Read 5 traveller reviews of Crocodile Bushcamp

The tiny Crocodile Bushcamp – sometimes also known as Crocodile River Camp – is one of Tafika's two satellite walking bushcamps, the other being Chikoko Tree Camp; together they combine to make up the Chikoko Trails Camps.

Crocodile Bushcamp stands underneath a tall grove of evergreen ebony trees, overlooking a large open pan (a 'dambo', as they're called locally) which was once the course of the river. This is a big open area with a depression which often contains water during the early part of the dry season – and always has green plants and nutritious grazing.

Accommodation at Crocodile is one of only three rustic, reed chalets – so this tiny Bushcamp has just six people when full. All are set on a slightly-raised side of the dambo, where the ancient river-bank used to be – and the thatched chalet has a large open window for a good view. Attached is the private bathroom, with a wash basin, flush toilet and (hot!) shower.

Activities at Crocodile Bushcamp concentrate on walking safaris: the camp is in an area with no roads at all – so no vehicles are allowed here. This means that any luggage will be carried by porters to and from camp for you. (They always walk separately; they won't be with you on any walking safaris.) You can easily walk between Tafika and Crocodile, or Crocodile and Chikoko, in about 3-4 hours walk; during the dry season the Luangwa River is either shallow enough to walk across, or you'll be ferried in a small boat!

Most guests will arrive here from either Tafika Camp or Chikoko Tree camp, as part of a longer walking safari which starts and perhaps ends at Tafika, and incorporates both Chikoko and Crocodile camps – the Giraffe safari and the Scrub hare safari are examples of this kind of trip.

Walking safaris from Crocodile Bushcamp normally last about 3-4 hours, and are fairly relaxed affairs, including a mid-morning (or mid-afternoon) break for tea. The terrain is broadly level but often uneven underfoot – so sturdy shoes are a good idea. The emphasis is on observing the area's excellent wildlife; these walking safaris aren't endurance tests or route marches – so a moderate level of fitness is fine!

Meals at Crocodile Bushcamp are very relaxed – though there is a small kitchen team who produce the excellent cuisine from a very simple of bush kitchens. Lunches and dinners are served, and the well-stocked bar is 'help-yourself'. Everyone eats together, on a table laid with linen, glassware and crockery – usually out in the open.

The top guides from Tafika are shared with Crocodile Bushcamp – guaranteeing the excellent wildlife knowledge and experience that is the hallmark of this operation.

See the satellite map of the area around Crocodile for a view of this and its sister-camps. Alternatively, if you want to venture further, then Tafika and its bushcamps combine well with their more distant sister-camp, Mwaleshi Bushcamp, in North Luangwa National Park.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

Season: 1 June to 31 October

Ideal length of stay: In the dry season, it's perhaps most popular to start a safari in the South Luangwa at Tafika for 2-4 nights, and then head to the bushcamps – Crocodile Bushcamp and Chikoko Tree Camp for a few nights each. Often trips will then return to Tafika for a night or two at the end – although some will finish with a visit to Mwaleshi in North Luangwa. However, during the green season, Chikoko is closed. To check if Crocodile Bushcamp has space on the dates for your safari, click on the 'camp availability' link on the right-side of this page.

Geographics

Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Independent / Owner Run

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: No

Drinks included: Yes - soft drinks, house wine and local spirits are included in the rates. Note that fine wines, champagne and imported spirits and liqueurs, are charged as extras.

Special interests

Birdwatching: Bird-watching in the Luangwa Valley's is excellent and Crocodile Bushcamp has a great spot overlooking a verdant dambo – with first-rate guides who know their birdlife. Simply sitting at the dining table and looking out, you'll find a constant flow of birds in the trees around. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for Birdwatching

Walking: Crocodile Bushcamp is run by Remote Africa Safaris, one of the Luangwa's most experienced walking safari companies. The camp is dedicated to walking safaris; that is its sole focus. Camp-to-camp walking trails are the norm between Tafika, Crocodile and Chikoko Tree Camp – with your luggage carried separately for you. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for Walking

Wildlife: Crocodile Bushcamp's excellent guides lead walking safaris in a remote, walking-only area South Luangwa National Park. The big game in this area, and even in this camp, can be prolific; it's an excellent area for big-game safaris – and a terrific area for waling because the environment around camp is often open, and the game is generally very relaxed. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for Wildlife

Children

Age restrictions: Walking safaris in big game areas like this are not usually suitable for chilren under the age of 12.

Generally recommended for children: No.

Central communications

Power supply: None

Communications: No TVs or radios – this is the bush, although in emergency the camp has swift communications with Tafika – which has excellent communication facilities.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: A complementary laundry service is included.

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