Remote Africa Safaris was established in 1995 and remains one of the few truly owner-run safari companies in Zambia, operating camps in the pristine South and North Luangwa National Parks. Zambia’s Luangwa Valley is home to one of the longest undammed rivers in Africa – a true natural wonder. Zambia’s premier wildlife destination boasts exceptional game viewing, experienced and reputable guides and is regarded as being the birthplace of walking safaris.

The flagship property in South Luangwa, Tafika Camp, is Remote Africa’s base of operations and home to the Coppinger family. It is here that fresh produce is grown, community projects are discussed and guests interact with the Coppinger family under the shade of mahogany trees while enjoying a panoramic view of the Luangwa River. The majestic location is not only remote and peaceful, but also situated in a game rich section of the Luangwa Valley, with high densities of leopard, elephant and buffalo, and impressive sightings of lion prides and African wild dog. These can be seen up close in an open game-viewing vehicle, on foot, or for the more active – on a mountain bike safari. Back in camp, know that the authentic materials and rustic façade simply clad an unforgettable experience. Passionate, long-standing staff and a thoughtfully designed menu makes for a healthy and restful safari. The luxury of peacefulness, wide open spaces and unparalleled adventure are what bring guests back year on year.

A short trip away lies the walking operation – the Chikoko Trails Camps. These two camps fall within an area designated exclusively for walking safaris. No generators. No vehicles. No distractions.

Crossing the river by canoe and walking into these camps, the Chikoko Trails Camps allow our experienced Zambian walking safari guides to take you on an adventure of the senses. Step out of your comfort zone. Listen to the rustle of the bush, catch the scent of elephants on the breeze, follow the lion tracks of the very same animals that were serenading you in the early hours of the morning. These intimate camps accommodate a maximum of 6 guests each – with the option of exclusive use when booking 4 beds. It doesn’t get more remote and exclusive than this. The highly trained staff, delicious meals and attention to detail from Tafika Camp are echoed in these authentic bush camps. Chikoko Tree Camp, a double-story chalet style camp, is situated furthest north along the Chikoko channel. The dining area enjoys elevated views across an expansive plain and scattered lagoon. Big Lagoon Camp lies on the banks of the historic tourism site, under the shade of ebony trees looking up and down a watercourse providing vital hydration in the dry season for game further from the river. These camps can be enjoyed individually, or itineraries can compose the journey into a walking safari which starts or ends at Tafika Camp.

For the more adventurous and daring, catch a 30minute flight in Remote Africa’s aircraft, a Cessna 210, up to North Luangwa. This is the portal into arguably the wildest and best managed National Park in Zambia. Revived from bad poaching in the 1980’s, North Luangwa now boasts an impressive population of lion, elephant, buffalo, wild dog and successfully reintroduced black rhino – giving visitors to North Luangwa the possibility of experiencing the big 5. Mwaleshi Camp, a 6-person walking safari camp, is based inside the rhino sanctuary in the heart of North Luangwa, enjoying the breeze and views along the shallow and clear Mwaleshi River. Get out on foot with our experienced guides and get in touch with the wilds of Africa, cleaning your feet in the shallow river before sitting down for lunch. Sleep outs in the dry sections of the river bed can be arranged here, as well as day trips up to the Mwaleshi Falls.

Roughly 10km downstream, where the Mwaleshi River meets the meandering Luangwa River, you will find the newest Remote Africa property: Takwela Camp. Here, both driving and walking safaris are on offer, and can be booked individually or effectively coupled with Mwaleshi Camp. Situated on the east bank of the river, this new camp looks directly across onto the confluence, a congregating place for impressive pods of hippo. Shower in the dappled shade of impressive trees while looking out over the river. Enjoy game viewing under dreamy acacia groves and listen to the calls of the wild as you watch the stars by night.

Remote Africa Safaris is also proud to have partnered with African Parks and the Bangweulu Management Board to run Shoebill Island Camp in the Bangweulu Wetlands. This adds a new take on this beautiful Zambian destination to the Remote Africa Safaris portfolio with the camp having been rebuilt in 2018. Being a community-managed park, it is another prime example of Zambia highlighting and involving the custodians of her wild spaces. The major attractions here would be the unique and endangered Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) and the impressive herds of black lechwe numbering over 35 000 scattered across the plains and splashing through the shallows at night. The RASair aircraft offers convenient flight transfers between remote bush airstrips in the North and South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Bangweulu Wetlands and areas further afield.

All camps are situated in remote locations within prime wilderness areas, providing guests with an exclusive safari and fantastic game viewing experiences. They are locally handcrafted from natural materials allowing for a rustic, yet luxurious and unique bush feel. Excellent cuisine is enjoyed at all camps despite their far-flung locations.

Despite the remote locations of operation, Remote Africa Safaris has always placed major value on capacity building, empowerment and support of local communities. Carol formed the Tafika Fund in the 1990s to drive this arm of the company, offering financial support to students, teachers and clinics, funding a football league across 9 villages in 2 provinces, developing community projects and enabling the growth of local employees. Each bed night contributes to this initiative, as well as conservation projects in South and North Luangwa.

The true luxuries of this product lie in the experience which, for many, is a once-in-a-lifetime connection with nature in its purest form.