Nsefu Camp is the first safari camp in Zambia and therefore completely unique and steeped in history. Being first also has its benefits. There is no doubt about it; the camp really is in the best location in South Luangwa. 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.
The six rondavels at Nsefu Camp have been upgraded to include spacious en-suite bathrooms. Nsefu has tried to keep the feel and fittings in the room in line with the original old fashioned feel. We call it understated elegance. Each room has a clear view of the river. Whether from the comfort of your bed or the chairs on the verandah.
Rondavel interiorRondavels overlook the Luangwa River
Nsefu Camp Activities
South Luangwa is a paradise for wildlife lovers. With game species including elephants, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, 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.
Lions, spotted hyenas, leopards, 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 colouration 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 the perfect time to see the most species, as the migratory birds are around. The huge breeding colony of yellow-billed storks are a highlight during this season in our Nsefu Sector. From about September to the end of October/November, the carmine bee-eater nest along the riverbanks of the Luangwa. An amazing and colourful site to be seen.
South Luangwa birding safari
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. Seeing the details and signs that the animals leave behind.
Many guests staying at Nsefu or Nkwali will walk to Luangwa Bush Camp. It lies between the two camps and only sleeps 4 people. The 2 Meru tents have bucket showers & long drop loos. It is about a 3 hour walk. Unlike set departure trips, this experience is arranged to fit within your safari itinerary. Offering a seamless extension into South Luangwa’s remote wilderness. Entirely on foot and guided by experts, you’ll explore untouched terrain by day and sleep under the stars by night. With no vehicles, just the sounds of nature around you. This is a walking safari at its most raw and exhilarating. Luangwa Bush Camp is open from around the 22nd May – 20th October every year.
On a walking safari, you can see how tall a giraffe is!
Viewing hide
Nsefu Camp is teeming with wildlife. What better way to take advantage of this than by spending some time in the hide? This is in front of a water hole and gives you a completely new angle when viewing wildlife.
Game drives
Day or night game drives in a Toyota Landcruiser with a “window” seat for everyone. All the vehicles have an open top affording you a total 360-degree view. A vehicle with a canopy can be requested but is subject to availability.
Leopard on game drive
Private Vehicle/Guide
If you prefer to enjoy your activities exclusively, hire a private guide and vehicle at an extra cost.
Seasonal Boating
A special treat indeed for guests in the Emerald Season. Explore the lagoons for enhanced game viewing and birding.
Village Tours
A visit to Kawaza Village and the schools. This 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. There is an additional cost that goes directly to uplifting the community.
Wildlife Education Centre
Visit the Wildlife Education Centre (at extra cost). This is a charitable trust for the school children of the Luangwa Valley to teach them about wildlife and conservation.
Tribal Textiles
For unique locally produced hand painted textiles, drawing inspiration from the stunning Zambian wildlife and surroundings. Tribal Textiles is the perfect place to buy a souvenir or two of your Zambian experience.
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.
When to visit Nsefu Camp
The camp is open from February – 31 March & 22 May – 20 November every year. 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!
South Luangwa Seasons
February & March:
Lower rates | Beautiful lush scenery | Migratory Birds | Baby boom in animal kingdom | Boating
February
Boat up to Nsefu and enjoy the total seclusion of the Nsefu sector at this time of the year. Explore the river and other streams by boat. Jump out and venture on foot 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
Head to the stork colony as they prepare for their young to arrive. Watch the hundreds of yellow billed storks coming in and building their nests.
Impressive grey/purple thunderheads 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 – Closed
From 22nd May – June: Lower rates | Good game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
May
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 is plump and content during the warm days.
June
The season is upon us and we are in full swing with sightings of everything from antelope to zebra. Keep an eye out for Wild dogs though. At this time of the year, they tend to find a spot to den. Where they will hang out for a few months.
The weather in June is in between it’s not rainy, it is not hot and it’s not cold. Let’s say it is pleasant.
July & August: Great game viewing | Favourable weather
July
River levels are dropping and the hippos are making the most of the deeper channels in front of camp. Up from camp elephants start crossing the river daily.
Sit around the campfire at breakfast time and enjoy the heat from the coals. Followed by the sunrise which warms us up as winter creeps in.
August
Listen out for the familiar chirp of the Carmine Bee-Eaters. They start arriving ready to build their nests in the river bank and show off their vibrant colours.
Winter is coming to an end. While the evenings are still quite chilly, the daytime temperatures are starting to rise.
September & October: Phenomenal Game Viewing
September
Things are warming up and the gulleys are dry. This means it’s perfect for leopards who crouch down and sneak up on their unsuspecting prey.
Warm by day but still very pleasant in the evenings. This is a lovely time of the year for those not quite brave enough to come in October.
October
By now the Carmines have fully congregated and chosen their nesting sites. 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.
Watch the sun set through the haze on the horizon in the form of a huge red ball.
Until 20th November: Lower Rates | Exceptional Game Viewing
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 listening 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.
Getting to Nsefu Camp
South African Airways, Kenya Airways, and Emirates fly into Lusaka, Zambia.
South African Airways, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airways fly into Lilongwe, Malawi.
It is a 1 hour 30 minutes flight with Proflight from Lusaka (Zambia) to Mfuwe Airport.
From Lilongwe (Malawi) it is a one hour flight to Mfuwe Airport.
From Mfuwe Airport it is a 1 hour 15 minute road transfer to the camp through colorful village life. And then game viewing to camp.
