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Luangwa - Chikoko Camp

Chikoko Tree Camp is a walking camp slightly upstream of the main camp, Tafika. This simple camp is located deep in the heart of South Luangwa's northern region which teems with big game. It hosts up to eight guests in four chalets with en-suite facilities raised three metres above the ground within the tree canopy. This enhances the view of the Acacia grove in front of camp where a constant array of wildlife activity unfolds throughout the day. This is a 'walking only' camp, but all luggage and supplies are portaged into the camp which means that guests only need to carry their binoculars and cameras.

The walking trails follow a maze of animal footpaths between camps, accompanied by an expert guide, an armed National Park's scout and the tea bearer bringing up the rear. Bottled drinking water is also provided. The camp is a morning or afternoon's walk from Tafika and is in one of the best walking areas in the South Luangwa. With no roads in the area it is highly unlikely that other tourists will be sighted!

Chikoko Tree Camp, Luangwa Valley, Zambia

Chikoko Tree Camp, Luangwa Valley, Zambia

Chikoko Camp

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    South Luangwa is the jewel of Zambia's national parks. It lies in the north-eastern part of Zambia and comprises some 9,050 square kilometres of unspoilt African wilderness. Its eastern boundary is the meandering Luangwa River whose regular changes in course leave characteristic ox-bow lagoons which are one of the most scenic aspects of the park. Set amongst beautiful riverine vegetation of evergreen Mahogany and Ebony Trees, these lagoons and the 'grazing lawns' around them are a magnet to the outstanding wildlife of the park.

    You can expect to encounter numerous large animals here - Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Hippo, Lion, Nile Crocodile, Warthog, Puku, impala, Spotted Hyena, Greater Kudu and Eland are all common, and the Luangwa Valley probably has the world's highest, naturally occurring population of Leopard. Unique to the Luangwa are the Thornicroft's Giraffe, Cookson's Wildebeest and Crawshay's Zebra, which are found nowhere else. For the birdwatcher too, Luangwa could hardly be better with some 400 species of bird. The sun-scorched riverbanks play host to vast colonies of Carmine Bea-Eaters, which together with numerous raptors, lovebirds, weavers and kingfishers lend more than a splash of colour to this beautiful destination. Concentrations of game along the riverine area increase throughout the dry season and are at their maximum during September and October. Buffalo herds of over a thousand and large herds of Elephant are frequent sightings. Hippos collect in huge numbers, often several hundred strong, in the deep-water channels of the river, accompanied by unknown numbers of Nile Crocodile.

    The beautiful 'green season' begins with the first rains in early November. The occasional rain storm is unlikely to affect your safari activities and there are many advantages to visiting at this time. There is a glorious cleansing of the dust and haze that has built up during the intense heat of the dry season and a wonderful green flush adorns the previously parched earth. Flowering trees and plants come into bloom, and the young of most animals are born, including African Wild Dog puppies. The sky is full of migrant birds from Europe and central Asia, and the resident birds are in colourful breeding dress and of course full song. Not only is it a beautiful time to visit, but the lodges also offer attractive discounts.

    Safaris from all the camps and lodges are conducted both by open four-wheel drive vehicles and on foot (in the dry months of mid-May to early November), with armed scouts and fully qualified safari guides. Night drives with powerful spotlights are a highlight.