Welcome to Nsefu Camp in South Luangwa National Park

AboutNsefu Camp

Nsefu Camp, the first photographic safari camp in Zambia offers charm, history, exclusivity and comfort in the best location in the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

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Key facts of Nsefu Camp

Open February - 31 March & 22 May - 20 November
Accommodation Six chalets
Airport Mfuwe Airport
Policy Children over 12 years are welcome
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Nsefu Camp

Slideshow Items

  • Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Luangwa from the comfort of your chalet
    Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Luangwa from the comfort of your chalet
  • Cozy chalets at Nsefu Camp
    Cozy chalets at Nsefu Camp
  • Sunset views at Nsefu Camp
    Sunset views at Nsefu Camp
  • Stunning views of the Luangwa River from Nsefu Camp
    Stunning views of the Luangwa River from Nsefu Camp
  • Twilight hour at Nsefu Camp
    Twilight hour at Nsefu Camp
  • Wildlife encounters at Nsefu Camp
    Wildlife encounters at Nsefu Camp

Discover Nsefu Camp

Description
Facilities
Experiences
Wildlife
Gallery
Description

The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa – a claim which is not an overstatement.

Nsefu Camp is the first safari camp in Zambia and therefore completely unique and steeped in history. Being first also has its benefits as there is no doubt about it; the camp really is in the best location in the South Luangwa, situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector on a magnificent meander on the Luangwa River across which elephants often cross. Nsefu Camp is a must on a trip to the South Luangwa.

Slideshow Items

  • Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Luangwa from the comfort of your chalet
    Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Luangwa from the comfort of your chalet
Facilities
En suite
Evening Breeze Air Conditioning
Laundry Service
Viewing Hide
Limited WiFi
No cellphone reception

 

The six original rondavels at Nsefu Camp have been upgraded to include spacious en-suite bathrooms however we have tried very hard to keep the feel and fittings in the room in line with the original “old fashioned” feel. Nothing can sum it up better than a guest’s comment of “understated elegance”. Each room has a clear view of the river whether it be from the comfort of your bed or the chairs out on the verandah.

Slideshow Items

  • Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Luangwa from the comfort of your chalet
    Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Luangwa from the comfort of your chalet
Experiences
Special Offers

Game drives

We offer options for day or night drives with Toyota Landcruisers with a "window" seat for everyone. All our vehicles have an open top affording you a vision of total 360 degree.

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Special Offers

Walking

The walks are led by our very knowledgeable guides, and escorted by an armed National Park scout. Feel at one with nature and get closer to the action, see the details and signs that the animals leave behind. A vehicle with a canopy can be requested but is subject to availability.

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Viewing hide

Nsefu Camp is teeming with wildlife and what better way to take advantage of this than by spending some time in the hide which is located in front of a water hole and gives you a completely new angle when viewing wildlife.

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Nsefu Camp

Seasonal Boating

A special treat indeed for guests in the Emerald Season. Explore the lagoons for enhanced game viewing and birding.

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Responsible community interaction
Responsible community interaction

Village Tours

A visit to Kawaza Village and the schools is often remembered years later by our guests as the most rewarding part of their visit to Africa. This gives a more holistic experience of the Luangwa Valley.

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Its Monday and festive highlights from the Luangwa

Wildlife Education Centre

A charitable trust for the school children of the Luangwa Valley to teach them about wildlife and conservation.

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Room interior at Luangwa Safari House

Tribal Textiles

For unique locally produced hand-painted textiles, drawing inspiration from the stunning Zambian wildlife and surroundings. A perfect place to buy a souvenir or two of your Zambian experience.

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Private Vehicle/Guide

If you prefer to enjoy your activities exclusively, we have the option for you to hire a private guide and vehicle at an extra cost.

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Nkwali Camp

Spa Treatments

Looking for extra relaxation options while you are with us in the wild... There is a mobile spa available at an extra cost in South Luangwa. Our team can arrange this for you.

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Wildlife

South Luangwa is a paradise for wildlife lovers, with game species including elephant, buffalo, hippos, giraffe, leopards, and lions and over 450 species of birds. Several antelope species are found in large numbers, especially the puku and impala. Also, to be found in huge herds are buffalo and elephants.

Lion, spotted hyena, leopard, and wild dogs are the main predators. Though the park is popularly known as ‘valley of the leopards’, lions are actually more widely and easily seen.

There are 3 species of herbivores which are endemic to the park; there are Crawshay’s zebra (subspecies of the more common plains zebra), Thornicroft’s giraffe (distinguished by its different coloration which is more striking than other species found in the rest of Southern Africa) and Cookson’s wildebeest (slightly smaller than blue wildebeest with slightly reddish bands).

