Croc Valley Camp is a safari camp on the Luangwa River at Kakumbi, shaded by mahoganies and raised on platforms to clear off-season floodwater. It is the rare Luangwa property that runs from campsite pitches and shared-bathroom rooms all the way up to air-conditioned riverfront tents.
Best for
Independent and budget travellers, overlanders and self-drivers who want a sociable riverside base and intend to assemble their own trip rather than buy a finished one. It also suits anyone who wants one or two guided drives rather than a full inclusive programme. Not for honeymooners or anyone wanting seclusion: there is a campsite, overland trucks, dorm-style rooms and a bar.
Location
The camp is outside the national park on the town-side bank, about 500 metres from the Mfuwe bridge, looking across the water into the park. Being outside means the park fee is paid on the days you drive in rather than for every night you sleep.
Rooms and style at Croc Valley Camp
Five tiers rather than one standard. Chalets with kitchenettes and fans; en-suite riverfront tents with air conditioning on demand; shared-bathroom Turtle Rooms in two-, three- and four-bed configurations; simple eco tents with solar fans; and a large family room. Unit counts are not published by the operator.
Facilities at Croc Valley Camp
Swimming pool, riverside bar and restaurant, espresso stand, bush spa, secure self-catering kitchen, campfires and a campsite that takes overland trucks. Wifi is available and best in the common areas. Air conditioning is tier-dependent.
Trade-offs and what to know
Cost is assembled, not quoted. Bed, meals, each drive, each transfer and the daily park fee are separate lines.
Tiers differ widely. A fan-only chalet in October heat is a real mistake; check the category before booking.
Families. The chalets carry a no-under-12s rule, and the camp itself warns its large family room is noisy until 22:00 because it sits beside the kitchen.
Unfenced, with hippo and crocodile in the river below. The nearest hospital is about 50 minutes away.
Getting there and getting around
Mfuwe International Airport is about 25 minutes away and the camp arranges transfers. Unlike most Luangwa properties, overland arrival is practical: daily buses run from Lusaka and Chipata and the camp collects from the bus stop. No 4×4 is needed to reach the camp, though one is required to self-drive inside the park.
Explore the area
Compare other places to stay in South Luangwa, browse accommodation across the Luangwa Valley, read our Luangwa Valley guide, or start from where to stay in Zambia.
Before you book
Three board bases are offered: full board, breakfast with an a la carte restaurant, or self-catering. Nothing beyond the bed and the chosen meal plan is bundled, and activities are priced individually. Park entry is paid directly to the park authority, at half rate for under-12s. Cards carry a surcharge. Walking safaris run in the dry season only, are capped at six people and need booking ahead. The camp is open year round.
Current rates and availability
We do not publish fixed rates for Croc Valley Camp, because pricing and availability change with dates and demand. Use the Check Availability button on this page to see the current options offered by the independent booking provider. Zambia Travel Guide does not set prices, hold inventory or take payment.