Reviews of Chikoko Tree Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
127 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

46% success

4% success

22% success

97% success

93% success

78% success

77% success

73% success

21% success

18% success

14% success

11% success

4% success

4% success

0% success
"Chikoko Tree Camp review"
The two-storey chalet is made of reed walls. The room is on the second level overlooking the dry Chikoko river . We had a good view over the grassland and saw many impalas, bushbucks, pukus and baboons . It really feels like sleeping in the trees. The bathroom downstairs is comfortable and there is even a hot shower!
Go check the kitchen: the food is varied and excellent and made over an open fire and an earth oven.
But you go to Chikoko for the walking experience and it was fabulous. Mukupa the guide and manager, Crispin the spotter and wildlife police, and Juston the tea bearer ( and fire maker) , took excellent care of us . We always felt safe. This is not a nature stroll around termite mounds and looking at some animal tracks or spoor. We not only ran into the usual antelopes, but also came across elephants and hippos. We didn't avoid them , we looked at them from a safe distance. It is totally different from a game drive , it is a real bush experience ." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia

Elephant
3 sightings

Hippo
4 sightings
"Chikoko Tree Camp review"

Eland
1 sighting

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Wildebeest
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Rough terrain for walking when we were there"
"Chikoko Tree Camp review"
Despite having only minimal facilities the chef provided delicious meals and sweet treats for our walks and we were very well looked after throughout.
We walked here with the scout, guide and our ‘tea bearer’ and as we were the only guests had them and the place to ourselves.
Our walk was excellently paced allowing the opportunity to look at many different things from animals to plants, prints and evidence markings and a plethora of dung from which we learnt so much.
The highlight has to be the discovery of lions on our first walk and the subsequent mock charge from one lioness which certainly got my heart pumping a little faster, but I never felt anything but safe." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia

Buffalo
2 sightings

Elephant
3 sightings

Giraffe
2 sightings

Hippo
1 sighting

Lion
1 sighting

Spotted Hyena
2 sightings

Zebra
3 sightings
"Chikoko Tree Camp experience"

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Hippo
1 sighting

Lion
2 sightings
"Chikoko Tree Camp review"
The bird life was particuarly interesting including a voracious fishing party. Lots of cranes, storks and herons" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Chikoko Tree Camp review"

Elephant
3 sightings

Hippo
2 sightings

Zebra
2 sightings
"A perfect hideaway"
Chikoko was a perfect, rustic hideaway, with excellent food and staff." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 2n in Zimbabwe

Elephant
1 sighting

Hippo
1 sighting
"Chikoko Tree Camp review"
The canoe crossing, and walk to camp were wonderful, and immersive. Seeing lions on foot is something I will never, ever forget. At all times, I felt safe, and looked after. But also, I felt "in the bush for real". This is no light-hearted stroll, and especially in the October heat. Uneven ground, long distances between shaded stops. 44 degree c temps. But SO rewarding! I loved every sweaty moment.
The "hut"/"chalet" itself is very spacious. Ensuite, shower, loo, dressing area all on ground level, with a staircase leading you up to the bed/sleeping area. Beautiful colourful robes were supplied (I wished they were at all the camps), I suspect, because the staircase going up to bed was completely visually open. Again, the mosquito nets were fabulous, with no rips, and with a deep overlap. Again, new re-chargeable fans helped with the October heat. No charging points in the rooms themselves..... you had to charge phones and camera batteries in the main area - and not leave them overnight. Hyenas quite like anything left out.
Food here, is of exceptional quality, even given the remote location. I struggle on safari, and especially if I am the only one in camp, as I don't eat dessert on a regular basis at home, and my gosh, staff go so far out of their way to bake cakes, and make elaborate meals. One feels very spoilt and the choices are amazing.
This camp deserved a stay of more than one night. On return, I will book a 2-night, combined with 3 at the Big Lagoon location. It is a "niche" camp, in that, it may not be for everyone. Sightings are further away, than in a vehicle. You have to work to get close. Have to commit to being up and out early. But certainly, for me, the immersive experience, and expert guiding put it right up there in terms of "perfect for me"." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia

Elephant
3 sightings

Giraffe
4 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Lion
1 sighting

Zebra
4 sightings
"Chikoko Tree Camp review"
Holiday styles & special interests in Zambia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zambia.
Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.