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Nsefu
Nsefu
Nsefu
Nsefu
Nsefu
Nsefu

Reviews of Nsefu

Wildlife sightings and reviews

203 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

Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Mar-2018, 70 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Nsefu.
Lion

87% success

Leopard

88% success

Wild dog

66% success

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Zebra

96% success

Buffalo

90% success

Spotted Hyena

87% success

Wildebeest

33% success

Eland

19% success

Sable antelope

10% success

Roan antelope

8% success

Aardvark

2% success

Pangolin

0% success

Showing 51-60 of 203
Duration
Arrival date
Steve H
Cumbria

"Classic safari at Nsefu "

4 nights Arrived 19 Jun 2019
"Another brilliant Robin Pope Safari camp in a great location. The historic rondavels are very comfortable whilst preserving the traditional character of the camp. Fantastic hospitality with wonderful cuisine and great guiding.

Wonderful wildlife in pristine environment. The stork colony is amazing - not just for the yellow bill and other storks - it is an environmental hotspot for avian and land based predators with never a dull moment (Martial and other eagles by day and leopards by night).

The salt pan with hot springs is also a fantastic place to visit. Willie is an amiable and expert guide with a fantastic knowledge of the prolific Zambian birdlife. The camp hide is also a great facility." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

10 sightings

Elephant

10 sightings

Giraffe

10 sightings

Hippo

10 sightings

Leopard

5 sightings

Lion

1 sighting

Spotted Hyena

10 sightings

Zebra

10 sightings

Miss A
Haywards Heath

"A taste of the past"

2 nights Arrived 28 May 2019
"Was apprehensive because of the open bathroom but the experience outweighed the fear as did a great welcome from Catherine. Thank you to Freddie for persuading me to go.

Absolutely idyllic setting. Lunch and dinner tables beautifully laid in prime spot. Food excellent, wine flowed, service couldn't have been better. Nor could the lively conversations. Just loved it.

I find it hard to appreciate safari-style breakfast but it seems to be set in tablets of stone. This comment doesn't reflect on Nsefu or any other camp but it's such a hassle.. We labour to some distant spot, try to fumble around for food in the dark and the cold and then perch in a line in chairs trying to balance the food and mug of tea on a small table placed to one side. Everything I love for breakfast but unable to enjoy it. Why not eat outside if one must but use the big table nearer the main area with the food table wherever one can see what's on it? The setting is still the same but the degree of comfort and enjoyment is greatly increased. Surely it would be far more convenient for the staff too.The toasting/egg fires can still be in the vicinity for atmosphere. As it is, the style neither plays into the hands of a genuine safari buff nor the 'pretend' ones like us. Whatever the setting, there's no time to enjoy it so may as well make it a more practical experience. (Sorry - a minority view I'm sure but has anyone ever asked for opinions?)

My hot water bottle request had been received loud and clear but as Amanda had said, it's unlikely it would be as cold as Hwange. Still, it always provides a degree of amusement with everyone else.

Everyone would have been aware the rooms were small but I was glad there was just one of me, especially when the bed space is shrouded in mosquito nets, The steps to the bathroom became the sorting area for my goods and chattels .. As for the steps themselves, they were no problem for me, though i was very careful, but I'm not sure they were mentioned on the Expert Africa description of the room. I wonder how the man with a stick coped next door to me. However, I did find the shower floor quite slippery, especially negotiating the raised curved edge which presumably helps to keep the water in check.

I stand in awe at the organisational skills of all the staff and guides, Whatever is going on behind the scenes, it's a seamless operation for the ever-changing guest intake. Nothing too much trouble and yet we were still treated to 'extras'. A lovely surprise on my last sundowner evening. We turned up at the chosen spot only to find Catherine with a large table bearing ice buckets for bottles of sparkling wine and a tray of canapes', Then the other 2 vehicles turned up as well. A surprise for all of us and much appreciated.

