Reviews of Takwela Camp

"I loved the remoteness of this camp, feeling of the real bush and very glad it was my first stop.

Staff was great and made me feel very comfortable, as I was a single female traveling alone. Wildlife was a bit skittish ( as expected) due to not many visitors to date to the area. This did not matter to much for the 2 nights that I was there as it added to the feeling of its remoteness. I loved that there were only 4 chalets.

This was my kind of place as I felt to be one of the lucky few to experience this place before more people discover it and place camps there. I also very much like the simplicity and the feel of real safari of old at this camp. Chalets are quite open to the elements with open side, open bathrooms with approx 5 foot reed walls. I felt safe.

Baboons, bushbucks, impala etc. right outside. I really liked this place, but I like simplicity." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

"Another superb safari experience with only one other vehicle seen during three days of morning walking and afternoon drives.

Moffat, our guide, managed to find a wide range of most interesting birds and animals including the wild dogs again, this time watching the social and behavioural aspects for a couple of hours as they gradually roused, ultimately setting off on a hunt.

We were able to follow them for a couple of kms.

The camp is extremely comfortable and the food excellent." See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia

"Excellent location on the riverbank.

The dense woodland came as a surprise after South Luangwa, so harder to see animals. Chalets, food and service all very good. Unlike South Luangwa you are very conscious that the animals are not habituated to vehicles and detours may be needed around them.

The smallest animals caused the largest disruption (a 0400 chalet invasion of red ants !). Did both game drive and walking safari. Hippos even noisier than Tafika. We saw the least number of animals at this camp.

It was good to catch up with Moffat who had been our guide in 2019 when we walked in South Luangwa." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia

"We enjoyed the combination of a morning walk followed by an afternoon/night drive at this camp.

The birdlife was amazing and we were lucky enough to see a Pel's Fishing Owl.

Porcupines and an Aardvark made for a memorable stay." See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia

"Very different to Mwaleshi as camp was full and, being newer and smarter, it doesn’t have quite the same remote feel.

Lovely location and very nice to get out on the river in the boat." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia

"Alex was my guide here for all 3 nights. He was as experienced and knowledgeable as the previous guides, and I was very happy to be with him. His sense of humour was infectious, and we shared many moments and laughs during our time together.

Walks were a little more genteel here than the previous camps. Not a criticism, just an observation. And by now, I was actually needing a bit of a break with the heat wave. Again, rehydrating salts were on offer at breaks, and most welcome.

We did drives for the evening activity as a rule, and the middle night, had us visiting Mwaleshi camp to see lions that had moved in. That camp was being disassembled, and it was quite interesting to see it readied for the wet season - something I'm sure most guests don't get to witness.

One tiny criticism here.......tse tse flies. They were in abundance. I found, that on walks, movement deterred them. But of course, on afternoon game drives, we were feasted upon. And on afternoon siesta, they didn't allow for a restful time at all. I noted, that at other camps, there were tsetse traps. My one small suggestion, is that Takwela put some traps near camp. I know it sounds like a small deal, but it may have big impact.

Units were spacious, and large, and more luxurious than the previous walking camps. Hot and cold water on demand. Permanent structure. Waterproof thatch roofing.

Fabulous sightings of lions. Nighttime sightings of hyenas. No wild dogs, but one sighting of a leopard. Fabulous mix of experiences, and I will for sure be back." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia

"As a longtime fan of walking in North Luangwa and Mwaleshi Camp, I was ambivalent about Takwela (and broader efforts to develop the park, understandable though this may be).

However, it is a lovely, small camp, on a beautiful site with a carmine colony on its river bank, and I enjoyed seeing bits of the park that I would not have been able to from Mwaleshi on foot.

At neither camp were we aware of the other, which is a big plus.

Though animals may be more shy than in the south, between us and the other guests there were elephant, lion, wild dog and leopard sightings." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia

"Really enjoyed this small camp with just 3 lodges. great location by the river and thought the landscape was really interesting and a much wilder area than the south.

Exciting chase from an angry elephant!" See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia; 5n in Malawi

"The guiding by Moffat was excellent and we both learnt loads.

Crossing the river in the jeep was great fun especially with the hippos around. The hippos were particularly noisy during the night whilst enjoying any grass they could find in camp.

We visited the kitchen and were impressed how the meals were produced with just a fire. All the staff were friendly and helpful.

There is less game in this area but we enjoyed the remoteness.

The reed chalets like Tafika are open at the top but fantastic views of the river." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia

"Takwela has an amazing setting looking over the confluence of the Mwaleshi and Luangwa rivers.

Hippo and crocodile in abundance in the rivers and animals, particularly elephant, around camp." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia