I went walking with lions in Africa this fall.

Wild has a question mark in the title because the lions lived on a preserve.

That meant that, while they were technically wild, they weren’t hunting for their dinners.

Still, they weren’t tame by any stretch–and I didn’t take the stick I carried in my hand for granted.

Indeed, I prayed the whole time.

Especially when other lions in the neighborhood began roaring.

The lions and the other wild animals we saw lived on Ukutula Lodge and Game Reserve.

Located about an hour’s drive northwest of Johannesburg, the preserve “homes” a variety of wild animals and many bird species.

We were there to see lions while on a ministry trip to South Africa.

I had no idea what to expect.

It seemed an impossible idea–walking with lions, by myself?

And yet . . .

As you would expect, when not strolling the countryside, they lived in a closely watched and controlled area.

This sign gave me pause.

But then, so did the fences.

Once our group of about 14 gathered, the keepers brought out the lions.

They’d been fed the night before, the lion keepers assured us, then explained about the sticks.

The lions had been trained since cubhood that they could not go past the stick held in front of humans.

I believed them. I wanted to believe them.

It was hard.

They began walking with lions down the dirt road, with the rest of us quietly walking behind.

We all planted our sticks appropriately.

We paused for a moment when the lions went on alert–were those impalas running through the bush?

I watched everyone stroll without any problems, so I began to relax.

Sort-of.

Soon, we came to a bend in the dirt road, with an open spot sporting a tree.

The guides stopped us.

The biggest lion climbed into the tree!

Eventually, the group turned back to the lion pen.

I was the final person walking with lions that day.

“Really,” I said, “I don’t have to.”

“No,” the guide said. “Everyone needs this experience.”

I took a deep breath.

I planted my stick firmly in the ground as the lions turned to look at me.

With a nod, we were off.

Long ago, I read Pat Conroy’s Prince of Tides, and felt overwhelmed reading a scene involving a lion.

It haunted me years later during a visit to the San Francisco Zoo.

Don’t think about fear, I warned myself.

I took another deep breath, determined to stroll–no matter what my heart or stomach felt like!

My heart beat like crazy, I reminded myself to relax and breathe.

At some point, several caged lions began growling.

I began praying. I hoped this wasn’t a Daniel moment . . .

It wasn’t.

Then my husband joined me. I took a death grip on my stick and on his arm.

We survived.

Of course not.

I also got to pet a cheetah. (Who was more mellow than our cat at home!)

The reserve features other big cats and a diverse array of animals.

We toured their conservation center and learned about their research efforts.

As we drove in, we saw water buffalo, zebra, a giraffe, and a splendid ostrich standing in a field.

It was a magical day that ended with a beautiful sunset.

I suspect my husband and I are the only people we know who have walked with lions.

What about you?

Would you risk it?

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