Reviews of Nkwali
Wildlife sightings and reviews
258 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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"Back to Nkwali"
This time, one could simply drive across the river. We enjoyed excellent game viewing with Kiki who guided us superbly." See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia
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"Beautiful Lodge on the river"
It would be nice to go back and spend some more time there." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
We particularly enjoyed the drum wake up call!," See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
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"Brief Visit, but was warmly welcomed"
"Our first visit to a Robin Pope camp"
The accommodation was comfortable and exceptionally well-equipped, with hair-dryer, bath-robes, toiletries and insect repellent.
The camp was run in an efficient but relaxed and unobtrusive manner; Harriet and Fred were a great team along with the rest of the staff; our laundry was always returned neatly ironed and folded the same day; the room was always immaculately clean and well-prepared. Food was excellent, varied, fresh and delicious [ the lemon tart was the best we've ever tasted] and dietary requirements were always met. It was a nice touch to be surprised on an afternoon drive to find a table already set up with champagne and nibbles for sun-downers!
Jackson was a delightful and ever-present watchman who has served Nkwali for many years and escorted us to dinner each night.
Harriet was always on hand to meet us at the end of a drive with either a warm or cold flannel! She was an excellent host with a great sense of humour whose company we enjoyed very much.
Game drives and a short walk, guided by Fred, were informative and relaxed. Fred is obviously an experienced and enthusiastic guide with extensive knowledge and was an entertaining companion. His knowledge of the area enabled him to avoid some of the main routes and therefore other vehicles; there were rather more vehicles than we had expected but not enough to detract from our enjoyment. Fred proved to be a keen star-gazer and used his laser pointer to great effect. It was a definite advantage to be with the same guide for each activity.
The facilities generally were excellent; It was good to have twin showers - this saved time when trying to get ready for dinner - hot water was available at all hours. The swimming pool was a bit disappointing and uninviting - an apple core was spotted in the bottom! The lagoon behind the dining area was an attractive and interesting backdrop to mealtimes, with monitor lizards, sacred ibis, yellow-billed storks and turtles, as well as the legendary lizard buzzard which we thought was a mythical creature invented by Fred but proved to be in his bird book! Elephants and other animals often come to drink there.
It was a real bonus for us to be offered a third night by Claire which we appreciated hugely. We loved Nkwali and would certainly choose to go there again if returning to South Luangwa. Thank-you to all involved." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
"Fantastic beginning."
The game drives were great and rarely did I see another vehicle with the exception of painted dogs interacting with hyenas who had stolen their kill. We were the first car there but another three later joined us. All were very quiet and unobtrusive, so it was not a problem. I also saw other spotlights on occasion during the night drives, but this was not a big negative as far as I was concerned.
The guiding was excellent and I was fortunate to have a very experienced guide, Kiki, who was also the camp manager. I was quite lucky because for three game drives, I was the only passenger. Those drives with Kiki were a highlight of the entire trip.
The accommodations were nicer than I had expected. There were no negative aspects at all with regards to the rooms. If there was a negative, it would have to be that the food was not always to my liking and there were no other options if you didn't like a particular dish. There was a meat, a starch, and a vegetable, so if you didn't like the meat for instance, there wasn't something else to fill up on because servings were of a particular portion not of your own choosing. That said, it certainly wouldn't prohibit me from choosing to stay again at Nkwali, or any of the Robin Pope Camps." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Leopards galore"
A pack of 14 Wild dogs as well as hyenas and much else. Great food and hospitality. Excellent guiding from Kiki." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
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