Watch: Campers Wake Up to Lions Licking Tent

by
posted on May 24, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

When you go camping, you're putting yourself smack dab in the middle of nature. When you go camping in Africa, that nature is often full of some of the world's largest, most dangerous critters. A few sightseers in Africa's Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (which sits on the border of South Africa and Botswana, for the record) recently had the wake-up call of a lifetime, courtesy of a couple of the aforementioned critters.

A video originally posted to Facebook by a "Francie Francisca Lubbe‎" shows two lions licking water off the side of a tent in the park—which very much has at least one person inside, obviously, given the perspective of the video. Props to the camera operator for remaining relatively cool and collected while just inches away from a pair of nature's most dangerous predators. I know camping gear is high-tech nowadays, but those cats could cut through that tent faster than I could a candy bar wrapper if the mood struck.

In this case, there was no further incident with the big cats. They had their morning drink and moved on. Hey, I like some water when I first wake, too. Still, it doesn't get much more "up close and personal" than this one. Check out the video for yourself—it's embedded above. You can also click here.

Latest

W H2026 05 Hardwarew3810 TAH 2754Lead
W H2026 05 Hardwarew3810 TAH 2754Lead

Hardware Review: Springfield Model 2020 Boundary

Looking for an accurate bolt action that can tackle just about any sort of terrain? Look no further than the Model 2020 Boundary, from Springfield. Check out David Herman's Hardware Review of the gun here.

New for 2026: MDT HNT Fixed Buttstock and LSS Gen3 Hunting Forend

MDT has released two carbon-fiber components for hunters running XTN-interface chassis systems: the HNT Fixed Buttstock and the LSS GEN3 Hunting Forend.

Gear Roundup: Tech Savvy Hunting

Looking for the latest in high-tech shooting and hunting gear? Look no further, for some of the most cutting-edge equipment sure to make your next range or field session a breeze.

Updated for 2026: Taurus Judge

It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since Taurus launched its now legendary Judge revolver, which quickly became ubiquitous at hunting camps nationwide. Now, two decades later, the legend returns with upgraded looks and updated features.

#SundayGunday: TNW Firearms ASR LTE

Welcome back, to #SundayGunday. This week, we’re checking out a 9mm, which is not something we do very often is this series, focused as it is on hunters and hunting guns. The TNW Firearms Aero Survival Rifle LTE, however, is not your standard 9mm. While it may not quite be a bonafide hunting rifle, this is a gun designed specifically for those who spend their lives deep in the great outdoors.

Oregon Petition to Ban All Hunting Moves Forward

Animal-rights activists in Oregon have surpassed the required 117,000 signatures needed to qualify for the November ballot by submitting more than 126,000 signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office in support of Initiative Petition 28 (the PEACE Act), which would ban all hunting and fishing in the state—not to mention ranching and so much more.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.