TAFIKA CAMP – SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Tafika is a rustic and very comfortable camp set on the east bank of the Luangwa River, north of the Nsefu Sector of the South Luangwa National Park and is one of the few camps which is still owner run and managed.

Ideal for those happy to be in a remote area, the game viewing is exceptional and there are a good choice of activities including daily day and night drives, mountain bike safaris, walking safaris, visits to the local Mkasanga Village and microlight flights (only offered in May).

Tafika also has two hides which offer the opportunity of game viewing in-between activities. Hides overlook the camp waterhole which is frequented by herds of elephant, bushbuck, puku, impala, mongoose and several bird species.

LOCATION

Tafika is located in a remote area in the north of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Access is by flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe and it is around 2 hour’s drive to camp or a 15 minute charter flight (extra cost).

CAMP

Nestled under the canopy of giant leadwood trees, the camp provides stunning views of the river where you can sit and watch elephants crossing and hippos wallowing in the river.

All the 6 spacious chalets are built from natural materials around the trunks of sausage and leadwood trees and the rooms have comfortable beds with mosquito netting and local fabrics and woven grass mats on the floor. The ensuite bathrooms are open to the elements with outdoor showers, toilet and sinks.

The main building has a lounge and dining area and drinks are often taken on the banks of the Luangwa River.

Tafika Camp accommodates up to 14 guests – four chalets have twin double beds in each room; the honeymoon suite has an enormous king size bed; and a final chalet with two rooms, a king size bed and two doubles serves as the family suite. The family chalet has an add-on hide which overlooks the camp’s waterhole.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

The Nsefu sector boasts some of the finest leopard viewing in Africa. Home to the majority of big game – including lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo – the Luangwa Valley also boasts two endemic sub-species: Thornicroft’s Giraffe and Cookson’s Wildebeest. An impressive concentration of both hippos and crocodiles makes the Luangwa River one of the most wildlife-dense in Africa.

Smaller mammals and over 450 recorded species of birds add to the game viewing experiences. The Luangwa Valley is home to four National parks: South Luangwa, North Luangwa, Luambe and Lukusuzi. Remote Africa Safaris operates in both the South and North Luangwa National Parks. South Luangwa National Park covers 9,050km2 in eastern Zambia.

Tafika Camp is seasonally operated and is open during the dry season from the 1st of May to the 15th of November. Due to its remote location, you can often experience exclusive sightings as there is very low congestion in the area.

Game Drives – are taken in open top vehicles for prime wildlife viewing and photography. Game drives accommodate a maximum of four guests guaranteeing unobstructed viewing and photography.

Night drives stop for a sundowner before dedicated spotters seek out nocturnal wildlife with a spotlight. The night drive lasts for about two hours with regular sightings of Luangwa’s nocturnal animals such as owls, genets, civets, hyena, lions on the move, leopard, four toed elephant shrew, several mongoose species and much more. The camp practices radio silence to ensure intimate and undisturbed wildlife sightings.

Microlight Flights – catch a bird’s eye view of the Luangwa from the microlight and wind your way up the Luangwa river on a light early morning breeze. Fly over huge pods of hippo wallowing in the water, elephants crossing, and massive herds of buffalo coming to drink or catch a leopard sunning itself in the early morning rays. It’s an exhilarating way to view the Luangwa and it’s wild inhabitants.

Mircrolighting is only offered in May, when the bush camps are closed and are piloted by Remote Africa Safaris director, John Coppinger. Microlight flights are unique to Remote Africa Safaris in the Luangwa Valley.

Walking Safaris – enjoy an intimate safari experience tracking wild animals on natural wildlife trails through wilderness that is only accessible on foot and untarnished by vehicle tracks.

Walking safaris are always led by an experienced Remote Africa Safaris guide, an armed National Park scout and accompanied by a tea bearer. Morning walks are approximately 4 hours long with a pace set by the present walkers. Enjoy a rest along the way for a hot cup of tea or coffee and sweet treat alongside a lagoon and soak up the natural surrounds.

On foot you are given the rare opportunity to experience the bush at nature’s pace and to be immersed in the wonders that present themselves at every turn. Go back in time and learn how to make fire the natural way with some sticks, elephant dung and a touch of skill. Discover the delights of the bush, from the fascinating insects that live within animal droppings, tiny elephant shrews, delicate wide-eyed antelope to towering giraffe, enormous elephant and huge herds of buffalo with prides of lion in tow.

Cycling Safaris – stretch your legs and enjoy getting active with an afternoon cycling safari. As a passionate cyclist himself, John Coppinger often leads the rides which are approximately 1½ hours and taken at a leisurely pace. The route takes the safari cyclists along natural wildlife tracks in the Game Management Area and into the park along the main roads. Cyclists meet up with the night drive to continue their safari by vehicle.

Shorter rides can be combined with a cultural visit to the local Mkasanga Village. This is a unique activity to Remote Africa Safaris in the Luangwa Valley.

Photographic Hides – sit back in the secrecy of Tafika’s elephant hide to observe life around the waterhole and its many visitors. The hide is frequented by elephants on a daily basis during August to November.

The seasonal (September / October) Carmine bee-eater hide offers fantastic photographic safaris of the colourful breeding colony.

Specialist Birding – the South Luangwa showcases 469 recorded bird species and the North Luangwa showcases 416 recorded species.

Remote Africa Safaris is a bird-lover’s paradise with sightings of Bat Hawks and Pel’s Fishing Owls; great flocks of Crowned Cranes; a breeding colony of Yellow Billed Storks and Carmine bee-eaters; and visits from the White Winged Babbling Starling and Yellow-Throated Long Claw. All Remote Africa Safaris guides are excellent and enthusiastic birders.

Cultural Visits – visit the Mkasanga village and be welcomed with great enthusiasm and plenty of smiles. Start off at the Mkasanga school where you can learn more about remote education and meet some of the children. Remote Africa Safaris support the school through the Tafika Fund.

The local ladies give insight into some Zambian customs by showing how millet is ground and pounded. Try your hand at some pounding to put meal preparation into perspective. Visit one of the church choirs who serenade visitors with their beautiful harmonies and encourage you to join them in some dancing.

TAFIKA IS CLOSED FROM THE 16TH NOVEMBER THROUGH TO THE END OF APRIL EVERY YEAR

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDRENAGED 12 YEARS AND OLDER. DO NOTE THAT ONLY CHILDREN AGED 12 YEARS AND OLDER CAN PARTICIPATE IN WALKING SAFARIS