The Responsible Tourism Award for Outstanding Personal Contribution
The Times (UK)
19 Nov 2005

In the 20 years Jo Pope has helped to run Robin Pope Safaris in the South Luangwa National Park, she has worked tirelessly with local communities to promote responsible tourism. She helped the villagers of Kawaza Village to set up a village tourism scheme to allow visitors to experience the traditional lifestyle. Chris McIntyre, author of the Bradt guide to Zambia, said that Pope had played a large part in putting responsible tourism on the political agenda in Zambia. “Her backing for her local community has raised the bar for other Zambian operators — who now almost universally adopt responsible community practices as part of their operations,” he said.

Doc Holiday: when the children leave home
Sunday Times
13 Nov 2005

The kids are at university: now mum and dad deserve a holiday

"Zambia is Africa for connoisseurs. No crowded wildlife parks, no cookie-cutter hotels and no sweat (June is the cool, dry season). I’m going to send Paul and Sheila first to Tena Tena, one of the country’s best safari camps. They’ll spend three nights in a luxury tent, taking safaris, on foot and in open trucks, in the beautiful South Luangwa National Park."

Africa safari with style, and substance
Sunday Times
7 August 2005

Just because these lodges are good for Africa, it doesn’t mean they’re not good for you. Jeremy Lazell reveals the 10 places where being responsible has never felt so deluxe. . .

NKWALI CAMP — Owned by Robin Pope, one of Africa’s foremost safari guides, Nkwali Camp sits on a stunning stretch of the Luangwa River in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Shaded by giant mahoganies, the camp has sundowner views of hippo and elephant in the river below — three years ago, a bull elephant trapped guests inside the bar.

Five Best: Wildlife Destinations
The Independent
16 July 2005

Elisabeth Lewis stalks the Big Five – with crocodiles, zebras and hippos thrown in
South Luangwa pioneered one of the finest wilderness experiences in Southern Africa: walking safaris. Relatively few tourists and a basic infrastructure means visitors can experience a real sense of isolation, and being on foot feels thrillingly exposed after the confines of a vehicle. Here, the emphasis is less on spotting the Big Five and more on absorbing the smaller details of the African bush - following leopard tracks at dawn, walking among grazing zebra or watching a weaver bird building its nest.

DISPATCH: Can An African Safari Help Reduce Poverty?
Anita Roddick's website
July 15, 2005

Mud huts, drums at dawn . . . luxury
The Times
July 02, 2005

If you think driving in search of big game is exciting, try walking. Justin Francis opens our African special with a safari in Zambia — where his most important piece of kit is a pair of running shoes.

Who benefited from Justin's safari in Zambia?

• 160 permanent and temporary safari staff
• 24 workmen building a new family lodge
• 15 people employed in transporting goods
• 15 performers and guides
• 51 sponsored children
• 16 teachers
• 3 airport baggage handlers
• 8 trackers
• 3 local fruit sellers
• 3 plumbers and electricians
• 4 weavers
• 3 thatchers
• 2 tailors
  

You may not be St Bob...
The Observer
26 June

……but you can help fight poverty in Africa simply by choosing the right holiday. Ahead of Live 8 Rob Penn picks eight trips with a conscience

Kawaza Village, South Luangwa, Zambia

Robin Pope Safaris, one of Zambia's leading safari companies, started supporting a school in the village of Nsefu 13 years ago. Many guests visited the school, but wanted to stay on, so the Kawaza Village project was born.

Up to 12 guests can now stay in this subsistence-farming village. Accommodation is in traditional huts and entertainment is the daily grind: drawing water, hoeing fields, cooking dinner, visiting the chief and sitting round the fire listening to the elders tell stories. There are few concessions to luxury, though mattresses, mosquito nets and a 'thunderbox' toilet are provided, as is an English-speaking host.

A committee of villagers and teachers runs the project, while Robin Pope Safaris helps with marketing. The income helps support the village and run the school, and guests are encouraged to bring photographs and stories from home, making this an exchange to broaden everyone's horizons.

Follow my leader
The Sunday Times (UK)
17 April 2005

Sick of your tour guide reading straight from the textbook or getting lost on the way to the Forum? That won't happen with these expert travelling companions. Jeremy Lazell picks the greatest guides on earth, including, in Zambia, Robin Pope.

"Apprentice and heir apparent to the late, great old man of Zambian conservation, Norman Carr, Pope is Africa’s foremost safari guide. Born and raised in Zambia, he is best known for his walking safaris in the South Luangwa National Park and for the stunning private camps he owns on three game-rich stretches of the Luangwa River. Understated and plain- speaking, he is quietly but intensely passionate about everything in the bush, from the smallest dung beetle to the tallest giraffe."

