Travel by road to Tafika Camp
Accommodation
Remote Africa Safaris is one of the last family-run safari operators in South Luangwa. John and Carol Coppinger raised their two children at Tafika Camp and know the park inside out. Their portfolio includes the two Trails Camps, Big Lagoon Camp and Chikoko Tree Camp, and Mwaleshi Camp in North Luangwa National Park.
The owner-run Tafika camp comprises six beautifully appointed traditional reed houses made entirely of natural materials. The rooms are situated on a large meadow on the banks of the Luangwa River and come with en-suite facilities, open-air shower and a small veranda with sofa. Four of the rooms are standard, a further room intended for honeymooners contains a huge double bed; a family room situated on the river's edge at the very front of the camp sleeps four guests (shared bathroom). Several loungers and hammocks scattered around the garden invite guests to lay back and relax.
The main building houses a bar, lounge, computer/charging station and various tables for lunch, which is served at 12:00. Guests dine under the starry sky and both the food and service are excellent. The day begins with a good hearty breakfast, which is usually served at the fire pit down by the river.
The camp can be reached by air from Mfuwe Airstrip to Lukusi Airstrip (15 minutes flight time followed by a 10-minute vehicle transfer), or by vehicle from Mfuwe Airstrip with a transfer time of approximately two hours.
The camp is situated on the banks of the Luangwa River and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. The water level is very high just after the rainy season and drops again to leave behind large sandbanks.
Most camps here are located close to the river, as this is where animals come to quench their thirst during the dry season. The dry season is also when the water level reaches its lowest point, exposing large sandbanks. The residual pools support high concentrations of crocodile and hippo, which tussle for the remaining water. When the wet season arrives in November, the water level rises rapidly, and the Luangwa becomes a raging torrent – it has even been known to take the odd camp with it. The walking safari is South Luangwa’s speciality, and is available at every camp. At 500 m above sea level, the park is very hot during the summer months. If you’re not a fan of intense heat and don’t like walking safaris, then it’s best to visit earlier.
The Muchinga Escarpment, a natural boundary to the west, prevents the migration of animals. The park is bordered by the river to the east and extends into the Nsefu Sector, which stretches out from the other side of the river.
The park’s entrance gate is located at the town of Mfuwe, which has a small airport (this is where guests are picked up). Many of the less expensive camps are located outside the park, close to the main bridge. In our opinion, the central sector around Mfuwe Lodge suffers a bit from traffic coming in over the bridge. For this reason, we recommend that you avoid the main bridge and visit the southern sector, the northern sector or Nsefu sector to experience quieter safaris.
Accommodation
Mwaleshi Camp is one of Remote Africa Safaris' walking camps. After landing on the airstrip, guests are taken across the river to the four simple reed houses positioned in pairs either side of the main building. As with all bush camps, the interiors are simple yet functional, with running water and a hot shower upon request.
The friendly, comfortable main building houses a bar, seating area and dining area. Several canopied loungers are set out along the sands down by the riverside. This stretch of the river is free from crocodile and hippo so guests can safely cool down in the shallow water - don't forget your swimwear.
The park is accessed by air from Mfuwe Airport or Lukusi Airstrip, which is situated approximately 10 minutes from Tafika Camp Flight time from Lukusi is 30 mins, and 45 mins from Mfuwe. A 10-minute vehicle transfer takes guests from Mwaleshi Airstrip to the camp.
There are few camps in this park, but John & Carol Coppinger of Tafika Camp - Remote Africa have operated the Mwaleshi Camp and offered walking safaris here for years. If you like walking safaris and are looking to experience a simple and isolated Africa, then this could be a very interesting option for you. The chances of seeing elephant, buffalo, lion and even cheetah are intact.Vehicles are only used here to pick up guests from the airstrip and take them to the starting point of their walking safari, if this is not directly in front of the camp. The walking safaris are not difficult, but it can get very hot, and the tsetse fly can be a bit of a nuisance.
The North Luangwa National Park has a turbulent history. Its wildlife was poached to the verge of extinction during the 70s and 80s. However, thanks to valiant efforts by various private conservationists and the Frankfurt Zoological Society, a balance has been re-established, and the park is slowly opening to a broader public.
Nevertheless, it is still possible that you are the only guests at the North Luangwa camps, which also has its appeal.
Basic Information
Individual journey. The journey will be planned on your preferred dates.
Duration 7 nights. Min 2 guests. Minimum age 12 years. Weight limit of luggage 15 kg. Luggage in one soft bag only.
Includes all transfers from Mfuwe Airport to the hotels/camps to Mfuwe Airport
- Tafika Camp: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily shared activities with one of the camp guides.
- Mwaleshi Camp: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily shared activities with one of the camp guides.
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