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
87% success
92% success
45% success
100% success
99% success
99% success
97% success
92% success
91% success
49% success
11% success
3% success
2% success
0% success
0% success
"Tafika has everything."
Tafika has everything, lots of wildlife, very good guiding, beautiful surroundings and unspoilt nature. Life along the river is fascinating with the birds, the hippoes, the antelopes, the elephants, the lions and leopards, just to mention e few.
The camp itself is fantastic with the chalets built around beautiful, big trees. The food is excellent and so is the service. One feels so well looked after; every effort is made to make you have an interesting and pleasant stay. We loved its atmosphere and style. We enjoyed every minute of it." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa
"Unforgettable stay at Tafika"
The guiding at Tafika for the drives and walking safaris was really exceptional showing real expert knowledge and understanding of the area and wildlife.
The food was excellent and as a vegetarian and vegan we were very well catered for.
The whole experience was very relaxed and understated but still quietly impressive, e.g. being met with a canoe for the transfer and then having the surprise dinner by the river on the last night." See all these reviews: 4n in Zambia
"Last 2 night at Tafika"
The walking safari & crossing the Luangwa by canoe was a highlight but nothing compared to watching the 15 lions that were eating their buffalo kill actually right beside the camp on our last morning.
We would love to go back and try their walking only bush camps. Highly recommended!" See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia
"Tafika review"
The food and accommodations are fantastic.
Brian (our guide) was extremely helpful with camera settings for photographing at night and for capturing birds in flight. We have him to thank for some amazing photographs." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia; 2n in South Africa
"As before"
"Luxurious Magical Tafika"
What we especially loved about Tafika is that Carol and John Coppinger were on site and were around all the time. They were excellent hosts, knew everyone's names after meeting them only once, and always acknowledged us by our first names when we saw them, Nice touch.
The guiding was great, and again we lucked out as we had Bryan for the whole 3 days. What he doesn't know about the bush and its inhabitants probably isn't worth knowing! Tafika is truly a magical place, so special. Everything was excellent." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"Even better than last time!"
Food, accommodation and guiding all excellent and mountain biking with John is always great fun.
On the last day, we asked to do a morning walk but they were short of rangers, so they took us to Chikoko so that we could walk to Crocodile with another couple - nothing is too much trouble to ensure you have a wonderful stay." See all these reviews: 18n in Zambia
"Brilliant start to our safari in Zambia"
Great drives and walks with masses of wildlife and grerat guides. Good to visit local village - which they strongly support - by bike with John Coppinger. All the hosting - accommodation, food, introductions, logistics etc. - first class. Brian and Heather a strength as well as the Coppinger family. Amon, Stephen and Moffat first class guides.
My bag never made it through from London via Jo'burg to Lusaka. My wife's arrived fine! Mike of Tours Africa managed to get hold of mine and Tafika kindly picked it up a couple of days later at Mfuwe and handed it to me." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"A wonderful experience"
The Coppingers really understand how to run a camp. Terrific experiences with the entire staff - Bryan, Issac, Alex, Lloyd, Rona and others that I have surely forgotten. While the cats were scarce the 3 nights that Lynette and I were there, the guides worked hard to make up for the absence of the cats. The highlight was a pack of wild dogs and pups.
We had a superb experience at Tafika and hope to return some day. I can highly, highly recommend Tafika to anyone considering a Zambian safari. A must do experience." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Tafika with family"
I found this camp extremely luxurious, with very high standards of service - I am a little bemused by some of the reviews describing it as 'rustic'! Everything was taken care of - clothes whisked away and returned clean and pressed; drinks and food served; beds and rooms prepared every night etc etc. I felt extremely pampered! And the overall environment is simply stunning.
Food was excellent, perhaps a little 'complicated' for the children at times. Breakfasts were taken around a fire overlooking the river, with staff. Lunch was a buffet and dinner a fairly formal affair with everything served to us. Dinner and lunch were shared with one or two staff on a rota - sometimes this felt a little bit uncomfortable as we were aware that the rest of the staff were eating back in staff quarters and wondered whether eating with the guests might be the short straw!
The camp was quiet when we were there, only two other guests. As a family of four, we did all our activities together with no other guests, and we had one guide, Alex, throughout our stay of four nights. Alex was an excellent choice of guide, as well as being highly experienced and knowledgeable, he had a great rapport with the children and made the experience fun as well as interesting. We did mainly drives, with one morning walk. We might have liked a greater variety of activities, but it took us a little while to get the bearings of the routine and by the time we had worked out what we wanted to do, time was running out.
I think a fuller orientation to the possible activities at an early stage in our trip would have been useful. Whilst I felt staff were responsive to our requests, I think a bit more proactive information would be useful. We enjoyed the walks as the safari experience can feel rather sedentary with most of the day spent sitting, eating or resting! it is a balance though as the walks do see a little less game. I was also a bit nervous about crossing the river in a small boat very close to the hippos - all passed without incident but I did wonder what the plan was if we had capsized...
Game viewings were good, though leopard sightings were scarce and I nearly thought we were not going to see one through our whole stay! The last drive came good though, with a superb close up and prolonged sighting - thanks to Alex and Lloyd's expert spotting. Overall we had three leopard sightings on the last day, including one on a walk.
Very minor suggestions for improvement: we would have found more books, maps and other information about the animals, birds and ecosystems in the park interesting to look at during our down time, to enhance what we learnt from the guides. Also, although everyone introduced themselves to us, we weren't very clear what everyone's role was at the camp (not that this mattered as everyone was helpful and friendly).
Overall, a lovely stay in an amazing location." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
Holiday styles & special interests in Zambia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zambia.
Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.