Trumpet Major
The Sunday Times (UK)
27 March 2005

Brian Jackman goes walkabout in Zambia, where elephants and leopards like to drop by for dinner.

"Of all the camps in this enchanted valley, Tena Tena is my favourite. Later, before falling asleep, I listen to the Luangwa’s late-night soundtrack: frogs, hippos, owls, hyenas, and the distant rumble of lions."

Africa off the map
The Telegraph (UK)
26 March 2005

More and more parts of Africa may be selling out to mass-market safaris but the Luangwa Valley in Zambia is not one of them. Nick Gordon revels in 'as glorious a wilderness as I have seen in 30 years'

Let us prey (on buffalo)
The Mail on Sunday (UK)
30 Jan 2005

Gareth Huw Davies goes on the prowl with lions of the Luangwa.

Simply the Best
The Sunday Times Travel
Dec 04/Jan 05

Jeremy Lazell checks out safaris with Robin Pope.

"Credentials: Apprentice and heir apparent of the late, great old man of Zambian conservation, Norman Carr, Robin Pope is Africa’s foremost safari guide. He is best known for the walking safaris he runs in the South Luangwa National Park, and for the three private camps he owns on the Luangwa river. Most famous of these is Tena Tena, a 10-guest tented camp with views from the dining room and bar of hippos and elephants in the river below. Luxurious yet thrillingly wild, Robin’s safaris are without equal."

Stay on top of the game
The Sunday Times
18 July 2004

Tents? Lodges? If you’re planning a safari, the choice is endless. David Wickers has the right one for you

Secluded in Zambia
Where? Robin’s House, part of Nkwali Camp, in Luangwa National Park
Why? Utterly romantic, it offers superb game-viewing from an intimate little property beside the Luangwa River,. IT sleeps up to five and is shaded by a grove of ebony trees. The property belongs to Robin Pope, one of Africa;s most experienced guides, and comes with its own cook, housemaid, safari guide and vehicle.
Roar Material: the Luangwa is amoung the richest places in Africa for animals.

Up close and personal
The Independent
17 July 2004

Family adventures on safari can be found in a host of countries, says Aoife O'Riordain

"Zambia is an excellent place for walking safaris. Robin Pope is one of the most respected safari guides in Africa and operates several camps in the South Luangwa Valley. Some of his camps, particularly Nkwali, offer children the chance to experience Zambian life. They can visit schools, enjoy nature walks and take part in safari programmes. The owner’s original house, Robin’s House, is particularly suited to families. "

Worthy Winners
The Sunday Times
6 June 2004

Responsible Travel sounds grim – but Mark Hodsonthe finds that the latest caring hols are cracking fun.

Motorised safaris are becoming old hat: these days, the smart adventurer explores Africa on foot. One of the pioneers of this ecofriendly brand of tourism is Robin Pope, who operates three luxury camps in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Pope runs walking safaris along the Mupamadzi River, tracking elephant, buffalo, crocodile and hippo. He has involved clients in various local projects, including building and staffing school, supporting orphaned children and supplying clear water to 1000 villagers.

Walking into the lion's lair
The Sunday Times (UK)
11th January 2004

A foot safari puts you on level terms with Africa's finest. Brian Jackman sets the pace in Zambia, and goes walking with Robin, and then walks with the lions of Kutandala

Game plans
The Guardian
November 29, 2003

Lisa Grainger finds safari suits and sleeping under the stars are no longer essential if you want to see the Big Five, and for Families, recommends Robin Pope's house.

"What will I see? Some of the best big cats in Africa, from the comfort of a 4x4 or, for over-14s, on foot. The camp's owner, Robin Pope, is one of the continent's most respected guides.

Where will I stay? Robin Pope's elegantly simple two-bedroom thatched house, which is a few minutes' walk from a swimming pool, with lawned play areas and enormous shaded ebony trees for outdoor siestas.

What's so special about it? The house comes with a chef, a private vehicle and guide, so families can tailor days to suit themselves. Staff in camp will lead children on nature trails and local walks, try crafts and bake biscuits, introduce them to Zambian children and take them to Chipembele Wildlife Educational Centre, so that parents can have time to themselves. Next year, from July 29-August 4, the camp will be for families only, with special activities."

Eagle eyes of the expert guides
The Times (UK)
20th September 2003

Brian Jackman on the professionalism of Zambia's bush-savvy guides.
"Foremost among these is Robin Pope, whose three camps, Tena Tena, Nsefu and Nkwali, are among the best in South Luangwa. Pope is a member of the Safari Guides Company, one of an elite dozen guides chosen from all over Africa, and learnt his trade with the late Norman Carr, the legendary former game warden who reinvented walking safaris for which Zambia is famous."

