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Tafika
Tafika
Tafika
Tafika
Tafika
Tafika
Tafika
Tafika
Tafika
Tafika
Tafika
Tafika

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

Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in May-2018, 78 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Tafika.
Lion

87% success

Leopard

92% success

Wild dog

45% success

Hippo

100% success

Giraffe

99% success

Zebra

99% success

Elephant

97% success

Buffalo

92% success

Spotted Hyena

91% success

Wildebeest

49% success

Eland

11% success

Roan antelope

3% success

Sable antelope

2% success

Aardvark

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Showing 221-230 of 318
Duration
Arrival date
Mrs B
Streatham

"Tremendous Tafika"

4 nights Arrived 17 Jul 2012
"Tafika was the second camp we stayed at and again we had the most amazing time. The food was some of the best I have ever eaten anywhere let alone in the middle of nowhere. I feel we learnt so much about all the animals and plants that we saw and Armand's knowledge was extraordinary. I am frightened of heights but felt I had to go up in the microlight and am so glad i did, swooping over the country was an experience I will never forget.

We also went on two walking safaris with Brian which were brilliant, although I was a little disconcerted to discover we would be better in the river with crocodiles and hippos rather than facing an angry elephant!

John and Carol and their team were very welcoming hosts and we can not thank them enough for everything." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
London

"Our favourite Zambian camp"

3 nights Arrived 6 Jul 2012
"We loved this camp, its staff and the welcome. It is beautifully situated on the banks of the Luangwa river.

The rooms are essentially straw huts but much more comfortable than that sounds (or the photos look). Inside is a large bed, enclosed at night, with bedside tables, in a large mosquito net. There are outside showers with constant piping hot water and covered loo. The rooms are well spaced out for privacy in a grassy encampment. There is in-room power for charging batteries, etc.

Dinners are served under the stars with staff members, including the charming owners, John and Carol. Game drives were very good although Tafika doesn't believe in using radios between vehicles for game spotting; we feel this is a disadvantage as it can mean not seeing as much as one might.

A must is the micro-light flights first thing in the morning, an optional extra not to be passed up.
All in all this was our favourite Zambian camp." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 4n in Malawi
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Texas

"Tafika Camp Review"

4 nights Arrived 6 Jul 2012
"Exceptional accommodations and staff.

Meeting the owners, John and Carol, and going up in the Micro-Lite were highlights of our stay." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs M
E Sussex

"Memorable Tafika"

4 nights Arrived 16 Jun 2012
"From the moment we all arrived at Tafika, we were made to feel at home and part of the family. We were lucky to see leopard the first night, and the excellent game and bird viewing continued from there. All the staff were very friendly and helpful, and John and Heather looked after us extremely well. Rhoda's food was delicious every day and we were impressed with the amount of vegetables and salad grown in their own garden.

We all gained knowledge from Brian's excellent guiding and expertise and never felt hurried when we wanted to stop and look at birds or watch animals. The evening drives with the sundowners beside the river listening and watching the hippos, and then the spotting in the dark meant that we saw a huge number of nocturnal animals.

That part of the South Luanga Park is slightly restricted, so after four days, we became familiar with the drives. However, it was not a problem as we continued to see new animals and birds. Our walk with Brian was interesting and informative and it was impressive to watch Brighton make a fire with a stick. The three of us who went up in the micro-light with John found the experience exhilarating and very worthwhile. Crossing the South Luangwa by canoe to go to our next camp was part of the fun.

In all, a superior camp where we all felt very relaxed and saw a lot of game and birds." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mrs G
Thirsk

"Tafika - A Truly Amazing Place to be"

2 nights Arrived 10 Jun 2012
"What struck me was how tuned in everyone on the Remote Africa team seemed to be to individual's needs. They were genuinely concerned that their visitors were looked after and having an enjoyable stay and all the staff without exception were very helpful and friendly. It was all extremely well organised. For a location in such a remote and beautiful part of the bush, the accommodation felt incredibly luxurious, with so much ingenuity and attention to detail. The food was wonderful.

The safari guides were really excellent. They were very informative, and we totally trusted them. They went out of their way to ensure everyone saw as much as possible, while keeping everything very relaxed and friendly; again being very attentive to individual needs.

The one thing I always struggle with at lodges and camps like this is the expectation that everyone will want to sit and eat and chat with others they don't know over dinner. Perhaps I'm being anti-social, but since my job involves a lot of chatting to people, on holiday I'd rather be just with the friends I go with, and not have to make polite conversation.

But I understand this is how they are run, and it's my problem not theirs. I really can't fault Remote Africa in any way and would certainly recommend them, and return there if possible. There was an almost tangible sense ot their professionalism and expertise." See all these reviews: 4n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs E
Glos.

"Only a short visit to Tafika"

3 nights Arrived 7 Jun 2012
"We were only able to stay for three nights after a gap of eight years (our third visit).

Nothing had changed which was nice to see and we were able to catch up with all our friends from previous times." See all these reviews: 17n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr N & Ms S
Zambia

"A happy return to Tafika"

4 nights Arrived 1 Jun 2012
"This was our second stay at Tafika (one of only two camps to which we have returned during our ten visits to Africa in the past six years or so). And it was a very happy return for us. The team as a whole is absolutely first rate; the accommodation is excellent; the food is consistently delicious; and the wildlife is superb.