Keen birders are treated to over 450 bird species in the Luangwa. The Emerald Season is perfect time to see the most species, as the migratory birds are around. Huge breeding colony of yellow-billed storks are a highlight during this season in our Nsefu Sector. Then later in the year from about September to end October/November, we have the carmine bee-eater nesting along the riverbanks of the Luangwa – an amazing and colourful site to be seen.

Slideshow Items

  • Nsefu Camp
    Nsefu Camp
  • Nsefu Camp
    Nsefu Camp
  • Nsefu Camp
    Nsefu Camp
  • nsefu-camp-nsefu-camp-robin-pope-safaris
    View of wildlife from Nsefu Camp
    View of wildlife from Nsefu Camp
  • Walking Safaris at Nsefu Camp - Luangwa & Livingstone
    Walking Safaris at Nsefu Camp
    Walking Safaris at Nsefu Camp
  • south-luangwa-national-park-robin-pope-safaris
    Wildlife encounters at Nsefu Camp
    Wildlife encounters at Nsefu Camp
  • Safari in November 8211 December
    Safari in November 8211 December
  • Safari in November 8211 December
    Safari in November 8211 December
  • Safari in November 8211 December
    Safari in November 8211 December
  • Safari in November 8211 December
    Safari in November 8211 December
  • Safari in July 8211 September
    Safari in July 8211 September
  • Safari in July 8211 September
    Safari in July 8211 September
  • Safari in July 8211 September
    Safari in July 8211 September
  • Elephant and baby
    Elephant and baby
  • Luangwa Safari House
    Luangwa Safari House
  • The elusive leopard of the Luangwa
    The elusive leopard of the Luangwa
  • Luangwa
    Luangwa
Gallery
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Friendly faces at Nsefu Camp
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View from Nsefu Camp
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View of wildlife from Nsefu Camp
nsefu-camp-nsefu-camp-robin-pope-safaris
Nsefu Camp exterior of chalet
nsefu-camp-nsefu-camp-robin-pope-safaris
Wildlife encounters at Nsefu Camp
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Picturesque views at Nsefu Camp
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Nsefu Camp at sunrise
Breakfast
Walking Safaris at Nsefu Camp - Luangwa & Livingstone
Walking Safaris at Nsefu Camp
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Nsefu Camp cozy interior.
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Breakfast at Nsefu Camp
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Nsefu Camp
Nsefu in the green season
Nsefu Camp in the green season
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Nsefu Camp
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Nsefu Camp
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Nsefu Camp bar and main area
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Luangwa from the comfort of your chalet
Sundowners with a view at Nsefu Camp
south-luangwa-national-park-robin-pope-safaris
Wildlife encounters at Nsefu Camp
Sunset views at Nsefu Camp
Cozy chalets at Nsefu Camp
Twilight hour at Nsefu Camp
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Viewing Hide at Nsefu Camp
Nsefu Camp
Nsefu Camp
Nsefu Camp
Nsefu Camp
Nsefu Camp
Nsefu Camp
Nsefu Camp
Exceptional wildlife encounters at Nsefu Camp
Nsefu Camp
Nsefu Camp
Wildlife encounters at Nsefu Camp
Nsefu Camp
Nsefu Camp
Nsefu Camp

Rates and Season Highlights

Our rates are inclusive of accommodation, activities, meals and bar and are charged per person per night by season. Park entry costs are extra. For guests staying more than 7 nights at RPS properties, there are long stay discounts available. There is no supplement charged for single travelers unless there are more than 3 singles. Children’s rates are available as well as a complimentary stay for a second child under 16 years. Note: Rates may vary for residents or regional travellers. All rates are subject to change without notice.

 

The different seasons offer us incredible diversity in terms of landscapes, wildlife sightings and experiences. We have put together some of these highlights for you to consider as you plan your African adventure with us. Be inspired!

