EXCLUSIVE LUANGWA

PHOTO SAFARI

EXCLUSIVE LUANGWA

PHOTO SAFARI WITH EDWARD SELFE

This is a highly-exclusive and top-quality safari, using the South Luangwa’s Nsefu Sector, a remote and inaccessible corner of this famous National Park, and the northern part of the main South Luangwa National Park. We will be based in small, luxury camps which have private use of a large and very rich safari area, encompassing stable lions prides, endless elephants and a wealth of plains game. It is also one of the very best places in Africa to find leopards.

Nsefu Camp is in the Nsefu Sector, which offers all the game sightings of the main park, but with a fraction of the visitors, generating a serene wildlife experience which you rarely share with anyone else. With no other vehicles around (apart from a few from our camp) we are free to enjoy sightings for as long as we choose.

The camp is run by Robin Pope Safaris – known for their excellence in the safari world – and our experience both in camp and on safari will be outstanding. Photographers prioritise sightings above luxurious camps but I have chosen this camp primarily for its location and the access that it gives us to the finest sightings in the Luangwa.

Nowhere in Luangwa offers lion sightings like Lion Camp! The areas surrounding the camp are home to 3 prides which are all regularly seen by day and night. In fact, the resident Hollywood Pride are known to spend the shady part of the day within the confines of the camp, sometimes upsetting camp operations and vehicle maintenance schedules! The richness of the habitat here allows lions to thrive without straying far from their home patch; as such the sightings of prey species and plains game here is excellent. Exceptional hippo sightings can be enjoyed at a stretch of river known as Hippo City, and the forested areas provide hunting and hiding places for leopards.

Photographers will love the location of this camp; right in the heart of the action. It’s not unusual to leave in the morning to the sound of lions’ roars and meet the pride within a few hundred meters of the camp. Elephants love the grassy dambos which define the area, and there are dramatic scenes to be enjoyed on Lion Plain, a vast pan inland from the camp. Being based inside the park allows early departures in the morning to track game before the light comes up.

We will arrange your flights from Lusaka International Airport to Mfuwe International Airport, where Edward will meet you and transfer you to your first camp. Safaris begin with the afternoon game drive. After our final morning on safari, we will co-ordinate your departure to meet with the remainder of your itinerary and any onward connections.

Nsefu Camp is based in the exclusive Nsefu Sector of the National Park. This area receives far fewer visitors than any other zone of the park, and is the finest safari experience that Luangwa has to offer. We will rarely see other vehicles and when we do, they will not influence our experience. It is certainly the case that we will enjoy sightings for as long as we choose.

Lion Camp has one of the finest locations in the Valley. While they do share the zone with 2 other camps, their enviable position gives us direct access to the best areas early in the morning. We will share sightings with the camp’s other vehicles but this will not impact the experience or our photographic opportunities.

Internal flights Lusaka – Mfuwe (South Luangwa) – Lusaka. Full board accommodation, standard drinks, all transport in the National Park and guided game viewing activities, pro-photographer guiding fees and informal photo processing sessions, South Luangwa National Park entrance fees, laundry, all airport transfers and onward transfers to your next camp.

International flights, premium drinks, visas, travel and medical insurance, (optional) tips, excess baggage charges, personal calls, gratuities, personal purchases, or any activities not specified in the itinerary.

TOUR DETAILS

  • Where: Nsefu Camp & Lion Camp

  • Nights: 9
    Nsefu Camp (4) & Lion Camp (5)

  • Group Size: 4
    Guests will be offered to confirm at higher rate if fewer than 4 is reached.

DATES & RATES

  • Jul – Oct 2027 — Enquire
    from US $12,000 pp tbc
    US $1,400 Single Supplement

SAFARI

HIGHLIGHTS

Endless Elephants

Nowhere in Luangwa is home to more elephants than the Nsefu Sector. Wilder and more remote than the main park, the area’s elephants are used to throwing their weight around can often be seen stripping branches off trees and rearing up on their back legs.

Unparalleled Leopard Sightings

The Nsefu Sector offers the finest leopard sightings in the Luangwa. Not only this, but in this very quiet area of the park, we can track leopards as they mark territory, hunt and rest without being disturbed by anyone else. This luxury is particularly valuable to photographers hoping to maximise their experience.

Secluded Part of the Park

There are just 4 camps using the large Nsefu Sector, so it is normal to see no other vehicles during a whole safari in the bush. Being based inside the National Park, we are also able to leave very early in the morning to track predators before dawn; this is top-class safari experience to match anywhere else on the continent.

Famous Lions

The Lions around Lion Camp have been filmed regularly over the last few years. They are entirely habituated to people and vehicles and hunts often take place around us. It’s common to watch lions from the camp’s raised decks and occasionally lionesses will bring small cubs right into the camp!

Pristine River

The stretch of river near Lion Camp is protected by National Park on both sides, giving it a magical pristine feel. Throughout the day, elephants visit to bathe and drink, disturbing territorial hippos in the process and many animals cross the river in this area.

PREVIOUS TRIP REPORTS

FROM THIS AREA

Exclusive Luangwa | Aug 2023

August – Luangwa’s prime-time! And so it was for Denise, Gerrie, Austen & Cathy who joined me for 10 days in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park.

Exclusive Luangwa | Aug 2022

This is my favourite safari itinerary, giving us an extended time in both of the prime areas of the South Luangwa. The sightings at this ideal time of year did not disappoint! Settle in for a good read with images, videos and stories.

SAFARI GALLERY

IMAGES FROM THIS TRIP

EXCLUSIVE

ACCOMMODATION

Nsefu Camp

Nsefu Camp is run by Robin Pope Safaris, a by-line for excellence, both in camp and on safari. Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector on a magnificent meander on the Luangwa River lies this historic camp. Nsefu is one steeped in history; it was built in 1951 and – barring some upgrades – the camp and rooms are still in the same place in the original style. Quite apart from an outstanding safari experience, we can look forward to excellent hospitality and wonderful views of the Luangwa River from our rooms.

The camp welcomes just twelve guests in six original brick and thatch rondavels with en-suite facilities, each room opening up to what can simply be described as the best view in the South Luangwa.

Nsefu has many repeat guests, some of whom I got to meet during my stay. With the combination of great location, wonderful staff and an abundance of wildlife, I can certainly see why. I would recommend this camp, without reservation, and send my best to all those who made my stay so memorable.

Sara G, USA

Lion Camp

As the most remote lodge inside South Luangwa National Park, Lion Camp opens only during the peak game viewing months (June-October). It is a stylish, unique and independent lodge accommodating a maximum of 18 guests in one of the best game viewing areas in the park. The lodge looks out onto open grassland which is frequented by grazing mammals by day, and becomes a hunting ground for lions by night.

Accommodation at Lion Camp will be in their chalet rooms which have just been refurbished ready for the 2018 season. Built on raised wooden platforms, they are linked to each other and the main area by a raised wooden boardwalk. Your chalet will have either a four poster king-size double bed or twin beds, and a walk-in mosquito net. En-suite with a shower and toilet, it also has a private deck which overlooks the open plain in front.

Lion Camp is a fabulous camp which manages to be stylish without being pretentious. Wonderful accommodation and cuisine with mouth dropping views from the restaurant, viewing area and infinity pool to the floodplain in front, wildlife can be guaranteed to come and drink during the dry season

Vicky Fry, UK

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THIS SAFARI

If you are considering joining this safari, send me an enquiry to start planning your trip and discuss anything you would like to know.