Skip to content

Nsefu Camp

Nsefu was the first safari camp in Zambia, and has a very special ambience. It is situated on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, 12 miles north of Tena Tena Camp, far in the north of the Park’s undeveloped Nsefu Sector.

It offers charm and total comfort in remoteness and seclusion. The perennial Luangwa River is the very life-blood of the Park and, together with its many oxbow lagoons, it ensures a permanent supply of water to support high concentrations of wildlife.

Read More

Nsefu is a lovely camp with a nostalgic ambience and a wonderful location. As at all Robin Pope camps, the atmosphere is intimate, the camp staff friendly and professional, and the service highly personalized.

The camp is open from June through October.

Accommodation

12 guests are accommodated in six beautifully restored rondavels from the 1950’s. All are whitewashed with thatched roofs, open-air bathrooms, and decorated with understated elegance. Each of the original rondavels has been extended, with a spacious bathroom added.

Each rondavel has its own wooden veranda with comfortable directors chairs. Every bed in camp has its own private view of the Luangwa River. Lighting is supplied by generator and solar lamps.

Dining and Facilities

The view of the Luangwa River from Nsefu Camp is superb and includes a terraced area where game grazes during the day. The thatched bar and communal lounge area is tucked in beside a huge extinct termite mound and overlooks a waterhole that is very productive for game – for those fortunate enough, leopard at night are a special reward.

In keeping with authentic feel of early safari days, the camp has original 1920’s hand basins, a working gramophone player, and heavy hotel-silver cutlery is used, with dinners served by candlelight. Breakfast is served at dawn on the grass terrace in front of camp.The camp also includes laundry services.

Activities

Activities at Nsefu take advantage of the great game-viewing in the area, and include game-drives in specially adapted open safari vehicles (both day and night-drives), and guided walks. Visitors to the South Luangwa Valley have the possibility of seeing over 400 species of birds, and 100 species of mammal, including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, and hippo. Two of the more interesting species of game – Thornicroft’s Giraffe and Cookson’s Wildebeest – are endemic the Luangwa Valley.

South Luangwa game walks, considered by many to be the best in Southern Africa, are led by a qualified guide and accompanied by an armed game scout, offer an even more intimate bush experience.

Walking Safaris

Robin Pope Mobile Walking Safari

The Robin Pope Mobile Walking Safaris have become famous for their adventure and “true Africa” experience. The mobile walking safaris venture to the remote area of the Mupamadzi River in the north of the South Luangwa National Park. This safari runs ten nights and includes a four or five day walking portion which explores diverse habitats – hills, woodland and vast grassy plains as well as the river. Walking safaris encourage guests to use all their senses while in the bush – from hearing to smell, as well as sight. The anticipation of what is around the corner keeps your focus keen.

The walking safaris run from mid June through the end of September.

Nsefu Camp Gallery

Your stay- what you need to know

Nkwali Lodge
Prime Riverfront Setting

Perched on a wide bend of the Luangwa River, Nkwali offers superb panoramic river views and frequent wildlife sightings from the bar, dining area and riverbank.

Private Land & Rich Habitat

Set on Robin Pope’s private land, the camp is surrounded by ebony woodland and open grasslands — exceptional terrain for game viewing right from camp.

Access to Mfuwe Sector and South Luangwa

With easy access to the Mfuwe Sector, guests enjoy outstanding chances to see leopard and the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe, plus a wealth of general game.

Intimate Chalets & Authentic Design

Six spacious A-frame chalets (max 12 guests) crafted from woven bamboo and thatch, each with generous open-air en-suite clay bathrooms for an authentic bush experience.

Expert Day & Night Game Drives

Fully guided open-vehicle game drives and night drives led by experienced guides provide superb wildlife encounters across diverse habitats.

Contact Us for prices
  • Speak to one of our specialists for prices and more information
Special Offers
  • Any special offers will be shown here

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

More South Luangwa Camps & Lodges

South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife regions, renowned for its rich biodiversity and exceptional safari experiences. Here are further recommendations for where to stay when exploring the South Luangwa ecosystem.

Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years