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TAFIKA CAMP

Tafika Camp is owned and operated by one of the Luangwa Valley's most legendary couples, John and Carol Coppinger. The camp is in a remote location, in the far north of the South Luangwa National Park, and offers all the best features of this great Park.

Located on a tight bend in the Luangwa River, and surrounded on three sides by the National Park, Tafika's site was hand picked by the Coppingers. The camp itself lies nestled in the shade of giant leadwood trees, and is a hub of activity for big game: elephant, hippos, lion, and large herds of buffalo are frequently encountered in and around camp. This is a quiet part of the Park, with few other camps sending vehicles this far north; it is, however, a very game-dense part with particularly high concentrations of predators.

With only six chalets, and the very personal attention of owners John and Carol, Tafika offers great intimacy and a wide variety of activities. Game-viewing is conducted from open safari vehicle (day and night game-drives), on foot, and by mountain bike. For those seeking a different perspective on the wilderness and wildlife of the South Luangwa, John offers early morning micro-light flights - a highlight of any visit to the South Luangwa. Tafika's extensive involvement in projects with the nearby community provides an opportunity for guests at the lodge to visit the village and interact with the local people, providing authentic erxposure to rural African culture. Another great feature of Tafika is the very high quality and low turnover of the camp's guides - hand-picked and trained by John himself, the guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and return year after year to lead guests on safari.

Accommodation at Tafika consists of six very spacious and airy rooms. The ceiling, walls and doors are cleverly constructed of reeds and grasses, with no man-made materials whatsoever; and the cool floors are comprised of brick and slate. Even the comfortable couches on the veranda are made of indigneous natural materials. Amenities include en suite bathrooms in every room, and large beds dressed in crisp cotton sheets. The common area of camp is homey and comfortable. The ample and excellently prepared cuisine at Tafika is something to look forward to after an exciting morning or evening of game-viewing. The camp has its own extensive vegetable garden, guaranteeing fresh produce.

Tafika also operates two small and intimate bush camps, Chikoko and Crocodile Camp, with an exclusive focus on walking safaris. Situated on the Chikoko River, the bush camps comprise just three chalets, each with lovely views across Acacia Park. The camps offer a somewhat more rustic experience, although the important comfort features are still there - real beds and full, private en-suite bathroom facilities. There are no roads in this part of the South Luangwa, and all game-viewing is done by foot. So remote are the bush camps that the chances of encountering another human being during a stay are virtually zero.

Tafika is one of a very few camps in the South Luangwa that remains open during the 'green season'. During this period, heavy rains make roads throughout the park impassable, and the South Luangwa is given over completely to the wildlife. Guests are collected from Mfuwe bridge in an inflatable dinghy with a 40HP motor and cruise upstream to Tafika. During their stay of at least three nights, guests have the opportunity to explore the South Luangwa and its many tributaries by dinghy and canoe, with John's famous micro-light trips an optional extra. Game-viewing at this time is not as productive as during the dry season, but birding is excellent, and the isolation and intimacy with wildest Africa is absolute.

In all, Tafika is a unique and very special camp. The permanent presence of the highly charismatic and knowledgeable owners is a huge plus factor, and the camp is exceptionally well run. It's remote location, and the 'old school' safari philosophy of the owners and staff make for a very wild and authentic safari experience.

To find out more about Tafika Camp, or to make a reservation, call toll-free in the USA at

1-888-227-8311 - or email us.

CLASSIC AFRICAN ZAMBIA PORTFOLIO - South Luangwa National Park