Reviews of Tafika
Wildlife sightings and reviews
340 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Tafika and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"A warm welcome at Tafika"
We were lucky enough to be the only guests during our stay and were well looked after." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Terrific Tafika"
We were very lucky to be there at the beginning of the season and although the animals were a little shy it made it even more exciting to find them. The walking safari with Alex was great and the sight and sound of yellow billed storks nesting was amazing.
We enjoyed getting to know our guide Lloyd who taught us so much and always managed to find the unexpected.
The microlight flight with John is not to be missed and gives a whole new view of the park.
Tafika is a special place run by very special people and we hope to be able to return again." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
"An experience of all that is"
John and Carol had to be at a Trade Fair for much of our stay but we were left in the capable hands of Heather, Rhona and their daughter Jenny. It leaves you feeling that you have been guests in a family home which is very special. We were lucky enough to see five leopards and enjoyed our game walk with Alex which involved a python appearing as we stopped to look at a bird's nest on the ground. The night drives are fabulous and new to us and they extend the number of sightings to nocturnal animals. Our guide was very knowledgeable and as delighted as we were with our large animal sightings and not forgetting the smallest elephant shrew and chameleon.
It was lovely to have our delicious meals with members of the family and staff and were most impressed with the food especially the salad and vegetables grown on the site. One meal was interrupted by a hippo taking out some of the newly erected fence around the compound!
We would be very happy to return one day and look forward to doing just that." See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia
"A real back to nature experience - brilliant"
The rooms are very rustic but comfortable and fully acceptable. Our only comment would be that compared to the other camps the beds had more insect life that needed clearing out before sleeping commenced!" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa
"Amazing time at Tafika"
The rooms are made of straw and open to the air at the bathroom end. This does allow insects etc quite easy access (easier than in a netted tent), although mosquito nets around the beds work well at night. We weren't troubled by this, but others should perhaps be aware. Otherwise, clean sheets, well equipped and everything worked well.
We were the only guests staying at the time and the Copinger family and others invoked were completely welcoming and charming - we even joined in the daughter's birthday celebrations. So nice to be hosted by Zambians with genuine long-standing knowledge of the country.
The microlite flight is an absolute must-do: you should have complete confidence in John as a pilot, he is very experienced and careful.
The guiding was excellent (Brian, part owner and …). Leopards all over the place. The pack of 19 wild dogs on the salt pans were mesmerising the BBC were filming Waiting for the rains next door to us!" See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
"Nichols at Tafika"
The walks and drives were largely along the river which ensured that we saw game in abundance, including large herds of buffalo and sizeable herds of elephant." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Wildlife Extravaganza!"
What's also amazing is the food! It's all catered and varied each day. I never had a bad meal while there.
One thing to know about this camp is that the sleeping huts are open to the outdoors. This is both a plus and can be for some a negative. What I mean is that I love how much the hut is a part of the environment. What was sometimes a distraction was the insects. For most I'm sure this is not a concern in the least, but it's worth mentioning in case you are like me and not necessarily used to sleeping so closely with the smaller inhabitants of the park! There is definitely no health concerns to worry about though. You sleep with a mosquito net and there's bug spray on hand to use as well. I think it's just good to be aware ahead of time so you know what to expect! And it certainly didn't hinder my experience in the least! They were, in fact, very accommodating to my concerns!
You simply cannot beat the wildlife viewing while at Tafika. What's also nice is that you hardly run in to other vehicles while on drives! You really get the sense that you have the whole park to yourself!
The guides are absolutely top notch. Their level of expertise and training far surpasses what's needed to be a guide there. It's obvious this is a lifestyle choice for them and that they really love their job and the wildlife their showing you!
A fantastic camp that you will be sad to leave at the end of your stay!" See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia
"Excellent Guiding and Wildlife at Tafika"
We were given the family chalet; it's location and veranda overlooking the Luangwa River, with the never-ending bird and wildlife, was fabulous! The open-ended thatched chalet was our favorite of the trip, allowing any breeze to pass through, including lovebirds and weavers to share the second bedroom unused by us; the sausage tree overhead invited birds and elephants to visit, dropping flowers into the area leading to the sink. What a delight!
We enjoyed all the activities we partook: the Carmine bee-eater hide was well worth visiting, as was watching the morning arrival of the innumerable gray-crowned crane; a morning walk was educational (good thing we weren't responsible for lighting the fire, using wood and friction, for the tea-break), with many good animal sightings; game drives were very productive, especially the variety seen at night--a highlight was watching a serval successfully catch then eat a fish; but the overall highlight of our stay was the microlight flight--as close to enjoying the freedom of a bird as a human is able; John is an excellent pilot; the aerial view adds an eye-opening perspective; I cannot recommend it highly enough.
We certainly hope to be return visitors." See all these reviews: 16n in Zambia
"Tafika beats all expectations"
t's wonderful that Tafika also sponsors the village school, besides employing many people from Mkasanga village. We can fully recommend Tafika." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
"The camp that has that extra something"
A short bike ride through the elephant zone near the camp costs nothing, but certainly adds spice. Back in Zambia for the third time, having worked there long ago, we would have reservations about a local village visit being a tourist show, were it not for the big support and involvement which John & Carol Coppinger have put into the school and the village: it was a lovely visit with a genuine response both ways.
The food was superb, and the direct contact with the family owning and running Tafika, and their employees who live in the village, the sense of continuity and the atmosphere it added, all gave something extra to our holiday that we valued and enjoyed, and we had a great five days." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
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.
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.
Nsefu
One of the Luangwa's oldest camps, Nsefu is a great safari camp in a remote, beautiful and game-rich location with top-rate guiding.
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.
