As Ghana's creative community celebrated one of its icons, a tragic event was unfolding in the wilderness of Namibia, highlighting the delicate balance between tourism and nature. On Friday, May 30, 59-year-old German businessman Bernd Kebbel was attacked and killed by a lone lioness while camping with family and friends near the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp.
According to Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, the incident occurred when Kebbel stepped out of his tent to use an outdoor bathroom in the early morning hours. Despite the prompt response from camp staff and wildlife officials, his injuries were fatal. The lioness was subsequently tracked and monitored closely over the following two days.
On Sunday, June 1, the ministry faced the tough choice to euthanize the lioness. Spokesperson Ndeshipanda Hamunyela stated that the animal had become accustomed to human presence, creating a continuous risk for both tourists and local communities. Although such decisions frequently spark public discussion, conservation experts typically concur that a predator that poses a threat to humans cannot be safely left in the wild.
Habituation, which refers to a wild animal's diminishing fear of humans, raises the chances of repeated encounters and potential danger. The Hoanib region, located in Namibia's remote Kunene area, is famous for its desert-adapted lions—an exceptional population that thrives in arid environments. These lions attract many safari tourists, playing a crucial role in boosting the country's economy. However, this incident highlights the inherent risks associated with wildlife tourism, particularly in unfenced or open areas.
Tourists are eager for intimate experiences with Africa's magnificent wildlife, but such encounters can be unpredictable. Nature is not a theme park; it cannot be controlled or scripted.
The authorities responded quickly after the incident, which was essential not only to prevent another potential tragedy but also to reassure both tourists and local communities that safety is a top priority.
The lion, part of Africa's Big Five wildlife attractions—alongside the leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—attracts visitors from around the globe, representing the raw power and stunning beauty of the continent's untamed wilderness.
As African nations broaden their ecotourism initiatives, they face the challenge of balancing conservation, community safety, and the tourist experience. Namibia has emerged as a leader in community-based natural resource management and is often regarded as a model for sustainable wildlife tourism. However, recent events demonstrate that even the most well-managed systems must continually adapt.
For the Kebbel family, this represents an unimaginable personal tragedy. For the Namibian wildlife tourism and conservation community, and indeed for the broader African context, it serves as a painful yet sobering reminder: every breathtaking moment on safari carries an unspoken agreement to respect the wild rather than romanticize it.
The author is a Ghanaian media executive, columnist, and tourism advocate, as well as the founder of Maestro Africa Group. He hosts the Africa Rising podcast and writes the Explore Africa column, which highlights trends, issues, and stories from the continent's dynamic travel, culture, and creative sectors.
