CHIKOKO TRAILS – SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Chikoko Trails is made up of two tiny, rustic camps each with just 3 rooms in an exceptional location in the unspoilt and secluded South Luangwa National Park with one of the best opportunities of leopard and serval sightings.

Together with Tafika Camp, Chikoko Trails is owner run and managed and the safari camps, literally hand built, are a synthesis of local materials providing comfort with panoramic views. The camps are remote and only offer walking safaris and walking from camp to camp. The rooms are comfortable with proper beds swathed in mosquito netting and ensuite bathrooms with hot water. There is no electricity at either camps.

The Luangwa Valley is one of the most beautiful, untouched wildlife sanctuaries left in Africa and the wildlife viewing and birding is outstanding.

LOCATION

Chikoko Trails is located on the southern part of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Access to the Trails is via Mfuwe airport where you can either connect with a short charter flight to Lukisi or enjoy a 2 hour transfer to Tafika Camp. From there it is a 30 minute drive to the Luangwa River crossing point, a short river crossing in a canoe followed by a 10 minute walk to Chikoko Tree Camp. If staring at Crocodile River Camp it is a 40 minute walk.

CAMPS

The camps are rustic and very small with just 3 rooms each. They are simple structures made from thatch and pole, blending with the colours and aromas of the bush around you. Overlooking plains filled with game, there is always something to watch as you rest in camp during the midday heat.

CHIKOKO TREE CAMP

The design for Chikoko Tree Camp is very unique – the chalets are all on stilts raised approximately 3 meters above the ground to perfect the view during your afternoon siesta. As far as possible only local materials have been used in building the chalets, all carried in by hand to the site. The floors have been constructed from seasoned, dead mopane poles on top of which a traditional earthen floor is compacted rather than using precious hardwood planks.

You can enjoy views across Acacia Park from the comfort of your bed which is always teeming with game. Overhead reed awnings ensure good shade and protection from the occasional shower of rain. Each chalet has ensuite flush toilets, wash hand basins and showers.

CROCODILE RIVER CAMP

Crocodile River Camp overlooks a dry Ox Bow lake and is situated across the river from Tafika between Chikoko Tree Camp and Tafika – about 4 kilometres from Chikoko. As with Chikoko Tree Camp Crocodile River Camp only has 3 chalets all built from local materials with ensuite flush toilets, wash hand basins and showers.

Both camps have solar lighting, ensuite bathrooms with open air showers and running water supplied from overhead drums that are filled daily. Hot water is provided at any time for a shower. Do note that there is no electricity at either camp to charge appliances.

GIVING BACK

Remote Africa plays an active role in the Mkasanga School sponsoring teachers’ salaries as well as pupils’ tuition. The Tafika fund provided financial support to build an outpatient clinic in Mkasanga and plan to extend the facilities to include inpatient and maternity wings as soon as funding becomes available.

WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES

Chikoko Walking Trails operates within the South Luangwa National Park, slightly upstream from the base camp, Tafika, which is on the opposite bank of the Luangwa River. This wilderness area is of great natural beauty and teeming with big game and offers wonderful star gazing with no surrounding noise or lights.

There are no roads in the area – all game viewing is done on foot. The camps are remote and simple. Chikoko Walking Trails differ to other trails as both Chikoko Tree Camp and Crocodile River Camp are situated inside wilderness areas offering only walking to move from camp to camp with your luggage portered on ahead.

You will walk from camp to camp following the animal footpaths and will discover the inner workings of the African bush as the expert Remote African Safaris’ guides share their experience and wilderness knowledge. The route follows the well- worn elephant and hippo trails, not to mention the original footsteps of David Livingstone, through the Luangwa Valley.

Trails are limited to a maximum of 6 guests at a time, thereby ensuring a personalised and unique wilderness experience.

CHIKOKO TRAILS IS CLOSED FROM NOVEMBER THROUGH TO THE 14TH MAY EVERY YEAR

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 12 YEARS AND OLDER.