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
84% success
91% success
62% success
100% success
99% success
99% success
99% success
88% success
84% success
23% success
12% success
7% success
7% success
5% success
0% success
"Nkwali review"
"Our last stop- but closest to Mfuwe Airport"
As in all Robin Pope camps all the staff were friendly and helpful with the sole purpose of maximising your experience." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Great safari and excellent staff"
John met us at the Mfuwe airport and drove us to the camp. He was our main guide for three days and was fantastic, answering all of our questions and giving us so much information. He worked so hard on every drive and we saw a staggering amount of game in three days. The camp was nicely spread out with amazing chalets that had dual open-air showers and a full view of the Luangwa River. They had a gate and curtain at night to prevent animals from wandering in. Speaking of which, our room had the "hippo highway" that went down to the river and during the night we saw hippo and elephant right outside our room!
Each morning, the staff cooked us a campfire breakfast overlooking the river. We then went out for a morning drive, came back for lunch and rest, and then went out for an afternoon/night drive, finishing with an outdoor dinner. It may sound cliche, but every game drive was so stimulating because you literally saw game every 10 minutes all day long. It was like being in an animal documentary.
Nkwali was one of the best experiences we have ever had anywhere and we especially enjoyed the private dinner they served to our chalet for our 20th wedding anniversary." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
"Great camp"
"We love it here!"
It was our fourth visit to Nkwali and we were well received by Kiki and Fred. We really appreciated being given Room 6 - large and luxurious! As ever every thing was wonderful at the camp - with a surprise brunch waiting for us one morning after our game drive.
Thanks go to ALL the staff at Nkwali for making it such a great place to stay.
Special mention must go to Wilson, our spotter, for chameleon location and lots more. Thanks also to Samuel, the boatman who had to punt us across the river on one occasion." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
Shadrak transferred us to Nkwali, which was another great game drive. The highlight of which were very good sightings of African painted dogs and also a pearl spotted owl. Our greeting and introduction to Nkwali was as warm and helpful as had been the one at the River Camp.
The accommodation was fabulous and it was lovely to have views directly over the river. One small point, the reference books available for guests were rather limited and there were none about birds which was a shame.
As at Luangwa River Camp, every game drive revealed yet more delights in the bush. We had further exceptionally good sightings of African painted dogs which were informed by Shadrak's encyclopaedic knowledge of their behaviour. We also saw a black mamba which was a remarkable experience. It could have been a tad alarming but Shadrak handled the situation with calm professionalism and considerable sang froid!
We were joined for the evening drives by Wilson. He is another exceptional skilled spotter. He managed, somehow, to spot a chameleon in a tree, in the pitch dark.
Whilst at Nkwali, I joined one walking safari with Fred. This was equally interesting and informative as the one at Luangwa River Camp.
The food was delicious. I enjoyed sharing our meals with Fred (Kiki was called away after the first day) and some of the guides. It allowed us to extend our discussions and knowledge about the life of the park, the villages and the wider country. All the staff were excellent company." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Good game viewing"
Our guide Brantson used a jeep without a cover -- we got drenched one night when caught out on the evening game drive. I felt ponchos should have been in the jeep and offered to us to use if we wished.
Game viewing was good lots of leopard sightings. Brantson was very knowledgable.
The camp manager , Kiki, was excellent--very informative and made everyone feel very welcome." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 8n in Zimbabwe
"Nkwali"
We went to a very interesting talk by the Carnivore researchers on one afternoon before the afternoon drive.
We continued to have great wild dog sightings, including one of a different pack to the one we had been seeing previously.
They dealt very well with a mixed group of guests with quite conflicting interests." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Nkwali"
"Welcomed back to Nkwali"
It was a delight to see the river so full following the recent rains, and we boated across to meet the vehicles left on the other side.
Seeing so many elephants with their youngsters was a treat, especially when we saw one baby that Kiki estimated was only one week old. The lions Ginger, Garlic and their pride we saw several times. Compared to the dry season, the air is so clear at this time of year that the photos we took show a full spectrum of colours." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
Holiday styles & special interests in Zambia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zambia.
Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.