Reviews of Nsefu
Wildlife sightings and reviews
191 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Nsefu and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Nsefu Review"
We found Willie, the manager, to be an excellent and very experienced guide - ably supported by his staff. Special mention should go to Fanton our super-spotter and Katherine our very efficient hostess.
The game drives were great in this sector of the park because we encountered so few other vehicles. Thank you everyone at Nsefu!" See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Nsefu Camp Review"
We realise that this is a historic camp that does want to upgrade too much but the rooms are quite small and need some imaginative improvement in storage space. Nsefu is not immune from the worldwide shortage of coat hangers.
This camp's location was actually our favourite.
Re. Wildlife survey:
Buffalo - Includes herds of 200+ and 400 +
Lion - Total of 24. Sightings consisted of a pride of 10, a different pride of 11 seen after dark, and one of the highlights of the trip: circumnavigating safely around three males on foot at a distance of 80 to 100m.
Elephants - Everywhere.
Wild dog - 3 individual animals very close to a leopard." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"An idyllic camp to end our holiday"
Again the house keeping was superb, the staff were friendly and courteous and the food continued to be delicious and served with so much attention to detail. The bar area was beautiful and a perfect place to relax watching the wildlife on the river or lagoon. We did find the dining area rather too dark as we had difficulties seeing our fellow guests and guides during evening meal times but that is the only negative comment and it certainly did not affect the enjoyment of our meals or our holiday experience.
The activities at Nsefu were fantastic and this was thanks to our wonderful guide Willie who not only helped to increase our bird list to >140 but who had so much knowledge to share about the environment...the trees, birds, animals, and history, he made our game drives so interesting. The team at Nsefu, our host Katherine and all the staff made our stay so perfect and again our guide Willie made this holiday so memorable.
Thank you all so much, we will never forget our first trip to Zambia." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Nsefu review"
The game drive is conducted in the remote Nsefu section of the park. The highlight is the seasonal carmine bee-eater colony on the river bank. RPS constructed a hide, allowing us to get close to the colony. We have good sightings of leopard in tree on night drive. But for some reason, lions make themselves scarce in Nesfu sector, although their footprints are found near the camp. During a short 2-day stay, we only saw lion from afar, on the opposite bank of the river.
Our guide Chilumba is excellent. He took us to find the rare and endemic Cookson’s wildebeest. On a trip to the remote salt pan area, he noticed a herd of skittish elephants that are not used to vehicles. He wisely positioned the vehicle at a safe distance. As a result, we experienced the adrenaline rush of elephant charging without a scratch, only a good story to tell.
Not specific to Nsefu camp: In my 7-night, 3-camp stay with RPS, I was guided by a total of 5 different guides. In general, I found RPS guides are uniformly well trained, knowledgeable and professional. Obviously every guide has a different style. It does take a while to get used to, both for the guide and for the guest. I felt the experience can be enhanced if each guest stays with the same guide throughout her stay in one camp, unless the guest opts for a different activity such as walk." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Nsefu review"
"Nsefu review"
COULD NOT THINK OF ANYTHING THAT WOULD IMPROVE THE CAMP." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Nsefu review"
Very good bush "aircon" - evening breeze cooling system - over the bed.
Being a small camp one's experience is partially dependent upon the guest mix." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia; 2n in South Africa
"Nsefu"
The walk from here to Tena Tena is a great introduction to a walking safari and Sebastian was a great guide - very experienced and knowledgeable, setting just the right pace.
The wild dog sightings were an added bonus." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Classic safari at Nsefu "
Wonderful wildlife in pristine environment. The stork colony is amazing - not just for the yellow bill and other storks - it is an environmental hotspot for avian and land based predators with never a dull moment (Martial and other eagles by day and leopards by night).
The salt pan with hot springs is also a fantastic place to visit. Willie is an amiable and expert guide with a fantastic knowledge of the prolific Zambian birdlife. The camp hide is also a great facility." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"A taste of the past"
Absolutely idyllic setting. Lunch and dinner tables beautifully laid in prime spot. Food excellent, wine flowed, service couldn't have been better. Nor could the lively conversations. Just loved it.
I find it hard to appreciate safari-style breakfast but it seems to be set in tablets of stone. This comment doesn't reflect on Nsefu or any other camp but it's such a hassle.. We labour to some distant spot, try to fumble around for food in the dark and the cold and then perch in a line in chairs trying to balance the food and mug of tea on a small table placed to one side. Everything I love for breakfast but unable to enjoy it. Why not eat outside if one must but use the big table nearer the main area with the food table wherever one can see what's on it? The setting is still the same but the degree of comfort and enjoyment is greatly increased. Surely it would be far more convenient for the staff too.The toasting/egg fires can still be in the vicinity for atmosphere. As it is, the style neither plays into the hands of a genuine safari buff nor the 'pretend' ones like us. Whatever the setting, there's no time to enjoy it so may as well make it a more practical experience. (Sorry - a minority view I'm sure but has anyone ever asked for opinions?)
My hot water bottle request had been received loud and clear but as Amanda had said, it's unlikely it would be as cold as Hwange. Still, it always provides a degree of amusement with everyone else.
Everyone would have been aware the rooms were small but I was glad there was just one of me, especially when the bed space is shrouded in mosquito nets, The steps to the bathroom became the sorting area for my goods and chattels .. As for the steps themselves, they were no problem for me, though i was very careful, but I'm not sure they were mentioned on the Expert Africa description of the room. I wonder how the man with a stick coped next door to me. However, I did find the shower floor quite slippery, especially negotiating the raised curved edge which presumably helps to keep the water in check.
I stand in awe at the organisational skills of all the staff and guides, Whatever is going on behind the scenes, it's a seamless operation for the ever-changing guest intake. Nothing too much trouble and yet we were still treated to 'extras'. A lovely surprise on my last sundowner evening. We turned up at the chosen spot only to find Catherine with a large table bearing ice buckets for bottles of sparkling wine and a tray of canapes', Then the other 2 vehicles turned up as well. A surprise for all of us and much appreciated.
An experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. Thank you for the excellent guiding and great hospitality." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
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