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

84% success

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88% success

84% success

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"Adventurous trip by boat to the camp"
- fantastic animal sightings
- we loved the openness of the chalet
- Fred was an excellent driver and planner (avoided the heavy storm)
- Pretty location and deck with a great view
Negative:
- basic cleanliness could be better
- No apparent management: no personal welcoming card, no envelopes for the tipps, breakfast was always at the same place, no survey at the end, it did not seem to be a Robin Pope Camp
- The hosts uniform was not in a good state and often he wore his personal shirt" See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia

Buffalo
3 sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Wild dog
1 sighting

Zebra
1 sighting
"Meet Wildlife Galore at Nkwali"
Breakfast was abundant, and lunch overlooking the lagoon (where Humphrey the Hippo resides) was always delicious and great fun. Dinners were diverse and excellent as well.
All members of the Nkwali staff whom I encountered were cheerful and ever responsive to the needs of the guests. No favor seemed too large to grant, and I was very grateful for the opportunity I was given to get a message from the camp to my family, with whom I'd been out of touch for far too many days.
Best of all was the wildlife I saw, thanks to the knowledge and determination of my guide, John. He made certain another guest and I found the Wild Dogs we were after and did everything but climb the tree himself to make sure I got good pictures of a Leopard ensconced on an upper limb. The list of animals -- including an incredible number of different birds -- I met up with at Nkwali is indeed long and largely due to John's experience, patience and skill.
A note of caution: The Baboons on the property are rambunctious and overly curious. It's best to keep all personal property well concealed and protected inside zipped-up bags." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe; 10n in Zambia; 7n in Malawi
"Great 3 night stay"
The biggest and more or less only real complaint was the lack of a canopy on the game vehicle. It's not uncommon to experience temperatures in the upper 30's, in that area. It was unbearably hot and to go on a game drive, twice a day with no shade was unspeakable. We stopped to watch an Impala give birth, which was just incredible, but it meant we were sitting in the searing heat (by 8am it was really hot) for half an hour with no escape from the harsh sun. It definitely put a dampener on the game drives, because by the end, we just wanted to get out of the sun and not stop and take everything in. Equally so in the afternoon. We just wanted to stop under a shady tree.
The rooms were great, very spacious and had everything you needed. All I can say is privacy is a bit of an issue. Fisherman in front of your hut and staff walking behind while you take a shower is a bit disconcerting. And when it rained (much celebrated to cool us down) the water pools under the toilet and is unavoidable when you have to use the loo. It just needs a little drain or something, so the water can flow out.
Everyone was great in setting up our private dining. The phenomenon that a lot of lodges insist on, making you co-dine with other guests and the rangers is really something that needs to be re looked. There is plenty of opportunity to mingle with other guests and staff if you want to, but I certainly don't want to be made to sit with a bunch of strangers and make small talk at meal times. I am there to share qualify time with friends and family and I just hate when the mingling is forced.
We had great game sightings, hyena on a kill with a leopard in the tree above. Impala giving birth, lions, buffalo and loads of ellies. Humphrey the resident hippo was a highlight and entertained us no end. The daily visits of ellies splashing in the water hole by the pool was so special. I would love to return to Nkwali after the rains to experience Luangwa when the river and pans are full and everything is green.
I would definitely recommend this lodge, but at the same time would warn about the no shade game drives!
The food was good. Our breakfast in the bush was a particular highlight. The secret is to keep it simple, but do simple well and the chef managed exactly this.
The pool was such a welcome relief. Pool towels were a bit lacking. Suggestion a lilo or pool pillow would have been great!
I really loved our weekend away! Thank you!" See all these reviews: 4n in Zambia
"Fantastic wildlife around Nkwali"
The dining area overlooks a pool where Humphrey the hippo spends his days. Our guide was lovely and took us to see the most fantastic wildlife.
Lots of leopards to see in the surrounding area and the transfer to Nsefu lodge which was partly on the Nkwali side of the river and partly on the other side was absolutely stunning." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
6 sightings

Lion
2 sightings

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Zebra
4 sightings
"Great place to start from."
Food once again excellent." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Great guides"

Buffalo
4 sightings

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
9 sightings

Leopard
3 sightings

Lion
2 sightings

Roan antelope
Multiple sightings

Wildebeest
Multiple sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"Nkwali review"

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Great start to safari"

Hippo
1 sighting

Lion
6 sightings
"Nkwali camp review"
The attention to detail, expertise, and customer service was first class.
Great people - great location." See all these reviews: 5n in Zambia

Buffalo
1 sighting

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
2 sightings

Lion
1 sighting

Spotted Hyena
2 sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"Fabulous safari at Nkwali"
The staff were excellent throughout and Kiki's guiding was superb. We saw so much wildlife and learnt a huge amount .
On the game drives , it was lovely to be able to observe the animals' natural behaviour for long periods , while gaining the benefit of the guide's extensive knowledge.
The accommodation was luxurious and the food was lovely . It couldn't have been better." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

Buffalo
10 sightings

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
5 sightings

Lion
10 sightings

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Zebra
10 sightings
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