Nsefu Camp

one of the earliest safari camps in Africa

Nsefu Camp is located in the South Luangwa North area of eastern Zambia.

The camp is in an impressive riverside position on the eastern bank of the Luangwa River, with broad view across the surrounding floodplains, often with a range of wildlife in view. It lies in the reasonably quiet Nsefu sector of the park, which tends to experience low levels of vehicle traffic, especially at either end of the day.

The first facility to be constructed in the area back in 1950, this is an historic small lodge. The main structures are listed, which means they cannot be significantly modified.

It is centred on a modest open-sided ‘chitenge’, under thatch and with brickwork flooring, containing bar and lounge areas. Out front, rather closer to the river, there is a very nice campfire area, whilst to one side there is a riverside hide.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Nsefu Camp is in six circular blockwork rondavels under thatch. These are actually the original buildings and are government listed, they cannot be removed or significantly changed. Out front they each have a small wrap-around verandah with chairs. The main circular bedroom is small but pleasantly appointed, the beds being fitted with large mosquito nets. To the rear a door-less opening leads to a modest open bathroom.

One major standout feature of this camp is that the bedrooms are fitted with the innovative Evening Breeze systems, environmentally sensitive mini air-conditioning units which maintain comfortable temperatures within the mosquito net, which is highly appreciated during the hotter months of Sep-Nov.

Animals in camp

One aspect of the Nsefu Camp which we particularly appreciate is the amount of wildlife which can be seen from your verandah, especially out in the riverbed.

Elephants are commonly drawn in by the seed pods which fall from the mahogany trees, they can often be heard munching their way around the rooms, day and night.

The more substantial structures here make that a rather less nervy experience than in most camps.

Activities

Nsefu Camp provides the following guided activities …

• vehicle safari
• walking safari
• night vehicle safari

South Luangwa is a very high quality safari area that often serves as the primary location in a trip.

The stay duration tends to be 5-8 nights split between two camps, or more occasionally 3-5 nights at one camp. Three camp combinations are also possible.

Seasonality

The best time to visit South Luangwa is during the May-Oct dry season, when the wildlife is focused on the riverine areas and easy to find.

Within that period, May-Jul is pleasantly cool at night, but the animals may not yet be fully migrated back into the river.

Towards the end of that period, Oct-Nov the wildlife should be at its strongest, but the weather is likely to be uncomfortably hot, especially at night. Bear in mind that most camps do not have air-conditioning.

Getting around

South Luangwa lies to the east of the country and is usually accessed by light aircraft services from Lusaka or Livingstone.

From Mfuwe Airport it is two hours by road into camp.

usually combined with Livingstone and other safari areas