Lion Kills German Businessman During Safari at Luxury Camp in Remote Namibia

Bernd Kebbel, 59, was killed “almost instantly” on Friday morning as his wife Conny, 57, listened in horror from their tent

SESFONTEIN, NAMIBIA — A prominent German businessman and conservationist was killed by a lion in the early hours of the morning while camping with his wife and friends at a luxury lodge in northwestern Namibia. Authorities identified the victim as 59-year-old Bernd Kebbel, who was attacked near the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp in the remote Sesfontein area.

The incident occurred when Kebbel stepped out of his tent to use the toilet. The lion attacked him almost instantly, and other campers managed to scare the animal away, but Kebbel had already succumbed to his injuries. According to investigators, there was little he could have done to survive the attack, as the lioness was likely in her prime. Authorities are currently investigating the scene and preparing a full report.

Kebbel and his wife, Conny, 57, were sleeping in a tent set up above a 4x4 safari vehicle when the fatal attack happened. Conny reportedly heard the incident unfold from inside the tent. The couple had been enjoying an overnight safari trip with friends in Namibia's remote Kunene region, an area known for its population of desert-adapted lions.

A local lion expert noted that only about 60 desert lions remain in the region, with around a dozen believed to inhabit the area near Hoanib Camp. A lioness locally known as Charlie is suspected of being responsible for the mauling. Officials said the animal will likely be tracked and killed to prevent further attacks.

A lion is pictured at the Hoanib River drainage in northern Namibia, Feb. 8, 2023

Kebbel, a respected figure in Namibia’s outdoor and conservation community, was the founder of Off-Road-Centre in Windhoek, a business specializing in 4x4 safari vehicles and equipment. He was widely known for his philanthropic work and support for wildlife conservation, particularly efforts to protect the desert-adapted lion population. In recognition of his contributions, a male lion had once been named after him, though that lion was later put down after becoming a "problem animal" due to repeated attacks on local wildlife.

Kebbel is survived by his adult children, Dieter and Heidi, both in their late twenties, who are reportedly returning to Windhoek to support their mother in the wake of the tragedy.

This marks at least the second fatal lion attack in Africa in less than six weeks. In April, a 14-year-old girl was killed by a lion on a ranch south of Nairobi National Park in Kenya. The incident in Namibia comes amid growing concerns over human-wildlife conflict in drought-stricken areas, where declining prey numbers have led to increased predator encounters.

In 2023, desert lion populations in Namibia were estimated at around 60 adults and more than a dozen cubs. However, the prolonged drought has led to a drop in prey availability, prompting Namibia to authorize the culling of hundreds of animals, including elephants, as part of efforts to feed struggling communities.