Big Lagoon Trails Camp

Highlights

• Only three chalets accommodating a maximum of six guests
• Big Lagoon Trails Camp guarantees a personal and secluded walking safari option
• The lagoon attracts wildlife throughout the year
• Solar-powered amenities while only using natural materials and local craftsmanship
• The cuisine is expertly prepared with fresh, local ingredients, paired with a fine selection of wines
• Immersive morning and afternoon walking safaris led by experienced guides
• The chalets blend rustic charm with en-suite bathrooms, solar-powered fans, and hot water
• No Wi-Fi or internet connections, no roads or safari vehicles
• Big Lagoon Trails Camp offers a glimpse into the region's breathtaking landscapes and wildlife

Information

• Lodge type: Walking Safari Camp
• Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
• Lodge size: 21 Suites
• Recommended stay: 3-7 nights

Discover Big Lagoon Trails Camp: Where Rustic Charm Meets Wildlife Wonders

Nestled beneath a canopy of magnificent Muchenja (Ebony) trees, Big Lagoon Trails Camp, formerly known as Crocodile River Camp, boasts an exclusive trio of chalets. In a transformative move in 2022, the camp found a new home less than 1km south of its original site at Big Lagoon, reviving one of Luangwa's initial campgrounds—a place dear to John Coppinger from his childhood memories.

The camp, now perched overlooking a vast lagoon that retains water year-round, offers guests a prime vantage point for witnessing the daily parade of wildlife seeking refreshment at the water's edge.

Crafted from natural materials and infused with imaginative architectural touches, the chalets offer guests an experience that is both authentically rustic and comfortably sophisticated. This intimate retreat undoubtedly stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the Luangwa, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the tranquillity and breathtaking beauty of their surroundings.

Rooms And Suites

Nestled under the enchanting canopy of Muchenja (Ebony) trees, Big Lagoon Trails Camp offers a boutique retreat for the discerning traveller. With just three chalets accommodating up to six guests, it promises an exclusive and intimate getaway. Overlooking a vast lagoon, the camp is a prime spot for witnessing the drama of the wilderness unfold right before your eyes.

The chalets themselves are a marvel of creativity, marrying natural materials with innovative design. This blend results in a space that is both simple and inviting, ensuring a stay that feels personal and cosy for every guest.

At this intimate haven, guests can revel in the simplicity of grass-walled chalets, each boasting a private en-suite bathroom equipped with modern conveniences such as flushing toilets and showers. Hot water is thoughtfully provided for evening showers, with additional availability upon request during the day, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing experience.

Big Lagoon Trails Camp is, without a doubt, an exquisite escape that melds the raw beauty of nature with the comforts of thoughtful hospitality, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey into the wilderness.

Cuisine And Wine

At Big Lagoon Trails Camp in the heart of South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, the cuisine is a delightful fusion of traditional Zambian flavours and contemporary culinary practices. Guests are treated to an array of dishes crafted from the freshest local ingredients, which not only tantalise the taste buds but also offer a genuine taste of Zambian culture.

Dining under the African sky, visitors can expect to enjoy meals such as nshima, a staple made from finely ground maize, served alongside richly flavoured vegetables or meat stews. The camp's chefs take pride in their ability to merge the simplicity of local produce with sophisticated cooking techniques, ensuring each meal is a celebration of Zambian culinary heritage.

In addition, the selection of South African wines provides the perfect complement to the exquisite dining experience, allowing guests to savour the best of African cuisine and wine in a truly majestic setting.

Facilities

Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of traditionally styled grass thatch central guest area, gracefully perched overlooking the renowned lagoon, alive with an abundance of wildlife and birdlife. This quaint central space welcomes you with a cosy dining area, a snug lounge, and a charming bar area.

Relish in the purity of well water and borehole-filtered drinking water, meticulously prepared for your refreshment. Embrace the eco-friendly luxury of solar power, complemented by a central charging station designed for your convenience, along with solar-powered fans to enhance your comfort.

Embrace the tranquility of nature by foregoing Wi-Fi, and celebrate the use of natural materials and local craftsmanship, ensuring your stay is both authentic and environmentally conscious.

Activities

Embark on an enchanting journey through the wilderness, where morning walks span an impressive four hours. These excursions begin at the crack of dawn to sidestep the day's heat, pausing frequently for the knowledgeable guide to unveil the bush's hidden marvels. At the halfway mark, a delightful surprise awaits as the tea-bearer magically prepares a refreshing cup of tea or coffee, perfectly complemented by a sweet delicacy.

The afternoon ventures are more concise, departing post-tea at 15:30, ensuring a return to camp with the setting sun.

The terrain, predominantly flat, may occasionally present uneven paths. Thus, lightweight, comfortable walking shoes are advisable for an effortless journey. Dressing in natural hues is also recommended, merging seamlessly with the bush backdrop.

In this pristine sanctuary, devoid of roads or Zambia safari vehicles, the beauty of nature is exclusively explored on foot.

In Conclusion

Big Lagoon Trails Camp embodies the essence of a quintessential African wilderness experience. With its blend of rustic charm and modern comforts, nestled within the heart-stopping beauty of South Luangwa National Park, it offers an escape like no other.

From the architectural ingenuity of the chalets to the delicate fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisine, every aspect of the camp is designed to immerse guests in the tranquillity and majesty of Zambia's landscapes.

Big Lagoon Trails Camp's commitment to an intimate, wildlife-centric experience — personified in its exclusive walking safaris and absence of digital distractions — ensures a profound connection with nature.