Campers record close encounter with thirsty lionesses

Two campers in Botswana had only a layer of mesh separating them from a pair of lionesses licking moisture off the campers' tent.

The close encounter happened when husband and wife Danie and Fransie Lubbe, from South Africa, were camping in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park near the Botswana-South Africa border earlier this month. The couple said they were sleeping in their tent after a night of heavy rain when they heard a sound and realized that the animals were licking the water off the canvas.

In the video, the two lionesses can be seen just inches away from the campers' sun lotion and drinks on the other side of the tent wall. The couple said a third lion was nearby.

"We were actually more excited to have them so close than being scared in their presence," Fransie Lubbe told the Associated Press. "I think it was a very big privilege to be in their presence, so close to nature."

The Khiding campsite, where the Lubbes were staying, is known for lion visits like these, according to ABC News.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.