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

Ledenorth Carolina 1
Ledenorth Carolina 1

North Carolina to Hold First Elk Hunt in Decades

On July 7, North Carolina’s governor signed legislation authorizing two elk hunting permits to be issued in 2027—the first since the animal was reintroduced 25 years ago. Elk vanished from The Tarheel State nearly 200 years ago, but today biologists estimate the state is home to roughly 250.

4 Tasks All Hunters Should Complete Now for the Upcoming Season

Each year, hunters know when opening day is, but few of us are truly ready for it. This year that changes. Here is your guide!

New for 2026: Federal Fit Firearms Covers

Federal Ammunition is shipping two series of firearm covers, the Federal Fit Coil Rifle Cover and Federal Fit Quick Strike Muzzle/Scope Cover. Each is available in medium, large, and extra-large.

Anti-Hunting Oregon Voter Petition Fails To Make Ballot

The proposed petition in Oregon that would ban all hunting and fishing, as well as ranching and more, failed both its signature checks to get on the November ballot, according to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office.

Hardware Review: Hornady 338 ARC

Looking for a cartridge that's easy to suppress, but still hits hard? Check out the 338 ARC, from Hornady. Jeff Johnston gives a thorough review of the cartridge here.

New for 2026: Steelhead Outdoors Stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker

Steelhead Outdoors engineered a stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker similar to storage systems used by law-enforcement agencies.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.