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
88% success
66% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
96% success
90% success
87% success
33% success
19% success
10% success
8% success
2% success
0% success
"Scenic riverside location"
The white, solid construction, African style huts were clean, modern and comfortable. We could spot many hippos, crocodiles and elephants in the adjacent river at various times of the day, while the constant grunting of hippos continued throughout the night. Late one evening I opened my door and found myself staring into the eyes of a huge elephant which was staring back. Her baby was at her side.
We enjoyed a couple of excellent leopard sightings on game drives but animals in that region were often few and far between. If you wish to see high numbers or a large variety of game then this may not be the type of camp that suits you.
We didn’t see abundant game but we did enjoy some special encounters with elephants, wild dogs and leopards. It was also amusing to come across a vehicle from our camp bogged during a river crossing which required us to negotiate a lengthy detour to another river crossing to tow them out. While on that rescue mission we came across a leopard and spent a lengthy time ever so close while totally neglecting our stranded camp companions.
Our driver and guide always did his best to seek out game even when there was very little in the area. After dark one evening we saw the pack of wild dogs some 200m metres away so our guide made some animal call noises and all the dogs responded by approaching and lying down around our vehicle. The new name for our guide is “wild dog” so please show due respect if you visit.
My vegetarian daughter made her food requirements known to a camp manager but because the range of food at lunch and dinner was quite limited many other guests tended to choose the vegetarian dishes leaving less for her. Perhaps that’s an indication the camp should supply a larger range of food options and in bigger quantities because too often the food provided was completely consumed leaving clients hungry for more.
One evening after a four hour game drive we were treated to a lovely surprise dinner in the bush and about 20 minutes from camp. The biggest surprise was for the women who were provided with no toilet facilities except bushes in the dark after the four hour drive. The requirements of women need to be better understood by the all male staff running this camp.
Our morning and evening meals were all outside and in darkness which made it difficult to manage food selection and eating. Perhaps clients should be advised to carry head torches outside of daylight hours. Not everybody enjoys eating in darkness.
Camp management would be well advised to consider the following options.
1. Identify the dietary requirements of clients during the booking process and definitely when clients arrive at the camp.
2. Ensure that all clients are provided with suitable food options for their needs at each meal.
3. Be aware that when a separate “vegetarian” dish is supplied that it also becomes a food choice of non-vegetarians, so vegetarians can still be left without a sufficient meal.
4. Provide a greater range of menu choices rather than a meat dish and two vegetables. It’s unimaginable that a group of ten clients would all be satisfied with exactly the same three food choices.
5. Be more aware that if all food supplied is consumed then there probably wasn’t sufficient in the first place. Hungry clients can become unhappy clients." See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia
These problems with the food haven’t, to date, been something that we’ve come across at the RPS camps, and usually we would have expected that if guests chat with the chef on arrival, then they are given food which would be tailored to their needs very closely. We are really sorry that it was a problem during these travellers’ stay - as a result, RPS have asked their managers to change a number of approaches, including ensuring communications are passed on assessing the portions to make sure there is plenty of food available.
The team at Nsefu arranged a surprise bush dinner for these guests, to try to make up for the misunderstanding over the food during their time in camp. This turned out to be a bit of an unexpected surprise, and we're really sorry it had this effect. We have asked that RPS advise clients of the toilet situation in the future – they do have long-drop bush toilets available that can be brought out if guests wish, and the team are sorry that this impacted on what was designed to be a special evening. RPS have let us know they will be making sure to advise guests of the facilities available and will set up the necessary toilet facilities for any guests who would prefer them.
We are glad that these issues didn't impact on the rest of their trip - and we look forward to helping them out with another trip to Africa in the future.
"Africa Specialist | Rwanda & Zambia "
Buffalo
2 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
7 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10 sightings
Wild dog
2 sightings
"Fab camp"
Buffalo
3 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
10 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10 sightings
Wild dog
2 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Nsefu review"
Due to the regular manager having to take leave for personal reasons, Kanga was acting manager whilst we were there. He gave us an exemplary introduction to the camp, including outlining the history of the camp.
My friends, with whom I travelled, had visited the camp three times before and so knew the camp and the staff well. They had asked if it was possible for Julius to be our guide and Fanton the night spotter whilst we were at Nsefu. Yet again, our request was granted, as were our requests for further walks. It really felt that the staff would do all that they could to accommodate our wishes.
Julius was an exceptional guide, phenomenally knowledgeable and a delight to spend time with. He has a sparkling wit and is great fun. He and Fanton made a brilliant team. I was constantly stunned by how they could show us the most wonderful things using their incredible visual skills, amazingly acute hearing and, of course, their knowledge of animal behaviour. The night drives were wonderfully informative and also huge fun.
