Reviews of Nkwali
Wildlife sightings and reviews
256 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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"A Christmas to remember."
Having the use of boats on our doorstep (literally) to get across the river, and into the park, added to the overall experience. Opportunities for walking were somewhat curtailed due to the muddy conditions underfoot, but we manged to get out twice during our 6 days there.
The carol concert, where all the safari lodges and their guests congregated under a nerby baobab tree, is a memory that will stay with us for many Christmas's to come So, too, was the excellent play performed by local drama group, Seca. This is the second time we've been to Nikwali, and we hope it won't be the last." See all these reviews: 8n in Malawi; 7n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
The guiding was good but some drives were extremely quiet and with the luck of the draw we saw no cats at all in the area. The time it took to get to the park could be a drawback but they did try and vary the routes as much as possible. In the event the drive to the main gate was the best wildlife option as the game was much more plentiful there than taking the nearer routes via the boat and the river crossing.
The guiding was good but not outstanding. I would also praise their willingness to allow us to make a particularly early start on two occasions so as to be on the bridge at the main gate before sunrise." See all these reviews: 16n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
Camp was well run and accommodation very good. Although different from the safari house we really did enjoy our time here. A refreshing change. Boys got to try their hand at beating the drum for meal time. Pool again was a big plus to the boys. They loved it and was a great way for them to pass the down/quiet time. Could see the need for a English/Welsh hostess here - more staff and guests to coordinate. Done very effectively.
Different from the luxury of the previous 3 days but we loved this camp.
Another of the many highlights from this part of the trip was the morning we spent at the school and village sponsored by Robin Pope. We were privileged to get into the local school, Jonathan pumped water from the well, we chatted to the local nurse, we eat lunch prepared by a villager....a very humbling experience and a huge learning experience for the boys." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Wonderful start to our safari at Nkwali"
On arrival at our first camp, Nkwali, we were welcomed like old friends and therefore settled in very easily. It seemed they couldn't do enough to make sure we were OK. Aware of my special diet, they still took the time to regularly check that everything they gave me was OK. I was impressed by their attention to detail.
We loved the accommodation (and the wake-up call of African drumming each morning!) On our very first night drive we came across a leopard and her cub - and then again on our second night! This was setting a precedent! The day drives were fantastic too with very knowledgeable, friendly guides. We were sad to have to leave but looked forward to Nsefu." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"well run, good food and good walking"
"Excellent Nkwali"
For instance, the steps cut into the bank down to the river were positively dangerous, perhaps because it was the end of the season, but they were a disaster waiting to happen. If they had given me a spade for an hour I could have made them safe, that was how little it needed. Since the river channel has moved we found that Nkwali had lost some of its charisma, and game watching from camp in the afternoons across the river was less good than our previous visit.
The game viewing was excellent and we saw 15 giraffes mourning another. Our guide was very patient with us and happy to show us tiny creatures and plants. - he found us tiny chameleons, for example. There were elephants in the camp during the day and at night, which was very exciting. The food was very good, very plentiful, the rooms kept well-cleaned, and the staff found nothing too much trouble. All in all, we would recommend Nkwali to anyone." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Exhilarating Nkwali"
Game watching from the jetty was already superb, especially the elephants. Our guide, Jacob, was absolutely excellent and extremely knowledgeable - we had very good fun with him and enjoyed his "hippo" laugh too!" See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
The camp staff, in particular Rails and Kiki - were superb and couldn't do enough to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. We appreciated very much their flexibility to start the afternoon drive earlier so that we could benefit longer from the lovely afternoon light. We still think fondly of the surprise sundowner on our last evening!
The hut was lovely, very spacious and with a wonderful semi-open bathroom. The food was excellent throughout our stay." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
Meals were excellent.
I would love to visit this lodge again." See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
The retutn trip by light aircraft was a great experience, and when we landed at 7.40am we were welcomed by a host of people trying to get us through departure (BA were going to close the departure desk prior to our arrival, however they did keep it open knowing that we were due to arrive shortly) at great speed!!
All worked well." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
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