An experience I wouldn't have missed for the world. Thank you for the excellent guiding and great hospitality." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Sightings Report

Buffalo

1 sighting

Elephant

4 sightings

Giraffe

4 sightings

Hippo

4 sightings

Leopard

1 sighting

Lion

1 sighting

Spotted Hyena

1 sighting

Zebra

4 sightings

Drs L & B
Scotland

"Top Class Nsefu"

3 nights Arrived 27 May 2019
"We loved the remoteness of the camp. We felt that we were at one with nature and were amazed how we hardly ever came across another Jeep. Our wildlife encounters were fabulous, plentiful and varied. We never failed to be impressed by our guide Sebastian and spotter Matthew.
The walking Safari that we undertook between Nsefu and Tena Tena was a highlight.
We loved the fact also that there were never more than 4 guests on our jeep.
Our host Catherine did very well and the food and wines on offer were “Top Class”." See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

Multiple sightings

Eland

Multiple sightings

Elephant

Multiple sightings

Giraffe

Multiple sightings

Hippo

Multiple sightings

Leopard

Multiple sightings

Lion

Multiple sightings

Roan antelope

Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena

Multiple sightings

Wildebeest

Multiple sightings

Zebra

Multiple sightings

Mr & Mrs B
Colorado

"Nsefu in the Rainy Season"

3 nights Arrived 13 Feb 2019
"Nsefu in the rainy season is a very different experience from the dry season, as we heard from the staff and the few other guests we met. A long boatride from Luangwa River Camp led us to this beautiful and remote location. We were given a very warm welcome by our hostess, Katherine, with whom we enjoyed great conversation throughout our stay.

Most of our excursions were done by boat, and while the wildlife watching wasn't great in this season for photography (most animals are scared off by the boat) there was beautiful scenery to enjoy and lots of great birding. The best parts were our visits to the stork colony, where the birds were building their nests by the hundred and the night when our boat broke down after dark, and we had an adventurous float to try to get back to camp! Our guide, Willie, was a true expert and we had a wonderful time talking with him on our boat drives and at mealtimes. We very much enjoyed the one walking safari we were able to do and were able to see many animals on foot, including elephants and giraffes, while also enjoying the little sightings of insects and footprints.

The rooms at Nsefu are beautifully appointed, although they are set too close together for my liking (if there are other guests staying, you can easily hear their conversations from your room. We enjoyed sitting on the deck and enjoying the river views in this remote location while listening to the pleasant sound of hippos. We enjoyed the surprising luxury of the air conditioning built into the mosquito netting for warmer nights. We also loved the lodge area, which had a relaxed, inviting environment and lots of vintage books to enjoy. We saw elephant and hyena walk right by the lodge on several nights. Like all Robin Pope lodges, the food was excellent, and they catered to my vegetarian needs beautifully. Curry night was a particular treat! The mango chutney served with breakfast is something I'm already missing.

My only suggestion for guests is that if you are visiting during the rainy season, you don't need more than two nights here as there are limited places and wildlife you can see by boat." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Elephant

Multiple sightings

Giraffe

Multiple sightings

Hippo

Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena

Multiple sightings

Zebra

1 sighting

Mr & Mrs. E.
Zurich

"Magical place"

4 nights Arrived 17 Nov 2018
"Positive
- remote quiet area with hardly any traffic and lots of game
- nice rustic chalet
- memorable walk with lion sightings
- Pius and Bonifacio took good care of us
- beautiful view from the camp
- breakfast was at different locations which was a nice touch
- hide next to the waterhole was a treat" See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Elephant

Multiple sightings

Giraffe

Multiple sightings

Hippo

Multiple sightings

Leopard

3 sightings

Lion

3 sightings

Spotted Hyena

1 sighting

Wild dog

1 sighting

Wildebeest

1 sighting

Zebra

Multiple sightings

Mr B.
Blumenthal

"Nsefu review"

