An “Out of Body” Experience:
Sometimes in life we do some that in retrospect we realize was a “out of body” experience. Such was our 2016 adventure when we went Walking with the Lions! Our daughter visited us in Africa once before and at that time we escorted her around Johannesburg as well as Kruger National Park in northern South Africa.
Kathy with Lion in Tree 
Kathy Walking with Lion
Her stated goal for this specific visit was to visit Victoria Falls on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. When we visited Victoria Falls two years earlier, we drove a day from Lusaka to Livingstone. In 2016 we flew directly to Livingstone from O. R. Tambo Airport in Joburg. We arranged the flight to arrive early in the day in order to have sufficient time at the falls and still be there just one night.
Our Visit with the Lions
The day after our Victoria Falls visit, we had a half day free before our return flight to Johannesburg. My daughter heard about “Walking with the lions” from friends. So, she encouraged us to see if it was feasible. Secretly, I hoped it would not be possible because it just sounded downright scary! Yet, early the next morning my husband was able to connect with the company that leads these walks. Oh, dear! There was room and time for the three of us to enjoy this adventure.
When we arrived for the walk, the three of us were the only ones scheduled. To our delight, we literally had a guided private family adventure. The lead handler explained that for the next two hours we would be walking with two wild lions—a brother and sister, 21 months old. He had a gun, but he gave each of us a long stick. He calmed our fears by stating that in hundreds of such walks there had never been an incident. The gun was simply to calm our concerns and fears.
Gorgeous African Lion 
Our Family with the Lions
The handler explained that we could touch and pet the lions but to always walk beside or behind. Since lions’ hides are eight times thicker than human skin, we were encouraged to stroke them with a VERY firm stroke. If they are stroked lightly like one would stroke a cat, it tickles and they will turn around and want to play. The stick was to put in their mouth if this happened.
You can see by the pictures and video that these were two large lions with enormous heads and paws. So, we were all very obedient to his instructions. And, as you can also see by the picture at the top of this blog our yoga instructor daughter captured a great advertising photo!
Take Your Own Walk with the Lions:
Altogether this Walk with the Lions was one of the most stimulating and wondrous experiences of my life. It was absolutely spectacular. There are several places in different African countries that offer this feature. Although it’s not possible to guarantee that you will have such an :out of body experience: as we did, I can guarantee that you will be delighted beyond measure. Try a Walk with the Lions; you’ll love it, and you will NEVER forget it! Book your adventure like this now!
Other African Posts on this Site:
Please visit the menu on the TravelswithKathySlamp home page. There are also post on this site about Lemurs in Madagascar, A Zambian Road Trip, and Victoria Falls. I hope you enjoy each of them.
