The start..
Our History
Our founder, Robin Pope began work in 1975 with Zambia Safaris, and set to developing his bush knowledge and guiding skills. Keen to create his own company, his dream came true in 1985 with the creation of Robin Pope Safaris alongside his wife Jo. They opened Tena Tena Camp a year later.
The next five years saw a huge growth for Robin’s safari operation; creating the renowned Mobile Walking Safaris and opening of Nkwali Camp. The next decade built on that early success with a new camp at Nsefu, conversion of Robin’s House to a private safari house (was originally their home), then Luangwa Bush Camping (combining comfort with camping out in the heart of the bush) and finally the Luangwa Safari House.
A new partnership was created in 2006, when Robin and Jo joined forces with Molecaten, a Dutch family run company. Ton and Margaux de Rooy expanded the company into Malawi and built Pumulani on the shores of Lake Malawi in 2008, Mkulumadzi in Majete Wildlife Reserve in 2011 and Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park in 2018.
2011 also saw the addition of Luangwa River Camp in Zambia’s South Luangwa. Crossing yet another border a few years later, John’s Camp in the raw wilderness of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, joined the fold.
Where are we now...
From that rich history, Robin Pope Safaris has grown to offer authentic/raw Africa experiences through safari, adventure, and beach, across Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
We have one goal… to give you an unforgettable safari holiday to tick off your bucket list. To experience the wonders of Africa’s secluded wilderness, rich culture, beautiful beaches and – our primary focus – the outstanding wildlife, numerous bird species and an amazing array of tropical fish found only in Lake Malawi.
We offer a seamless holiday experience across Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe including all land, border, and flight requirements. To ensure a holistic experience of these countries, we have partnered with key operators in all 3 countries, bringing you some amazing itineraries to pick from. These itineraries range from fully flexible routes and packages to set departure trips with special focus on specific interests (from birding, photography, wildlife phenomenon to specialist walking trails).
Conservation and Community
Operating camps and lodges in Africa’s wildlife areas brings responsibilities towards the places we work in, the people who live nearby and the wildlife that surrounds us.
Robin Pope Safaris supports wildlife conservation and local communities through conservation partnerships, local employment, staff training and purchasing from local suppliers. Our support includes financial contributions to Conservation South Luangwa’s anti-poaching activities and providing a base on Nkwali land for the Zambian Carnivore Programme.
We also work with community organisations, support education and healthcare initiatives, and engage local craftspeople and artisans through our camps and lodges. The activities we support vary by destination, reflecting local needs and the organisations working in each area.