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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"Wonderful location, excellent camp."
Wasn't sure how much the various guides shared information with each other and all clients would have benefited from better communication between them." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
"Nsefu - a superb location"
The rooms are rondavels – after Nkwali, they seemed small initially, but we soon got used to this, and Nseful was probably our favourite camp. The setting of Nsefu is exceptional, with spectacular views on the bend of the river. Puku come very close to the front of the rooms, and we regularly watched elephant cross the river.
The dining area has great view across the river. The bar area overlooks a waterhole, and there is also a newly built hide next to this – well worth a visit to see antelope, birds and elephant..
Breakfast is served around a fire on the river bank. On one day we saw lions cross the river, and three of them headed towards the camp and within a few yards of us. One walked up the path alongside the rondavals and into the dining area before leaving. (We felt safe in the company of the guides and other staff!).
Our guides in Nsefu were excellent. On the first night we had George who was brilliant at joining up the experiences and helping us to see how the ecosystem works. For the rest of the time we had Braston; he has great experience at Nsefu and excellent knowledge of the behaviour of the animals generally but also of some of the individual leopards, which led to exceptional viewing. Both guides understood about the importance of light for photography and took this into account where possible when positioning the vehicle. Again, vehicles are open which is great for viewing, and for feeling that you are in the environment.
When on the game drives, we seldom saw any other vehicles – very occasionally one other vehicle from Nsefu itself (for example when seeing lions on a kill). On one drive we visited the salt pans and hot spring to see the crested cranes and a different sort of environment, which we found interesting.
We were impressed that our guides knew that were going bush camping and to Tena Tena and so avoided the area that overlapped with these." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Nsefu, my favourite RPS camp"
All the guides are pro, respectful of the environment and good fun at the same time. The sightings were magical and exciting.. Wish I had extra time there!" See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Nsefu review"
"2nd time at Nsefu"
This time we took the family with the youngest aged 12. Bradston was our guide and he and the game didn't disappoint. He was very patient and joined in the enthusiasm of the children, particularly when we were on a walk and 2 lions appeared on the plain! After our first night drive we arrived back to find elephants blocking the way to our rooms which added to the excitement! We had a sunrise bush breakfast at the salt pans giving everyone different scenery and a new experience. With the river so low we were able to cross to be transferred to our next camp.
My only slightly negative comment is that for older people it would be nice to have a stool in the room. The only place to sit, once the mosquito nets are drawn, is on the steps leading into the bathroom. However I admit that there is very little room except in the bathroom itself.
Our briefing was poor and we ere not informed that there twas a hide near the bar, but there was a temporary man in charge at the time." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"Ultimate Breakfast Experience at Nsefu!"
The closer proximity of the huts to one another means there is not such a sense of privacy and isolation compared to other camps, but that is more than compensated for by their unique style and yet again, luxurious fittings and en suite bathrooms. There are no power points in the huts but Merle, the camp host was more than happy to charge up appliances in the main area, whilst the generator was on. Merle was wonderful and I believe instrumental in inspiring some of the most delicious meals we experienced on our trip.
The guiding and wildlife experiences were of the highest standard and George, our guide, organised another of the highlights of our trip, which I cannot recommend highly enough. It means an early start, leaving camp at approx 4.30am. The stars were amazing but warm clothes essential. You drive a fair distance to a vast salt pan with a hot spring from which plumes of steam catch the first rays of sunlight as the sun creeps above the horizon. It is a spectacular sight enhanced by the growing awareness of abundant wildlife/birdlife in this very different environment. Just when things could not possibly get any better, George gets a Mopani wood fire going and conjures up a full English breakfast, with all the trimmings! Perhaps it was all a dream!" See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"An idyllic location for Nsefu"
Also experienced a close encounter of the elephant kind when engaged in a loo break behind a tree!" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"We had fun at Nsefu Camp"
Here we were very fortunate to be the only guests for two of our three nights stay and unusually our hosts were both African, Chris and Braston and they made us feel part of their family.We really did have fun and we commend them both for the care and attention they put into our stay.
The game drives day and night were also outstanding with two different leopards everyday, lions and a multitude of other animals. Undoubtedly this camp is well worth visiting and comes close to our favourite Old Mondoro..
But there is another outstanding opportunity from this camp, a visit to the local Kawaza village. This we did and were entertained royally by the villagers and to complete our day did a very successful game drive going there and back. The village is part of Project Luangwa a charity which helps educate the children and adults of the area. It is strongly supported by Robin Pope Safaris. Do visit this village if you choose Nsefu. It is an education in itself.
We concluded our stay with a safari walk to our next camp, Tena Tena, about 9Km away" See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia; 4n in Malawi; 3n in Botswana
"The classic safari camp"
There is something special about this place. If you have spend an afternoon sitting here and watched a herd of elephants crossing the Luangwa, you will know what we mean. Nsefu is the oldest camp in the park, but there is nothing outdated about it. Just like the other Robin Pope camps we visited it provided us with an exceptional level of comfort and meals that could rival those of high end restaurants in big cities. Compliments to the staff who work so hard behind the scene to make all of this happen!
During our stay we were once again rewarded with wonderful and at times very surprising sightings of wildlife. We would have never imagined seeing a leopard in broad daylight posing for us on the side of the road, lions resting not far from the camp, or an elephant visiting the camp during dinner. We were again very impressed by the knowledge of all our guides. The time we were able to spend with them was a wonderful learning experience." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Super Game Viewing Nsefu"
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Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Tafika
One of the best camps in Zambia, Tafika is naturally built, combining excellent service and food with top guiding skills for a superb wildlife experience.
