What’s the news at Croc Valley Camp?

Incredible how fast time is running!

It’s June already, winter in Zambia, time to dig up your jerseys and get cosy around a warming camp fire during cool evenings. Only three month ago, we were looking at a brawly river nearly 5 meters deep, climbing closer and closer to the edges of our riverside Bar, far too uncomfortable for our hippos to stay.

And now, coming into the dry season, the once large river has been reduced to meandering branching streams. Hippos and their youngsters are sunbathing in the warming winter sun, next to big Crocs, on the exposed sandbanks which are slowly displacing what has remained from the river.

Wildlife Sightings have been exceptional lately with an average of 3 leopards during our night safaris, Wild Dog Packs up to 20 individuals and spectacular sightings of Carmine Bee-Eaters, which nobody expected to arrive this early in the year. Huge buffalo herds with calves are roaming our beautiful park and arousing the interest of our lion prides.

Even our Camp has been a hub of wildlife activity, with elephants stopping by frequently and lions, leopards -and yes, even wild dogs, paying us a visit during night-time.

And of course we have to keep in mind that South Luangwa wouldn’t be such an extraordinary wildlife destination without the ongoing efforts of CSL (Conservation South Luangwa) and Lodge owners, who work tireless to ensure that the concentration and variety of game being viewed from out backdoor is and remains exceptional.

To support these efforts, Croc Valley Camp hosted the annual Touch Rugby Festival being organized in tribute to Johnny Ambrose, a friend and safari guide who lost his life while guiding in the Luangwa Valley. It was a joyful day at Croc Valley, with over 200 guests and exciting Rugby Matches, followed by a Late Night Karaoke Party and Braai, with all proceeds being donated to CSL.