Nsefu Camp

Name: Nsefu Camp
Address: South Luangwa National Park

Nsefu is the oldest photographic safari lodge in Zambia. An intimate camp with fantastic guiding…its setting is one of the best in the park (maybe because they got there first!), with beautiful views and great game. The rondavel style is unique to South Luangwa: a permanent, stone, circular, African dwelling – making Nsefu a more secure and perhaps less adventurous safari experience than many of the other “bush camps” that Zambia is famous for. However, this is a wonderful property and clients always rave about it!

A historic camp in the far north Nsefu sector of the South Luangwa National Park

Lounge, dining area, and bar

exterior, nsefu camp, south luangwa national park, zambia

Six old-fashioned rondavel rooms with semi-open-air en-suite bathrooms and private verandas

Game drives, walking safaris, boating, viewing hide, night drives, and cultural visits

Our Yellow Zebra Opinion

Great choice

The oldest camp in the park! The stone rondavels that make up this property are protected as part of the history of safari in Zambia.

Kirsten Jonker Training Director

Activities

There are plenty of things to do here:

Expertly guided game drives

Walking safaris

Village tours

Tribal Textiles experience

Covering 9,500 square kilometres, the South Luangwa National Park contains two eco-regions, each with wildlife-rich woodland savanna. Additionally, the park has sprawling plains and a number of water sources, not least the Luangwa river and its beautiful lagoons. Wildlife highlights include four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. You can also look out for sizeable populations of Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest, Crawshay’s zebra, spotted hyena, wild dog, and lots of other predators and herbivores.
Accompanied by an expert guide, as well as an armed scout for your protection. Zambia is famed for its excellent walking safari! The activity is perfect for travellers who want to get to know the smaller lives of the South Luangwa residents, such as the park’s plants, insects, and hundreds of types of bird. You can also track big game too.
Anyone with a keen interest in culture will happily take up opportunities to visit Kazawa Village and schools, to gain fascinating insights into how people live and work in the Luangwa region. Moreover, you can stroll around the Mfuwe area and experience the town’s colourful market, shops, bars, and local artisans.
Guests can browse a fine selection of locally produced textiles, depicting the wondrous wildlife of the South Luangwa. These make excellent souvenir items!

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.

Access & Location

Nsefu Camp is located in the famous Nsefu region in the center of South Luangwa National Park, perched on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa river. If you book Nsefu camp you’ll be visiting a little piece of African history. Built in 1951 by Norman Carr, legendary pioneer of photographic and walking safaris, it retains much of the charm of its early years. There is no Wi-Fi or telephone reception in camp to help hold onto this old world feel. The only slight downside is that the rooms are built quite close together, so there is not quite the privacy of some other camps – but the location and game make up for this! The nearest Mfuwe airport is a 90-minute flight from Lusaka, from there it’s a game-driving road transfer to the lodge of just over an hour. Please also note that Nsefu is only open between 22 Jan – 31 March and 22 May – 20 Nov, when the game is at its finest.

Make an Enquiry

Facilities & Amenities

Nsefu Camp can accommodate only twelve guests: with one double and five twin rooms.

Make an Enquiry

You’ll adore these brightly whitewashed rondavels, which have been beautifully restored while maintaining their historic charm. It’s very much understated elegance and beautifully crisp, uncluttered decor. There are spacious, semi-open air en-suite facilities with a basin and shower, comfortable beds draped with white mosquito nets, each giving a clear view of the river through large windows. Perfect for enjoying the vista with a steamy morning coffee from a seat on your own veranda!

The thatched bar and communal sitting area sits snugly between a large termite mound and a lagoon, so you’ll never miss a chance to photograph the extensive wildlife coming to the waterhole to drink. There’s also a great hide, just to the side of the camp, so you can get an even better view of the families of warthog, waterbuck and elephant arriving to quench their thirst. Quality game viewing right from home! All the rooms, as well as the dining area, enjoy stunning, panoramic river views.

Similar Lodges

View all lodges in Zambia

Zambia
•
Semi-Tented (Hybrid)
•
Essential

Mwamba Camp
From C$1,346 – C$1,696 pp
All in all, this is a great little camp for travellers who like the authentic safari experience, with an emphasis on wildlife photography. Like Kaingo, Mwamba Bush Camp is both owned and operated by the Shentons, with Derek’s passion for authenticity on…
Zambia
•
Semi-Tented (Hybrid)
•
Classic

Tafika Camp
From C$855 – C$2,004 pp
Tafika Camp is situated in an enviable position on the banks of the Luangwa River, offering guests front-row seats to elephant crossings and other exciting wildlife sightings. A safari enthusiast’s dream, the camp is a simple, rustic affair, but with all the…
Zambia
•
Semi-Tented (Hybrid)
•
Classic

Tena Tena Camp
From C$1,374 – C$1,682 pp
Tena Tena means ‘temporary home’. Owned and run by Robin Pope Safaris, this is certainly a homely little camp with a very friendly atmosphere. Robin Pope Safaris operates a number of authentic camps across Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, and the company is…
Zambia
•
Permanent lodge
•
Ultimate

Chichele Presidential Lodge
From C$2,341 – C$3,265 pp
Taken over by Chiawa Safaris in 2022 and now sister property to Chiawa, Old Mondoro, and Puku Ridge. Commanding some of the best views in Luangwa National Park, from its position atop Chichele Hill, Chichele Presidential Lodge is a superb option for those…
Zambia
•
Permanent lodge
•
Classic

Kaingo Camp
From C$1,388 – C$1,892 pp
Owned and run by Derek and Jules Shenton, Kaingo is a delightful camp, which we recommend for adventurous safari-goers and photography enthusiasts seeking a homely bush experience in the heart of South Luangwa National Park. Derek is passionate about…
Zambia
•
Mobile
•
Essential

Robin Pope’s Mobile Walking Safari
Enquire for pricing
This is a superb camp that offers an incredible experience at a very high standard. The staff and quality of guiding makes this one of the best ways to explore the South Luangwa.
Zambia
•
Permanent lodge
•
Classic

Nkwali Camp
From C$911 – C$1,135 pp
Nkwali is owned and run by Robin Pope Safaris. Founded by Robin, who has been guiding since 1975, the company is passionate about responsible tourism and operates a total of 11 properties across Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. We suggest combining a stay here…
Zambia
•
Semi-Tented (Hybrid)
•
Essential

Flatdogs Camp
Enquire for pricing
Flatdogs Camp offers fantastic value and a convenient location close to South Luangwa’s Mfuwe main gate. A friendly, laidback camp with an enviable position on the Luangwa River, it has a wide range of accommodations that make it an excellent choice for…

Talk to someone who’s been there

Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 600 years of genuine safari experience.

Make an Enquiry

+18332004084

Nsefu Camp

Our Yellow Zebra Opinion