Charlie the Lioness…

(images are only for illustrative purposes)

Last week, on 30th May 2025, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, Bernd Kebbel (59), was killed by a lioness during a safari excursion in Namibia. It is alleged that Kebbel climbed off his rooftop tent in the early morning and was attacked by a lioness. Other campers managed to scare off the lion – but Kebbel had already succumbed to his injuries. He was camping with his wife, Conny, and a group of family and friends in the Hoanib River, 4 km from Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp in the area of Sesfontein, at time of the incident. Bernd Kebbel was a wealthy philanthropist, known for his significant donations in support of Namibian lions and wildlife conservation efforts. It is ironic that this well-known nature lover, who specifically funded the Desert Lion Project, supported the protection of the very lions that ultimately took his life. We convey our sincere condolences to his friends and family. The lioness, known as “Charlie”, has been euthanised. Whilst sad, it is the right thing to do – once a lion has killed a human, there is a high risk that they will do so again.

You may ask why we are highlighting this? Well, it’s all about safety – of you, our readers. Much will be said about this incident in the press and on social media in the weeks to come. Everyone will have an opinion – many of which will be at the expense of the facts. When I saw the various articles, I thought it a timely reminder that when we enter the wilderness, there is always some element of risk – and perhaps it is a suitable time for a quick article on being safe in the bush. 

In the info block there is an interesting FB post by Desert Lion Conservation, which was subsequently shared as a Namibian Chamber of Environment’s post, referring to issues in late 2022 at Torra Bay  – which is about 130km as the crow flies from this latest incident. As lions can comfortably walk this distance in a few days, this qualifies as the same area. Many of the points raised therein are still valid.  

But let’s explore some realities of general safari life. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it is a good start. The most useful skill is common sense which, when combined with a little knowledge of the bush, helps to make you safe…

Even before you leave home, ascertain whether you are going to a malaria area, and if so, get your doctor to prescribe an appropriate prophylaxis for you. Or any other vaccinations that you need. There is a fantastic resource in this regard – The Travel Doctor. Details in the info box. This is often overlooked, and Malaria can be really dangerous. Malaria kills approximately 569,000 people in Africa annually. Bayticol is a spray made specifically for keeping ticks away from you (use it like you would use Peaceful Sleep or Tabard for mozzies). Tick bite fever can be really unpleasant… It is easily obtainable at Dischem and a couple of other outlets.

If you are with a guide (remember it is your responsibility to make sure that you use a good guide), the first rule is “always do what they say”. They have experience and, furthermore, they know the individual animals in that area. 

If you’re on a self-drive, as far as possible stay in or near your vehicles – they will provide safe haven should it be required. Keep them parked close by when cooking / relaxing around the camp. One sees so many videos of wild elephants strolling through a camp, with campers just sitting there – not a care in the world. If you are surprised by an elephant, then yes – keep still and let it wander through. But other than that, you really should move out of range – ideally into a car. You have no idea what that elephant has experienced, in general or even on that particular day. It really isn’t worth the risk – and ultimately the elephant will lose its life when there is an incident. 

On the same note, never take oranges with you or have them anywhere an elephant can smell them. Elephants have turned cars over to get at oranges. In the info block, there is a great account of an elephant attack, combined with the video and text explaining the thinking behind the actions taken. They did all the right things, and read the signs correctly, but could not have known that the elephants with babies were already stressed by helicopter activity in the days leading up to the incident. When I used to guide, we always used to say: “the animals don’t read the textbooks!”. Always err on the side of safety where possible.

Don’t feed the animals. You create scavengers which creates a hazardous situation for the people who follow you. Even a warthog can be exceptionally dangerous. Have you seen the size of some of their tusks? Ditto vervet monkeys and baboons. They all pose a special danger to those most vulnerable – the children. By feeding them, you create an expectation. When the next person comes along, and chooses not to feed them, they will react badly. At one stage, I saw signs in parks “You feed ‘em, we shoot ‘em”. And that is what eventually happens – no park will tolerate an animal that is a threat to guests. In the final assessment, you are signing their death warrant by feeding them. By extension, obviously it is always inappropriate to touch a wild animal. ANY habituation is ultimately dangerous.

Be aware of the way animals are responding to you, and never deliberately invade their space to the extent that they are uncomfortable. It’s unfair and can provoke really dangerous behaviour in animals like elephants. Always have an escape route too.

Never go swimming in unfamiliar waters – the risk of hippopotamus or crocodiles in that area should aways be assumed unless you are absolutely sure that they are not in that particular body of water. Hippos are estimated to kill around 500 people annually in Africa, which makes them one of the deadliest large land mammals. Be especially cautious when walking along what they call “hippo paths” – getting between a hippo and the water is never a good idea.

With all animals, first rule is to listen to your guide. But also know that running is the worst thing you can do around cats – it is a classic prey response and elicits a typical predator response (chase and take down). If they weren’t interested in you before, you are guaranteeing that they will be interested in you if you run. Also, remember that lion during the day and lion at night are almost two different animals. Lions at night are, in my opinion, a far more dangerous animal!

Be super-aware when walking in the wild. Should you, for example, walk into a wall of flies, know that there is something large in the area (flies don’t usually congregate around a tortoise 😉). If you hear the alarm call of oxpeckers, same applies. If you smell carrion, be cautious as the predators may still be close-by. If the bush suddenly goes quiet, be extra vigilant. Keep your eyes peeled for fresh spoor – which could warn you of dangerous game ahead of time. When there is a log in the path, step onto it first. Stepping over it without looking could land you in trouble with the likes of puffadders – who love to sun themselves in such a situation.

Never keep food in your tent – it will encourage animals to enter (either through a door/window -or simply through the canvas!). Rather leave your left-over braai chops safely tucked away in the car! If you hear animals outside, do not under any circumstances exit your tent. You are safer inside. An elephant will never “accidently” stand on a tent (the are very aware of their surroundings) – they have, however, been known to deliberately stand on a human. Never sleep with your tent open (animals will come in) and block any holes there may be to prevent snakes, scorpions, mice etc. entering (duct tape is so very useful on safari).

Ideally, use the bathroom before retiring. Otherwise, if you really HAVE to go, call a ranger if you’re in an unfenced safari camp with no ablutions within the tent – or explore the myriad of devices currently available to use in your tent. It really is one of the most dangerous things you can do – exit your tent and then squat down and make yourself even smaller (in fact, perfect prey size). The only thing worse that you could do, would be to go alone!

The final word of caution – don’t become complacent. We all do it. But just because you’ve gotten away with something repeatedly, it doesn’t mean your lucky streak will continue. I have to consistently remind myself of this – it’s so easy to do. And when your luck does run out, the results are unimaginable – a resulting incomprehensible level of horror.

The wild African bush is a phenomenal place. A space on earth that allows you to once again be grounded and feel the peace that is nature. As long as you take the proper precautions, you should be fine. Go out and enjoy everything our phenomenal continent has to offer….

Jacqui Ikin & The Cross Country Team

INFO BLOCK:

Mitigating potential conflict between coastal lions and anglers during the 2022 Torra Bay holiday period:
https://www.facebook.com/namchamberofenvironment/posts/pfbid0fVcN71HhQs8zHzoeqf96WxPDg5SXLZ1Nyda3LueariNQqQYQdi8hTkqdh9Dm21yYl

The Travel Doctor:
https://traveldoctor.co.za

The full story behind the elephant that charged a vehicle in the Kruger Park:
https://blog.sunsafaris.com/2013/09/the-full-story-behind-the-elephant-that-charged-a-vehicle-in-the-kruger-park/