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"
Nkwali was the perfect camp to arrive, very relaxed and at a beautiful spot. All staff was very welcoming and hepful to my mom, who very quickly became used to safari life. The game sightings were great and so was our guide Fred: we had a fantastic sighting of two leopards on our first game drive. Another highlight were the huge flocks of carmine bee eaters who had just started breeding in the river banks.
During one night, the camp was visited by 17 (!) elephants who were feeding on the trees close to the huts. That was very exciting hearing and seeing them so close!" See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"A near perfect finish to our holiday"
"Delightful stay at Nkwali"
Like all other guests we were treated like royalty!" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Nkwali-a great start to our trip"
The 5 chalets were well spaced, and we really liked that they were fully open at the front with good views overlooking the river. (There was a rule not to walk in front of the chalets to ensure privacy). They were large, spacious and airy. The front was closed at night with low railings and a curtain. Rooms had sockets for charging batteries.
The dining area was by a small lagoon – lunch was spent watching a large number of elephants coming to drink, bathe and wallow in the mud.
Food was excellent. We do not eat meat – staff knew this (although we always check when we arrive) and we were very well catered for.
Game drives were in open vehicles, giving a great view, and they were never “overfilled” – i.e. not more than 2 guests to a row.
Guiding and game viewing was excellent. Chilumba was knowledgeable and considerate. He knew about the behaviour of the animals and interpreted this well for us. He understood about the importance of the light for photography, and positioned the vehicle to account for this.
There was a rule that not more than three vehicles should be at a sighting, and this appeared to be obeyed (for example at a leopard viewing). However for a lot of the time, no other vehicles were seen (for example, we went back to the leopard in the afternoon and spent about 25 minutes with it without seeing another vehicle).
When we transferred from Nkwali, we went via the main gate area, where it was busier, but there was still excellent game viewing.
We really enjoyed our stay at Nkwali Camp – it was an excellent start to the trip." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Nkwali, Perfect start to my trip in Zambia"
Great wildlife sightings from the 1st evening drive (including 1 leopard with his kill in a tree, Big male lion, elephants, giraffes, a Sharpe's Grysbok etc etc...!). Brilliant wildlife activity around the camp during siesta time.. right in front of the rooms along the river or around the waterhole close to the dining room.
Professional & knowledgeable staff. I also enjoyed the walks.
Loved the gentle drumming in the mornings.. great food and overall, excellent attention to details" See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Nkwali camp has a great position"
"Nkwali review"
"my first camp in zambia"
The wildlife was wonderful, including a pair of lions mating and a very close daylight encounter with a beautifully photogenic leopard !" See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
"Nkwali, our first African experience."
The setting, layout and architecture of the camp was beautiful. Regular time was replaced by the mesmerising beat of the camp drums!
Chilumba our guide deserves special mention. His knowledge and shared enthusiasm for our first experience of safari resulted in a "never-to-be-forgotten" day." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Great wildlife"
The staff is very friendly and welcoming, the guides are particularly knowledgeable and well trained. Guide Freddie deserves a special mention, as he made our safaris unforgettable with his enthusiasm and with his excellent spotting ability." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
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