Throughout our four day stay we walked each morning then took a late afternoon/evening drive. This afforded us a fine balance in our activities allowing us to enjoy the abundant birdlife on the one hand (118 species seen and indentified) and the large mammals (notably leopards including three sightings of a young cub) on the other.

In short: highly recommended." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Dr & Mrs C
Henley

"6th visit but this time in June"

3 nights Arrived 31 May 2012
"Once again the team provided a star stay for drives, walks, food and company.

For this our 6th visit we came in June to see the early season. Less animals as the grass is so high but more birds. We did see a leopard and her 6 month cub at night, but the lions were away chasing buffalo elsewhere.

The night is quite cold and needs a fleece for drives, but the day is glorious - clear, sunny and bright. It was well worth it as it is so different from the dry, hot September trips and the walking across the Luambwa was great." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs L
Ilkley

"Fantastic Tafika"

4 nights Arrived 24 May 2012
"Tafika is set in a beautiful location and is extremely well run by John and Carol Coppinger and the team. We had the most amazing time here and couldn't have been better looked after.

We thoroughly enjoyed the walking opportunities. The standard of guiding was excellent as were the safety procedures. Taking a microlight flight with John at dawn over the Luangwa river was pure magic! Everyone went out of their way to make our stay as special as possible and Brian took us on some amazing evening and night drives.

Our stay at Tafika was definitely the highlight of our trip and we will certainly return. Four nights was just not long enough, there is so much to do there. This is one of the most authentic camps we have stayed at in Africa." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Dr & Mrs S
Cheshire

"Tafika review"

4 nights Arrived 23 May 2012
"Simply a lovely lodge. John and Carol (together with Heather and Rhona, and the other staff) create just the right combination of professionalism and relaxation. (Compare our comments on Nkwali)" See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Showing 221-230 of 318
98%
318 reviews of Tafika by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
294
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0
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Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Nkwali

Nkwali

On the banks of the Luangwa River, with its own access to the national park, the intimate Nkwali is open year round.


96% (238 reviews)
Kaingo Camp

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.


97% (213 reviews)
Nsefu

Nsefu

One of the Luangwa's oldest camps, Nsefu is a great safari camp in a remote, beautiful and game-rich location with top-rate guiding.


98% (191 reviews)
Tena Tena

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.


95% (154 reviews)
Mwamba Bushcamp

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.


99% (152 reviews)
Chikoko Tree Camp

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.


98% (119 reviews)
Big Lagoon Camp

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.


98% (93 reviews)
Kapani Lodge

Kapani Lodge

Kapani Lodge is now the main office base for Norman Carr Safaris, one of the Luangwa's oldest safari operations.


95% (78 reviews)
Flatdogs Camp

Flatdogs Camp

A relatively big safari camp, Flatdogs offers value for money with great guiding and good food in a comfortable, relaxed setting.


98% (74 reviews)
Luangwa River Camp

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.


96% (73 reviews)
Mchenja Bushcamp

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.


99% (68 reviews)
Kakuli Bushcamp

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.


97% (65 reviews)
Nsolo Bushcamp

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.


97% (54 reviews)
Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta is a laid-back, friendly and good-value lodge on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park.


96% (45 reviews)
Luwi Bushcamp

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.


93% (38 reviews)
Robin Pope Safaris bush-camp

Robin Pope bush-camp

RPS bushcamping in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia


99% (29 reviews)
Lion Camp

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.


94% (25 reviews)
Robin Pope Safaris Mobile Safari Camp

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.


98% (24 reviews)
Puku Ridge

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.


96% (21 reviews)
Kapamba Bushcamp

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.


95% (20 reviews)
Mfuwe Lodge

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.


94% (18 reviews)
Kuyenda Bushcamp

Kuyenda Bushcamp

Kuyenda Bushcamp is a classic bushcamp with particularly delightful hosts and offers top-class walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.


99% (16 reviews)
Luangwa Safari House

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.


100% (14 reviews)
Three Rivers Camp

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.


95% (13 reviews)
Island Bush Camp

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.


100% (13 reviews)
Chinzombo

Chinzombo

Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo offers luxurious and stylish accommodation with very high levels of service and excellent guiding.


98% (13 reviews)
Bilimungwe Bushcamp

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.


95% (12 reviews)
Chindeni

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.


97% (12 reviews)
Robin's House

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.


95% (11 reviews)
Kawaza Village

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.


95% (11 reviews)
Chamilandu Bushcamp

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.


100% (5 reviews)
Mwamba Camp-out

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.


92% (5 reviews)
Zungulila

Zungulila

Zungulila is a small, comfortable tented bushcamp with an emphasis on walking safaris, in the remote southern section of the South Luangwa.


93% (3 reviews)
Shawa Luangwa Camp

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.


93% (3 reviews)
Chichele Presidential Lodge

Chichele Lodge

Currently undergoing renovations, Chichele Presidential Lodge stands high within the park, with superb views, and is due to reopen in late 2022.


100% (1 review)
Luwi Riverbed Sleepout

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.


100% (1 review)
Mapazi Camp

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.


No reviews yet
Chikunto Safari Lodge

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.


No reviews yet

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