Top safaris
The Telegraph
22 March 2003

Brian Jackman chooses the ten best African safaris and finds that "the Luangwa Valley is still the finest place to get closer to nature by exploring the bush on foot with an armed scout and a professional guide. Robin Pope is Zambia's most sought-after safari guide, and Tena Tena, his tented camp, is probably the best in the Valley."

Guiding lights
The Telegraph
4th January 2003

The most essential prerequisite for a successful trip to the African bushveld is an outstanding guide. Graham Boynton travels from the Kenyan plains to the Kalahari desert and comes up with 15 of the best, and finds that Robin Pope is Zambia's best-known guide. "The bespectacled and scholarly Robin Pope is an honorary ranger with the Zambian Wildlife Department and has been leading walking safaris in the Luangwa Valley for almost a quarter of a century."

Africa's Top 12 Walking Safari
Travel Africa(UK)
Edition 21, Autumn 2002

John Warburton-Lee visits the South Luangwa and finds that "The park still offers some of Africa’s finest walking, and travel on foot remains the best way to experience this landscape. Unsurprisingly, there’s an excellent choice of operators to walk with, including some classic names in the field. Robin Pope Safaris have built their considerable reputation around walking, operating five-day trails covering around 10km/day, following the clear Mupamadzi River in the remote north of the park. “From ants to buffalo, birds’ nests to lion tracking,” clients learn the bush, sleeping in fully serviced mobile camps. Or try a three-day walk through Nsefu saltpan, one of Luangwa’s best riverine areas."

Homeward Bound
Travel Africa (UK)
Edition 20, Summer 2002

Michael Woods enjoys the open hospitality of Zambia's Kawaza village without feeling he's invading. "Normally I find peering into people’s homes acutely embarrassing, but Kawaza was different. There was a warm welcome everywhere and a disarming openness about the village people which made me glad I had made the effort."

Ask the experts
The Observer (UK)
Sunday November 17, 2002

Lonely Planet experts, Tom Hall and Fiona Christie, answer travel queries and recommend South Luangwa National Park as one of the finest in Africa, with stunning scenery and an enormous variety of wildlife. Although the range of accommodation is limited in the rainy season, there is still a choice of location and budget. For an all-inclusive trip the Nkwali camp is ideal. They can arrange special activities for the children.

Tomorrow's world
The Guardian (UK)
Saturday December 28, 2002

The winner of this year's top British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award is a travel company [Tribes] run on fair trade principles. But what does this mean for you as a holiday-maker? Simon Birch goes on safari to find out, and starts at Nkwali. "what sets RPS apart is its involvement with a local community tourist project that allows visitors to get a rare insight into traditional African village life."

Among the Adrenalin Grass
Travel Africa (UK)
Edition 18, Winter 2001/2002

A few days on foot in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park give Guy Marks the chance to watch the unfolding story of the bush

Walking Wild and Well Heeled
Getaway (South Africa)
Nov, 2001

A Robin Pope guided walk in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park is a luxury safari par excellence. But don't this as a sign that the wilds can be tamed. By Robyn Daly - "It's the best Africa has to offer".

So, what's so great about an African safari?
The Times (UK)
18 October 2001

For walking safaris, Brian Jackman says there's nowhere better than the Luangwa Valley. "Divide your time between Nkwali and Tena Tena camps, with a six-day foot safari along the Mupamadzi River."

Community Tourism
The Times of Zambia
12 October 2001

Sydney Chilambu descibes how community tourism is set to empower villages in Zambia's Eastern Province.

Walking adventure in Zambia
Daily Mail (UK)
Sep, 2001

Alison Rice finds that Zambia turns out to be Best-Kept Secret territory for well-heeled wildlife freaks.

African Village Life
Hello Magazine (UK)
August 2001

'Castaway' star Ben Fogle shares his experience of African Village life while on safari in Zambia

Tippling Pimm's in puku-land
Getaway (South Africa)
April, 2001

Cathy Lanz comes to Zambia to "find out how friendly various valley habits are to the tourists". She declares that there is nothing witch-like about the live-wire Nsefu cook Noodles, finds puku with Maxon and goes walking with Daudi.

A walk on the safe side
The Times (UK)
March 24, 2001

Andrew Eames asks "Could Zambia offer an alternative safari destination to troubled Zimbabwe?"

Silver Otter for Kawaza Village
Travel Africa (UK)
Edition 15, Spring 2001

Michael Woods describes Kawaza Village, which won the annual British Guild of Travel Writers award, the Silver Otter, for the year 2000

Cat-watching
BBC Wildlife Magazine Travel Supplement
February 2001

In a guide to the best places to see the biggest cats on Earth, Brian Jackman highlights the South Luangwa National Park, and says that, of the many lodges, Nsefu, Tena Tena and Nkwali are among the best.

