Even though Lou Reeds a different script, the lyrics mean all the same. In fact, you don’t have to walk anywhere.

The animals do. Straight towards you. All around you.

It’s an extraordinary feeling when a herd of elephants promenade towards the shower block, only a few huge towels are needed.

Two weeks ago, I was told that a pride of lions strolled from one campsite to the next, because they can. This is my kinda environment.

It doesn’t get much wilder than here at Wildlife Camp as the name suggests.

It stretches along the shores of the Luangwa River for about 1000 meters.

The Luangwa River is the natural border to the South Luangwa National Park as it curves its way south towards the Zambezi River.

Like other neighbouring countries, Zambia is experiencing a severe drought, and water levels are at a record low.

But at least some water is still flowing.

The slow-floating and shallow waters are practical for animals of any size to zig-zag through the river. Elephants hardly get their feet wet.

The washed-out riverbed creates side pools here and there which reflect its surroundings and skies perfectly.

The build-up season is in full swing and dramatic cumulus clouds accumulate nicely over the vast horizon.

There are walking safaris on offer at the ‘Wildlife Rivercamp Peninsula’, including a guide and an armed ranger. Just in case. But I doubt that one shot had ever been fired.

There is mutual respect between animals and humans, fright, and an increased heartbeat with us sometimes.

The animals understand that humans are not to be messed with, but also that we won’t be messing with them. That’s my theory.

Just as I arrived at ‘Wildlife Camp’, a herd of elephants had just checked in.

Big smiles made me smile. The younger ones just enjoyed a mud bath and happily grazed on some lush greenery.

‘Which way is the reception?’

‘Ah, I see. Next to the artistic Elephant Statue.’

Across the straw-headed restaurant and bar area, perched on the high tide mark of this torrential flood line.

A small Hyde is in walking distance from the reception just as well, overlooking a prevalent waterhole.

Some monkey business goes on here.

I will have to watch my cheeky cousins at all costs.

From the moment I arrived, I was taken to my wildest animal dreams. And I hadn’t even moved anywhere in particular. Only to and from my designated camp spot number 3.

This one is the furthest away from the river bank but the closest to the campground Hyde.

This Hyde was my favorite hideout spot with cameras in hand.

It was the perfect setting for a perfect shot. More to that in upcoming posts.

The campground was as spacious as it needed to be.

This is the busiest lodging I came across over the whole of this year’s adventures. Even an overlander touring bus loaded with a group of Italians camped out on my day of arrival. Bon Giorno, Alora! I didn’t hear anyone say ‘Spritz’ though.

Good old memories to Claudio and Federica and all the others of the Italian crew I met in Zambia last time. Chin-Chin.

It was a lively mix of visitors of mainly European origin. Dina, Luke, Jayden, and Ruben had traveled through Europe the past year. Why not add a few months of Africa’s wildest to the list? As fate has it, another young Dutch Couple arrived on a Mercedes Truck, with children of the same age, speaking the same language. Incredible timing as fate has it.

A young French/Italian Swiss couple shared the camp next to me for a few days. We had lots to chat about as adventurers do.

The tourist-majority trophy goes, as may be expected, to Germany. Ja ja, das ist gut.

I ended up spending 4 nights, and 5 days here at Wildlife Rivercamp and saw a wild variety of animals.

I didn’t even go for a game drive into South Luangwa National Park. I didn’t need to.

Why spending all day driving when I could enjoy tranquillity here? The grass wasn’t greener on the other side of the river.

I was kept busy right here, right then, right away.

I have taken some phenomenal elephantastic photos.

Osmo was out on landscape duties.

And Rick? Well, he captured some amazing footage from thin air. I didn’t ask if I was allowed to use my Australian Drone license expertise here at Wildlife Camp.

But as it is in the Wild West. Shoot first, ask later. No one told me not to and the results speak for themselves.