Scrub Hare Safari: Day-by-day

Unique, owner-run and with genuinely warm hospitality, Tafika combines great food and community connection with some of Zambia's best guiding. Tafika is rustic luxury at its best: think reed rooms, a gorgeous riverside setting, excellent cuisine and top-notch guiding.

Spread out on the banks of the Luangwa River, it's an unforgettable camp. Most clients are return guests and it’s easy to see why they come back time and time again. The relaxed, homely feel is hardly an accident – owners John and Carol Coppinger have lived here for over 20 years, even bringing up their daughters in the bush (they now work here too).

The rooms are fabulous: made of reeds and thatch, they’re rebuilt every year, with plenty of home comforts accompanying the rustic ambience – huge beds with colourful linen from local business Tribal Textiles, flushing loos and hot showers, fans for hotter evenings and solar lighting.

Meals are imaginative, varied and fresh with produce grown in their own veg garden, the pride and joy of guide Isaac Zulu.

"A wonderful experience.. Stunning accommodation.. Hospitality was superb.."

Mr D.fromBristol

Arrived 17 Oct 2022, 3 nights

Guiding by John, Isaac, Alex Phiri and Bryan Jackson is second to none – walk to their sister camp Chikoko Trails to get a real sense of the bush. And make time to visit Mkasanga Village, home to most of the staff, where Tafika has helped support education and healthcare. You’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome. See our full report on Tafika

On a remote, wildlife-rich walking trail, Chikoko is a brilliant little bush camp, simply but beautifully designed with great staff. Chikoko is just about as rustic as a bush camp could be with an imaginative, design and bags of character.

"From the raised terrace we could see animals approach the waterhole ..."

Mr & Mrs BfromAvon

Arrived 5 Oct 2022, 1 night

Most guests come here as part of a walking trail from sister camp Tafika, about a four hour walk away. On the banks of the Chikoko River (which is usually dry through the walking season) it’s far smaller and simpler than Tafika but still has the same relaxed atmosphere. Like its big sister, the rooms are made of reeds but are on two floors, with the bed upstairs and the shower, sink and toilet below. The main ‘building’ is simply a thatch shelter spread among the branches of a huge tree, with the ‘lounge’ a small sofa, chairs and brightly coloured cushions scattered around its roots. It has a fabulous ‘back-to-nature’ vibe, totally unspoilt and incredibly relaxing. But the best thing about this camp is chef Patson and the food he creates. He’s been here for some 20 years and he’ll shine with pride if you visit his kitchen – just an earth oven and an open fire, yet meals here are wholesome and delicious. The guiding and local knowledge is exceptional too, all contributing to one very cool safari experience. See our full report on Chikoko Tree Camp

A small, stylishly rustic bush camp, Big Lagoon Camp is reached only by foot and hidden away in a remote section of Zambia's South Luangwa National Park. Formerly known as Crocodile Bushcamp, in 2022 this tiny camp relocated less than a kilometer to the sought after and previously unavailable site of the historic Big Lagoon Camp. Now an almost disappeared crumbling ruin, the original Big Lagoon Camp was a favourite of intrepid safari explorers in the 50s and 60s who arrived after difficult and long journeys, loaded with their own supplies.

Expertly made of reed and thatch, and rebuilt every year after the rains, Big Lagoon Camp is a shaded haven for walkers. Whether sitting on your private veranda or on the camp’s wooden deck, jutting out over the lagoon, it’s a tranquil spot from which to listen to birdsong and watch wildlife drink and graze.

Just three rooms flank the small hub of the camp where you gather for meals and drinks, discussing the days adventures whilst enjoying tasty meals prepared in an outdoor bush kitchen. Historic photographs and a detailed map on the walls give a sense of your location and its history.

"The location of this camp is wonderful"

Ms S. from fromWestport,

Arrived 9 Oct 2022, 1 night

The mostly dry course of the Crocodile River, in which the lagoon is situated, is a scenic corridor to explore on walking forays led by an enthusiastic and fascinating guide and accompanied by a game scout. From herds of buffalo and towering giraffe to barking baboons and stealthy leopards, there’s much to see here. Discover it all on foot with lots to learn and wonder at in this natural classroom. See our full report on Big Lagoon Camp