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**mertens_k** · #1 22 May 2010

Hey guys,

has anybody ever camped at Track and Trail River Camp, at the border of the South Luangwa national park in Zambia? We are looking for a place to camp close to the park, but we want to avoid the presence of noisy overlanding companies and like relaxing places where we have a view (e.g. overlooking a river) while we have a drink, read a book or cook our meal (i know, we're picky

). Is Track and Trail River Camp a good option?

We have visited lots of national parks in Africa during our overland trip a couple of years ago but never South Luangwa. Did anyone of you visit this park in July/August? Did you like it?

Am curious for your replies...

Safe travels,

Koen

**Pumbaa** · #2 22 May 2010

We stayed at Croc Valley, about 300 meters from track&trail and I'm sooooooooooooo glad we stayed there. Firstly, it was cheaper $7.50 p.p.p.n and the bar setting and camp areas were a lot nicer. nice green grass and you are right on the river. We were going to stay for 3 nights, but ended up staying 5 weeks!!! Sean and Milly (owners/managers) are really nice and will really go out of there way to make your stay as nice and possible.

They do get some overland trucks there (occasionally), but we never had any bad experience with them. Sean sets out the rules in black and white for them that there are other people there and they should respect that and respect where they are. We camped about 5 meters from the river bank with views of the park on the other side. Elephants came through the camp daily and the hippos come out to eat every night too. We even heard 2 leopards calling the one night/early morning on the banks of the river and spotted some lions accross the river too. Their guides are very good too if you want to go on some of the drives.

Can highly recommend Croc Valley based on our experience there.

**Desert Ways** · #3 22 May 2010

I stayed at Flat Dogs about 4 years ago, and seemed to meet your criteria;- close to the park border, quiet and peaceful (October), pool, bar, decent food and elephants, hippos and buffalo passing through most days.

I have heard its gone a bit up market since.

**mertens_k** · #4 23 May 2010

Hey Pumbaa and Desert Ways, thanks for the replies!

I've been checking the internet with your info, and apparently Flatdogs doesn't offer camping anymore in July/August (our travel time). Croc Valley seems great from all i can find on the internet. Looking forward to the trip already!

Can i also ask you something else? While overlanding through Zambia we visited Kafue some years ago. My most vivid memory of that park is the huge quantity of tse tse flies that was attacking us all the time. Is South Luangwa similar, am i gonne be combatting tse tse flies all the time while on the campsite and in the park or will i be able to finish my drink without being bitten several times? Painfull little bastards, these flies...

Greetings,

Koen

**Pumbaa** · #5 23 May 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by mertens_k

Hey Pumbaa and Desert Ways, thanks for the replies!

I've been checking the internet with your info, and apparently Flatdogs doesn't offer camping anymore in July/August (our travel time). Croc Valley seems great from all i can find on the internet. Looking forward to the trip already!

Can i also ask you something else? While overlanding through Zambia we visited Kafue some years ago. My most vivid memory of that park is the huge quantity of tse tse flies that was attacking us all the time. Is South Luangwa similar, am i gonne be combatting tse tse flies all the time while on the campsite and in the park or will i be able to finish my drink without being bitten several times? Painfull little bastards, these flies...

Greetings,

Koen

We never had any tse tse problems in Croc Valley. There were a few hanging around (maybe 1 or 2) in the bathrooms, but never any problems with them. We did have a couple of days in the park where we had to close the car windows because of the tse tses. This was mainly at sunset and in HEAVY dust. Overall, no probs at camp, but did notice them in the park every now and again.

Yes, from my understanding, Flatdogs closed their camping areas and focused more on the higher end of the market. From what I've heard, they've made a big mistake by doing that and regretting it now...

I'm sure you'll have a great time at Croc valley, or even some of the others. Personally' I'll go back to Croc valley anytime...