Tafika Camp
Location - Edge of Nsefu sector in own conversation area, overlooking Luangwa river opposite the park.
Accommodation - 6 reed huts. Sleeps 12
Experience - Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, microlite trips, mountain biking, specialist safaris (painting)
Price Guide - $530 - 750 pppn
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. Read more?
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.
Location - South Luangwa
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. Jump to page?
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