AREA & ACTIVITIES

Habitat & Wildlife
The Luangwa Valley is one of Africa’s most scenic and game-rich National Parks. Forming part of the southern end of the Great Rift Valley, the wide valley floor is about 1,000ft lower than the surrounding plateau and through the centre flows the Luangwa River which is fed by dozens of sand rivers during the rainy season, causing it to become a raging torrent. It frequently alters its course from season to season, causing many ox-bow lakes to form. These lakes are very important to the ecology of the valley and account for the high carrying capacity of the park.

Elephant, although slightly smaller than their southern African savannah counterparts, are plentiful, as are buffalo (in huge herds), kudu, waterbuck, puku, impala, bushbuck, and warthog. Thornicrofts giraffe (endemic to the region) are commonly seen and the Cookson’s wildebeest can be seen in the northern sector of the park. Along the river hippo can be seen in their hundreds, in the late dry season packed into ever decreasing water pools, whilst huge crocs laze on the many sand banks. However, the park is perhaps best known for its predator populations, in particular lion and leopard, the latter of which are seen regularly by day and at night. Wild dogs have made a good comeback in the park in recent years and are often sighted. Night drives can also be very productive, with nocturnal species such as civet, genet, honey badger, white-tailed mongoose, spotted hyaena and porcupine regularly seen in addition to the many superb leopard sightings.

The birdlife of the Luangwa is equally exceptional, with over half of the total Zambia species (around 700) being recorded here. Commonly sighted species include crowned crane, carmine- and white-fronted bee-eaters (which nest in the banks of the river from late August onwards), Lilian’s lovebird, purple-crested turaco, paradise whydah, striped kingfisher and the impressive saddlebill storks. Pel’s fishing owl are also regularly seen.

Activities
Game viewing from Tafika is by open four-wheel drive vehicle (day and night) and on foot, whilst cycling safaris and visits to the local village are also possible. The camp also has three hides that can be accessed from camp. Firstly, a hide towards the rear of the property overlooking a small pumped waterhole which offers good photographic opportunities, secondly a seasonal hide which focuses on a nearby Carmine bee-eater nesting site which is very active in September/ October each year, and thirdly a new ‘river hide’ set at the foot of the river bank overlooking the river which attracts game to drink. The permanent hide and the new river hide can be accessed by guests throughout the day unaccompanied whilst the Carmine hide can only be visited with a guide.

Seasons
Tafika Camp is open from May to mid-November, though game viewing conditions will be best from July to October.