Nsefu

Nsefu Camp

Nsefu Camp is situated on a sweeping bend of the river, in the exclusive Nsefu Sector. Only two camps are situated in this sector, the second being Tena Tena Camp which is located 12 kilometres south – both are owned by Robin Pope. The Nsefu sector was first pronounced a game area in 1966 some five years before the South Luangwa was even declared, and has always been recognised as an outstanding game-viewing area.

Nsefu was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties, when it was opened by Norman Carr. The camp was taken over in 1998 by Robin Pope, who gave it a thorough makeover before re-opening it in July 1999. However, the camp retains much of its original traditional style, and sense of history – the rondavels have been retained, but each has had a spacious en suite loo and shower room added, complete with old-fashioned taps, and has been fully refurbished to a very high standard inside. Silver service and a wind-up gramophone harp back to the style of the 1950’s. Each room has a clear view of the river, through large windows and from newly erected wooden verandas. The view of the river is superb and the camp includes a terraced area where game grazes during the day. The bar, tucked in beside a huge dormant termite mound, overlooks a waterhole that is very productive for game, especially leopard at night. Nsefu has a reputation for being one of the best camps in the Luangwa valley.

Note that Nsefu is also open during the Green Season, which runs between mid-January and late March. The camp is accessed by boat from Nkwali, an eventful 2 hour river journey, and further explorations are then made into flooded lagoons and ebony stands from Nsefu, which includes a visit to a yellow-billed stork colony, one of the largest in Southern Africa, which is reached by boat and then on foot.

As with Tena Tena camp, Nsefu camp is also a perfect base from which to join RPS’s Bush Camping Safaris, which involve either two or three nights fly camping in the Nsefu sector – enjoy the comfort of Nsefu before the excitement of camping out in the bush on a pure walking safari, and return to comfort afterwards!

Essentials

open between 22nd January and 31st March, and 22nd May and 20th November
12 guests
traditional rondavels
en suite semi-open air bathrooms with basin and shower
minimum age 12 years
walking, drives, night drives, visit to Kawaza Village and school, and local market
transfer time from Mfuwe Airport 1hr 30 mins mostly game driving
on generator – battery charging possible
fully inclusive (imported wines and spirits included)