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OVERVIEW:
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!
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Nsefu Camp is located in the famous Nsefu region in the centre 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 wifi 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.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT NSEFU CAMP:
Nsefu Camp can accommodate only twelve guests: with one double and five twin rooms. 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.
ACTIVITIES AT NSEFU CAMP:
There are plenty of things to do here:
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Expertly guided game drives
– 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. -
Walking safaris
– 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. -
Village tours
– 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. -
Tribal Textiles experience
– 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.