Nkwali
On the banks of the Luangwa River, with its own access to the national park, the intimate Nkwali is open year round.
Kaingo Camp
Small and owner-run, the riverside Kaingo occupies a a quiet but excellent game area, with a series of wildlife hides and a focus on photography.
Tena Tena
One of the Luangwa's best camps, in a beautiful, remote bush location, Tena Tena is very small, exceedingly well-run and has top-rate guiding.
Mwamba Bushcamp
Small, remote and owner-run, Mwamba offers first-class walking, 4WD safari drives and superb hides, with excellent guides and a real bush feel.
Chikoko Tree Camp
Chikoko Tree Camp is an excellent small, rustic bushcamp that concentrates on walking safaris, and is run by a top-quality operation.
Big Lagoon Camp
Big Lagoon Camp is a great little rustic bushcamp built to high standards that focuses on excellent walking safaris, with the emphasis on top wildlife guides.
Kapani Lodge
Kapani Lodge is now the main office base for Norman Carr Safaris, one of the Luangwa's oldest safari operations.
Flatdogs Camp
A relatively big safari camp, Flatdogs offers value for money with great guiding and good food in a comfortable, relaxed setting.
Luangwa River Camp
Luangwa River Lodge is a small and consciously stylish lodge in the Mfuwe area, overlooking the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park beyond – an area renowned for great game.
Mchenja Bushcamp
Set in a shady ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa, Mchenja is a smart tented bushcamp. It combines well with Kakuli and Nsolo – its sister camps with a focus on walking safaris.
Kakuli Bushcamp
Beside the Luangwa River, Kakuli is a comfortable tented bushcamp offering 4WD safaris and walking safaris – the best of which are camp-to-camp walks linking Kakuli with its nearby sister camps.
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo is a small, comfortable bushcamp overlooking one or two pools in the usually dry Luwi riverbed. It concentrates on walking safaris in an interesting and diverse area, led by a knowledgeable guide.
Kafunta River Lodge
Kafunta is a laid-back, friendly and good-value lodge on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park.
Luwi Bushcamp
In a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi is a rustic bushcamp whose emphasis is on walking safaris with great guiding and a chance of seeing some rarely seen and elusive antelope.
Lion Camp
Lion Camp is an established and comfortable camp with a swimming pool, located near to the game-rich Lion Plain in the northern part of South Luangwa National Park.
Robin Pope mobile
RPS mobile safari camps are at the heart of their set-itinerary walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, which start and finish at a permanent camp.
Puku Ridge
Puku Ridge is a luxurious designer camp set in a stunning location, high on a hill overlooking a floodplain within South Luangwa. Explore from here on 4WD safaris and walks.
Kapamba Bushcamp
In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Kapamba is a small and very comfortable bushcamp offering good walks and game drives.
Mfuwe Lodge
In a game-rich area close to the South Luangwa’s main Mfuwe Gate, Mfuwe Lodge is relatively large by park standards, but it’s stylish, modern and family friendly.
Kuyenda Bushcamp
Kuyenda Bushcamp is a classic bushcamp with particularly delightful hosts and offers top-class walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.
Luangwa Safari House
Luangwa Safari House is a vast and very smart four-bedroom house specifically designed for families and small groups, and offering an exclusive and flexible safari experience.
Three Rivers Camp
In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Three Rivers Lodge sits at the confluence of three of the valleys rivers.
Island Bush Camp
Island Bushcamp is a good-value, rustic, walking-only camp, in arguably one of the most remote parts of the South Luangwa, well away from all other camps.
Chinzombo
Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo offers luxurious and stylish accommodation with very high levels of service and excellent guiding.
Bilimungwe Bushcamp
A smart bushcamp with four very spacious chalets, Bilimungwe offers interesting walking safaris in pretty riverine woodland, as well as day and night safari drives.
Chindeni
Chindeni Bushcamp is a very modern and minimalist camp, which is a far cry from your traditional bushcamp and unlike most of the other camps in South Luangwa.
Robin's House
With your own expert guide, private vehicle, chef and valet, the two-bedroom Robin's House offers an exclusive, flexible safari experience – and is open year round.
Kawaza Village
Kawaza Village – beside the South Luangwa National Park, offers guests the rare opportunity to appreciate local village life. Visit for a few hours or stay overnight.
Chamilandu Bushcamp
A comfortable little bushcamp, Chamilandu has a picturesque setting by the Luangwa River, in an area with a range of habitats to explore on foot and by 4WD.
Mwamba Camp-out
The Mwamba-Camp Out allows you to have an incredibly adventurous night in the bush, sleeping under mosquito nets with activities led by some of the best guides in Zambia.
Zungulila
Zungulila is a small, comfortable tented bushcamp with an emphasis on walking safaris, in the remote southern section of the South Luangwa.
Shawa Luangwa
Opened in June 2021, Shawa Luangwa Camp is a small, intimate and rustic camp, with a good location in a remote section of the South Luangwa National Park.
Chichele Lodge
Currently undergoing renovations, Chichele Presidential Lodge stands high within the park, with superb views, and is due to reopen in late 2022.
Luwi Riverbed Sleepout
For an adventurous night in South Luangwa National Park, come and sleep out in the bush, around a campfire, with an experienced guide and game scout.
Mapazi Camp
Mapazi Camp is a basic safari camp in the far north of the South Luangwa, with walking safaris led by renowned guide Deb Tittle.
Chikunto
Chikunto Safari Lodge is a more traditional property in the South Luangwa National Park, sitting on a peninsula of land created by the meandering Luangwa River.
