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Tafika Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Camp-to-camp walking trails
- Day and night game drives
- Mountain biking
- Cultural village visits

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Overview

Situated on the west bank of the beautiful Luangwa River, Tafika is one of Zambia’s longest standing owner-run camps offering expert guiding coupled with high quality accommodation and service. This wildlife rich area boasts some of the finest leopard viewing around, as well as prolific sightings of antelope, elephants, and buffalo. Tafika is an intimate property with just six chalets, and a good variety of cultural and safari activities to enjoy. The camp is open during the May to November dry season, and is ideal for guests looking for a safari experience that’s slightly off the beaten path - this area sees very few other visitors.

The accommodation consists of six chalets which, despite their rustic reed-and-thatch construction, are not as basic as they might seem on first glance. Each chalet is built from natural materials and is designed to wrap around the trunks of the surrounding sausage trees. All chalets have en-suite facilities, and either twin or double bed formation. One of the six chalets is a honeymoon suite, and another is a designated family suite which is made up of two separate rooms comprising one king size bed and two standard doubles. The quality of the food really sets Tafika apart from other camps, since produce is home-grown in their own vegetable garden.

A variety of activities are on offer, with guided safaris taking place either on foot, in 4WD vehicles, or on mountain bikes. Night drives around the Nsefu Sector of South Luangwa National Park are also available, offering the best chance to spot leopards. The birdlife is spectacular, and depending on the season, crowned cranes, yellow-billed stork colonies, or carmine bee-eaters might be seen. We recommend keeping an eye open for fishing owls which can be spotted year-round. Camp-to-camp walking trails are also possible between Tafika and its 2 sister properties, and Tafika's owner, John Coppinger, is one of the Luangwa's most experienced walking safari guides, so top notch expertise is guaranteed. The village of Mkasanga is also within walking distance, so guests can visit the school, and enjoy hearing the church choir sing as part of a guided tour.

Although the ideal minimum age for children at Tafika is officially ten years, the owners are happy to welcome younger children at their discretion, as they raised both their daughters here. However, since the camp is unfenced and game is free to roam, parents are advised to supervise their children at all times. Note that while some of the activities are suitable for children, younger family members must be at least twelve years old to participate in any kind of safari.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!

    Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.

    Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!

    All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.

    Thanks you once again!

    MissingHardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

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