Nsefu Camp

All 6 rooms at Nsefu Camp are authentic thatch rondavels. They blend in with the surrounding environment and offer understated comfort. Inside the thatch ceilings are exposed, which adds character and height to the room, expanding the space. The room is filled with bright, natural light which floods in through wide windows, and a large comfortable bed sits in the middle of the room. The room is minimalist which keeps guests focused on the stunning beauty and vivid colours of the surroundings. Mosquito netting hangs behind the bed, adding a touch of romance to the space. All rondavels come complete with ensuite bathrooms and a verandah, from where guests can gaze out over the wide glistening Luangwa River.

Under a low thatch roof, settle in the lounge and bar area with a refreshing drink before or after your dinner. Meals are fresh and prepared with skill and inventiveness, and breakfast can be enjoyed in the fresh air of the bush, giving guests a truly unique dining experience.

Head out on an exciting game drive through the diverse and beautiful South Luangwa National Park. This is a traditional safari experience and will offer guests a comfortable and fun way to travel around the park. Drive alongside herds of elephants or galloping antelopes, and see these amazing animals undisturbed and in their natural habitat. To see some of the more elusive species of South Luangwa such as leopard, honey badger, and civet, then head out on a game drive at night.

Float along the winding waterways of the South Luangwa National Park and explore the hidden gems of Zambia. Keep your eyes on the riverbank where you may see herds of elephants washing, or lions grabbing a drink. In the shallows of the waters, you may see lazy pods of hippos or a sly crocodile, as well as wading birds.

For a more intimate exploration of the park, guests can wander through the park on foot. With a knowledgeable and friendly guide, guests can immerse themselves in nature and marvel at the smaller workings and micro-ecosystems of the land. Follow animal tracks, look for bird nests and learn all about the flora and fauna from your guide.

Grab a pair of binoculars and spend the afternoon in the viewing hide staring over the large man made lagoon for animals coming for a drink or to keep cool in the green waters. This is the perfect way to see a variety of animals without having to travel far.

To gain a wider perspective and understanding of this diverse area of Zambia guests can visit the local village of Kawaza and get to know the locals as well as visiting the local school. Guests can visit the Wildlife Education Centre which educates guests and local children alike about the importance of conservation. Guests can make their way to tribal textiles where they can purchase handmade and authentic souvenirs.

As well as making sure that ‘wildlife and their habitats are not disturbed’ by their operations, Robin Pope Safaris supports a variety of initiatives which all have the conservation and protection of nature at their core. For example, all the guides at Robin Pope Safari camps are trained ‘to the highest possible standards’ and have received professional qualifications. Robin Pope Safaris supports important anti-poaching activities of Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) to help protect the area and keep it clear of illegal poachers. Another anti-poaching initiative they support is the ‘Zambezi Elephant Fund’ which works in partnership with local authorities and alliance partners ‘to maintain a strong anti-poaching presence.’ To help protect and preserve the wild dog population in Zambia, as well as the lion population and leopard populations, there are carnivore research programmes which are supported and conducted by Robin Pope Safaris.

To help aid them in their conservation efforts, Robin Pope Safaris understands the vital importance of education in their efforts. They aim to change ‘hearts and minds’ of the local communities, to create a more peaceful co-existence of humans and wildlife. To help aid conservation efforts Robin Pope Safaris ‘supports the conservation efforts of the Zambian, Malawian and Zimbabwean governments’ by paying levies which go towards conservation programmes such as ‘promoting the protection of fish species along Lake Malawi National Park and by assisting their operations with vehicles and resources when needed.’

Working in remote and rural areas, Robin Pope Safaris offers employment and opportunities for local people who otherwise may not have any employment. Not only do they provide employment for the local communities they also make many other positive impacts. The ‘Luangwa Safari Association Medical Fund’ was founded by Robin Pope Safaris which helps to provide healthcare for more than 20,000 people and ‘contributes to the upkeep of the government’s rural Kakumbi Health Centre.’ To help break the cycle of poverty, Robin Pope Safaris puts a large emphasis on providing and augmenting education of the local children.

To help support the local community, Robin Pope Safaris purchases ‘as many locally available supplies as possible to stimulate local trade.’ They also support local businesses by contracting local craftsmen to help build and refurbish their buildings and selling handcrafted goods in their gift shops. By supporting the local Kawaza village, the first ‘authentic cultural tourism enterprise’ has been set up. Robin Pope Safaris is the main supplier of their guests and trade with this village is positively encouraged as much as possible.

As well as employing members of local communities they ‘ensure high standard treatment, fair wages, and good working conditions as well as access to education and training.’ Promotions through the ranks are available, with training and support throughout the whole process. Staff are also encouraged to ‘further their education’ and employees are sponsored for the opportunity to ‘develop themselves to senior management levels.’

Robin Pope Safaris understands the importance of working in an environmentally friendly way in order to protect the environment, local wildlife and people in the areas which they operate. They take ‘proactive steps’ to ensure that this happens, including using green technologies in their camps, such as ‘solar energy systems, natural air-cooling and non-fired bricks’, they also promote the conservation of water and the recycling, re-use or responsible disposal of water.