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 6th visit and as good as ever"
"Tafika review"
Thanks again to the Coppingers (all three of you!), Bryan, Heather, Rhona and all the staff." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Our second wonderful stay at Tafika"
This time we had asked to visit the local village and school which is supported by the Tafika Fund. We were guests of honour at the school, where we were entertained by children of all ages singing, dancing and reciting poems they had written. Wherever we went in the village we were surrounded by crowds of young children, all wanting to have their photo taken - and then to see the results on our cameras. A really worthwhile experience, and highly recommended." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Tafika - Extraordinary"
Elephants and hippos who wandered in and out of the camp. Walking safaris which begin with a canoe crossing of the river. Evening game drives had sunsets along the banks of the river amongst large flocks of Red-billed Quelea.
On our first night drive here we witnessed a face-off between two Leopards and a Hyena over the remains of an old kill. On one morning walking trip our guide (the long suffering [we did ask lots of questions!] but always courteous Brent Harris), along with scout Levy and tea-bearer Justin found the recent tracks of a Lion. We (they!) tracked her for two hours to a successful sighting along with two males. An amazing Birthday present for Mary, which the camp staff continued when she was treated to an african chorus of Happy Birthday and a specially decorated cake. I hadn't even mentioned this to anyone, which illustrates the care they take of their guests at Tafika." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"Great start of our safari"
The microlight flight was an amazing experience!" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Good camp but it was not what we expected"
The 'walking' activities were on the north side o fthe river (canoes to get across) and we enjoyed those trips.
In hindsight we should have chosen a camp on a 'full' river eg: Lower Zambezi NP.
There was a microlite flight available and you had to pay extra which we thought was a bit rich given the nightly tariff.
Rooms were nice but had no power and therefore no fan, & therefore in the middle of the day between drives/walks you just had to lie on your bed with a wet towel over you and suffer! (since there was rarely any breeze and at that time of the year it was very hot ay midday.
They own/lease there own light aircraft which proved handy as at the end of our stay they flew us over the NP to Mpika (organised via Expert Afrika .. thanks great suggestion)
Staff were excellent." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia; 3n in Zanzibar; 1n in Tanzania
"Special"
The setting is beautiful on the banks of the river and the chalets are spaced out, very large and comfortable. The guests were treated like part of the extended family and it was easy to see why many guests return. The food was excellent, plentiful and varied; the service, personal, and the game drives a very high standard.
It's imposssible to say anything other than brilliant all round. Thank you for a wonderful experience." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"Tafika"
"Tafika is Tafika (We have arrived!)"
There are many great camps in South Luangwa but none has the "family warmth" of Tafika - John, Carol and Jenny with old hands Bryan, Heather and Rhona together with all their most excellent staff generate a fantastic feeling of welcome, warmth and well being. We should love to be able to mention all the staff by name but are happy to claim old age and to say - Thank you to all." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Fantastic camp"
My mom particularly liked the joint dinners under the stars, the game walks and, of course, the morning microlight flight with John, which was fantastic.
Wildlife was amazing, especially the birding (including hundreds of crowned cranes and a purple crested turaco), leopards, lions and huge herds of buffalo coming to the river to drink.
The guides at Tafika deserve a special appreciation. Especially Alex. It was fascinating to see how - thanks to his great passion, experience and intuition - he managed to position us perfectly each time to watch the most amazing wildlife spectacles unfold right before our eyes. This included a huge buffalo herd appearing on the horizon in a cloud of dust and directly approaching is in our car, watching a lions' hunt and kill at night, a cloud of thousands of red billed queleas dancing in the sunset while we were having sundowners on the river bank and witnessing a very interesting baboon interaction involving a baby baboon left behind on a tree and finally being "saved" by his heroic father.
One thing that could be improved is that we would have preferred being assigned one guide for our entire stay at Tafika. It would make the experience even more personal and informative, as the guide would know exactly, which places we had already been to, what we had seen and which stories and information we already knew.
I hope that we will have the opportunity to come back to Tafika or its sister camp im North Luangwa NP, Mwaleshi Camp!" 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.