Croc Valley Camp | Established Campground

February 11th, 2024 by andy

15 dollars per person per night. Prices of food and drink normal for area. Bar / restaurant view across the river lovely. No problems with monkeys . They are here but just be sensible. Staff friendly. Ablutions basic but clean. Great location...5 minutes drive from main gate to Park. They do drives here but we self drove in Park so cant comment. Would recommend camping here!

December 24th, 2023 by KB

Stayed 2 nights in a river tent and staff was fantastic, really went above and beyond. We saw elephants making their daily river crossing with hippos and crocs nearby, all from the riverbank in front of the tents. We had all our camping gear with us so didn't really use the facilities but they have a nice large pool.

October 19th, 2023 by advtravelbug.com

We stayed here for 5 nights. It may seem basic but it’s still the better option compared to nearby campsites we felt. Very nice big swimming pool and good view over the river.

Not enough ablutions (two showers and two toilets) for the amount of campers. The restaurant is okay. Food tastes different each day depending on who cooks it.

NOTE: you are not allowed to book tours with anyone but the lodge if you stay here!

October 12th, 2023 by Simbafrica.318

Good points :
Very close to the park entrance (2 min)
Nice view on the river
A swimming pool to cool down after safari

Negative points :
A bit expensive for the country (15 usd pppn)
Not a good customer service, many people including us have had their clothes / towels… torn Appart or stollen by monkeys. If it’s not the staff fault they don’t do anything to avoid theses problems and control monkeys. For instance the bin are just opened and destroyed every morning by monkey. Every day monkeys arrive at the same time and the staff are not really trying anything to afraid them. The answer we got for our towels stollen was « buy a new one »…

May 10th, 2023 by fritzluttich57

Beautiful setting on the banks of the Luanga River under shaded trees on grass. Friendly staff. Owner managed. Clean ablutions. Hot showers. Nice bar, Restaurant on a deck over the river and Pool area.

Resident Hippo's and even a Leopard heard /seen from time to time. The peace and greatness of creation is humbling.

Game drives arranged at reception @ USD50 pp + USD20 for SADC residents gate entrance fee. 5min drive to Lauangwa South NP. Can do self drive as well. Roads are overgrown and not same as on maps due to heavy flooding earlier. Self drive not recommended at the moment if you are not familiêr with the area.

Camping @USD15 pppn

May 6th, 2023 by antalleke

Spent 2 annoying days here after we found out that they want to charge you extra if you book a game drive with another company while camping at their site. Beautiful pool and views but the rest could do with a serious update. $15ppn and half for kids. Game drive $50pp and $30pp for kids. Big monkey problems too. We prefer other campsites.

February 23rd, 2023 by keziagreen

Stayed here for 4 nights but really wouldn’t recommend. We didn’t realise Wildlife Camp was up the road and we wish we had gone there. The owners were away I think but in general we found the staff really unhelpful. There was no hot water and we informed them of this, they said an element had gone on our first night. There was nothing done to fix this and when it came to paying we asked for a small discount because we’d had crap cold showers in dirty bathrooms for 4 nights and we were just snubbed and still had to pay the exuberant $15/night. Another tent was right next to ours, the area is pretty small, so we didn’t feel completely relaxed. The monkeys add to this as you can’t sit and cook and enjoy with having to fend off monkeys. We have certainly had much better views too, it’s quite closed, from what we’ve seen the view at Wildlife Camp is a lot more open allowing better views. The pool was a plus for this place but ultimately we feel it’s a rip off and wouldn’t come back.

January 5th, 2023 by sarahelizabethhelm

We stayed here 3 nights, had a great view of the river and the ablutions were decent (I had a morning shower w.o hot water - but my partner had one the night before without - so varies, I suspect as we were there when they had quite a bit of load shedding). Also good wifi and a generator to balance out load shedding.

The pool was great - best we have seen in Zambia and the owners and whole staff was helpful and accommodating (esp. helping keep the monkeys at bay). Food and bar were also both decent. Good access to the park for morning and night drives as well as near to the village where there is a great textile shop and a couple cafes. Would recommend a stay here if you’re in the area !

December 10th, 2022 by TETravels

nice views of the river and it was busier than the others when we came, but the ablutions weren't great and would probably rather stay at wildlife camp although the location to the gate is great for morning afternoon drives. Monkeys are a nuisance!

September 28th, 2022 by BigGreen

Very nice and apparently long established lodge and campsite. When we were there, only 3 out of the 9 campsites were occupied. Monkeys were very interested indeed, also, elephants were very close to and in the camp.
Great hippo and crocodile watching from the campsite.
We also had a nice dinner with nshima and stew with the most expensive Mosi of our Zambia travelling so far (40 K).
Camping cost us 15 US $ ppn.
As one of the previous posters mentioned, the hospitality was ok but not particularly welcoming, they kept the interaction with the customers to the minimum, no extra chats or information provided.

