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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"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
"Great place to start from."
Food once again excellent." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Great guides"
"Nkwali review"
"Great start to safari"
"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
"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
"Nkwali review"
Enjoyed the river crossings. Park a bit busier here than Tena, but the guide did well keeping us away from other vehicles." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
"sadly only overnight"
It's like a homecoming" See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
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