The time at the camp, when we were not on the drives, was wonderful. It doesn't get much better than waking to have porridge cooked on an open fire by the river for breakfast, with the sun rising, whilst watching elephants on the other side of the river. The decking outside the rooms provided an idyllic place to sit and watch the various goings on in and by the river. All the staff were a delight - Marcos is a great host who is very interesting to talk to, all the other guides and staff are friendly, welcoming and very helpful and Kanga is just an amazing person with great interpersonal skills and untold depths of knowledge. Meal times were most enjoyable. The surprise bush brunch and shared sundowner were nice touches. (We had also had a surprise bush brunch whilst we were staying at Nkwali).
When it came to leave, Julius took us on a short game drive before it was time to take us to the airport which i really appreciated. He also made sure that, as with all other transfers, the drive to the airport was informative and fun. The staff had provided us with packed lunches for the journey which was thoughtful." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Our favourite camp"
The accommodation is in rondavels. They are spotlessly clean but not spacious. However there is adequate shelving and hooks in the attached bathroom.
During our stay the camp was being managed by Kanga, hosted by Marcos and our guide was Julius. What a great team! Julius is a very experienced guide and entertained us with his tales of the bush and his imitations of the birds and animals. Once again we were delighted that Fanton was our super-spotter - he never ceases to astound us.
This year amongst the innumerable genets and elephant shrews he found us leopard cubs and a Pel's Fishing Owl." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Nsefu"
The walking and boating is great for birding and taking in the scenery and enjoying being the only people in this area at this time of year. A unique experience." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
2 sightings
"Idyllic Nsefu on the Luangwa"
In this Emerald Season, activities involved exploring the river and its myriad tributaries and side channels (fun to boat along channels that we have crossed by vehicle in the dry season). Chris selected a safe place for the boat to be moored, then we got out and started tracking lions, wildebeest, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes etc. Watching the animals from a safe distance on foot is a unique experience. The river level was so high that on one day Braston and Chris were able to take us by boat all the way to the famous stork colony, where we gazed up at the multitude of yellow-billed storks and herons nesting in the ebony trees completely surrounded by water.
Sundowners by the river are always special. Returning in the boat just before sundown on our last evening, Chris skilfully tied to the boat to a dead tree emerging from a sandbank in the river. A pod of hippos was just in front of us, displaying their dentistry at frequent intervals. With the low light from the 'golden hour' behind us illuminating the hippos, it was a photographer's dream setting. And we had a glass of chilled sauvignon blanc beside us as well!
Our dinners at Nsefu were memorable. We dined at a table in the bar area, with Braston and Sebastian. We also know Sebastian well, and so it was almost a family affair. The quality of the food was a exceptional, and we note that it had to be carried some distance from the kitchen area to where we were seated.
On our previous visit to Nsefu in September 2016, we were concerned at the high level of lighting in the camp at night time. We were very pleased to note that the African night had returned." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Nsefu"
"Nsefu review"
We were spoilt. And the game continued in bucket loads." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"a trip of a lifetime in Nsefu Zambia"
Staff were fantastic, could not do enough for you, always very accommodating, rooms were adorable, and had everything you required, and made you feel so part of the camp.
Breakfast was a wonderful experience as was the Dinner. The camp was not too busy when we were there as it was right at the end of the season, rain was expected, but we were very lucky, beautiful weather, and saw lots of wild animals, our driver/guide was also fantastic, and had a wonderful sense of humour.
We would very much like to go back again, to see the difference before the rains and after the rains, I can still hear the hippo's snorting their morning song.
A very wonderful, awe inspiring trip.
Thank you to all the staff at Expert Africa who made this experience possible, and gave us so much pleasure.." See all these reviews: 3n in Zambia
"Exploring the Nsefu area"
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.
Tafika
One of the best camps in Zambia, Tafika is naturally built, combining excellent service and food with top guiding skills for a superb wildlife experience.
Nkwali
On the banks of the Luangwa River, with its own access to the national park, the intimate Nkwali is open year round.
Kaingo Camp
Small and owner-run, the riverside Kaingo occupies a a quiet but excellent game area, with a series of wildlife hides and a focus on photography.
Mwamba Bushcamp
Small, remote and owner-run, Mwamba offers first-class walking, 4WD safari drives and superb hides, with excellent guides and a real bush feel.
Tena Tena
One of the Luangwa's best camps, in a beautiful, remote bush location, Tena Tena is very small, exceedingly well-run and has top-rate guiding.
Chikoko Tree Camp
Chikoko Tree Camp is an excellent small, rustic bushcamp that concentrates on walking safaris, and is run by a top-quality operation.
