Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 May 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Belgium
Posts: 56
Question Track and trail river camp, Zambia?

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
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 May 2010
Pumbaa's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
Croc Valley

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.
__________________
Jacques & Mandy with Pumbaa II
www.seeyouwhenwegetthere.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 May 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Bedfordshire UK
Posts: 54
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.
__________________
Kev
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 May 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Belgium
Posts: 56
Tse tse flies?

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
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 May 2010
Pumbaa's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
Quote:
Originally Posted by mertens_k View Post
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...

Hope this helps
__________________
Jacques & Mandy with Pumbaa II
www.seeyouwhenwegetthere.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Zambia houbie Route Planning 5 15 Jan 2010 15:29
Route Through the DRC to Zambia UnderAfricanSky sub-Saharan Africa 24 25 Sep 2008 23:09
Zambia, off the beaten track mekonged sub-Saharan Africa 0 14 Sep 2007 10:52
Biking through Zambia oerg sub-Saharan Africa 3 17 Aug 2005 20:37
Zambia Information Disa_Farm sub-Saharan Africa 0 6 Apr 2002 21:39

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:14.