Nsefu Camp Accommodation Rates
Nsefu Camp Rates
Per person per night
Peak: July – September
$1100
Shoulder: 22nd May – June and October
$880
Emerald: 1st February – 31st March, 1st – 22nd November
$735
Please note these accommodation rates are valid until further notice (issued January 2025).
Rates are inclusive of:
All meals,
Game viewing activities (2 per day – game drives or walking safaris),
Laundry,
Bar,
Mfuwe Airport transfers,
Inter Robin Pope Safari camp transfers,
Meet & greet at Lusaka & Mfuwe.
Rates Exclude:
Visas, flights, Tourism Levy, Luangwa Conservation & Community Fund* & park costs
*This levy ensures the survival of the areas/parks that the camps are in.
Nsefu Camp Accommodation Special Offers
Long Stay Special Offer
10% discount off accommodation rate when staying 7+ nights at Robin Pope Safari properties. Or a 20% discount when staying 10+ nights at Robin Pope Safari properties.
The Robin Pope Safaris camps in South Luangwa, Zambia are: Nkwali Camp (and Robin’s House), Nsefu Camp, Tena Tena, Luangwa River Camp, Luangwa Bush Camp, or Luangwa Safari House. Please note we be adding Luangwa River Camp soon.
No Single Supplement is charged at Nsefu Camp if there are up to 3 singles travelling. 4 or more singles are charged a 30% surcharge
Last Minute Safari
If you book Robin Pope Safaris camps within 30 days of travel, receive these excellent discounted rates (per person per night):
South Luangwa camps (excludes Houses, Bush Camping & Mobile Walking): $595 (Peak), $475 (Shoulder) & $425 (Emerald)
Malawi camps: $350 (Peak), $300 (Shoulder) & $275 (Emerald)
John’s Camp: $600 (Peak) & $525 (Emerald & Shoulder)
Teenager Safari
Complimentary stay for a second child 12 years to under 16 years.
Group Safari
10% discount on groups of 10 or more people.
River Journey Safari
This 7 night safari is one of those bucket list trips between February and March! It is a chance to explore the South Luangwa National Park during the most vibrant time of the year. The Emerald Season. This is when the Luangwa River is at its fullest. Thus giving rise to some exceptional boating. South Luangwa is completely different at this time of year.
From US$4165 per person sharing (SAVING US$620).
8 Day River Journeys Safari ↓
NOTE: Camp order in South Luangwa requires a start and end at Nkwali due to access of Nsefu requiring both vehicle and boat transfer and the duration.
This safari covers one of Zambia’s premier park – South Luangwa. The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa.
“The Luangwa Valley is at its most dramatic in the Emerald Season, with the Luangwa River now flowing over into the brimming lagoons. Boating into these lagoons, flooded ebony groves and flowing channels gives you a view of the Valley which is normally inaccessible during this season“.
The Luangwa River is one of the last remaining major rivers in Africa, and even in the world, that has not been damned for hydropower. This vast river still annually rises, floods into lagoons and channels, changes course and resulting in new lagoons and in so doing creates a rich flood plain river system. To be in the heart of the park, at peak flood time, staying at the first camp built in Zambia (Nsefu) with the river being your only access, is quite an experience.
Day 1: Nkwali Camp
On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. Nkwali is ideally situated for the start of your safari.
Day 2: Nkwali Camp
This is a day to explore the South Luangwa National Park with a mix of walking, game drives and boating.
Day 3 – 5: Nsefu Camp
Today you will take the boat up to Nsefu Camp. A leisurely game viewing and birding experience. Which will take between 2 and 4 hours depending on what you see on the way. The Luangwa River will be high and many of the lagoons will be full. The bird life is amazing along the river and you will often see a bull elephant or a lion on the banks.
Nsefu Camp is on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. There are six round rondavels with luxurious en suite facilities and each room has a clear view of the river through large windows and from the new wooden verandahs.
On arrival at Nsefu you will be shown to your accommodation and then enjoy your lunch. Followed by a well-deserved siesta before you set off on an afternoon activity. Over the next few days you will explore the area by boat and by foot. There are many lagoons, ebony groves and channels that will be flooding. Therefore, you will be boating over land which is the driving area of the park in the dry season. Also, taking a scout with you, you will be able to enjoy a walk to explore further afield in the park for an all day picnic.
Lunch will be under a tree or next to a lagoon. And you will then be able to take a siesta. Or simply spend a lazy couple of hours reading a book or watching the fascinating animals and landscape around you. Returning to camp when you are ready. You may decide to continue straight on your evening boat ride and return to camp at sunset. These are very flexible days.
Day 6: Nkwali Camp
Today you will boat back to Nkwali in the morning, where you will enjoy wide views across the Luangwa River. Depending on your arrival time in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali. Or if in the afternoon for tea and the afternoon and night game drive.
Day 7: Nkwali Camp
At dawn breakfast is around the campfire. The porridge heated on the fire and toast cooked by the coals. The morning walk or drive will leave soon after. And your photographic expedition will begin. Entering the park by boat from the camp or by the nearby pontoon. The game in the area is excellent. And includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe. A mid morning break of tea, coffee and cake will be taken by a scenic point on a lagoon or the Luangwa River.
Return to camp for lunch around mid day. After lunch you can cool off in the swimming pool or siesta. Tea will be available in the afternoon. Then its off on an afternoon game drive that continues into the early night giving the chance to see the nocturnal world. Usually one returns to camp about 8 pm with dinner generally at 8.30 pm.
Day 8:
After breakfast you will be transferred to Mfuwe Airport for your onward connection.