August 3rd, 2022 by Afrikken dream

Nice campsite right on the river bank. The monkeys and baboons are a serious problem and were breaking peoples ground tents. Pool and bar area nice and the food wasn’t bad. We did get kicked out of our campsite twice as they said other people had booked it so best to check before setting up camp

July 16th, 2022 by nickianddave

we had planned to stay 2 nights and ended up staying 6! A superb campsite on the banks of the Luangwa river, 5 min drive to the Park gates. Large camping pitch, fire pit, bbq and boma with light and electric point. lovely bar and restaurant and swimming pool. There is even a fully equipped gym if you want it! The team are all very helpful and fresh fruit and vegetables are brought in for sale from the local village. We saw Hippo, elephant, bush buck and lion sat on the bank of the river and could have stayed longer as it is truely a magical place. we self drove in the park for 2 days and saw many truely special animal and bird sightings. Game drives and walks are available from the lodge too. Ablutions are clean, spacious and have constant hot water available. Well worth 12 usd pppn.

May 13th, 2022 by seraphinvetter

They wanted to throw us out if we do a game drive with a third party. It's probably better to negotiate this before you are there. We had quite a discussion with the manager Herbert.

In the end we rented a car (150$ from 6am to 6pm, plus ~300MKW fuel) and a guide (Effi, really good, 800MKW for the day) from Croc Valley.
Be aware that this way you have to pay the self drive charches for the park. (30$pp instead of 25$pp entry fee, and 15$ for the car per day). And you cannot do a night drive because self drive night drives are not allowed.
For 4 people it was still cheaper then doing a morning and a night drive @50$pp per drive.

The night drive with Croc Valley was really good.

The hospitality was kind of odd. Service was ok but not really welcoming and friendly.

January 10th, 2022 by webinfo123

Call them first to confirm you do not pay double for the night when you book your night game drive by a third party. See below for more about this scam.

This is an awesome location. we camped aside the river with many crocks, hippo's and other wildlife. Elephants, impalas, (at night) some hippo's and other animals visit the campsite.

We booked a night drive with Standwell. The campsite does want to sell their own tours and will charge you double for the night if you do not book at Crock valley. Other campsites around do the same. Please confirm in advance and persist not paying for this.

September 13th, 2021 by Instagram: @savannatales

We stayed 3 nights at Croc valley (10$pp) and 2 at wildlife (13$pp). Croc valley is much nearer to the park gate, so better when gamedriving early morning until night, but was also more active, with noise from the bar until 23pm. Wildlife camps is better to spend the day, much calmer with larger spot and more openview. We had elefants and baboons in both camps, swimming pool was not clean in either camps. Ablution block is nicer in Croc valley. (for fresh fruit and vegs delivery see ''Thomas the gardener'' post near Wildlifecamp)

August 16th, 2021 by cluelessinafrica

Positives: good pool and showers. Close to the park gate. Bushbuck around like in a fairytale.
Negatives: Big rig campsites were right next to the bar so noisy at night and shouting early in the mornings. No rubbish bins so you have to give your waste to the staff in the bar. Most problematic monkeys we've had in 9 months of our Africa trip. Please Check your bill at the end as you will be overcharged as the previous comment mentions.
More wildlife at Wildlife camp up the road.

June 11th, 2021 by walshtyron

nice campsite on the river and close to the main gate. Monkeys and baboons were a big problem though. One negative was that we felt the staff were just trying to make money from us. When we went to pay they told us the cost was $90, when we asked to see how it came to that amount he recalculated and it only came to $62. two nights camping for 2 people at $10pppn

May 31st, 2021 by Khayaonwheels

Great to be back with the snorting of hippos, the cry of the fish eagle....so much wildlife around here although the baboons and monkeys are a real nuisance so keep your catapult close, just seeing it makes them leave. There is no more pizza on the menu. Like everywhere they are struggling without guests (I am the only one) but the place is clean and tidy with great staff who don’t know what to do with themselves so at times their continuous chatter gets a bit much. The disinfecting tunnel to enter is a bit much though, spraying visitors and all furniture everyday with detol (disinfectant) is not what I personally understand (especially as the owner walks around without the ‘compulsory’ mask) and nobody asks really so it seems a bit over the top but these times make us do crazy stuff right... still an amazing place to rest for a week...

April 25th, 2021 by Miss Daisy

Great camp on the river, 10 minutes from the gate to the park. We stayed here 10 days. 10$ ppn. Park daily fees 30$ pp and 30$ for big rigs.