3 nights Arrived 11 Nov 2018
"Top location.
Chalet inside a little bit small, but outside great.
Guide great, he made everything possible, thanks.
Food was often cold, due to serve it on the plate." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 4n in Malawi
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Sightings Report

Buffalo

10 sightings

Elephant

10 sightings

Giraffe

10 sightings

Hippo

10 sightings

Leopard

4 sightings

Lion

10 sightings

Spotted Hyena

3 sightings

Wild dog

2 sightings

Zebra

10 sightings

Mr & Mrs K from
Wales

"Nsefu review"

3 nights Arrived 11 Nov 2018
"A very nice stay indeed - certainly somewhere I would like to go back to.

Possibly the best location, in terms of view, of any lodge we have stayed at anywhere. Beautiful.

Very nice, if somewhat quirky, rooms, excellent staff, very good guiding - overall a most excellent stay.

The only downside was the food was far from the best of our trip." See all these reviews: 7n in Zimbabwe; 6n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

Multiple sightings

Elephant

Multiple sightings

Giraffe

Multiple sightings

Hippo

Multiple sightings

Leopard

Multiple sightings

Lion

Multiple sightings

Sable antelope

1 sighting

Spotted Hyena

Multiple sightings

Wild dog

Multiple sightings

Wildebeest

1 sighting

Zebra

Multiple sightings

Dr and Mrs P
Greece

"Old class in a gorgeous location"

2 nights Arrived 27 Oct 2018
"Great camp, wished had stayed more than 2 nights...Excellent service, thanks Marco and guiding, thanks Pius. I saw my loved ones - wild dogs, more than once!!!!! And first time I held a wooden banana and smelled a wild jasmine. Africa is both fauna and flora.

I liked the 'AC' during the night. Visitors this time of the year in S. Luangwa should be prepared about the heat - we hadn't a single drop of rain. As a Greek I don't mind it but still it can be be very hot, especially during the midday break.

So be prepared...on the other hand the payoff is that it is a quieter season, had the pleasure sharing the camp with one more guest and taking the drives on my own." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

2 sightings

Elephant

3 sightings

Giraffe

3 sightings

Hippo

3 sightings

Leopard

3 sightings

Lion

1 sighting

Spotted Hyena

2 sightings

Wild dog

3 sightings

Zebra

2 sightings

Mr & Mrs W
Middlesex

"wonderful experience at Nsefu"

3 nights Arrived 21 Oct 2018
"Nsefu has the most spectacular views of all the lodges we stayed at, from the rooms, bar and dining area.

Staff are so friendly and informative. Our guide was incredible and we shared some fantastic viewings of all the wildlife and the magnificent scenery.

Couldn't have had a better stay and would love to return one day." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

4 sightings

Elephant

10 sightings

Giraffe

10 sightings

Hippo

10 sightings

Leopard

7 sightings

Lion

10 sightings

Spotted Hyena

2 sightings

Wild dog

1 sighting

Wildebeest

1 sighting

Zebra

10 sightings

Mr E
Kenilworth

"Jewel in the Crown"

4 nights Arrived 9 Oct 2018
"Superb location on the bend with the daily crossing both ways of Elephant, game drives cover a large area allowing viewing of lots of different species of wildlife we went out to the salt pans and the hot spring which was fantastic at around 50-60 degrees it makes you wonder what must be going on way down in the earth.
The room s have air conditioning if you want but I prefer just leaving all the windows open so the breeze flows through.
Came across a unit making a Documentary on the life of a Leopard called "Olimba" (the strong one) which has been going on for some two years it should be well worth seeing when it gets released hopefully on BBC though the coupe are Dutch I believe their previous work was "Vanishing Kings" the Lions of Namibia.
Following Olimba and her calling her cub and seeing the joy of them meeting up was a great experience.
And Dinner in the bush one evening was a great surprise much enjoyed by all." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

Multiple sightings

Eland

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

Showing 51-60 of 203
98%
203 reviews of Nsefu by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
182
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