Experience camp-to-camp walking
The true definition of a bush camp and the essence of a wilderness experience
Location: Big Lagoon Camp is tucked deep within South Luangwa National Park, overlooking an old oxbow lagoon on the Luangwa River. Only accessible on foot, it forms part of the Chikoko Trails alongside Chikoko Tree Camp, offering a completely vehicle-free safari experience in one of Zambia’s most rewarding wilderness areas.
Rooms: There are just three twin chalets, set beneath a shady grove of ebony trees. Built using natural materials and traditional techniques, each chalet is designed for simplicity and comfort, with open fronts that invite in the views, sounds and stillness of the bush. The atmosphere is peaceful and completely unplugged.
Amenities: This is classic bushcamp territory with no Wi-Fi, no generators, no unnecessary frills. Instead, expect warm hospitality, thoughtful touches, and a real connection to nature. Meals are hearty and home-cooked, served under the stars or in the cosy, open-air dining area. Everything is carried in and out on foot, adding to the sense of purpose and place.
Activities: Big Lagoon Camp is all about walking safaris. Led by an expert guide and accompanied by a tea bearer and armed scout, each walk offers intimate wildlife encounters and deep insight into the landscape. Morning walks typically last around four hours with scenic tea breaks, while afternoon walks are shorter and return before dusk.
Sustainability: With no roads, no vehicles and a completely off-grid setup, Big Lagoon Camp leaves virtually no footprint. Everything from guiding to camp logistics is done on foot, creating a safari that’s as low-impact as it is enriching. It's one of the most environmentally sensitive ways to explore South Luangwa.
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Zambia Trip Inspiration
When to go to Zambia
Find out the best time to visit Zambia with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a good time to visit Victoria Falls, but the rest of the country is very humid and wet leading to many camps shutting during January.
February
February remains wet, so its a good month to visit the thundering Victoria Falls, however only a few camps stay open for boating and walking. The rains have created lush vegetation, during this time of year it is alive with the sound of migratory birds in their breeding plumage, an excellent time for birders to visit Zambia.
March
If you want to witness Vic Falls at its fullest, March is the month to visit, with huge volumes of spray often obscuring the view. The birding is still magnificent in March, and camps offer fantastic value for money as there are no crowds.
April
In April the weather starts to dry, however rain remains a prominent feature of April. In the Lower Zambezi National Park, lush vegetation is at its thickest making animals more difficult to spot. April is seen to be the best time of year to witness the rarely seen Wild Dog in South Luangwa National Park.
May
May is a mixed month, the onset of the dry season means rains are unlikely, however access to certain camps is tricky due to sodden grounds. Game viewing in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi begin to improve as the vegetation things and waterholes begin to dry up, forcing wildlife together.
June
June is a great time to visit Zambia, the ground starts to dry out and camps are offering excellent deals and there are few visitors to share safari vehicles so you may have some areas to yourself.
July
July is high season, temperatures rise and all the camps are officially open. If you want to see game then South Luangwa is the best option, whereas the Lower Zambezi is perfect for river cruises and fishing.
Victoria falls is at its best, without being overly wet and clouded with spray.
August
August's hot and dry weather kicks off what Zambia is famous for, walking safaris. It is the prime time to combine game viewing with Victoria Falls.
September
Temperatures sore in September reaching high 20's making the long days particularly pleasant. This month sees Carmine Bee Eaters arrive, flocks of hundreds nest in river banks providing a thrilling spectacle of colour and sound.
October
October sees temperatures sore again, game viewing is best done in the early mornings to avoid the hot midday sun.
November
November brings the start of the rainy season, but the good news is the sporadic showers are not too disruptive and visitors get to see dramatic skies and stormy skies brewing. Temperatures are high and it can be humid, but the mixed weather brings great value stays. Plus many young animals are being born, making it a fantastic time to see the parks come to life.
December
The rainy season is in full force in December, grasslands begin to lengthen, foliage thickens and game viewing becomes a little trickier. The rivers rise and dependant on water levels travellers can visit 'devils pool' at Vic Falls, providing high excitement and a head for heights needed if you want to get close to the drop off.
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