59-year-old German businessman fatally mauled by lioness in Namibia

Time of India

04-06-2025

What started as a peaceful safari holiday in one of Africa's most remote and untouched regions turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for a German couple. Bernd Kebbel, a 59-year-old businessman and philanthropist, was killed by a lioness while camping in northwestern Namibia– a region known for its desert wildlife and far from the usual tourist spots.
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The incident happened in the early hours of May 30, near the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, a destination popular with travellers looking for quiet, off-the-grid wildlife adventures. Kebbel was on the trip with his wife and a few close friends.
Lioness attacked as victim stepped out of tent
Local officials said Kebbel had stepped out of his tent early in the morning to use the toilet when the lioness attacked. The group was camping near the Hoanib River in Namibia's Sesfontein constituency, an area known to be home to wild, free-roaming lions.
Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, spokesperson for Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, confirmed, as quoted by Informante: 'The victim had stepped out of his tent to use the toilet on Friday morning, May 30, when he was attacked by the lioness.'
Despite quick efforts by others in the group to scare the lioness away, Kebbel suffered serious injuries and sadly died on the spot.
Police confirm investigation; full report awaited
Namibian police arrived at the campsite soon after the attack and launched an investigation.
While a full report is still awaited, early information indicates that the group had been camping in an area that wasn't fenced or regularly checked for wildlife activity.
A police spokesperson told CBS News that 'a full report will be submitted in due course.'
Lioness tracked and put down for public safety
Two days after the incident, on June 1, wildlife officials confirmed that the lioness responsible had been found and put down.
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Authorities said the move was necessary to prevent any further risk to both locals and tourists in the area.
Remembering Bernd Kebbel
Bernd Kebbel was well known in Germany's off-road automotive industry. He formerly ran the Offroad Centre, a company that focused on gear for 4x4 vehicles and adventure travel. His visit to Namibia was meant to be a personal getaway– one that sadly ended in an unimaginable tragedy.
Desert-adapted lions under spotlight
Northwestern Namibia is home to a rare and unique population of desert-adapted lions. Unlike the more common savannah lions, these lions have evolved to survive in harsh, dry conditions with very little water and often roam long distances in search of food. Their numbers remain low, with conservation estimates suggesting there are only about 60 adult lions and a few cubs left in the region.
Although these lions are usually shy and avoid humans, experts say that rising human activity, especially through camping in remote areas, can sometimes increase the chances of dangerous encounters.