Sydney travel agent Kylie McDougall (TravelManagers) proves you can walk with lions in the wild in Africa and even pat them. Her ‘lion walk’ was a highlight of her recent trip. Read below to see what she had to say about it.

Kylie pats a lion. Soon it will be too big and "boisterous" to attempt such an action.

I went to Zimbabwe and Botswana because: I was invited on a fam trip with African Wildlife Safaris and South African Airways.

Don’t miss: A cruise on the Chobe river aboard the new Zambezi Queen riverboat. It’s total luxury with friendly crew and just 18 cabins. And you can get ashore for games drives in the incredible Chobe National Park. Prices from $958 a person twin share for a two-night cruise, including transfers, accommodation, meals and Chobe park fees.

I’d also highly recommend a stay at The Hide in Hwange National Park. It’s a tented safari camp and a haven for wildlife in one of Africa’s top game parks.

My favourite meal: You have to experience a local ‘Boma’ dinner - an open-air fireside gathering with a buffet style selection of meats, including game such as Impala, Kudu, Buffalo and Crocodile.

There’s music and dancing and at the end of the night a star-gazing show, with staff identifying all sorts of stars and night-sky patterns. It’s amazing what you can see at night in darkest Africa.

Best shopping experience: Africa isn’t a place to go shopping. You may pick up a few souvenirs from the local villages, but these are more memorabilia than quality possessions or gifts. Many villagers will hand-make small woven baskets or beaded jewellery.

Most people in the group I travelled with bought at airport shops.

Coolest souvenir: Certainly the best-treasured souvenirs I took from Africa are the amazing photographs of people, scenery and wildlife.

Worth a splurge: It’s got to be the Lion Walk, which is on sale at most lodges.

For about $US100, you get to visit a lion-breeding area. It’s a conservation project aimed at increasing lion populations in Zimbabwe and Zambia national parks.

The animals are free to roam and you can walk with them and actually touch them. At this stage they’re only about eight months old. After that they become too boisterous for this sort of contact.

I wish I’d packed: A hat, sunscreen lotion and high-potency insect repellant.

Also, you’ll need long pants and a good pair of sneakers for early-morning walks through the high grass and bushland, plus a warm jumper if you visit Hwange National Park. The days are sweltering, but nights can get very chilly. Don’t forget a camera, and a spare battery wouldn’t go astray.

I’d also warn my clients: To arrive with US dollars. While Zimbabwe currently has no worthwhile currency of its own, locals are happy to take USD, UK pounds, euro and South African rand. USD is easiest to use.

Beware of locals trying to sell you old Zimbabwe currency. They will give you notes that say ‘Ten Trillion Dollars’ but are worth nothing. They won’t buy you a slice of bread.

Looking back: Africa isn’t a place for backpackers travelling on their own. While every local I met and saw in the streets was very friendly, you really need a guide or local operator looking after your interests. And it pays to plan ahead.

Kylie with a group of villagers in Zimbabwe.

Overall, I was overwhelmed - to say the least. It was an experience and an adventure which I’ll remember for life.

Taking in the stunning sunsets over the open plains with elephants and other game in view is an incredible feeling. I’ll be back for more.

IF YOU'D like to know more about Kylie's trip you can email her on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it