Set in the remote South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, Tafika Lodge is a thatched safari retreat operating seasonally between May and November. Catering to 14 guests at a time, including families and honeymooners, the lodge comprises six spacious reed and thatched huts residing under leadwood trees and looking out onto the banks of the Luangwa River.

Spend your days on game drives or on a walking safari to experience exceptional wildlife sightings. Other ways to experience this wilderness include mountain bike rides through the bush, a fun way to see the surrounding bush. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in a riverside lounger, spend some time in the hide with your camera, or visit the nearby Mkasanga Village to learn more about the local culture and traditions.

Tafika works well for couples, friends, honeymooners, and families alike. With dedicated accommodation options for each, including a two-bedroom family chalet, chalets with twin double beds, and a more secluded honeymoon chalet. A safari in South Luangwa pairs perfectly with a beach stay on Lake Malawi, with an array of family-friendly or romantic lakeside and island options to choose from.

Highlights

• Magnificent South Luangwa location
• A small and intimate owner-managed camp
• Fantastic big cat sightings, especially leopards
• A great adventure option for families
• Very personalized - only four guests per vehicle
• Mountain biking and walking safaris are must-dos

Activities

• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKING SAFARIS
• BIRD WATCHING
• PRIVATE GAME-DRIVES
• LOCAL VILLAGE VISITS

This authentic and owner-run camp is set on the banks of the Luangwa River in a remote corner of the park. It offers more activities than the average camp in South Luangwa including game drives, walking safaris, mountain biking, microlight flights, and a local village visit.

Rooms

Family Chalet

The Family Chalet option includes two adjacent bedrooms with a comfortable lounge on the private veranda. One bedroom incorporates a king-sized bed and the other contains twin doubles. They share a large open-air bathroom constructed around the trunk of an old Kigelia tree. The beds are covered by a mosquito net at night to ensure an uninterrupted sleep.

Standard Chalet

Tafika Lodge accommodates guests in six spacious, thatched chalets constructed from all-natural materials. The thatching used for construction gives the chalets an authentic African hut feel and makes for a unique stay.

Each suite has two comfortable double beds swathed under mosquito nets with en suite bathrooms and open-air showers.

Other Room Types:

A secluded Honeymoon Suite offers an open-air double shower, a king-sized bed, and a comfortably furnished private veranda with uninterrupted views.

Facilities

In between activities, the lodge unwinds at the bar, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink at any time of the day, or relax in the comfortable lounge as you look out at the Luangwa River. The lodge is family-friendly, and well-equipped to cater to children—although walking safaris are limited to those over 12.

For added flexibility on game drives, a private vehicle can be arranged in advance, catering to specific interests like birding or photography, or families with younger children. Evenings at Tafika are a communal affair, fostering a sense of camaraderie during delightful dinners.

For your convenience, laundry services are available, meaning you can easily pack according to any possible baggage limits on flights. While limited, Wi-Fi is accessible at the lodge's main area between 6 AM and 4 PM. To keep your devices charged, there is a communal solar charging station.

Dining

Meals at Tafika are served alfresco beneath towering leadwood trees, overlooking the river. The menus change daily and could include favorites like a classic English-style beef roast with Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings.

Enjoy hearty breakfasts, delightful afternoon tea - which usually involves a freshly-baked treat, sundowner snacks, and delectable dinners.

Special children’s meals are provided and the chef can cater to your meal requirements specified in advance.