A 59-year-old tourist was killed by a lion at a luxury tented lodge in the remote northwestern region of Namibia, police confirmed on Saturday.
The deadly incident took place in the early morning hours while the man was camping with a group of other tourists. According to Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, spokesperson for Namibia’s environment ministry, the victim had exited his tent to use the toilet when the lion suddenly attacked.
“The lion struck as soon as the man stepped out,” Hamunyela stated. “By the time fellow campers managed to scare the animal away, the man had already succumbed to his injuries.”
Namibian Police spokesperson Elifas Kuwinga reported that officers had arrived at the scene and initiated a formal investigation. “A detailed report will be prepared and submitted soon,” Kuwinga added.
The attack occurred in a region inhabited by desert-adapted lions, a unique population known for surviving in Namibia’s dry and mountainous terrain. In 2023, the population was estimated at around sixty adult lions and more than a dozen cubs.
However, their numbers have been declining in recent months due to a lack of prey caused by prolonged drought, coupled with increasing conflict between local communities and wildlife.
