Lion’s Paw Camp

The Gateway to the Caldera

The location of Lion’s Paw Camp is the most coveted on the crater rim. Perched at an elevation of 7,500 feet on the crest of Leala Hill, the camp commands views of the cradled Lake Magadi below.

The Dawn Advantage & Eastern Descent The eastern descent road is a mere 10-minute drive from the camp. This route is famously faster to navigate than the western roads, cutting travel time in half. While guests at other lodges are still navigating park gates, those at Lion’s Paw are already witnessing the morning hunt on the crater floor.

Exploring the Microcosm: Key Regions Near the Camp

• The Rumbe Hills: Located at the base of the eastern descent, these rolling, long-grass hills are the primary domain of the Crater’s massive buffalo herds and the elusive serval cat.
• The Central Plains: The heart of the caldera, home to notorious lion prides, hyena clans, and cheetahs.
• The Lerai Forest: A magical forest of yellow-fever acacia trees, sanctuary of the “Big Tuskers”—ancient bull elephants—and resident leopards.
• Lake Magadi: This shimmering soda lake is the central jewel of the Crater floor. It plays host to thousands of migratory flamingos that paint the shoreline pink, while the surrounding salt pans provide a dramatic backdrop for watching jackals and hyenas on the prowl.
• Gorigor Swamp: A massive, permanent wetland that serves as the “elephant graveyard” of the Crater. Here, ancient “Big Tusker” bulls spend their final years grazing on the soft swamp grasses. It is also one of the best spots to view hippos and large prides of lions lounging in the tall reeds.

Munge Stream & Northern Swamps: A vital water source attracting a staggering array of water birds, hippos, and the rare black rhino.

Luxury Cabins Under Canvas

To describe the accommodations at Lion’s Paw as mere “tents” would be misleading; they are, in fact, luxury cabins under canvas. Elevated above the ground on sturdy stilts, these fifteen safari suites and two expansive 2-bedroom family suites were built to minimize human interference with the pristine natural setting.

The Guest Experience:

• Lavish Interiors: Each room is a delightful blend of camp practicality and high-end detail, featuring generous four-poster beds (available in King or Twin configurations), a dedicated writing desk, and a cozy love seat for reflecting on the day’s adventure.
• Forest-Facing Verandas: Private verandas look out over a flat-topped acacia forest often shrouded in mountain mist. It is a secluded space where buffalo, baboons, and even elephants are frequently seen ambling through the thickets.
• Modern En-suite Comforts: Every suite is equipped with a full en-suite bathroom featuring running water, single washbasins, flushing toilets, a hairdryer, and a signature safari-style shower.
• The “Bliss” Rating: To combat the chilly 7,500-foot altitude, the camp provides thick premium duvets and hot water bottles tucked into the sheets, ensuring total sleeping comfort even on the coldest highland nights. 24-hour power outlets are provided in every room to ensure camera batteries are always ready for the next drive.

Dining Among the Clouds

Dining at Lion’s Paw is an elegant celebration of the senses. The main lodge tent is a sophisticated space featuring vaulted ceilings, warm wood tones, and glimmering chandeliers that cast a golden glow over the evening meal.

The evening begins at the sundowner fire pit. Because the camp sits on the Eastern Rim, it offers a front-row seat to a kaleidoscope of colors streaming across the western sky as the sun sets over the far rim. Dinner is a multi-course, family-style feast presented by the chef, focusing on fresh, gourmet ingredients. For those heading down at 6:00 AM, the kitchen specializes in gourmet “picnic breakfasts,” allowing you to dine on the Crater floor while the shafts of morning sunlight create dancing shadows against the emerald walls.

• Elite Tactical Access: Located inside the park gate for the fastest access to the Crater floor.
• Rumbe Hills Proximity: Direct access to the best buffalo and serval cat viewing in the caldera.
• First-to-Floor Advantage: Be among the first to witness the “Garden of Eden” at sunrise.
• Eco-Conscious Design: Walkways wind around ancient trees to preserve the pristine red-thorn acacia forest.
• Family Accommodations: Two-bedroom family suites with separate sitting and dining areas.
• Sunset Panoramas: Exceptional views of the sunset over the western crater wall from the two-tier deck.
• Inclusive Luxury: Three gourmet meals daily, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, and evening hot water bottles.
• Complimentary House Drinks: Enjoy the sunset with a selection of local beers and house wines and spirits included in your stay.