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.
Walk to Big Lagoon Camp
Accommodation Big Lagoon Camp is one of Remote Africa Safaris' Trails Camps. In 2022, the former Crocodile River Camp was relocated to the historic Big Lagoon site. Three traditional reed houses with open-air bathrooms and classic bucket bush showers stand on the Big Lagoon under a grove of ebony trees and offer simple but pleasant accommodation. The camp overlooks the attractive lagoon, perfectly situated for daily game viewing. Especially from the open main building with the platform built out onto the lagoon, you have a clear view of the visitors of the Big Lagoon.
Walk to Chikoko Tree Camp
Accommodation Chikoko Tree Camp is one of Remote Africa Safaris' Trails Camps. Three, two-storey reed houses face the dry Chikoko riverbed. The ground floor houses the shower, WC and a washbowl. A wooden ladder leads as if to an upper floor and the bedroom where one realises it is actually a tree house. Facing the river and open to the front and partly at the sides, the rooms offer comfortable, airy havens with uninterrupted views of the plains. They sit among a fantastic living canopy, bursting with symphonic song from the birds that it supports - the safari well and truly begins in the bedroom!
Walk to Tafika CampAccommodation
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.
Travel by road to Mfuwe
Basic Information
Individual journey. The journey will be planned on your preferred dates.
Duration 5 nights. 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.
- Big Lagoon Camp: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily shared activities with one of the camp guides.
- Chikoko Tree 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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