Crocodile River Camp

Another intimate and rustic bush camp in the Remote Africa portfolio

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Review

Similar to Chikoko Tree Camp, Crocodile Bush Camp is an intimate bush camp that is part of the Remote Africa portfolio. The camp is rebuilt each year from reed and thatch and is accessed only by foot, emphasizing the walking and ‘remote’ element of the camp.

Location

This camp is located in a grove of evergreen ebony trees and overlooks an open pan. This is the result of the Luangwa River changing course over the years. There are no roads to Crocodile Camp (except one which is used only for supplies and emergencies), so guests will all arrive by foot.

Layout

Crocodile Bush Camp is intimate, with only three reed and thatch chalets. The camp is cosy and small and the dining and activities are done on a shared basis. This creates a pleasant atmosphere in camp with chats around the campfire, safaris on foot and of course, exceptional guiding who have learned from John Coppinger – one of the Luangwa valley’s top walking safari guides.

Rooms

The rooms at Crocodile Camp are taken down each year at the end of October and are rebuilt again at the beginning of June. Because of the temporary nature, the rooms are made from natural reeds and thatch. That said, they are very comfortable, with flushing toilets and running water.

Activities

Crocodile Camp is part of the Chikoko walking trail, so activities are exclusive to walking only. The bush walks are done in the morning and afternoon – to avoid the midday sun and give guests time to relax and enjoy lunch. An experienced guide and an armed ranger will accompany you on the bush walks, and rather than intense hikes, they are gentle strolls through various landscapes with an attention to animals, flora and fauna.

Feedback

As I am sure you know, Crocodile Camp has been relocated to this site and ay the moment only has room for a max of 4 guests as the guide uses the third room while they build new accommodation for the guide. Rooms are huge with a just beautiful view to the lagoon in front. You could easily spend an afternoon on the decking area watching birds and animals come to drink and feed. I spent a few hours there watching a 500 strong herd of buffalo come to drink, a flock of pelicans feeding, dozens of yellow billed and maribou storks doing the same and there are always puku and impala feeding on the grasses. Just beautiful! I spent 1 night at Chikoko and 2 at Big Lagoon which was the right balance.

Just a word about the walking. The morning walk starts at 6.30 and you are back in camp around 10.30 to 11.00 so a good 4 hours. The afternoon walk starts at 4.00 and you are about 6.00 just as it’s getting dark. A lot of the walking is over quite uneven ground so you have to concentrate quite hard! You obviously have a ranger, a guide and a tea bearer so you are well looked after. There is always a 45 minute stop for tea or coffee mid morning. They take a maximum of 6 on the walks but I was only with one other person so I did get much more closer attention. I just loved being in the bush on foot! Such a different perspective.

- Gurth, August 2022

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