Reviews of Chikoko Tree Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
119 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Chikoko Tree Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Chikoko Tree Camp review"
"Chikoko Tree Camp review"
Walking in the bush is very different to jeep drives, you will see fewer animals because they are more wary of people on foot, but it is really exciting to walk amongst them. Seeing a lion watching you with nothing between except blades of grass really grabs your attention.
We judged the location to be "good" with the river completely dry, but it would have been "excellent" when there is water by the camp. The food was every bit as good as at Tafika - how they do this at such a remote location is amazing. We saw a cake baking in the oven - a hole in the ground - which when we ate it was light and delicious.
The rooms here are on two levels, with the bedroom above and facilities below. The stairs are a bit rustic in nature, and need care at night. We didn't find any problem with this however. The bedroom upstairs has only three walls, being completely open at the front. It is completely private, though, and overlooks the river (dry when we were there).
Same high standards of service as at the main camp, with not many compromises to its remote location. Enjoyed it immensely." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 4n in Malawi
"Ian and Michelle - Chikoko Tree Camp Review"
The park ranger was very capable both at tracking & spotting game and also at protecting the animals by ensuring we did not put them into a bad situation.
The Tree Camp facilities were great. We liked the idea of a second story bedroom with NO WALL so we had a commanding view of the plain in front of the camp and could watch the Impala, Puku, Kudu, Elan, Warthogs, Elephants, Zebras, Monkeys, baboons, and all the birds.
One of the impressive aspects was the food. There was a small kitchen hidden behind a grass wall. We asked to see the chef after a midday meal and we were amazed to see what great food was being prepared from very rudimentary facilities, based upon open fires." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 6n in Zimbabwe
"Chikoko Tree Camp review"
Always had things to tell you of interest never tired and work with smiles on their faces
I learnt so much and nothing seemed too much trouble" See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia
"I won't forget Chikoko!"
The guide was fantastic; he was very informative and went out of his way to guide us to see as much as possible. He interacted very well with us all and we felt very confident on the walking safaris.
All the staff were very friendly, attentive and professional. Nothing was too much trouble and the food and accommodation were exceptional. It was a truly amazing place to be and an experience I'll never forget." See all these reviews: 4n in Zambia
"Chikoko Tree Camp review"
We were lucky with the other guests on the second night, who were amusing and lively company. I suppose with such an intimate set-up, we could have picked the short straw and found ourselves stuck in the Bush with people we couldn't stick, which could have been a bit of a downer (for them too as four women of a certain age isn't everyone's cup of tea) but that fate was avoided, particularly on the second night.
The staff are charming and most attentive and the food is fabulous. Bravo Patson. Alex Phiri is a charming and interesting host and most knowledgeable guide too and we loved being reunited with the irrepressible Brighton, owner of Africa's most engaging laugh for sure.
One small point is worth making. On our first day's walk there was a logistical challenge as two guests from Chikoko had to be swopped with two from Crocodile Camp, not a simple thing to sychronise in the Zambian Bush. However, the four and a half hour walk in blistering heat was too long for most of us. Two of our group is over 70 and I am the youngest at almost 60. I realise that as part of a larger group, it's not possible to hive off when the going gets too much but the walk was an endurance test for us, given the very high temperature.
Alex was able to show us some fascinating things, we would never have picked up elsewhere but we found the tests a bit of a challenge - or maybe it was just that the heat got to us." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"roan antelope at last"
The roan we had missed on 3 previous visits - they are magnificent animals with fine ears and horns appearing like a star on their high head. Isaac patiently retaught us the flora and fauna, and his stories are a joy." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Chikoko tree camp"
I gathered from reading the visitors book that one, there wasn't even roofs above the bed, which sounds like a great idea for stargazing at night.
The game viewing was excellent here, too, and the food retained the high quality experienced at Tafika." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Chikoko Tree Camp review"
"Chikoko Tree Camp review"
We had been impressed by the standard of cooking at Tafika but were bowled over by what the chef produced at Chikoko e.g bread and cake from the same wood fired oven...
We loved the open wall on the bedroom.
I felt that there was no need for the shower to have a higher wall to protect the ladies' modesty - who's looking??" See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia
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