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
87% success
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"Classic safari at Nsefu "
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
"A taste of the past"
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
"Top Class Nsefu"
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
"Nsefu in the Rainy Season"
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
"Magical place"
- 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
"Nsefu review"
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
"Nsefu review"
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
"Old class in a gorgeous location"
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
"wonderful experience at Nsefu"
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
"Jewel in the Crown"
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
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