jan
feb
mar
apr
may
jun
jul
aug
sep
oct
nov
January
Lower rates | Beautiful lush scenery | Migratory Birds | Baby boom in animal kingdom | Boating
  • CLOSED
  • Boat up to Nsefu and enjoy the absolute seclusion of the Nsefu sector at this time of the year. Explore the croc river and other streams by boat and jump out and take a stroll to see what the bush has to offer.
  • It’s the rainy season but don’t let that stop you this is a magical time of the year where the river is bursting and the bush is lush.
February
Lower rates | Beautiful lush scenery | Migratory Birds | Baby boom in animal kingdom | Boating
  • Open for River Journeys safari. Emerald season: 735 USD pppn.
  • Boat up to Nsefu and enjoy the absolute seclusion of the Nsefu sector at this time of the year. Explore the croc river and other streams by boat and jump out and take a stroll to see what the bush has to offer.
  • It’s the rainy season but don’t let that stop you this is a magical time of the year where the river is bursting and the bush is lush.
March
Lower rates | Beautiful lush scenery | Migratory Birds | Baby boom in animal kingdom | Boating
  • Open for River Journeys safari. Emerald season: 735 USD pppn.
  • Head to the stork colony and watch the hundreds of yellow billed storks coming in and building their nests as they prepare for their young to arrive.
  • Impressive grey/purple thunder heads build along with the heat then finally the rain arrives relieving the bush and refreshing everything after which the skies clear and the light is luminescent.
April
Nsefu camp is not accessible during this time of year.
May
Lower rates | Good game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
  • Opens 22 May. Shoulder season: 880 USD pppn.
  • By now the stork colony is accessible by road and the trees rise from the ground like ghostly shadows. The chicks have hatched and are making life very tough for mum and dad with their constant need for food.
  • The rains have finished but there is still plenty of water in the streams and lagoons. The bush is green and the wildlife plump and content during the warm days.
June
Lower rates | Good game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
  • Shoulder season: 880 USD pppn.
  • The season is upon us and we are in full swing with sightings of everything from antelope to zebra. Keep an eye for Wild dogs though as this time of the year they tend to find a spot to den and hang out in the same area for a few months.
  • The weather in June is in between its not rainy, its not hot and its not cold lets say pleasant.
July
Great game viewing | Favourable weather
  • Peak season: 1100 USD pppn.
  • The river levels are dropping and the hippos are making the most of the deeper channels in front of camp and up from camp elephants start crossing the river daily.
  • Sit around the camp fire at breakfast time and enjoy the heat from the coals followed by the sunrise and warming us up as winter is creeping in.
August
Great game viewing | Favourable weather
  • Peak season: 1100 USD pppn.
  • Listen out for the familiar chirp of the Carmine Bee-Eaters as they start arriving ready to build their nests in the river bank and show off their vibrant colours.
  • Winter is coming to an end and whilst the evenings are still quite chilly the day time temperatures are starting to rise.
September
Phenomenal Game Viewing
  • Peak season: 1100 USD pppn.
  • Things are warming up and the gulley’s are dry which means it’s perfect for our leopards who crouch down and sneak up to their unsuspecting prey.
  • Warm by day but still very pleasant in the evenings this is lovely time of the year for those not quite brave enough to come in October.
October
Phenomenal Game Viewing
  • Shoulder season: 880 USD pppn.
  • By now the Carmines have fully congregated and chosen their nesting sites and the banks turn from brown to pink as they sit on the edge keeping a close eye for fish eagles coming from above and the occasional croc from below.
  • Look for some shade to sit under and watch the sun set through the haze on the horizon in the form of a huge red ball and take a little relief in the slightly cooler temperature.
November
Lower Rates | Exceptional Game Viewing
  • Closes 20 November. Emerald season: 735 USD pppn.
  • By now the browse lines on the combretums are very well defined as are the dusty tracks the animals use to head to the river for much needed but nerve wracking hydration.
  • Lie in bed and listen to the distant rumbles of thunder and wait for them to arrive to cool things down. Once the rain finally hits the parched ground revel in the glorious smells and feelings of refreshment.

Safarisfeaturing Nsefu Camp

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View all Safaris
Our favourite place to be! We love Nsefu Camp, it has an amazing location, history and Sebastian! The team looked after us from the moment we walked into the camp (after our bush camping), greeting us with much-needed cold towels and a very cold drink. Sebastian was our guide again. he is patient, loves guiding and has a wealth of knowledge and experience which he readily shares - we saw many great things and shared memorable sightings with him.
Jane P about Nsefu Camp
We have recently returned from a wonderful safari adventure in Zambia. Our first lodge was Nsefu, what a beautiful place, we were looked after extremely well by Winston, Polly and our guide Kanga was exceptional. We have done several safaris in Africa over the years and Kanga was one of the best guides we have ever had.
Vicky & Mike K about Nsefu Camp
Being already on several Africa safari we thought that we have sawed it all. Zambia was beyond our expectations. Awesome wildlife, good knowledge of the guides and an amazing camp. The rooms are big, with open air bathroom and some kind of air conditioning. Food is more than acceptable and the meals are taken outside facing the river. We will return this year.
Toicinha about Nsefu Camp
Possibly one of the prime (Top 10) reserves in Southern Africa and one of the more typical camps of yester year. Wonderful and a must for a bucket list. Good service, knowledgeable guides and a true African experience during the later part of the year, Sept, October when the game migrate to the Luangwa River.
Simon M about Nsefu Camp
This camp was the 1st ever in South Luangwa. It still has the traditional roundels built in the 1950s - probably a bit small for some but we loved the history and nostalgia. The beds have an amazing cool air system which when the temp hit 44 degrees was fab! The location on a river bend is excellent and the staff and catering equally good. Best of all though the camp is deep in the park so we only saw vehicles from our camp.
bluevcone about Nsefu Camp

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