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
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"Tafika review"
Lovely family atmosphere. Very knowledgeable guides. Good accommodation." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Fantastic learnt so much at all camps all"
Very well organised" See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia
"Tafika: magic on the Luangwa"
Everyone made us very welcome. Some great meals round the camp fire, the table and under the stars with the other guests together with our hosts and guides who gave us a great insight into life in Zambia (nearly all the vegetables and fruit came from the camps vegetable garden).
Definitely the best night drives we had during all our stay in Africa, guided by Bryan, - porcupine, genet, civet, spotted cat - even a leopard with its prey. The landscape was very varied and we had some amazing drives, wild dogs in the salt pans, lions with a dead buffalo, the surrounding trees full of vultures and even a white griffon. Also a wonderful walking safari guided by Bryan: our sherpa, Brighton, lighting the fire with a stick and elephant dung for our tea! A hide on the river provided great viewing of Carmine bee-eaters. Back in the camp a hide provided close-up contact with animals coming to drink at the water-hole: an amazing experience - we could hear the water running down the elephant's throat.
Another highlight was our visit to the nearby village which is supported by Tafika. Some guests walked to the sister bush camps and really enjoyed them.
We would go back tomorrow." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia; 9n in Botswana
"Leopard every day at Tafika"
Although not as luxurious as other camps due to its remote position, it nonetheless provides all you need and you are made to feel very comfortable. Once again, too much food! However, at least they serve you so you can have as little or as much as you like." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
"Flying over the park and river"
The staff were knowledgeable and fun with excellent food and sundowners.
This camp had more people staying so we were on 2 seperate tables for meals which meant you could get stuck and not so easily meet everyone. Breakfasts by the river went some way to remedy this though
Of the animals we saw, the Crowned Cranes flying in large numbers were stunning, we spent a good half hour watching and taking pictures, lovely to just be
Then the next day we saw wild dogs just as the sun was setting. They had very recently killed and eaten so were larking around and playing with each other, again we just sat and watched, lovely.
My only mild critisism would be that because you had a variety of guides you tended to get simillar stories and occasionally repeated information which was a bit of a shame. Also the walking from the camp tended to be in roughly the same area and we didn't see much game. I believe if we had been walking between camps we would have seen more." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 5n in Malawi
"Tafika review"
"Outstanding: Exactly what we had hoped for."
Quiet, scenic, rustic, remote location. Just six very comfortable and spacious reed and thatch bungalows with outdoor facilities, along with a comfortable shaded central lodge with bar, sitting and dining areas, BBQ and food service area as well as indoor and outdoor seating.
The food was excellent. High quality home-style cooking, all very fresh and tasty with vegetables coming from their own gardens, and all in good supply. Unusually in our experience we were served the full breakfast, lunch and dinner which was far preferred to the usual and more limited brunch and dinner.
The game drives were excellent, if a little too long, on comfortable un-crowded open vehicles with a maximum of four guests. Although having suffered two drives with the self-centred selfish guest from hell we will seek exclusive use of the vehicle in future! Some of the game viewing was outstanding, the best leopard sightings ever (and that includes visits to the Sabi Sand renowned for its leopards!).
From the owners, through the managers, the drivers to the barman and porters all the staff were tremendous; personable, friendly, willing, efficient, all so obviously wanting you to enjoy your stay at Tafika. A model of organisation and quiet professional management.
My only little niggle: yesterdays left over cake and more particularly peanuts or popcorn just doesn't hack it for me as refreshments at the morning coffee break and evening sundowners. But hardly crime of the century.
We hope to return to Tafika in the future and next time plan to see what else Zambia has to offer the holidaying wildlife enthusiast in addition to the South Luangwa." See all these reviews: 5n in Zambia; 4n in Rwanda
"Great stay at Tafika!"
I really enjoyed the diversity of activities available at Tafika: doing a safari on foot was really enjoyable and I loved the different perspective I was able to gain from being in foot. The game viewing was pretty great; loved seeing the lionesses start their hunt at night and watching the small leopard follow two giant hippos. The microlight flight is a must for anyone staying at Tafika. It was another great and different perspective of the bush. The guides were pretty great as well. It was fantastic safari experience." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 9n in Zambia
"Great Guides & Night Drives in Remote Area"
The quality of guiding at Tafika was very high. The guides were good about letting us in on their thought process and explaining why we were driving a certain way (e.g., because we were following tracks on the road) or why we were leaving a sighting (e.g., because the leopard seemed very nervous & it was better to come back at night). I think that previous reviews have commented on Tafika's limited driving area. That wasn't an issue for me, as I enjoyed going back to check on earlier sightings to see how things had progressed (e.g., leopard in grass with impala kill in bush, the same leopard in tree with impala kill in tree, impala kill pulled even further up the tree, etc.).
I did two walking safaris while I was there. Both were excellent.
Lloyd the driver did a great job of making the drive to and from Mfuwe enjoyable by pointing out wildlife when present and telling me more about village life such as how difficult transportation was in the rainy season.
One thing that would be nice is if the staff wore name tags. It was hard to keep track of everyone and it felt awkward to not know their names." See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia; 3n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Tafika review"
We were awoken by hippos and elephants outside our bungalow on the first night! Elephants frequented the camp and were great entertainment one afternoon at lunch. We went on a fantastic walking safari at this camp and were able to see two leopards in the distance. Great food too." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
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