Big Lagoon Camp is part of the Remote Africa portfolio, known for its eco-friendly attributes and superb walking safaris that follow well-worn elephant and hippo trails. A small, rustic camp in an ebony forest overlooking a permanent lagoon, it appeals to adventurous safari enthusiasts seeking a remote escape in the heart of nature. This part of South Luangwa National Park is only accessible on foot, so guests typically arrive after spending a few nights at sister property, Tafika Camp, a short distance away. Rates at Big Lagoon Camp are full board and include all meals, a selection of local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, scheduled activities, and laundry.

Tented

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Essential

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Min age 12 +

A satellite bush camp for walking safaris in a remote part of South Luangwa National Park

A communal bar and dining area, outside deck, fire-pit

RAS CROCODILE RIVER CAMP BEDROOM

Just three rustic reed-and-thatch chalets, all with lagoon views and an open-air bush shower

Walking safaris, birding

crocodile river camp outlook zambia yellow zebra safaris
Our Yellow Zebra Opinion
  • Not for first-timers
Chikoko Tree Camp’s twin sister, Big Lagoon Camp is a walking-only camp that has a remote, rustic, traditional safari feel that adventurous safari-goers will love.
Emma Dunn Product & Sales Development Director

Activities

Big Lagoon is a walking camp in an area accessible only on foot. You’ll experience the wild beauty of the South Luangwa at nature’s pace, accompanied by world-class safari guides.

Walking safaris

Birding

  • Accompanied by an experienced Remote Africa Safaris guide and an armed National Park scout, each day begins with an immersive 4-hour safari walk along the stunning nature trails of the Luangwa Valley. Marvel at the sheer remoteness of this wildlife-rich environment and its variety of game, stopping en route for a cup of tea in a scenic spot.

    crocodile river camp outlook zambia yellow zebra safaris

  • Ornithologists will love the South Luangwa’s diverse bird life, with an incredible 469 recorded species. Sightings include bat hawks, Pel’s fishing owls, crowned cranes, yellow-billed storks, lilac-breasted rollers, and carmine bee-eaters. The Remote Africa Safaris guides are enthusiastic birders, making this a fascinating destination if birding is your specialist interest.

    crocodile river camp outlook zambia yellow zebra safaris

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.

Access & Location

Big Lagoon Camp is one of the northern camps in South Luangwa National Park. There are no roads or vehicles in the vicinity of the camp, so access is limited to nearby areas on foot. There are two ways to access Big Lagoon camp, after the initial drive to the Luangwa River. The first option is a 5-minute canoe trip across the Luangwa River, followed by a 4-hour walking safari. Alternatively, the faster option begins with a 5-minute canoe trip across the Luangwa River and concludes with a 40-minute walk, making it ideal for direct transfers.

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Facilities

Big Lagoon Camp features a cozy shared area with a wooden deck, where guests can sit comfortably and take in the lagoon – a popular spot for eland, roan, kudu, elephant, giraffe, wild dog, lion, warthog, hippo, and crocodile.

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The help-yourself bar-and-dining space is a simple affair sheltered by a thatched roof held up by wooden beams. Guests dine communally at a round table, often set up outside under the shade of the tree canopy. There’s also a fire-pit facing the lagoon, where guests are invited to pull up a director’s chair and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush over sundown drinks.

Amenities

Big Lagoon Camp accommodates a maximum of six guests in three simple reed-and-thatch chalets beneath a grove of muchenja (ebony trees).

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One of these is a double unit, and the other two are twins, each with picture windows that remain open to the elements, maximising the scenic lagoon views. Rustic interiors perfectly complement the bush camp ethos, incorporating natural materials and eco-friendly details, such as solar-powered lights. The beds are front facing, ensuring guests wake up to glorious views. Additional furniture includes bedside tables with reading lights, a cleverly concealed storage unit, mosquito nets, and simple draw-back curtains. Each chalet features an en-suite bathroom with a shower, basin, and flush toilet. Running water is accessed via raised drums, ensuring guests have an authentic safari shower experience with hot water available upon request.

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Talk to someone who’s been there

Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 600 years of genuine safari experience.
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Ellie Walkingshaw
Business Improvement Director

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