Lions in Camp last night

Had a very interesting and eventful night last night.

Sleepless in Moremi
(A Canadian’s unembellished perspective on lions in camp)

Last night some lions paid a visit to my tent. As I write this and try to narrate my version of the story my heart rate is increasing.

Before we all meandered off to bed we had heard some impala barking very close to camp warning of predators. Specifically behind Jason’s tent. Shortly thereafter lions calling. Everyone in camp seemed quite chilled about it all, even finding it exciting. We had not left the lions all that far away yesterday, and they were heading in this direction so it wasn’t really a surprise that they had indeed arrived. On our way back to camp I had asked Graham if he thought they would come through camp. He informed me that they have a usual path that may bring them just behind camp, likely where we had the magnificent performance of their roaring previously. And it was magnificent; though close it was at a comfortable distance and I was looking forward to the opera.

Last night, as I lay in bed slowing dozing off to the universal sound of the night insects I was startled alert by the distinct sound of a male lions heavy feet crunching the dry grass right beside my tent. Trying not to move I peered out the corner of my eye to see it’s pronounced silhouette through the screen brushing up against the tent as he walked past. All the while a pounding in my chest that I have absolutely no doubt in my mind could be heard by the lions. I lay motionless, stiff as a board with my neck slightly raised causing a painful kink that was easily overshadowed by my fear. I could hear the lions all around the tent. Could literally hear them breathing and rustling in the grass. Increased muscle tension, sweaty palms, an increased heart rate and with the force of each beat I am thinking this must be the fight or flight reaction. My entire body responding to my fear I am sure I was shaking, and yes I was also certain that the lions could feel the vibrations in the ground and come sniff with curiosity. A million thoughts raced through my head. “This is fine, the tent is a barrier, people have been camping in the bush in tents on safari for years and no one gets killed. If it is your time, it is your time. The tent is a barrier. The tent is a barrier....the tent is a barrier” I find myself repeating this in my head and decide this will be my new mantra.

Suddenly I hear the exclusive roar of a male lion. It actually sounded a comfortable distance away and I felt my body relax and much to my relief my neck sink into the pillow in a more relaxed state. I decided I could now enjoy this magnificent sound. Even hoped the rest of the pride would join in. But the roaring got louder, and louder still. The ground actually vibrated beneath me, as did my entire existence. He was right outside my tent. Body stiff, my heart was now about to shot out of my chest, of this I was certain.

The roar eventually faded back to a comfortable distance. He was on the move.

Lying motionless and awake for hours, I must have eventually fallen asleep. I am sure it was only one hour later that the alarm went off. I looked around to make sure I wasn’t in another form of being. I was alive.

You will read from Andy’s and Grahams post that parts of the camp unfortunately didn’t have the same fortune. And that they, being seasoned in the bush, found it quite exhilarating.