Reviews of Nsefu
Wildlife sightings and reviews
206 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Nsefu and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

87% success

89% success

67% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

96% success

90% success

87% success

32% success

20% success

9% success

8% success

2% success

0% success
"Nsefu review"
"Nsefu review"
The views across the river are breathtaking and it was lovely to spend the siesta hour in the hide or in the armchair on the bank watching the families of elephants, large and tiny, making their way across.
The only thing missing was the tree frog I was accustomed to having in my shower." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Eland
1 sighting

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
1 sighting

Lion
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings

Wild dog
1 sighting

Wildebeest
1 sighting

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Nsefu review"
The wildlife at Nsefu is unrivalled." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia

Buffalo
10 sightings

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
10 sightings

Lion
10 sightings

Spotted Hyena
10 sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"Nsefu review"
The accommodation was comfortable and I loved that the wildlife was in the cabin itself - a wee lizard and the odd bat, with the Hippos bellowing away outside.
All the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. They made it all feel relaxed but it was clear that they were working v hard to ensure that I had the best holiday experience. The food is excellent, the guides were incredibly knowledgable and wildlife was utterly amazing.
We were lucky to have quite a few leopards sightings. And to see one haul an antelope up a tree whilst the hyenas were excitedly laughed below was something very special." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

Buffalo
10 sightings

Eland
4 sightings

Elephant
8 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
6 sightings

Lion
3 sightings

Spotted Hyena
10 sightings

Wild dog
10 sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"Nsefu review"
Excellent staff." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
1 sighting

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Very good location"

Buffalo
1 sighting

Elephant
5 sightings

Giraffe
2 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
4 sightings

Lion
1 sighting

Spotted Hyena
4 sightings

Wild dog
5 sightings

Zebra
3 sightings
"Nsefu review"
The river was still so high that no elephants could cross. I missed that as it was always such a joy to see. But with persistance we did find all the other animals.
Wild dogs, lions, leopards, zebra, giraffe and lots of little creatures at night. I went on the canyon walk with Willie and that was very nice too.
The Emerald season is very green but it was also quite cold. Blankets were necessary in the jeeps." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings

Wild dog
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Nsefu review"
Covid: Some staff vaccinated; widespread use of sanitizer
Willie the camp manager and our guide at first impression does not present himself as a typical guide but after spending time with him you realize you are not only in the presence of an experienced and knowledgeable guide but also a person who has been active working with environmental matters in Zambia. Whether stuck in a low crossing; knowing where the next lion will cross, apologizing for not yet eliminating the diesel generator at camp or talking about his work to combat global warming you soon realize that the Willie is a talented guide and renaissance man who had trained our guide at Puku Ridge and is known to others on the Lower Zambezi.
While riding with Willie you have the feeling he showing you his neighborhood; checking to see which animals are home and worrying about their welfare if they aren’t.
Elton our spotter was amazing – a man with the eyes of an eagle. Spotting a chameleon in a bush 30 feet away while driving by on a night drive will not be forgotten. We visited a variety of habitats and saw a great variety of species.
Our game drives were shared on a couple days with a German couple - and the rest of the time just us as we were the only ones in Camp.
The road network needs some maintenance. The “main” road from Mfuwe is missing culverts, in other places collapsed crossings cause detours into the bush and in places travel on the right of way is impossible. I don’t believe it’s the Camp’s fault – as I understand it NP is supposed to do the maintenance. The Camp has tried to improve some of the roughest spots. The Camp grounds are well maintained and the staff work hard to keep everything clean and in order despite the elephants and vervet monkeys – you tend not to notice these things as you are often distracted taking in the panoramic river scene or focused on one or more of the several species of wildlife that draw no distinction between camp boundaries and their territories.
The camps are open air and small creatures like tree frogs and monkeys could join you inside the camp. You definitely are living among the “natives” at Nsefu.
Some nights we had electricity – others not. It is unclear as to whether this is a generation problem or cost saving measure. Power outlets are limited - getting power for accessories requires unplugging a lamp(s) to charge batteries. The camp is equipped with a “breeze” cooling unit that we did not need nor try to operate.
The camps are “compact” – the bed occupies most of the floor space in the rondaval. Leisure time sitting is best suited to the front porch or lawn chairs. The open-air bathroom is spacious but contains little storage space.
It was an outdoor experience at Nsefu - all breakfasts were cooked over a camp fire and served on the River bank – great sunrises. Lunches – except for one bush lunch- was prepared in the kitchen but served on a formal table setting under a shade tarp. Dinner – except for one evening meal - was also prepared in the kitchen and served open air. Willie eats with the guests giving even greater opportunity for discussion of subjects of mutual interest.
People who enjoy a more rustic accommodation and treasure the historic value of this Camp, a seasoned staff; a diverse ecosystem (from salt pannes with natural hot springs to woodland and river plain) and the diversity and abundance of wildlife will love Nsefu." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia

Buffalo
10 sightings

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
10 sightings

Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings

Wild dog
10 sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"Best ever"
The camp was in perfect shape, all the staff- both the ones we saw, and the ones behind the scenes, have made sure that our stay was perfect.
The food, accommodation and attention to all small matters was impeccable. insuring we had a great experience.
We were lucky to have Willie as our guide (and camp manager). His deep appreciation of the wildlife and great knowledge of nature has awarded us with amazing sightings.
Nsefu sector was full of wild dogs, leopards and big cats as well of great sightings of elephants (crossing the river in front of camp every day), monkeys (in camp and during drives), mongroose, giraffes and hooved friends" See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings

Wild dog
Multiple sightings

Wildebeest
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Good food and good camp."
Holiday styles & special interests in Zambia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zambia.
Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.