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OVERVIEW:
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 creature comforts one would expect from a first-rate safari operator like Remote Africa. Guiding here is phenomenal, with many of the guides having worked in the valley for well over a decade. Indeed, few places compare in terms of the quality of walking safaris, while those preferring vehicle-based game viewing will love the spotlit night drives. Rates at Tafika Camp are full board and include all meals, a selection of local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, scheduled activities, and laundry.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Tafika Camp is one of the northernmost camps in South Luangwa National Park. Guests usually arrive at Mfuwe Airport, and from there it’s roughly 1.5 hours by road to the camp. Alternatively, 15-minute light aircraft flights can be arranged from Mfuwe to the camp’s airstrip, Lukuzi.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT TAFIKA CAMP:
Tafika Camp offers an authentic yet perfectly comfortable bush experience with just six reed-and-thatch chalets, accommodating a maximum of fourteen guests. Rebuilt annually for each safari season, the design is stripped-back and simple, focusing on local textiles, natural woods, and safari-style details. Each chalet provides core comforts, including an en-suite with an open-air hot shower and a flush loo. You’ll find local textiles incorporated into the design, wooden hanging shelves, and reading lights that resemble paraffin lanterns. There’s also a writing desk with a director’s chair, a comfortable indoor area, mosquito nets, a fan, and a safe. The camp features a dedicated honeymoon suite with a stargazing double shower and a two-bedroom family chalet ideal for small groups or those travelling with children.
Tafika Camp’s open-fronted communal lounge and dining space continues the rustic-luxe feel with its thatched roof, splashes of colour, and use of local crafts. The open frontage offers wonderful views of the river, allowing guests to marvel at elephants crossing and hippos wallowing straight from camp. Hearty meals are enjoyed together around a shared dining table, and guests are welcome to pull up a stool at the bar when not gathered around the crackling fire-pit outside. Tafika prides itself on its eco-credentials, using only the most natural materials and relying on a local skillset as much as possible.
ACTIVITIES AT TAFIKA CAMP:
Tafika Camp offers a range of wildlife-viewing activities in the South Luangwa, including day and night game drives, walking safaris, and mountain biking.
- Game drives – Game drives take place in open-top vehicles with a maximum of four people, ensuring plenty of photo opportunities and time for questions. The wildlife in the South Luangwa is seriously impressive, featuring large elephant and buffalo herds, lion, spotted hyena, leopard, and plenty of plains game.
- Night drives – The drama continues after dark with thrilling spotlit night drives that introduce guests to a whole new world of wildlife sightings. Look out for white-tailed mongoose, the elusive honey badger, porcupine, and perhaps the occasional wide-eyed owl.
- Walking safaris – The South Luangwa is the birthplace of the walking safari, and few places offer greater opportunities for up-close wildlife sightings. Accompanied by an experienced guide and armed National Park scout, you’ll be completely immersed in the bush, encouraged to identify fresh spoor, animal tracks, tiny insects, and a stunning variety of birds.
- Mountain biking – Energetic travellers will no doubt love the camp’s afternoon mountain bike safaris, often led by Remote Africa owner, John Coppinger. Cycle along the tracks of the Game Management Area, adjacent to Tafika Camp, before meeting up with the game drive vehicle, just before sunset.
- Cultural visits – Visit the camp’s local village, Mkasanga, for some insight into the community. Highlights include a guided tour of the local school and a performance by the local church choir.
*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.
