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
89% success
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37% success
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"Game drives were great"
Whilst I was staying at Nsefu, there was also a photography safari group and an individual there to takes photos, at times I felt that everything was run to suit them and that the rest of us had to fit their agenda, whilst I appreciate that we all eat meals together and are courteous and respectful of each other, I did not feel the same happy and fun vibe that I experienced at Tena Tena.
Daudi did an excellent job of getting us viewings of the leopard with its kill, despite the fact that the guys taking photographs (and the resident filming crew) seemed to dominate that type of viewing. Personally I felt a bit slighted by this as we had all paid to stay there and although Daudi did his upmost best, I did feel that they were given somewhat preference, or rather demanded it.
That aside I really enjoyed my drives with Daudi and he was indeed the highlight of my stay there" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Nsefu review"
The service, the meals, the guiding and the rooms were excellent. I'd love to go back there on day." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
"A good overall camp."
The rooms were nice, but a tad awkward with semi circular steps down the the outdoor bathroom and very limited space for luggage. There was shelving, but no luggage rack, which would have been appreciated. The camp layout was a bit odd with the bar and tea area at one end of camp and the dining area at the other. I felt that after sundowners, the next goal was a slow return to camp rather than really trying to find leopard, lion, or other wildlife.
That may be an unfair opinion; maybe the two nights I was there were just quiet. I was excited to see a porcupine at a close distance. One particular highlight was the Mongolian Barbeque they served for dinner one night. Another nice touch was the Pimms and lemonade that Susanah made with plenty of fruit garnishments. In all, I really did enjoy the Nsefu." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Peaceful and relaxing camp"
A quieter and more relaxed atmosphere with fewer guests. Great game drives with Chillumba, who transferred with us from Tena Tena and we saw lions mating and a porcupine (our first after 9 safaris) as well as leopard, elephant, giraffe and the rest.
Our hostess at Nsefu and Tena Tena was Carolina who gave us excellent service and was excellent company." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Beautiful location"
The staff could not be faulted - they were friendly, helpful and efficient. We stayed there for four nights but would have happily stayed longer." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Heart of brightness"
The camp itself is very comfortable and we were well looked after by Bertram and his team. No vehicles, so all walking and boating - so very peaceful and soothing.
Together with Nkwali, Nsefu took our bird sighting list for the five nights in Luangwa this trip to over 150, including a handful of 'lifers' (though the eastern nicator, heard but not seen, proved illusive again!). A return trip to the nesting area of the yellow-billed storks (which we had previously visited in May from Tafika) was just one of several highlights. Worth adding that the light at this time of year is usually excellent for photography, with the emerald vegetation adding real lustre.
Again, strongly recommended." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Super river safaris"
Brayston and Thomas made a complimentary team for our trips out, especially the walking safaris. Going up river we were lucky to find the lions that we ahd heard roaring and were able to stalk them on foot _ a once in a lifetime experience.
The staff friendliness was incredible and they did evertnig possible to make our stay memorable" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Nsefu review"
Lost count of the number of lions and leopards seen here in 4 days. Our guide was Chris and we had a number of memorable game drives with him. His detailed knowledge of the bush was always impressive." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
"Excellent camp with huge wildlife viewing"
Interesting drive to camp over dry river beds and through villages etc. with Chris who was very informative. Beautiful riverside setting, attractive though not luxurious rondavels which could have had a few more shelves but really appreciated the cooling through the net system. Adjacent lagoon attracted lots of wildlife, very useful hide, very good food, excellent hostess (Hannah) and lovely food.
Lots of wildlife, several leopards etc. My birding interest catered for." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"Good team, shame about the mossies at Nsefu"
At night time they were like pizza ovens infested by mosquitos, and we have never slept so badly on safari trips as here. We and other guests were bitten from head to toe, inspite of nets, insect repellent and the misnomered "Doom" knock out spray. The recently installed "Evening Breeze" airconditioning units made minimal difference, and were not worth a reputed $4,000 per unit. Traditional fans plus mosquito coils might have helped.
We heard from other sources that this is one of the oldest camps in South Luangwa, possibly having "listed" status, and that the waste water soakaways are too close to the accomodation, providing ideal breeding conditions for mosquitos. RPS really needs to bring in zip up tents here, with mosquito nets and fans to replace the rondavels.
This was the only negative aspect of our stay here, but left a lasting deep impression - sleep deprivation does not lead to an enjoyable visit.
The game viewing was excellent - all of the hoped for sightings, plus a fascinating night trail of a leopard invading the baboons "bunkhouse" to the sound of aggravated roaring! The hide attached to the camp provided excellent close views of leopard, warthog families and battling male impala.
Chris, our guide, had the knack of finding interesting situations - on a night drive picking up 6 lions organsing an ambush in a gulley for unsuspecting puku, and on a trip to the salt pans 2 hyenas taking a bath in the sulphur springs. His good humour with tired, mosquito bitten customers, was commendable. Braston, the knowledgable camp manager, led us on 2 fascinating walking safaris, dodging elephant families, and following a leopard and her cub at close quarters.
The food was of high standard, and imaginative - in particular the "Mongolian" meal - self-selected raw veggies, chicken, pork and beef, plus sauces/spices all mixed up and cooked in a skillet over a mopane wood fire by the chef, and eaten out in the open. Hannah, the hostess, treated us to a visit to the camp kitchens - basic, but spotlessly clean. She also created a wonderfully refreshing mid-morning pick me up - lemonade, ginger beer and angostura bitters, with loads of ice." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 7n in Malawi
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