Zambia Wild Classic

Big Lagoon Camp (previously Crocodile River Camp) encompasses just three chalets that all rest beneath a grove of spectacular Muchenja (Ebony) trees. In 2022 Crocodile River Camp was moved to Big Lagoon, less than 1km south of the original site. It's now called Big Lagoon and revives one of the original camp sites of the Luangwa, a camp where John Coppinger used to visit with his family as a child.

The camp overlooks an expansive lagoon that holds water throughout the year so is perfectly situated to enable guests to observe the daily wild visitors that come to quench their thirst.

The chalets are a delightful combination of natural building materials and imaginative architecture. The end result is a simple, comfortable and authentic experience for guests.

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Big Lagoon Camp Deck look out

Big Lagoon Camp Credit: Mike Dexter Big Lagoon deck

Big Lagoon Camp Deck view with elephants

Big Lagoon Camp Bar and dining area

Big Lagoon Camp Lunch table

Big Lagoon Camp Lunch starter

Big Lagoon Camp Dinner table

Big Lagoon Camp Filling hot water for showers

Big Lagoon Camp Breakfast

Big Lagoon Camp Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp View from deck with buffalo

Big Lagoon deck View from the deck with elephants

Big Lagoon Camp Deck outlook

Big Lagoon Camp Deck and dining area in the background

Big Lagoon Camp in May Big Lagoon Camp in May

Big Lagoon Camp Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp View from chalet

Big Lagoon Camp view Big Lagoon Camp view

Big Lagoon Camp Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp Sunrise

Big Lagoon Camp Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp View from camp

Big Lagoon Camp View from deck

Big Lagoon Camp Big Lagoon Camp move from Crocodile River Camp site

Big Lagoon Camp The pristine Chikoko trails walking area

The old Big Lagoon Camp ruins The old Big Lagoon Camp ruins

Twin Chalet Double Chalet

Twin double bed chalet. En-suite bathroom with shower, basin and toilet. Running water through raised drum offering an authentic safari shower with hot water upon request.

King bed chalet. En-suite bathroom with shower, basin and toilet. Running water through raised drum offering an authentic safari shower with hot water upon request.

Property Facilities

Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Vegetarian

Room Facilities

Fan, Laundry Facilities, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower

Available Services

Laundry Service (Complimentary)

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Game Walks, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours

Activities Nearby

Walking safaris guided by an expert

Unparalleled and pure walking safaris in remote areas of the Luangwa Valley. Enjoy an intimate safari experience tracking wild animals on natural wildlife trails through wilderness that is only accessible on foot and untarnished by vehicle tracks.

Walking safaris are always lead by an experienced Remote Africa Safaris guide, an armed National Park scout and accompanied by a tea bearer. Morning walks are approximately 4 hours long with a pace set by the present walkers. Enjoy a rest along the way for a hot cup of tea or coffee and sweet treat alongside a lagoon and soak up the natural surrounds.

The Chikoko Trails walking safari area was identified by Norman Carr as a prime walking area. On foot guests are given the rare opportunity to experience the bush at nature’s pace and to be immersed in the wonders that present themselves at every turn. Go back in time and learn how to make fire the natural way with some sticks, elephant dung and a touch of skill.

Discover the delights of the bush, from the fascinating insects that live within animal droppings, tiny elephant shrews, delicate wide-eyed antelope to towering giraffe, enormous elephant and huge herds of buffalo with prides of lion in tow. Predators become the prey as you track lion’s prints from the night before to their resting place of that day.

On the southernmost reaches of Busanga Plains lies Ntemwa-Busanga Camp. This simple but charming camp is perfectly sited to make the most of the diverse Busanga Plains and its multitude of habitats, from riverine thickets in the south, the tree-lined edges and the productive, flooded grasslands in the centre and the variety of wildlife that inhabit them. This is the wildlife photographers dream location!

The wildlife of the Busanga Plains is as varied as it is numerous. Regional specials such as roan and sable antelope are common sightings here. The Southern Plains areas are home to wildebeest and zebra too, along with a wide predator suite with several lion prides, great leopard viewing and arguably the best chances for cheetah in Zambia, plus from time to time late season wild dog sightings.

