Travel by road to Nsefu Camp
Accommodation
Nsefu Camp is a classic South Luangwa camp. Slightly raised and painted white, the stone-built, thatched rondavels are reminiscent of a traditional hunter's camp with a small veranda attached. The round rooms are just big enough to fit in a large bed, but not much else. The attached bathroom, however, is quite spacious and also provides space to store your luggage.
The camp is situated on the outer bend of a river and large numbers of elephant and buffalo can be seen migrating to the water. Made of stone and thatch, the main building has an open-plan design and is slightly elevated to offer one of the valley's best river views. Close by is a fire pit for evening barbecues and a small waterhole that is frequently visited by elephants.
Nsefu Camp remains open during the Emerald Season in April and May, when boat and walking safaris are on offer (roads are no longer navigable). The transfer from Nkwali Camp to Nsefu Camp is also made by boat.
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.
Walk to Luangwa Bush Camping
Accommodation
These mobile tents are used on Robin Pope walking safaris between Nsefu Camp and Tena Tana Camp
Up to four guests are allowed per tour; six guests are allowed when touring as a private group of friends. Guests can look forward to an intimate and beautiful bush experience in a tranquil part of South Luangwa National Park teeming with wildlife.
On such walking safaris you will encounter big game on foot, especially elephants and buffalo. It is also possible to bump into lions and sightings of leopards are not uncommon. Therefore a minimum age rule applies.
Your walking guide will be accompanied by an armed ranger and an assistant who will carry drinks and cookies. You should be confident to walk for 4-5 hours, which includes many stops to observe the wildlife. The walked distance in the morning is about 6-10 km. The guides will explain the fauna and flora of the area and you will learn interesting facts about the behavior of the animals and the use of plants and trees. The group usually returns to camp between 10 and 11am, with lunch waiting for them. Later in the afternoon the group will go for another relatively short walk, returning to the camp just before sunset.
The walk-in tents are equipped with a mattress on the floor; a bush shower and simple WC are located nearby. Dinner is prepared over an open fire and served under the stars. Accommodation is simple yet perfectly adequate; the camp is lit by paraffin lamps and the campfire - best to bring your own torches.
Walk to Tena Tena
Accommodation Tena Tena Camp was moved by 1 km in 2012 after the river ate away at the banks leaving the camp caught dangerously between the river and the lagoon behind it. The camp is located a little further north with its rooms once again built facing the river - which is now some distance away.
Four medium-size, canopied rooms with light coloured stone floors and open-air bathrooms and showers are located on one side of the main building; the larger honeymoon tent is located a good distance away on the other side.
The main building is a large, open-sided tent tucked under shade-giving trees and contains a bar, lounge and dining table. Colourful cushions are distributed at varying levels on the ground facing the river. Breakfast is usually served around the fire pit situated on the meadow to the front of the camp.
Travel by road to Mfuwe
Basic Information
Guided tour. A professional guide will accompany you on this trip. The journey will be planned on your preferred dates.
Duration 4 nights. Min 2, max 4 guests. Minimum age 16 years. Weight limit of luggage 15 kg. Luggage in one soft bag only.
Includes all transfers from Nsefu oder Tena Tena to the hotels/camps to Tena Tena oder Nsefu
- Nsefu Camp: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily shared activities with one of the camp guides.
- Luangwa Bush Camping: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily shared activities with one of the camp guides.
- Tena Tena: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily shared activities with one of the camp guides.
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