Reviews of Tafika
Wildlife sightings and reviews
318 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Tafika and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Warm welcome to a great Safari experience "
The staff is very well trained, knowledgeable and helpful. Animals are plenty, Elephants and Hippos sometimes roam through the Camp but no need to worry as there is always somebody there to look out for you.
My husband enjoyed the bike ride with John - very different to home and so many interesting explanations and hints. He joined us then for the sun downer, John did take care that someone else rode the bike back to Tafika" See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia; 6n in Malawi
"Tafika review"
"Tafika review"
The location right on the river was fantastic and we found the atmosphere wonderfully relaxed and welcoming, due in no small part to the warm and inclusive hosting of Carol and John and the unfailing patience and empathy of the delightful Michele. It was also great to be assigned the family chalet, which seemed perhaps a bit more secluded than some of the other rooms and had the added amazing bonus of having its own hide.
Although we initially anticipated doing some walking at Tafika we actually ended up focusing on game drives, but felt that this was OK given that our other Remote Africa camps focused on walking. That said, and knowing all too well that nothing on safari can ever be guaranteed, we felt that sightings on game drives could be a little 'stop-start' and that a visit perhaps slightly later in the season might have resulted in the game being a bit more concentrated? The sense of exclusivity was very nice however and we barely encountered another vehicle." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Lovely Tafika"
Everyone involved in the running of Tafika from the Bosses to the night watchmen are very cheerful and helpful.
A visit to South Luangwa would not be the same with out a visit to Tafika." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"A charming institution"
Location:
Tafika's gardens are possible because it is not actually in the National Park, but it feels as if it is, with a beautiful site on the bank of the Luangwa River and immediate access to the wildlife world.
Accommodation:
The rooms are solid, beautifully detailed and comfortable, though a little enclosed at night for our taste.
Activities;
The game drives were very good, with plenty of sightings of birds, elephant, bushbuck, hippos, crocodiles, baboons, leopards, big herds of buffalo, giraffes, zebra. Night drives showed us hyenas ( in pairs rather than groups, as they apparently focus on stealing leopard kills rather than hunting in that area), genets, elephant shrews, scrub hares and a chameleon. Lloyd's guiding was excellent.
David went for a bicycle ride with founder John Coppinger and a few others - an interesting variation.
As our next few camps would be walking ones we didn't do walking from here." See all these reviews: 19n in Zambia
"Fantastic Tafika"
Having stayed here on other occasions it did not surprise us to find that the Tafika team had pulled out all the stops as usual. The rooms are lovely, well appointed and are kept spotlessly clean. All the meals provided by the catering team led by Rona were just lovely. We especially enjoyed the lunches. Freshly prepared food, much of it grown in the garden and on every occasion always served hot and with a really interesting menu. Rona and team seem totally unfazed by any dietary requirements!
You are always sure of a friendly welcome from John and Carol (the owners) now joined by Jenny and Nick (the next generation) and also Heather who ensures that your stay is the most interesting and well supported as it can possibly be.
We always find it really hard to leave Tafika, no matter how long our stay has been and we just can't wait to return." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"Tafika"
"Wonderful camp on the anks of the Luangwa"
"Tafika review"
[Ed. see below]
Amongst other animals we also saw genet, bushy tailed mongoose and a monitor lizard." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 3n in Malawi; 1n in South Africa
"Tafika review"
This camp is perfect for us... low key, relaxed, professional. Accommodations are comfortable: thatched roof and walls, private baths with private open air showers. Not fancy, but comfortable and very nice. Exactly what we wanted our children and grandchildren to see and experience. As close to open-air camping as possible yet completely safe.
The guides at Tafika are outstanding professionals. A walking tour with Isaac is highly recommended: hippos, a pride of lions, birds, et. al. Cooper and Lloyd are highly knowledgeable, and able to keep everyone aged 11 to 74 engaged and excited.
The common space is large, open and comfortable. We ate most dinners under the stars in perfect weather. The game drives were uniformly excellent.
As far as we are concerned, Tafika is a must." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
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