AFRICA WAS CALLING
AND HE FINALLY ANSWERED…
PETER & CHICHI
A LOVE STORY WITH AFRICA
Peter had never imagined his life would one day be defined by the wild rhythms of Africa. Born in the Netherlands, where he ran a thriving beach restaurant with 600 seats in one of the most visited areas, his life was fast-paced and filled with the energy of tourism. For 11 years, his world revolved around hospitality, catering to tourists by the thousands— 9 million a year, to be exact. But something stirred in him when he first visited Zambia in 2003. It was as if the open plains, the towering trees, and the ever-present wildlife had been whispering his name for years. Africa was calling, and he finally answered.
In 2010, Peter took the plunge, moving to Zambia to open Track & Trail River Camp in South Luangwa. It wasn’t an easy start—the lodge was open, yes, but construction was still underway, and the off-season offered its own unique challenges. But Peter, drawn by the freedom and wild beauty of the region, threw himself into the work of creating a place where visitors could experience the same magic that had captivated him.
In Lusaka in 2011, life offered Peter a new gift: Chichi. The two met by chance, but it wasn’t long before they knew they were destined for each other. Chichi, with her warm heart and natural grace, quickly became the perfect partner in both life and work. She now manages the food and beverage at Track & Trail, making every guest feel right at home with her exceptional hospitality. Guests leave not only with a love for the wildlife but also with fond memories of Chichi’s warmth and care.
Their family grew with the birth of their son, Daniel, in August 2013. Now, Daniel attends Kapani Bush School, a small private school nestled in the bush, where he is surrounded by the very wildlife that his parents have come to love. Daniel, much like his father, is fascinated by nature and animals.
His favorite days are spent exploring the camp, learning about the wilderness firsthand, and who knows—one day, he may follow in Peter’s footsteps and take over Track & Trail himself.
Running a lodge in the wilderness has its unique challenges, but it’s the close encounters with wildlife that have given Peter some of his most vivid memories. One such incident happened when hippos, known for their aggressive nature, fought their way into the camp. Instead of retreating to the river, one massive hippo made a wrong turn and barreled into the bar, where Peter sat enjoying a drink with Daniel.
“Pap… Hippo!” Daniel exclaimed, wide-eyed. Peter’s instincts kicked in as he grabbed his son and bolted out of harm’s way. In the scramble, Peter’s glass shattered, and a shard nicked Daniel just above his eye. They were lucky that day. The hippo, startled by its own misstep, turned and ran back towards the river, leaving the camp and its inhabitants unharmed. It was a close call, one of those moments that brought the wild unpredictability of living in nature into sharp focus.
Another time, Peter witnessed a rare and thrilling scene— a leopard attacking a baby hippo. These are the moments that remind Peter why he loves living in the wild: the raw, unfiltered beauty of nature at its most unpredictable and awe-inspiring.
For Peter, living in South Luangwa is more than just a lifestyle; it’s a dream realized. “It’s the freedom in nature,” he says. “I get to do what I love, every day. I wake up to the sounds of the wild and share these incredible experiences with my clients. What could be better than that?”
As for Daniel, who already has a deep love for animals, the future looks wild and bright. Peter sees in his son the same passion for Africa and its wildlife that drew him here so many years ago.
South Luangwa has become their home—a place where life happens in rhythm with nature, and where each day brings new adventures. For Peter and Chichi, Track & Trail River Camp is more than a lodge—it’s the culmination of a love story with Africa, one that started in 2003 and continues to be written with every new sunrise over the Luangwa River.
