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.
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.
We have some excellent safari itineraries that include the Nsefu Camp, please click below for details.
