Reviews of Tafika
(98%) From 254 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Tafika review
Magnificent throughout, and very civilised.
We had some 'interesting' moments but very well handled by excellent guide Stephen Banda.
Tafika is our favourite safari camp...
Ours second visit to Tafika and it was just as good as the first time.
We considered going to another camp but felt that Tafika offered us everything we were looking for and we were not disappointed.
Just the right level of comfort, excellent guides and fine food.
High class and run by very experienced people
Tafika is run by very experienced people who have been there a long time.
One of us was ill on arrival and the attention and support provided, particularly by Jen Coppinger, was exemplary. We were located, as requested, close to the Sitenje, making movement to and fro much easier. However, this did mean our veranda was very public, so we made little use of it in the afternoons. Otherwise, the room was very comfortable and luxurious.
The camp is well located with views over the Luangwa river, so there were plenty of sightings from camp of elephants, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles and birds. A Pels owl called behind our chalet, though we never saw it.
Our guide, Brian, had more than 20 years experience at Tafika and was very knowledgeable. We saw plenty of wildlife over our 3 days. Tafika has a strong focus on walking safaris. With no water based options, our activities were confined to game drives. As Tafika is outside the park, these became rather repetitive, with the same drive out along the river every time. Brian was reluctant to take the only other route, to the salt pan, in the day time, despite us requesting this, so we missed sightings of African wild dogs which we had particularly wanted to see. The lack of use of radios meant guides did not hear of unusual sightings elsewhere. We did have excellent lion, leopard, Thornycroft giraffe, zebra and elephant sightings, as well as a very shy Eland.
Food was generally good, though meat was often tough, even Zambian beef, which was beautifully tender in our other camps. The vegetables were a highlight and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing the wonderful vegetable garden at the back, which Nelson proudly showed us. For our taste, meals are somewhat formally hosted, so despite the excellent service and care, we never totally relaxed.
The exemplary service was finally illustrated by the couriering of a phone to our next camp which we had accidentally left charging in the camp.
Tafika review
We loved Tafika. The staff were friendly and the accommodation were exceptional. We stayed in the family chalet, right on the river. It is spectacular, and very private. There are two separate showers, and two separate toilets, so our two teen sons were able to share with us, without feeling uncomfortable. Note that you do share twin sinks with one Fawcett.
We felt like we were among family, and were very sad to leave.
The guides were great, and the trip to the village was very enjoyable, with no pressure.
Outstanding Experience
What a wonderful camp. The staff, Heather and Roni, our guide Bryan and spotters, John and Carol all made this a special place to spend time. All are professional but very friendly and work diligently to ensure that your stay is what you want it to be.
The rooms are private and inviting. The outdoor shower is lovely. The food is prepared with care and is very tasty.
The game viewing is superb and our guide Bryan did an outstanding job. We loved the game drives and looked forward to each as a new adventure.
Tafika review
We enjoyed Tafika. It's in a good location in South Luangwa on the river. Our guide Cooper was excellent. We were fortunate to see some excellent animals (Genet, serval, civet) at night.
Food was excellent; the room was spacious and there were other interesting guests.
Fantastic Introduction to Safari
This was our first ever safari and Tafika exceeded all our expectations. Staff were very friendly and welcoming and introduced us to Safari life by explaining in detail what to expect.
The guiding and game viewing were both spectacular, very knowledgeable guides and plenty wildlife. Although just outside the park in the GMA it is just a very short drive and invariably there were sightings on the drive to and from the park.
Food was really good and the vegetarian in our party was delighted with all the meals, perhaps it helps that Carol is vegetarian.
The accommodation although it may look rustic was very comfortable and private. We particularly liked the outdoor shower.
Would certainly like to go back.
Nobody does it better
This was my fourth visit to Tafika (seventh to the Remote Africa group) and it was excellent as ever.
It was a last minute decision to switch to include Tafika in our trip, and so it was only possible for us to take the family chalet. We'd been a little sceptical about this but it turned out to be a perfect choice. The chalet has 2 separate showers and 2 toilets and a shared basin area, and it has a lovely position overlooking the river so it was nice to sit outside and chat in the afternoons and watch the hippos mating (yes, really!).
It was a shame to miss John and Carol, but Heather and Bryan were doing an excellent job in their absence. I love Tafika, it is still one of my favourite safari camps in Africa. Full of character and with a warm welcome and run by people who appreciate the important aspects of the safari experience. In a world where safari camps seem to be in a battle to "out lux" each other, resulting in an experience that is increasingly divorced from the natural environment, Tafika remains a beacon of authenticity. I wish there were more camps like it.
Game viewing was superb with some stand out leopard sightings, including a mother with 2-3 month old cub and the same mother chasing a younger female up a tree.
