Imagine sitting outside your campsite, overlooking a pan and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Kalahari Desert when a lion suddenly walks towards you.
This thrilling experience became a reality for a retired couple who love to travel in their 4×4 overlanding truck.
The couple, known as @the_buffalo_overlander on TikTok, shared a captivating video of their close encounter with a lioness at the Mapaya 1 campsite in the Mabuasehube region of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
This stunning park, located in the southern Kalahari Desert, straddles the border of South Africa and Botswana.
It is a conservation area that combines the former Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, covering over 3.8 million hectares.
In the video, an inquisitive lioness approaches the couple as they sat in their chairs.
@the_buffalo_overlander When a lioness just walks into your campsite – what do you do ? It was quite a close encounter 😳🙈 #thebuffalooverlander #lionsincamp #mabuasehube #mapaya1 #closeencounterwithalion ♬ African Safari – Sarah Scarlata
“When a lioness just walks into your campsite – what do you do? It was quite a close encounter,” they remarked.
At one point, the lioness stood directly in front of them, making eye contact before looking away and walking off, revealing her full side profile.
The lioness spent nearly a minute surveying the campsite, seemingly searching for shade and a drink.
Fortunately, the couple remained unharmed during this extraordinary encounter.
Netizens reacted to the video with a mix of awe and humour. Comments included:
@ffigp1 said: “You’re lucky she’s not hungry.”
Another user, @collinswaphb said: “Great composure you had together with your husband. What a wonderful experience you both had.”
@life_at58 said: “I’m not going to lie, my soul would have left my body. BUT that must have been magical.”
While @zeeegles: “I would probably faint; that is too close for comfort.”
Experts advise that if you ever encounter a lion, do not run. Instead, remain calm, make yourself appear larger, and back away slowly without turning your back.
Speak in a loud, firm voice to deter the lion, and if it attacks, fight back aggressively, aiming for the face.
