"I will make this beautiful land better known to men that
it may become one of their haunts. It is impossible to describe its luxuriance.." -
David Livingstone,
December 1866
These are the words written by the great explorer when he first set eyes on what is today
the North Luangwa National Park.
For more than thirty years the North
Luangwa National Park (4,600 sq. km.) was declared a Wilderness Area by the authorities -
entry was permitted to no other than Game Department Rangers.
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| Eight years ago Mark and Delia Owens, famed for their research in the Kalahari (recounted
in their book "Cry of the Kalahari") were granted permission to set up a
Research Station in this remote park.
Their exploits in North Luangwa to date are
poignantly narrated in their recent popular book 'The Eye of the Elephant' (USA) /
'Survivors Song' (UK).
Through their influence and as a means of helping curb poaching
activities, the Park authorities permitted the creation of a small tourist camp in the
Park. |
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A comfortable bush camp, constructed of grass and pole, was set up on a very scenic
stretch of the Mwaleshi River, a clear water perennial stream feeding the Luangwa.
There
is no electricity in camp and ablution facilities consist of two communal toilets (one a
conventional flush and the other a traditional 'thunder box' variety), two communal
showers (with views across the river) and hand basins provided in chalets.
The camp is in the heart of an area legendary for its abundant wildlife and in particular
large population of lion. There are few roads and whilst it is possible to drive along the
Mwaleshi flood plain, we prefer to conduct most of our game viewing on foot. There is an
armed escort scout resident in camp. All safaris are led by John Coppinger, who has 13
years guiding experience in the Luangwa Valley and is an Honorary Ranger, or Bryan Jackson
who has 7 years guiding experience in the Luangwa. Rod Tether (7 years Luangwa experience)
and Stephen Banda (12 years Luangwa experience).These men are dedicated
conservationists with a special talent for sharing their love of the bush with others.
Mwaleshi camp is a must for those who appreciate really remote areas.
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Other useful information is as follows:
Safaris operate from mid June to end
October • a maximum of 6 persons per safari are accepted (we will take 8 persons if
they form one group) • 4 persons per safari are required to guarantee departure
•minimum stay is four nights •we recommend combining Mwaleshi Camp with Tafika
or another camp of your choice in the South Luangwa • road transfers between Tafika
and Mwaleshi are undertaken in an open vehicle and are of 6 hour duration (via Luambe
National Park) • Mwaleshi is accessible by two airstrips: Waka Waka (3 hours by road
from Mwaleshi) and Luelo (2 hours by road from Mwaleshi)
"Tafika"
South Luangwa National Park
Remote Africa Safaris (Ltd.) presents a new bush camp - 'Tafika!'.
'Tafika!' is the local vernacular for 'We have arrived!',
usually expressed after arriving at a desirable location after a long journey.
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Due to our long standing presence and
good local relations in this area the local Chief granted us a portion of land on the
Luangwa River on which to site this new camp.
It is superbly situated just to the north of
the Nsefu sector of the South Luangwa National Park. It is in an exceptional wildlife area
and offers quick, easy access to both the Nsefu sector and the Park on the opposite (west)
bank.
The camp consists of four comfortable grass and pole chalets with en suite facilities
catering for a maximum of 8 guests. With so few guests we offer a highly personalized,
friendly service and game viewing activities are very flexible. Lighting and refrigeration
are solar powered. |
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Walks and game drives are on offer, as well as the famous Luangwa night drive. All safaris
are led by John Coppinger, who has 13 years guiding experience in the Luangwa Valley and
is an Honorary Ranger, or Bryan Jackson who has 7 years guiding experience in Luangwa, Rod
Tether (7 years Luangwa experience) and Stephen Banda (12 years Luangwa experience).
We are also pioneering two exciting new activities in the Luangwa: microlighting and river
safaris.Microlighting is usually available and will take the form of a 15-20 minute flight over
wild, undeveloped country. To experience the bush as a Bateleur eagle does is an
experience never to be forgotten! Contact Tafika for more information. |
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After 8 years research on the Luangwa river at high water (culminating in a
canoe expedition in February 1994 which covered 700 kms of river) we are now
very pleased to offer River Safaris. These will be restricted to the
reasonably fit, adventurous customer and are offered only at high water
between February and March.
Other useful information:
• Tafika is seasonally operated
from 1st June - 31st Oct. • recommended minimum length of stay is 3 nights. • we
recommend combining 'Tafika!' with Mwaleshi in the North Luangwa. • access is gained
via Mfuwe airport (2 hour road transfer) or via Lukusuzi airstrip (coordinates: S12:49'
E32:04' - 15 minute road transfer). • River safaris will commence on 1st February
1996 and will run each year thereafter between 1st February and 31st March. |
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Please contact us for a suggested
itinerary and quote