Big Lagoon Camp
Big Lagoon Camp is a great little rustic bushcamp built to high standards that focuses on excellent walking safaris, with the emphasis on top wildlife guides.
Luangwa River Camp
Luangwa River Lodge is a small and consciously stylish lodge in the Mfuwe area, overlooking the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park beyond – an area renowned for great game.
Flatdogs Camp
A relatively big safari camp, Flatdogs offers value for money with great guiding and good food in a comfortable, relaxed setting.
Kapani Lodge
Kapani Lodge is now the main office base for Norman Carr Safaris, one of the Luangwa's oldest safari operations.
Mchenja Bushcamp
Set in a shady ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa, Mchenja is a smart tented bushcamp. It combines well with Kakuli and Nsolo – its sister camps with a focus on walking safaris.
Kakuli Bushcamp
Beside the Luangwa River, Kakuli is a comfortable tented bushcamp offering 4WD safaris and walking safaris – the best of which are camp-to-camp walks linking Kakuli with its nearby sister camps.
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo is a small, comfortable bushcamp overlooking one or two pools in the usually dry Luwi riverbed. It concentrates on walking safaris in an interesting and diverse area, led by a knowledgeable guide.
Kafunta River Lodge
Kafunta is a laid-back, friendly and good-value lodge on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park.
Luwi Bushcamp
In a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi is a rustic bushcamp whose emphasis is on walking safaris with great guiding and a chance of seeing some rarely seen and elusive antelope.
Lion Camp
Lion Camp is an established and comfortable camp with a swimming pool, located near to the game-rich Lion Plain in the northern part of South Luangwa National Park.
Robin Pope mobile
RPS mobile safari camps are at the heart of their set-itinerary walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, which start and finish at a permanent camp.
Puku Ridge
Puku Ridge is a luxurious designer camp set in a stunning location, high on a hill overlooking a floodplain within South Luangwa. Explore from here on 4WD safaris and walks.
Kapamba Bushcamp
In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Kapamba is a small and very comfortable bushcamp offering good walks and game drives.
Mfuwe Lodge
In a game-rich area close to the South Luangwa’s main Mfuwe Gate, Mfuwe Lodge is relatively large by park standards, but it’s stylish, modern and family friendly.
Kuyenda Bushcamp
Kuyenda Bushcamp is a classic bushcamp with particularly delightful hosts and offers top-class walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.
Luangwa Safari House
Luangwa Safari House is a vast and very smart four-bedroom house specifically designed for families and small groups, and offering an exclusive and flexible safari experience.
Three Rivers Camp
In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Three Rivers Lodge sits at the confluence of three of the valleys rivers.
Island Bush Camp
Island Bushcamp is a good-value, rustic, walking-only camp, in arguably one of the most remote parts of the South Luangwa, well away from all other camps.
Bilimungwe Bushcamp
A smart bushcamp with four very spacious chalets, Bilimungwe offers interesting walking safaris in pretty riverine woodland, as well as day and night safari drives.
Chinzombo
Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo offers luxurious and stylish accommodation with very high levels of service and excellent guiding.
Chindeni
Chindeni Bushcamp is a very modern and minimalist camp, which is a far cry from your traditional bushcamp and unlike most of the other camps in South Luangwa.
Robin's House
With your own expert guide, private vehicle, chef and valet, the two-bedroom Robin's House offers an exclusive, flexible safari experience – and is open year round.
Kawaza Village
Kawaza Village – beside the South Luangwa National Park, offers guests the rare opportunity to appreciate local village life. Visit for a few hours or stay overnight.
Chamilandu Bushcamp
A comfortable little bushcamp, Chamilandu has a picturesque setting by the Luangwa River, in an area with a range of habitats to explore on foot and by 4WD.
Mwamba Camp-out
The Mwamba-Camp Out allows you to have an incredibly adventurous night in the bush, sleeping under mosquito nets with activities led by some of the best guides in Zambia.
Zungulila
Zungulila is a small, comfortable tented bushcamp with an emphasis on walking safaris, in the remote southern section of the South Luangwa.
Shawa Luangwa
Opened in June 2021, Shawa Luangwa Camp is a small, intimate and rustic camp, with a good location in a remote section of the South Luangwa National Park.
Luwi Riverbed Sleepout
For an adventurous night in South Luangwa National Park, come and sleep out in the bush, around a campfire, with an experienced guide and game scout.
Chichele Lodge
Currently in the final stages of an extensive rebuild, Chichele Presidential Lodge stands high within the park, with superb views, and is due to reopen in early 2025.
Chikunto
Chikunto Safari Lodge is a more traditional property in the South Luangwa National Park, sitting on a peninsula of land created by the meandering Luangwa River.
