Reviews of Nkwali
Wildlife sightings and reviews
254 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Nkwali and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Nkwali review"
Good game reviews.
Nice lodge and satisfactory dinner." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Nkwali Camp - My Welcome to the South Luangwa"
Location: Good, but not great. Being outside of the park is not a big deal, as Nkwali uses boats to ferry its guests to the park on the other bank of the river, where the safari vehicles are waiting. The camp has a beautiful location right on the Luangwa River, as well as a delightful lagoon behind that sees a huge amount of activity throughout the day. One does not need to leave the camp to have decent wildlife sightings due to the presence of the lagoon, and throughout my stay cheeky elephants roamed through camp. The main reason that the location isn't ideal is that the southern sector of the park is not as game rich as other areas of the park, and it is also more crowded with vehicles from other lodges. I prefer the northern sector (near Lion Plain) and the Nsefu sector of the park to this area.
Rooms were excellent, with a beautiful, open design -- some of the best in the park, in my opinion. My only issue is that they are a bit close together, and, since they are open-fronted, one effectively cannot walk in front of them without invading the privacy of the neighbors.
Service was, as typical for upscale Zambian lodges, quite good. I did get the sense that all of the staff didn't click with each other, which was the first time I've come across this situation in the park.
Food was a bit of a letdown. Despite having "a sous chef from a Michelin-starred restaurant in London" overseeing things, meals were by far and away the least impressive I came across in the four camps I stayed at on the trip. Generally, the brunches -- consisting of an assortment of cold salads, typically more interesting, fresh and healthy than is the norm in South Luangwa camps -- were excellent, but dinners were almost uniformly a let down. I am not sure why the camp doesn't stick with the brunch-time formula of a fresh buffet at dinner, instead of resorting to plated dinners which were not exceptional.
I took all game drives for my activities. Game in the southern sector of the park was varied, and we saw plenty of everything. I wasn't super impressed with my guide compared with some of the other camps I have stayed at in the park.
Lodge facilities were excellent. I particularly liked the small lagoon as, even during the afternoon "down time," one could walk over and still see interesting game. The pool certainly looked nice, but in the middle of Winter was not very inviting! I also enjoyed the beautiful deck built almost directly over the river -- made for some great opportunities to photograph elephants crossing the river!
Overall, I would say that Nkwali is best suited as an intro camp for guests who are venturing on to other Robin Pope lodges in the Nsefu sector, or the walking safaris. As a stand-alone safari camp it is certainly good, but there are many better camps elsewhere in the park. I probably would not return, unless it was in conjunction with an RPS walking safari.
I am more than happy to discuss specifics of any issues I had directly with Expert Africa staff or Robin Pope Safaris directly." See all these reviews: 16n in Zambia
"A welcoming start to our holiday"
We were desperate to start our African adventure and were very happy when an elephant came into camp the very first day, even though it meant the bidding drum for breakfast could not be sounded, because the elephant was standing right by it.
I particularly liked having two hand basins and two showers! Unprecedented luxury in the bush!" See all these reviews: 21n in Zambia
"Lions giraffes and the pontoon!"
Incredible games drives and thrilling experience crossing the river on the pontoon." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
Special thanks go to our main guide Chris and our walking guides Jacob and Nyambe." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Overnight at Nkwali"
It remains a lovely camp and both the accommodation and food were as good as we remembered from previous visits." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Beautiful Nkwali!"
"Nkwali Review"
Really paid attention to the details and need of guests." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"superb safari at Nkwali"
"Nkwali - great start to our safari"
We had reason to visit a local village and Project Luangwa and Robin Pope Safaris could not have been more helpful in facilitating this, for which we are extremely grateful. Many thanks to Karen Beattie, Fwilane and Fred.
The accommodation and catering were very good and the guiding excellent. A great start to our holiday." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
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