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.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Safari
No. of bedrooms: 3 chalets
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 – 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.
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 of our suggestions of the best places for birdwatching in Zambia
Walking: 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 of our suggestions of the best places for walking in Zambia
Wildlife: 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 of our suggestions of the best places for wildlife in Zambia
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.
A room with a view, and what a view.
Great walking and we managed to find something new and exciting on each Safari.
While obviously more remote than Tafika the service, food and the camp were just as good.
Could the holiday get be...
first walking safari
We were greatly priviledged to be the sole occupants for 2 days here and 2 at Crocodile under the guidance of Isaac Zulu. We ate with him, walked with him and chatted /questioned him all the time. He ...
Read in more depth...
Click on the links below to read sections from the Bradt guidebook which are related to Chikoko Tree Camp.
Chikoko Trails Put Chikoko into context – read more about it in the Bradt travel guide to Zambia.
Useful links...
We want you to understand more about Chikoko Tree Camp. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Chikoko Trails