November 12th, 2020 by weiteferne.com

Very nice place. If you want to drink a cold beer watching hippos,crocodiles and elephants, then you are right here. Monkey hunters with slingshot protect your car. We stayed 3 nights and did a sensational night game. drive.

July 31st, 2020 by catch-the-wind.com

Very nice location. we camped tight on the bank from where you can view park activities across the river. During our eight night stay we had elephants, hippos and lions in camp.
Food: it's hit and miss. Thai curry ok, chicken stew bad, pizzas excellent.
The bar location is wonderful for sundowners.
Ablutions ok, but water takes forever to get hot.
We paid KW100pppn.
We would stay again.
Note game drives are not cheap. USD50 pp for a morning or afternoon drive. If you go with someone else, your accommodation rate is increased
I hired a Toyota LC from George (see Cheap Safari and Homebased Restaurant listing) at KW1100 for the day and self drove.

June 11th, 2020 by jcgvdb

We loved this place! Got a very warm welcome from the owners and the staff are all very friendly and happy. We came for a couple of days to explore the park but stayed for 8 nights! Swimming pool and bar area are nice and you have a lot of good views over the river. We saw elephants, giraffe's, hippo's, crocodile's and impalas walking on the other site of the river and heard leopard an lions at night. We did a night drive, a nice option to see different animals than during daytime. The restaurant has good burgers and pizza's! There are two guys who are chasing the monkeys on the campsite and there is a kitchen that you can use for preparing you're meals. You just have to be carefull with open doors and food but we had no real trouble with the monkeys. We can really recommend this place!

April 23rd, 2020 by josefeberhardt

In Corona-times closed but the owner let me in. Very helpfully and friendly. Best place at the river. Wonderful

March 18th, 2020 by @ala.in.africa

Monkeys are so aggressive and noisy it is virtually impossible to have anything to eat in campsite or to relax. It is so bad that staff gives you a sling shot if you don't have your own. Staff does absolutely nothing with monkey issue. Public areas are nice but ablutions look rather grubby. Restaurant somewhat expensive but food is nice. Would definitely not stay there ever again and rather use Wildlife Camp instead.

September 17th, 2019 by charlotte.allancon

It was alright, slightly run down campsite, monkey problem, overpriced bar, 5% charge on cards, wifi didn’t work. Guide on the night drive was average but we did have some amazing sightings. Great location overlooking the river with a nice swimming pool. Elephants coming through at night. Could be so much better (& probably once was)! 12USD pppn.

August 22nd, 2019 by banfield

Lovely river-front campsites. Can get noisy with big groups in the pool and deck areas.
Nice ablutions with hot water. Friendly and accommodating staff, persistent monkeys 😊

August 9th, 2019 by SafariToGo.de

2 Persons with1 Rooftent

very nice place!!!!

12$
Pool, Bar, Pizza, Elephants, Hippos
.....

June 22nd, 2019 by christophe.adam18

The most beautiful campsite, situated on the Luangwa river. Hippo and Elephant all around you, either crossing the river or munching away! Campsite is $10 pp, there is a nice bar, a pool and the staff is very helpful. Definitely recommend it

May 28th, 2019 by Khayaonwheels

Great place to camp but restaurant and games drives are expensive. Wood is kw50 which is ridiculous for what they give you so call George for a game vehicle Kw800 plus Kw200 petrol and Kw150 for the driver plus the park fees which you pay yourself. It was less then half the price for us 4 (2 kids under 12). He and his wife are also great hosts for a dinner at their home of local food and its a different kind of experience for kw25 pp! Call him on +260965052721 or +260974899484. He also does taxi service or village tours!

November 13th, 2018 by walkonthewildside

Stayed two nights here on camp 2. $12 pppn green season price. The ablutions are run down and have not been cleaned during our stay. We then stayed at the Wildlife Camp which was $10pppn, which we can recommend.

November 6th, 2018 by Khayaonwheels

Okay campsite with riverview, the place needs some sweeping and raking but otherwise great for a day at the pool. Lots of wildlife in an around the campsite with the baboons playing the main role.
Game drives are 45USD + normal entrance fees or 56USD + entrance for walking safaris, we decided to drive ourselves. For drinks and meals you are much more cheaper off in the village, we didn’t try the restaurant as it is expensive. Camping is 12USD plus 12% tourist levy plus 5% if you want to pay by card so just count on 14 USD basically. Quiet and great for 2 nights but a place with some former glory I felt and no longer a real wish to stand out.

October 27th, 2018 by Warthog&PenguinOnSafari

Spent a wonderful week here. Looked at other camps nearby, but this one seemed to offer the best value for money. Nicer/bigger pool and cheaper restaurant/bar than the nearby Wildlife Camp. Staff very caring, looked after us well. Good good and not too pricey. Everything else has been said. I would certainly recommend this place.
$13.50 pppn including service charge and taxes.
Night drive is $45 - Adam is a very good guide!

