Reviews of Nkasa Lupala

"What an amazing tented camp.

The location is superb and the adjacent waterhole, regularly visited by all manner of wildlife, was incredible.

More than once we had to vacate the swimming pool as elephants approached!

Very friendly welcoming staff but a little bit chaotic in arranging then cancelling activities, but it didn't detract from a magical experience." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia; 2n in Zimbabwe

"The highlight of this place is its location

Sat all by itself over looking a water hole which was frequented by numerous large groups of elephants. It is a little bit off grid so the facilities arent perhaps as good as some other places but there's a small pool to cool down, the afternoon tea is nice (if you get to the cake before the monkey's do) and its got a lovely open area to relax overlooking the waterhole with beer on tap.

Food was good, rooms were lovely (shower in the evening when the water has heated up from the sun) and had wildlife coming right up to them.

We went on the bushman walking safari which mde a nice change from being stuck in a vehicle and the guide new his stuff." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana

"We anticipated a bit of stress finding where to park but it wasn't difficult and we had sent a text saying when we would arrive and found our diver waiting for us.

We knew that the tents were on the small side, but that was fine, we only had a short walk to the seating and coffee area. Initially I was a little disappointed as the waterhole was small, however on both evenings we were treated to families of elephants coming to drink, for the entire meal we were entertained by the visitors. During lunch times we also saw a variety of animals popping along. We opted for the combined packages of safari drive and boat. The area was really dry so we didn't see so much during the game drives, but the second part went beyond expectations, we were treated to elephants bathing and eating in the river, hippos, great bird life and even saw a fish eagle carrying a cat fish. Our guide really knew his stuff and could talk about animals big and small. The sightings of the elephants in the water was wonderful along with levee, zebra and baboons.

They only downside is I made it clear I was on a restricted diet but they didn't seem to get it and would bring me the food with the carbs and try and serve me pudding when I had said no to it. The omelettes however were amazing!

The hot water bottles were lovely at night." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana

"We had read several reviews complaining of the difficulty in notifying the lodge in advance in order to be met where the vehicle was to be left. So we asked our previous lodge to call ahead for us and let them know we would be at the meeting point at noon. We also tried to call the numbers Expert Africa had given us but couldn't get through, probably because of poor connectivity. We did get to the meeting point 10 minutes earlier than we had said but the driver was already there and a bit cross with us because he was expecting us earlier.

This lodge was the only one on this extensive trip which was a disappointment. In fact we cannot understand why it was recommended so highly by Expert Africa. We realise it is important to support community conservation projects, which this lodge is part of, but felt the glowing recommendation online was misleading.

First the positives - the location was nice, fairly remote but not as isolated as we expected, there were camp sites nearby, and a couple of huts selling curios and firewood (?). The staff at the lodge were pleasant, well trained and friendly. In fact this was one of only 2 lodges that made sure our dietary requirement was passed on to the kitchen and an adjustment was made to our meal. There was a nice view from the dining area which included a water hole which was visited by a family of wart-hogs. The wi-fi was the best of any other lodge we visited as they had the StarLink system. Flasks of filtered drinking water were provided in the tent.

However, we found the main buildings dark and dingy and the tents were small and hot during the afternoon, very cold overnight and with very dark bathrooms. The mosquito nets fitted closely round the bed with no bedside tables, just a high shelf behind the bed, so in order to turn out the lights, get a tissue or a drink during the night or put reading material down, we had to get out of bed and then come back in.

Dining was at one communal table of 18 and all were served together. We were the only English speakers so felt fairly isolated. The pea soup was cold although the main course (chicken on the bone in sauce with ratatouille) was warmer. Dessert was some sort of cake. Coffee and tea was available if you wanted to make it at the hot drink station. Unfortunately, there was only green tea - we were told black tea was out of stock, so at breakfast we brought our own emergency tea-bags.

We had read some less than glowing reviews of the camp on Trip Advisor (after we had booked) but most people said the combo drive made up for the discomforts. This activity was part game-drive and part cruise so we arrived in time to do this. There were 8 people (plus the driver) in the vehicle which had 3 rows of seats so 2 of the customers had middle of the row seats. Some of these people were not staying at the lodge but had joined from one of the camp sites. We did not really enjoy the drive much although the cruise bit was nicer. The bar was opened during the cruise but only bottles of beer or coke were available.

In the morning we were taken back to where we had left the car at the village of Sangwali.

All in all we do not recommend this lodge. It was a shame that this was our last night in Namibia and that it was such a poor experience." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe

"A truly remote lodge, not easily reached on a self-drive, and impossible at the time we visited with anything less than 4 wheel drive. Heavy rains had fallen on the previous 2 days and the 9 km access road was pitted with water holes - 2 waterhogs emerged from one as we drove up! Somewhat nerve racking but the welcome on arrival was warm and friendly.

