Big Lagoon Camp: A True Walking Safari in South Luangwa

Hidden deep within the South Luangwa National Park, on the western bank of the Luangwa River and close to Tafika Camp, Big Lagoon Camp offers one of Zambia’s most authentic walking safari experiences. With no road access, the camp can only be reached on foot, creating a wonderfully secluded retreat far from the usual safari routes.

This unique setting allows guests to experience the wilderness at ground level, discovering the subtle details of the African bush: from animal tracks and bird calls to plants, insects and the changing rhythms of the landscape. Walking through this untouched environment creates a deeper and more intimate connection with nature.

Accommodation

Big Lagoon Camp accommodates a maximum of six guests in simple, charming chalets constructed with natural grass walls. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom with a flush toilet and shower, while hot water is available for evening showers and on request.

Walking Safaris

The walking safari experience is deliberately uncomplicated. Guests need little more than a water bottle, binoculars and camera, while porters take care of luggage and camp supplies, allowing you to walk freely and enjoy the wilderness without distraction.

Getting There

The journey to Big Lagoon Camp is part of the adventure. Guests arriving at Mfuwe Airport, the main gateway to South Luangwa National Park, can connect on daily flights from Livingstone or Lusaka.

From Mfuwe, a scenic 1 and a half to 2-hour road transfer leads to the river, where guests cross by canoe before continuing on foot for approximately 20 minutes to reach camp.

For those arriving via Mwanya (Lukuzi) Airstrip, the journey is shorter, with a 15-minute road transfer followed by the canoe crossing and walk into camp.

When to Visit

The ideal time to experience the Luangwa Valley is during the dry season, from May to October. As seasonal water sources disappear, wildlife gathers around the remaining rivers, lagoons and waterholes, creating excellent opportunities for game viewing.

The vegetation also becomes thinner during the dry months, making it easier to spot animals and follow their movements. The later part of the dry season is particularly warm and offers some of the year's finest wildlife encounters.

Tafika operates seasonally from May until mid-November, allowing guests to enjoy the changing landscapes and wildlife activity as the dry season progresses.

Your Big Lagoon Experience

Life at Big Lagoon Camp follows the natural rhythm of the wilderness. The day begins with the rising sun illuminating the wetlands, often accompanied by the energetic sight of lechwe antelope splashing through the water.

After a gentle morning wake-up, breakfast is enjoyed around the campfire before setting off on a four-hour guided walking safari. Moving slowly through the bush allows guests to appreciate details that can easily be missed from a vehicle. A stop for morning tea provides time to pause, take in the surroundings and listen to the sounds of the wilderness.

By midday, return to camp for a generous buffet lunch featuring fresh garden produce. As temperatures rise, the pace slows for an afternoon siesta. Relax in a hammock with a good book, or take time to record the remarkable flora and fauna encountered during the morning's walk.

Later in the afternoon, freshly brewed tea and coffee are served with homemade cakes before heading out once again. The 2½- to 3-hour afternoon walking safari takes guests deeper into the surrounding wilderness before returning to camp around sunset.

As evening falls, gather around the campfire for sundowners and snacks, sharing stories and highlights from the day's adventures. Dinner is served by candlelight, with a delicious three-course meal bringing the day to a memorable close.

Finally, retreat to your grass-walled chalet, where crisp cotton sheets and generous mosquito nets provide a comfortable sanctuary beneath the African night sky. Outside, the sounds of the wilderness continue—the distant roar of lions, the haunting calls of hyenas and the gentle presence of the Luangwa River.
 

Big Lagoon Camp is safari in its purest form: intimate, unhurried and deeply connected to the wilderness, where every step reveals another detail of South Luangwa's extraordinary natural world.