the lion gets up.

Two groups of 9-10 people set out in the back of pickups to go meet our lions. I was seated next to one of the lion handlers, Markson and was able to ask him a few more questions as we drove toward the lion compound. He had been working with the lions for 15 years, and his favorite was a large male names Mufasa, who unfortunately I never did get to meet.

Upon arrival in the neighborhood of the lions, we unloaded and our two handlers went off to find the two lions our small group were to walk with. They were both 19 months old. Normally they are removed from the “walking” program at 18 months, but both of these beauties had been extended, just for us.

I found out that lions become sexually mature between 2-3 years old, but do not become fully grown until they are 4-5 years old. The lions we were with were teenagers – frisky, and just learning to hunt on their own.

Our two lions being brought to join us for a walk. Two lions per 10 people, plus two handlers and our guide.

Aren’t they magnificent!

Initially we simply follow them along this dirt path. A couple of times they get side-tracked after spotting several giraffe, or other animals in the wild. They are starting to learn natural hunting skills and that is encouraged.

It was amazing to watch them crouch down and stalk in the wild

ALERT has the goal of breeding lions and returning them into the wild. The ones used in the walking program, will never be “wild”, but can be used in breeding programs, will be allowed to raise their own offspring, and their youngsters will hopefully fully integrate back into a totally wild environment.

There are four stages in the breeding program. We witnessed stage 1 and part of 2 only.

After a while the lions climbed up on to a large rock. After they settled down, we were invited to approach them from the back, to pet them, and get a few photos. A couple of our group members were a little timid at first, but soon warmed to the idea, and the opportunity.

Perched on a rock, just waiting for us to join them..

Thankfully, I am so at home with the big cats.

Tim too seems completely at ease. I think they can sense if you are comfortable with them.

And then we simply walked with them…

At one point I just reached down (after asking if it was OK) and held it’s tail as we walked along – awesome!

I have sooooo much more to share with you about our time here at Antelope Park, but this post is already getting quite long, so I will close for now. Stay tuned for my next post to find out about trying to find two lost lions, playing with lion cubs, and feeding the lions.

Really, if you have Southern Africa on your wish list, make sure you consider adding a stop here to your itinerary!

Gratitude Moment: Today I am grateful for having one of those “once in a lifetime” experiences. I have always had an affinity and a love for cats. This exceeded my hopes and expectations.

Please feel free to share! Comments welcome…