Heaps to do - from day and night drives, to walks, gentle mountain biking and microlight flights. A very friendly camp in a lovely area of the park with masses of wildlife.
Tafika is one of those uniquely African places; the manifestation of someone's lifelong relationship with the bush and its wildlife. John and Carol Coppinger have called this little piece of the Luangwa Valley home since 1995 and their children were raised here. The members of their team come from as nearby as the next village and from as far as the Antipodes but their passion for the Valley and for Zambia is evident.
Tafika has resisted the urge to distance itself from the bush by going overboard on luxury, and has instead remained a beautiful, simple and relaxed safari camp. The six reed chalets are scattered widely across lawns kept trim by grazing hippos, each with a view over the wide Luangwa River. Open air bathrooms with a ceiling of huge leadwood trees and your shower is accompanied by endless birdsong. It's not unusual to be woken early by the drum-like sound of the ground hornbills.
The camp has the freedom to use both the GMA (Game Management Area) on which it lies, and the Park. Day and night drives are often rewarding and provide the best opportunities to see the varied and prolific wildlife. Lion and leopard are frequently seen here and night drives a great for the seldom seen species such as honey badgers, porcupine, white-tailed mongoose and civet. John's favourite toy, the micro-light, is also available for a birds-eye view of the park and some startlingly different views of the wildlife. For those that enjoy being active, you can opt for a leisurely mountain bike ride or an early morning bush walk; an ideal way to take in things often missed in a vehicle. The guides at Tafika are experienced, knowledgeable and entertaining.
Tafika is a good base from which to launch a more extended walking safari into one of the more remote areas of the South Luangwa. The two bushcamps, Crocodile and Chikoko, lie within areas where there are no roads and so you really feel as though you are off the beaten track. The walks are leisurely, and the accompanying "tea-bearer" will ensure that you don't miss that vital mid-morning cuppa.
6 very comfortable reed cottages with open-air en-suite bathrooms
Heaps to do - from day and night drives, to walks, gentle mountain biking and microlight flights. A very friendly camp in a lovely area of the park with masses of wildlife.
Includes full board accommodation, scheduled activities, soft drinks, beer, house wines and local spirits, park fees where applicable. Does not include special activities, premium wines, champagne and spirits, gratuities, items of a personal nature.
The Luangwa Valley is probably Zambia's best known wildlife area. As well as having very good all-round game, Luangwa is somewhere that has gained a well deserved reputation for walking safaris, though there is a great deal more to do above and beyond. The park consists of large amounts of woodland; miombo interspersed with grass lands in the north of the park and large stands of mature ebony forming deep shade along the banks of the river. Read more?
Zambia has made a name for itself in the last ten years, as a high quality wildlife destination and one that is particularly good for walking safaris. Intimate (and often rustic) bushcamps, excellent local guides, beautiful riverine scenery and varied game and birdlife are the trademarks of a safari in Zambia. Jump straight to our favourite Zambia experiences. Read more?
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Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.