Only accessible by foot, Chikoko is a walking safari paradise
Location
Chikoko Tree Camp is one of those rare places that feels truly off the map. Tucked away in a remote corner of South Luangwa National Park, beneath a canopy of ebony and sausage trees along a seasonal riverbed, this peaceful hideaway offers a real sense of wilderness and solitude. The camp is only accessible on foot, after a short canoe crossing.
Rooms
With just three raised chalets built entirely from natural reed and canvas, Chikoko is wonderfully intimate. Each room is set on stilts, with a shaded bedroom upstairs and a private open-air bathroom below. You’ll shower beneath the stars, gaze out across the plains from your deck chair, and feel the gentle rustle of the trees around you.
Amenities
Life at Chikoko is refreshingly simple and surprisingly comfortable. The main lounge and dining area sit beneath a giant tree, where meals are shared around a communal table and lanterns cast a golden glow in the evenings. Power comes from solar, drinks are help-yourself, and there’s something quietly lovely about reading a book with nothing but birdsong in the background.
Activities
This is walking safari at its finest. Twice a day, you’ll set out on foot with an expert guide, armed scout, and tea bearer, exploring animal trails and learning to read the landscape up close. You might track elephants or spot lion prints in the dust, pausing for fresh coffee brewed over a fire.
Sustainability
Chikoko is rebuilt every season using natural materials, leaving barely a trace when it closes for the rains. Being part of the Tafika Fund, a meaningful initiative founded in 1998, means that every bed night contributes to community education (including scholarships), healthcare improvements, and wildlife protection efforts.
Let one of our experts help your craft an unforgettable experience
Best places to stay in South Luangwa
South Luangwa Trip Inspiration
Speak to a Zambia expert today
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
Alistair
