For over a decade John and Carol Coppinger have called Tafika home, and the camp boasts not only an obvious personal touch, but also a relaxed family atmosphere and a real sense of genuine and warm hospitality.
Overview
Sitting in the shade of giant leadwood trees and overlooking a scenic bend of the river Luangwa, Tafika Camp consists of 6 reed and thatch chalets, made entirely of natural materials, and very much in keeping with the wild surroundings.
Food & service
The food at this camp is delicious, and includes daily fresh vegetables and fruit from the camp’s garden. The service is equally fine.
Rooms
Accommodating up to 12 guests in total, there are five standard double chalets, which are open at head height to allow a breeze to flutter through. Each comes with 2 double beds and an al fresco bathroom with toilet and power shower (with hot water). There is also a larger suite with 2 separate rooms, a double bed in each, as well as a bathroom area open to the skies, and a private hammock outside. There are various sitting and dining areas, and a small hide behind the camp overlooking a waterhole.
Activities
Tafika is renowned for its excellent level of guiding, considered amongst the best in the Luangwa Valley, and there is a wide range of activities, including wildlife drives and walking safaris (which usually incorporate a stay at one or both of Tafika’s excellent satellite camps: Chikoko and Crocodile), as well as tours to the local village and school at Mkasanga.
Open not only during the dry season (May-Nov), but during the green season, when the Luangwa is in full flood (Feb-April) means that – depending on the time of year – guests can view wildlife on foot, 4×4, mountain bike, boat and canoe.
Impact
Conservation
In 2010 the lodge introduced the Luangwa Conservation and Community Fund charge to all bookings. The amount – US$10 per person per night – is split equally between the Tafika Fund and conservation projects in both North and South Luangwa.
Commerce
The lodge provides direct employment for local people, as well as seasonal employment to many others, as many parts are completely re-built each year using entirely local materials.
Community
Remote Africa Safaris is actively involved, through the Tafika Fund, in sustainably uplifting the surrounding community. Over the years a number of long-term initiatives have been successfully implemented and maintained. Donations to the Tafika Fund, from generous guests and tour operators are used to assist the (government run) Mkasanga School in a number of ways.
From ongoing building renovation, to the purchase and supply of stationery, textbooks and over 2500 library books, desks, school supplies, additional educational material and the payment of teachers’ salaries, the Tafika Fund makes a significant difference to present lives and future aspirations of Mkasanga scholars. Donations are also used to fund full educational scholarships to some of the top Mkasanga graduates each year. Presently six new students are afforded scholarships a year and a new skills programme, to support post school training, ensures that these students continue learning even after they leave.
Furthermore, the camp funded the building of an outpatient clinic in Mkasanga, which acts as a first aid centre for the 2000 residents of Mkasanga.