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Game Drive at Ntemwa-Busanga Camp Credit: CZ A game drive from Ntemwa is a peacful and truly wild affair. Slowly moving across the vast open plains, stopping and scanning for movement, anticipating the view of a distant speciality species. Our game viewing vehicles are equipped with the highest-spec suspension (soft and smooth ride over the bumps!), whilst also having charging sockets and a fridge to keep those drinks ice-cold all day. With our camp being located over 10km from the nearest camp it means we often have sightings all to ourselves, from huge herds of sable and roan antelope to the resident pack of wild dogs and cheetah coalition who call the Southern treeline of Busanga home.

Sunset Scenes on an afternoon Game Drive Credit: CZ The distant plains of Busanga make for the perfect setting for an afternoon/night drive. It feels as though one could keep driving forever through the expansive grasslands! Around sunset, as we look for a spot to stretch our legs and have a ‘sundowner drink’ the momentum changes – temperatures drop, bird calls die down, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures begin. It is now time for a night-drive with our expert guides utilising a spotlight to look for the eye-shine of various cryptic species.

Lion viewing at Busanga Credit: CZ The Busanga Plains are the home of the lion! With some of Africa’s highest densities of lion, this wildlife mecca is the ideal habitat for these apex predators and the apex wildllife enthusaists who come to safari. Far less-known and less visited than the more famous Okavanago Delta or Serengeti Plains, the Busanga Plains are a mixture of these two iconic locations but with a fraction of the visitor numbers and with arguably even greater diersity of species on offer than both.

Main Area Deck Credit: CZ The main area deck at Ntemwa-Busanga Camp is raised high above the plains, giving unparralled views of Busanga and various species can be seen from the comfort of the comfortable armchairs (cheetah, wildebeest, puku, elephant, to name a few!). 2024 saw a revamp and extension of the deck – accommodating a whole camp’s worth of people comfortably. Home to a small bar, a photo editing area and ample charging facilities the camp and this deck is ideal for photographic interested guests.

Morning Breakfast Table Credit: CZ Morning breakfast on Busanga is not simply a dining affair! It is the main opportunity to use our ears and eyes as the first light rises to listen for calls, whoops, roars and alarm calls on the soft, cool, morning air. Top-quality coffee, waming oats over the fire, morning muffins, and much more are there to line the stomach to fuel-up for a morning of adventure and exploration on the Busanga Plains!

Guest Rooms (*new 2025) Credit: CZ

Thatched Chalet Guide Chalet

Our small camp consists of just five thatched chalets which are accompanied by open-air en-suite bathrooms at the rear, with flushing toilets, plumbed sinks and taps and warm bucket showers. There are two main areas, one a raised deck overlooking the vast Busanga Plains and another a bird hide cum sitting area to recline use in the heat of the day! The main deck supplies power for charging cameras and other devices and has a small bar for refreshments.

Credit: CZ

Credit: CZ

Credit: CZ

Credit: CZ

Credit: CZ

Credit: CZ

Not for general sale. For accompanying Guide/Pilot/TL.

Property Facilities

Bar, Eco Friendly, Library

Room Facilities

Dressing Gowns, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Shower, Verandah

Available Services

Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Gourmet Picnic, Night Drives, Safaris

Activities Nearby

Kutali Camp is located on the Kulefu Island, in one of the coolest Faidherbia or Winterthorn forests in the Lower Zambezi NP. The tents are well equipped featuring ensuite individual bathrooms - accessible without leaving the tent, single comfortable beds with top quality linen, two bedside tables with solar lamps, safe boxes, comfortable camp chairs and two folding shelf systems for clothes. Kulefu Island offers excellent canoeing, walking and game drive (day and night) possibilities. This camp is slowly becoming very well known for the sheer quality of wildlife viewing, the guiding standards and the aesthetic beauty of the surrounds.

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Main Area Kutali Credit: CZ

Fireplace Kutali Credit: CZ

Mess Tent Kutali Credit: CZ

Kutali from River Credit: CZ

Kutali Tent Credit: CZ

Kutali Tent 2 Credit: CZ

Guest Tents Guide Tent

With just 5 guest tents, catering for no more than 10 people in camp at once - each tent is carefully and expertly located for the best possible views across the Zambezi River. The Kutali tents are bespoke and very comfortable, with high quality linen and mattresses, alongside flushing toilets, running water taps and traditional bucket-showers!

Not for general sale. For accompanying Guide/Pilot/TL.

Property Facilities

Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly

Room Facilities

Balcony / Deck, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Laundry Service (Available), Outside Shower, Shower

Available Services

Laundry Service (Complimentary)

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, High Tea, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)

Activities Nearby