October 6th, 2018 by unimogi.de

Unfortunately we can’t say so much nice things about croc valley camp. First we thought it’s a nice place, great pool, nice view. But in the afternoon a local tour operator took a seat at the site next to us and built up his office there. He talked from 4 until 9 on the phone, even after asking him to stop. And guess what, when we came back from morning drive, he was back again. We also heard the party music from the village. Normally, we don’t mind, but when you are in the mood of safari, than you should listen to the noice of the nature and not a tour guide or music.... 😬 after this experience we moved to wildlife camp. 13,50$ pppn and Game Drives are 45$ now.

September 18th, 2018 by santyramses

Now 13.60$ pppn. Not cheap but ok I thought. Each campsite with braai and hut, had it all to myself since I’m traveling alone. Nice ablutions. Nice view over the river, lots of wildlife. Beware of the baboons, they’re very smart thieves. Nice swimming pool, fast WiFi, nice bar / restaurant area. Friendly local staff (at least the receptionist). Food and drinks expensive as usual in this kind of places. Would recommend!

July 9th, 2018 by anna.pepper27

$12pppn, firewood 50kwacha. Beautiful campsite on the lake, nice bar area, swimming pool and good bathrooms.
Beware of the baboons, theyre everywhere and very confident.

January 30th, 2018 by RundP

Place under trees on grass also for truckcamper straight on the Luangwa. Shaded sittingplace with electricity. Ablution clean and a good hot shower. The pool looks good and the bar area is nice. The offert Game Drives to the park.

November 13th, 2017 by johnnyandrobs

Nice campsites on the river with electricity and shade. No grass. Massive pool which was amazing. Lovely game drive with the guide (3 leopard sightings ❤️)
Owners were lovely and friendly. They're busy making a pizza and cocktail bar along pool - we'll be back once done!!

October 13th, 2017 by giraffe13.de

We've been here for one week but nobody seemed to care. New management is young and unexperienced. It took me the whole day to settle my bill because only Tom is authorized to use the credit card machine and he was always busy. After all I don't think anybody would have noticed if we hadn't paid at all.
Campsite itself is nice though. On the riverbank of Luangwa. Good ablutions. But baboons amd vervet monkeys are everywhere and a real nuicance. Very cheeky. Elephants can be aggressive.

October 4th, 2017 by tenkss

Okay campsites with okay ablutions. Nice bar area with friendly staff. Spectacular view out over the river with plenty of hippos. Elephants frequented the campsite. Only thing that put me off was the bizarre white manager there, total weirdo who put us in more than one awkward situation with our camping. Didn't stop to harass and make snide comments to the friendly local staff working there too. Hope he moves on..

September 25th, 2017 by handsonineastafrica.tumblr.com

After reading the Croc Valley reviews we decided to go to Wildlife Camp - but we were turned away as they were full. Best thing ever - Croc Valley was much nicer! Great views of the river which is much closer than at Wildlife and FULL of crocs, hippos and visiting elephants. Big open campsite with Lapa, huge swimming pool and very nice showers with hot water (even after a large group pulled in). Highly recommend. $12pppn (same as Wildlife).

May 16th, 2017 by globenomaden.at

Backpackers atmosphere. Campgrounds under trees at the riverfront but little narrow and dark for our truck. Monkeys were everywhere. We prefer Wildlife Camp.

January 1st, 2017 by h.merker

New internet, really fast, one voucher pp per day, 250MB. Pool area is being upgraded. 10pppn for camping.

October 21st, 2016 by africaexpedition.de

Campsite is the best Option at this town. Renovation are in progress. Good place to drive into the NP. Friendly and helpfull staff and owner.

June 8th, 2016 by matatu.ch

A quiet, beautiful camp with friendly staff. WiFi is not really usable as it is slower than in the 90s.

May 19th, 2016 by catherine.dlcw

Great site, owners are very friendly. Each site has it's own hut, picnic bench and electricity as well as a braai grid. Pool, gym and chess board! Great views over the river. Wifi is free. $10 per person per night

December 21st, 2015 by mmartinh

nice campground with a stunning view onto the river. some campingspots have shelters, braii facilities. can be muddy during rainy season

September 11th, 2015 by facebook.com/castoffafrica

Nice family run lodge with campsites overlooking the river! Overlander trucks are separated. Electric fence because of elephants and hippos, which are frequent guests. Good restaurant, ok ablutions, game drives & walking safaris can be organized. >>12 USD p.P./Night (including WIFI)

September 7th, 2015 by facebook.com/castoffafrica

Very nice (& wild) campsite! Good shade, ok restaurant. Hot water showers are clean & owners are there if you need anything.