Lunch in the land of the lovesick lions
Financial Times (UK)
Jan 20, 2001

Guy Marks visits the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia where three monarchs of the plain put on a domestic drama

Zambia: a land where eagles dare
Financial Times (UK)
Jan 13, 2001

Few visitors reach the Mupamadzi River in Zambia but it is perfect walking territory, says Guy Marks 

Zambia: Safari so good
The Scotsman (UK)
6 January 2001

Mark Donaldson visits Nsefu and Kawaza, and previews the Celebration of South Luangwa- "forget everything you may have heard about African safaris, this is an experience that will stay with you forever." He goes on to vist the Victoria Falls and writes about it in a later edition.

In Zambia with the sausage tree romeos
London Evening Standard (UK)
5 January 2001

Andrew Eames and the lads were talking about sex. Or rather, the lads were doing the talking and I was doing the listening.

Park Life
Wanderlust (UK)
Issue 43
Dec 2000 - Jan 2001

The game viewing is incredible and the scenery spectacular. But Guy Marks finds that Zambia's community tourism adds a special extra dimension.

Safari special ...round up. Wild Ideas.
The Guardian (UK)
Sat 18 Nov 2000

Brian Jackman lists the options from tent to five star lodge, at the Okavango swamp or the Skeleton Coast, by balloon, canoe or riding an elephant.
Walking Safaris.
"Zambia's game-rich Luangwa Valley is where walking safari holidays were pioneered in the 1970s. The best are run by Robin Pope, who also own Nkwali and Tena Tena, two of the Valley's finest camps. Two nights at Nkwali and three nights at Tena Tena with a five-day walk in between, followed by four nights at an island lodge in Lake Malawi."

Africa intensive
The Sunday Times (UK)
8 October 2000

Max Anderson  thinks doing four game lodges in eight days is madness - until Africa's charming animals and snarling guests show him that this really is the perfect way to safari

A Song at Bedtime
Financial Times (UK)
14 October 2000

The gin and tonics were the first thing to go when Guy Marks visited Zambia and stayed with a rural African community

Africa Up Close
The Gazette, Montreal
16 September 2000

Game show
Chicago Sun-Times
15 September 2000

Margo Pfeiff visits the South Luangwa, and goes walking with Huw Jones. Two, slightly different, articles describe the experience.

Zambia, real and imagined
The Independent (UK)
23 June 2000

Zambia, real and imagined: Sue Wheat enjoyed wildlife from a dining terrace, then went in search of the troubled world beyond.

Safari Elite
Sunday Times (UK)
4 June 2000

" Africa's five-star lodges and camps have truly raised their game," says Brian Jackman.   Of Nsefu, he writes:
"Completely rebuilt for 1999, Nsefu's six thatched rondavels blend perfectly into their riverine woodland setting. Shady verandahs at the front; en suite showers at the back. What more do you need? And the dining area, dwarfed by a giant termite steeple, provides a wide-screen view of the winding Luangwa River, with its hippos, elephants and waterbirds."

A Safari on Foot in Zambia
LA Times (USA)
9 April 2000

Margo Pfeiff publishes the story of her walking safari, this time for her Californian readers.

Walk Tall in Zambia
Herald Sun, Sydney, Australia
2000

Jennifer Grimwade

Leave the Car at Home
The Times (UK)
27 November 1999

"If you want to meet wild Africa up close and personal, there is only one way to do it. On foot. Led by a professional safari guide, with a rifle for use as a last resort."
Brian Jackman describes the value of a good guide to a Safari in Africa.
"...1982 my guide was Robin Pope, one of Norman Carr's eager young protégés. Quiet and bespectacled, he looked more like a poet than a safari guide, but he turned out to be as tough as biltong and was already well versed in the ways of the wild. Today he is probably the best-known guide in Zambia.
On safari, a top guide like Robin Pope is worth his weight in gold. He is not only an amiable companion, but also your personal tutor - a bush-wise genius who can put a name to every bird, who can read animal tracks as easily as you can peruse the pages of The Times, repair a Land Rover, inspire you with his own passion for the natural world and, if required, save your life."

A Surfeit of Leopards in my Spotlight
Financial Times (UK)
6/7 November 1999

Michael Woods has several close encounters with the cunning and elusive cats during a visit to Zambia's South Luangwa National Park

Zambia: Down in the Valley
The Guardian (UK)
11 September 1999

The lions are as lazy and sleek as the Zambezi river, the leopards as private as the game camps cut out of the virgin bush. Giles Foden explores southern Africa's best-kept safari secrets

If the direct link to the article does not work, try linking to the Guardian Archive Search , and search for Zambia on 11 Sep 1999

Nature at Close Quarters
Daily Telegraph (UK)
February 1999

Duff Hart-Davis spends three nights at Nkwali, five on safari and three at Tena Tena.

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