Nsefu Camp

Step back in time to an era of bush romance and classic pioneer safaris at the truly historical Nsefu Camp snuggling in the secluded North Nsefu sector of the famous South Luangwa National Park. 

It was the very first photographic camp in Zambia, was Nsefu, and now these original huts have been rebooted to radiate an even earthier, yet modern touch here and there. Feel the aura of old world charm in your comfortably furnished room then venture outside for some adventure in the wilds of splendid South Luangwa. See the lion, the elephant and the hippo. Seek out the smaller creatures on foot. Head back to camp for a wholesome lunch. Bid farewell to another day in paradise with a sun downer on the deck.

We think that Nsefu has everything and more for a successful safari into Zambia to see some truly idyllic scenery and a plethora of wildlife too. Slow down and smell the roses when you are on safari in Africa – this camp secures views of the vast meandering Luangwa River and the undulating plains beyond. 

Highly skilled game rangers show guests the real raw bushveld on morning walking safaris returning to have lunch on the deck while elephants cross the river in front of you. In the evenings, after exhilarating game drives with spotlights, sip a sherry and listen to the nocturnal creatures doing their things. 

Accommodation at special Nsefu Camp is just enough for 12 guests – in attractive, welcoming traditional thatched roof rondavels with whitewashed walls and restored interiors. They are just like the original rondavels found all over Africa, designed for the unique climate, from natural materials found in nature. They are cultural and historic and ooze a classic charm with their simple, quality ethnic décor, their double beds, en suite showers and beautiful patios overlooking the jaw dropping vistas of the Luangwa River and South Luangwa National Park.

Chat at sunset around the thatched bar and find a spot between the huge termite mound and the lagoon to see the stars come out and the wild animals congregating for a drink at the lagoon and river. Experience some of the best game drives in Zambia with Nsefu Camp guides who show you remote places, leopards hunting, herds of buffalo and many plains game in groups, grazing, such sights to behold. 

Wild dogs, Pel’s fishing owls, hyenas and crocs. Tranquil boat rides, silent, revealing, magical, a floating safari on the level of the animals to see what they see and more. Take time to meet the local people in their villages, see their schools and buy a curio or two to take back home with you. 

Situated on a long, meandering curve bend of the Luangwa River, in the pristine Nsefu Sector of the South Luangwa National Park, is Nsefu Camp. Established in the early 1950s, this South Luangwa accommodation was one of the first game camps in the country. That means it has an historical and cultural foundation, an authenticity of the great safari and today it promises a unique experience in Africa. 

We agree that it is surely one of the most famous camps in Zambia and undoubtedly a prime position in one of South Luangwa’s finest locations. The perennial Luangwa River is the very lifeblood of the South Luangwa National Park and, together with its many oxbow lagoons, it ensures an enduring supply of water to sustain high concentrations of wildlife and birds. 

The pioneering Nsefu Camp takes visitors back in history, to yesteryear, when colonial safaris were chic and tasteful, with every mod con imaginable in those days. Nowadays, the camp offers sheer bushveld charm with the original rondavels renovated and revamped to showcase new linens, décor and facilities that urge tourists to stay longer. Stay longer, chill out, see the wildlife, soak up the peace and quiet, appreciate the luxury and the earthiness all at once. 

Did you know that South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley? It is also one of the last remaining pristine conservation areas where the great Luangwa River flows. This 9050 square kilometre National Park sports extraordinary ox bow lagoons, tributaries, riverine woodlands and large grasslands. Of course, wildlife is prolific too, and birding a breath-taking spectacle. 

Robin Pope Safaris have managed Nsefu since 1998, improved the camp and welcome 12 guests max in six original brick and thatch rondavels with en-suite showers. The views are stupendous, visitors returning every year, just to see this 360 degree vista in a new way every day. Enjoy the open plan facilities at the thatched bar, dining area and lounge, all focused on the game, the river, the sky and the horizon. So beautiful it is strangely numbing. Chat to us at Voyage2Africa if you want more, more of Africa, on a mind blowing tour and safari into the interior.