Chikoko Tree Camp: Our full report

The tiny Chikoko Tree Camp is one of Tafika's two satellite walking bushcamps – which are sometimes know as the Chikoko Trails Camps; the other is Crocodile Bushcamp (which is sometimes called Crocodile River Camp).

Chikoko Tree Camp overlooks the seasonal Chikoko River - a particularly beautiful, winding channel lined by shady ebony trees. Accommodation is in one of only three rustic, two-storey reed chalets – meaning that the camp has just six people when full. The upstairs bedroom has a canvas roof and a lovely view, while downstairs is a private flush toilet and shower.

Chikoko's activities focus purely on walking safaris: the camp is in an area with no roads at all – where no vehicles are currently allowed. This means that your luggage will be carried for you by porters to and from camp. (They'll walk separately; they won't be with you when you walk to camp.) You can easily walk between Tafika and Chikoko, or Chicoko and Crocodile, in a 3-4 hours walk; during the dry season the 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 Crocodile Bushcamp, as part of a longer walking safari which starts and perhaps ends at Tafika, and incorporates both Chikoko and Crocodile camps – the Scrub hare safari and the Giraffe safari are examples of this kind of trip.

Walking safaris from the camp normally last about 3-4 hours, and are fairly leisurely affairs with a mid morning break for tea. The terrain is fairly flat but occasionally uneven – so it's a good idea to bring sturdy shoes here. The focus is on seeing the area's great wildlife; these aren't designed as route marches or endurance tests – only a moderate amount of fitness is necessary!

Meals at Chikoko are relaxed affairs – though more frantic affairs for the kitchen team who produce the most impressive cuisine from the simplest of bush kitchens. Lunches and dinners are served, and the well-stocked bar is always open on a help-yourself basis. Everyone usually eats together, usually outside.

The top guides from Tafika are shared with Chikoko Tree Camp – guaranteeing the very high level of knowledge and experience that is the hallmark of this operation.

See the satellite map of the area around Chikoko for a view of this and its sister-camps. (Tafika is slightly to the south of Chikoko, and Crocodile to the north.)

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.

Geographics

Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

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 – although boat trips from Tafika will often come up the channel beside camp. To check if Chikoko has space on the dates for your safari, click on the 'camp availability' link on the right-side of this page.

Key personnel

Owner: Independent / Owner Run

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

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 Chikoko Tree Camp has a shady spot in thick riverine forest, overlooking a sand river – and some first-rate guides who know their birdlife. Keep an eye out for the beautiful woodland and brown-hooded kingfishers here.

See more ideas for Birdwatching in Zambia

Walking safaris: Chikoko Tree Camp is run by Remote Africa Safaris, one of the Luangwa's most experienced walking safari companies. The camp is dedicated to waling safaries; that's what it does. Camp-to-camp walking trails are the norm between Tafika, Chikoko and Crocodile River Camp – with your luggage carried separately for you.

See more ideas for Walking safaris in Zambia

Wildlife safaris: Chikoko's excellent guides lead walking safaris in a remote, walking-only area South Luangwa National Park. The big game around (and even in!) camp can be prolific; it's an excellent area for big-game safaris – and a terrific area for waling because some of the environment is very open, and the game is generally very relaxed.

See more ideas for Wildlife safaris in Zambia

Children

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.