The views from the lodge can only be described as amazing, and it was clear from their leavings that elephants had walked around our tent at one time. The game drive was again excellent. We saw lion close up and much bird life and many more smaller creatures. The bush walk with a locally born guide was very interesting and gave a good insight into growing-up in remote rural Namibia.

Overall a different and well worthwhile visit and experience." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe

"Our instructions for getting to this lodge were to call when we got to Kongola. Then we would be met at a location and taken to the lodge. First problem we had was that no one from Lupala would answer the phone. I left a voice message and asked to call me back to confirm they received the message. I received no call and tried both numbers I had been given several times more. I had also been given a number for Wilderness Safaris which when I rang was a Saturday and no one was in the office but they did have an emergency number to ring. I did manage to speak to someone who said he would contact the lodge. He rang back and said someone from Lupala would ring me within the next 5 minutes. No call came. By this time we had gone through Sangwali village and were heading down a very deep rutted track. There was no sign of anyone meeting us from the lodge or phoning us. I called the emergency number again and the man was a little annoyed that no one from Lupala had rung me. He said he would contact the lodge again, he then rang me back and told us to stay where we where and someone would be with us as asap. We did eventually get escorted to the lodge and so very glad we did not try to make our own way in as I’m sure we would have got lost.

Erica the manager apologized for being too busy to answer her phone??

We had a fabulous view from our tent again everything was really clean and the food was very good. One small thing I didn’t like was that they turned the water off from 9.15pm to 6.30am. So you are unable to flush the toilet.

We did not see lions but we were woken by them roaring ………..just wonderful.

We did an evening game drive and a half day combo. The boat part of the combo was definitely the best bit. Lots of elephants coming to drink from the river and Hippos galore." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe

"Great staff, a real feel of wilderness with birds and animals coming around the lodge. Difficult drive in as we were advised by the lodge to drive ourselves." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia

"Beautifully situated lodge with Elephants enjoying a drink on our arrival magical. Erica the manager was helpful and friendly.

The accommodation was as described, our adult daughter was travelling with us, we had a family tent which was well laid out and gave her privacy.

Sadly, the game guide lacked communication skills to make a rather dull game drive on the first evening more interesting, not his fault lack of animals, except for lots of warthog and a large herd of buffalo on the way back to the lodge in the dusk which was amazing. Also, the sundowner a disappointment as only offered beer in tins with no glasses or alternative for the ladies.

The Combo Drive with the river cruise was well worth it seeing lots of Elephant, Hippo, Zebra, Lechwe and Bird life and a proper sundowner! (I and another guest had spoken to Erica the previous evening)

Despite the tiny problems they did not spoil the stay and we would recommend this lodge for the experience and location. Its Africa!" See all these reviews: 5n in Namibia

"The instructions for meeting our lift to the camp were less clear once you arrived in Sangwali village. No obvious meeting point. It was only by chance that we spotted a safari vehicle for another camp within the park and asked them where any meeting place was.

Our guide, Westy, arrived promptly. We had to leave our vehicle at a civic centre – something obviously agreed with the Sangwali authorities.

The camp is in one of the most remote corners of the region. It was more rustic than we expected which another guest had warned us about. Our tent on stilts was basic.

It was a pity that the light bulbs hadn’t been checked. Water conservation obviously isn’t an issue there – no plugs again!

An average welcome included the formality of the passing of the wifi voucher, restricting your use 200MB for the stay, please don’t drink the water and everyone must sit down to dinner at 7pm at one long table.

One flask of filtered water was provided in your tent each day. Any extra had to be purchased.

When sitting down for dinner, we discovered most of the guests were German (no problem with that) who were only interested in conversing in German amongst them selves. Not a very enjoyable evening.

The big complaint for us was that staff were clearing plates away before other diners had even finished that course. We objected strongly at the time as one of us was still eating a course when the next was about to be served to the other one !

We spoke to the manager who eventually agreed to allow us to sit at separate tables after that. As it turned out, we weren’t the only ones who disliked the arrangements.

There was an honeymoon couple who also had to request a separate table. Obviously for groups, of which there were several, these arrangements weren’t an issue. Breakfast was served at separate tables fortunately.

The staff themselves were very friendly and courteous. Most of the time service was good. The meals were somewhat average / mediocre.

We went on a sunrise drive and did the combi drive the next day. That takes you down to the wetlands as well as a normal morning drive. You’re out for more than 4 hours. We enjoyed the quiet as we listened to the sound of the lapping water when on the water. Westy was a very good guide and did his best to find as much as possible to see but the animals weren’t playing ball! However, a dash to find a leopard was somewhat scary!!

So, we felt the camp might have needed a bit of tlc/refurbishment and less obtrusive ‘management’ of the guests.

We’re pleased to have been there if only to see the wetlands up close.

However, it’s not one we would necessarily return to until is has been improved and made more multination ally welcome" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana

"Great location, lovely staff, good food, great wildlife viewing, loved the Linyanti boat trips in particular" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 1n in Botswana