Tafika Walking Trails

This itinerary provides the opportunity to explore South Luangwa from two traditional foot-access only camps operated by family-run Remote Africa Safaris.

The first and last nights are spent at the main camp, Tafika whih presents a choice of walks or drives, or a combination of both. Then guests cross the river by small boat to spend two nights on Tafika Walking Trails. Chikoko Tree is the valley’s original seasonal walking safari camp, on a site selected by Norman Carr. It’s set in a grove of trees near a year-round pan, which oscillates from a lagoon in the rainy season to a marsh in the dry. The common area and three rooms all have a two-storey construction, which helps to capture a cooling breeze as well as providing viewpoints over the acacia woodlands.

The second trails camp, Big Lagoon, is south of Chikoko Tree camp, across the river from Tafika and also about 15 or 20 minutes’ walk from the boat landing point. As the name suggests, it’s set with a view of a sweeping lagoon, an oxbow of the Luangwa that shrinks and swells with the season, and always an attraction for wildlife. The rooms, shaded by ebony trees, are large and open to the lagoon; at night a bamboo screen is used to guard against unwanted room guests. Guests can walk in either direction between the Tafika Walking Trails camps, and may choose to spend more than one night at either camp and explore further. 

The minimum age is 12 and this itinerary can be extended with a longer stay at Tafika camp and with a visit to North Luangwa National Park which has superb walking.

A complimentary meet & greet service at the international airports in Lusaka or Mfume may be booked for Remote Africa Safaris (RAS) guests staying 3 nights or more.

Tafika is accessed by road from Mfuwe airport, with the journey taking around two hours and passing through the Nsefu area of the park. Alternatively, it’s minutes from Lukuzi airstrip, and a transfer via RAS aircraft from Mfuwe or other airports is possible.

The first afteroon at Tafika is a chance to take a game drive to investigate the Nsefu sector of the park, and seek out the resident pack of African wild dog.

On the second day there is the chance to do another gae drive or walk from Tafika before setting out to start the trail. Chikoko Tree is the northerly camp, and the crossing point takes about half an hour to reach from Tafika by vehicle. Once across, the camp is a 15-minute walk. The high decks at camp are perfect for wildlife spotting and in the afternoon, a short walk in the area of the camp is done.

The next day starts  at dawn with an early call for breakfast around the fire. Then it's time to set out for the walk to Big Lagoon which takes 4-5 hours depending on the route taken. It includes a stop for morning tea. 

At Big Lagoon, there's time to shower in the open sided bathroom before brunch, and then to relax and spot hippos, elephants and other animals at the lagoon. 

On the third day, there is a twenty minute walk from camp to the river crossing and then the short transfer by vehicle to Tafika. 

• Guided walking activities
• Guided game drives at Tafika
• Full board accommodation
• Shared local road transfers from/to Mfuwe airport for incoming/outgoing flights
• Tansfers to next camp for guests staying +3 nights at Remote Africa Camps
• Bar (inclusive of house wine)

• Park conservation fees
• Flight transfers