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South Luangwa

Nsefu Camp

Six historical rondavels that offer walking and game drives in the Nsefu Sector.
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4.9 out of 5 stars   Average guest rating
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or call us on: +1 (646) 542 0667
Our guests rate us excellent
4.9/5 (947 reviews)

About Nsefu Camp

Originally opened in the 1950s, this little gem of a bushcamp in the Nsefu Sector of the South Luangwa is the oldest in the park. In fact, it was actually the first photographic safari camp in Zambia and feels wonderfully rustic and historically charming. Back in the 50s, the Nsefu region had already revealed its extraordinary qualities and phenomenal concentrations of game and today, it’s even better. Expect wild dog springing across the salt-encrusted plains, hyena sniffing around every corner and no other vehicles in sight. Who could resist?

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From $730 person/night

Camp
6 Tents

What you'll love

Exploring the salt-baked landscape of the Nsefu Sector, famous for its crowned cranes, and making a cup of tea in the extraordinarily clear (and boiling!) water from the hot springs.

Insiders tip

Visit in the green season (January to April) for a chance to see the breeding yellow-billed storks. As the largest colony in southern Africa, the bevvy of birds is a spectacular sight.

Something to think about

The rooms are charming but a little small and perhaps a touch old-fashioned.

The property

From its elevated position on a meander of the Luangwa, the chitenge has brilliant views of the rippling river and if you’re lucky, the elephants that sometimes wade across. Antique books, beautiful photographs of old and simple furnishings are understatedly elegant and perfectly in keeping with the rustic charm. Also on offer is a small hide that looks out over a pretty water-hole—a lovely place to while away an afternoon, eye to eye with the wildlife.

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The rooms

Due to their status as protected monuments, the 6 brick and thatch rondavels have changed little since the 50s unlike the interiors, which have benefited from lots of TLC. Expect pale linens, whitewashed floors and state of the art air cons in the bedroom and open-air bathrooms at the back with plenty of hot water. Outside each hut is a raised seating area with safari chairs overlooking the river, just calling out for a G&T and a good book…

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Activities

Game Drives
Walking safari
Boat Cruises
Night Drives

Walking safaris are a staple at Nsefu and can be done in the mornings and evenings under the expert and watchful eyes of a guide and armed ranger. It’s also possible to walk to sister camp, Tena Tena, for a taste of the real old-school safaris. The game drives are excellent and always very rewarding and in the green season, a boat trip down the swollen Luangwa shows off the park in its lusciously green glory.

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Positive impact

Nsefu Camp is owned by Robin Pope Safaris, and committed to responsible tourism that benefits the environment, wildlife conservation, and local communities. They employ green technology, support anti-poaching efforts, provide healthcare and education, and promote local trade. Staff are treated fairly, trained extensively, and encouraged to advance. Their operations aim to protect ecosystems and alleviate poverty through sustainable practices.


A contribution of $10 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.

Reviews

S
Sandy Mendel
6 months ago

A beautiful location and setting in a remote area of South Luangwa, casual and lay back and well staffed. Great sightings and expert guiding.

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5 out of 5 stars
G
Gwyneth McLaren
5 years ago

Fantastic camp with amazing animal sightings. Guide was terrific. Camp host was great at her job. Accommodation is more basic than at some camps but it had an ingenious way of cooling the beds. Windows are open grilles and bathroom is also open. Excellent food. Only problem was tsetse flies.

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5 out of 5 stars
G
Guest
6 years ago
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5 out of 5 stars

About South Luangwa National Park

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Wildlife in South Luangwa National Park

Elephant
Abundant
Giraffe
Occasional
Hippo
Abundant
Black Rhino
None
White Rhino
None
Lion
Abundant
Cheetah
None
Leopard
Abundant
Hyena
Occasional
Wildebeest
Occasional
Buffalo
Abundant
Zebra
Abundant
Warthog
Abundant
Wild Dog
Occasional
Meerkat
None

South Luangwa National Park has the deserved reputation as one of Africa's best game viewing destinations. A diverse mix of habitats and oxbow lagoons attract a variety of wildlife species. Encounter vast herds of elephant, buffalo, hippo, zebra and an assortment of antelope. However, it is the predators of South Luangwa that produce the most excitement with lion and leopard in abundance and wild dog present in the area.

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What our guests are saying

4.9 / 5
Based on 947 reviews
Guest
Mar 2025 • 11 nights in Kenya and Rwanda
Jenna has been so attentive while planning our dream trip to East Africa. Jenna's attention to the details has... Read more
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Mar 2025 • 7 nights in Zimbabwe
We have used Timbuktu and Joanna in particular many times. Great ideas and service. She resolves any issues... Read more
Jena
Mar 2025 • 5 nights in Kenya
It was perfect! Jenna and Nadine were super responsive and everything was so simple and easy. They had great recs... Read more
MARK
Mar 2025 • 13 nights in Uganda
Just booked our 2nd trip through Timbuktu. Dealt with Tessa on both occasions and could not recommend her enough.... Read more
Paolo
Mar 2025 • 10 nights in Kenya and Uganda
I’ve planned several trips with Timbuktu—Southeast Asia, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, and Uganda—and each experience has... Read more
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Mar 2025 • 10 nights in Rwanda and Tanzania
Joanna Rigby-Jones and Nadine Levers have been excellent sources of suggestions, bookings, and ideas to help our... Read more
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