Description
Nkwali is located on private land, overlooking the National Park, it is owned and run by Robin Pope Safaris who were among the first to operate safaris in this area. The area surrounding Nkwali is superb game viewing country, with a beautiful area of ebony woodland and open grasslands. there are driving loops in this area and often as much can be seen behind camp as in the park - including leopard, lion and occasionally wild dog. This area is particularly good for elephants and Thornicroft giraffe (an endemic species) Elephants also regularly cross the Luangwa, seen from the bar, or come to the waterhole near the thatched dining room.
Although the camp is outside the national park guests can access the park by either by boat (2 minutes) or the nearby pontoon (10 minutes). The main bridge and park gates are just 15 minutes away - giving 3 options for entry. Therefore guests will easily cover a large game viewing area from Nkwali. This central area of the park is accessible all year and so the game is very relaxed and used to the vehicles. This gives great photographic opportunities as the game allows the vehicles to get close.
Nkwali Camp is located in superb game country with three distinct habitats: the mighty river, the adjoining lagoons, and the wide open plains. The six cottages are made of woven bamboo and thatch and are airy and cool with open-air en-suite bathrooms. The bar is built around an enormous ebony tree and the separate dining area overlooks a small lagoon which often attracts elephants and bushbuck down to drink. Nkwali also offers a swimming pool to cool off in on those warm lazy afternoons.
Nkwali offers an authentic safari experience, top of the range professional guiding and a base camp for those keen to take part in some fantastic walking safaris between Robin Pope’s bush camps. Next door to Nkwali is Robin's House which has 2 ensuite bedrooms and is taken on an exclusive basis and shares the pool with Nkwali.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in 6 cottages including 1 family room and Robin's House with 2 bedrooms. The cottages are large, cool and spacious, with a great view of the river. The front of the room is open during the day and then closed by grill doors at night. The ensuite bathroom has double sinks and showers, which are open to the skies during the dry season.
Childcare
Children 7 years and over are very welcome at Nkwali, there is a whole range of family safari activities available including game drives and nature walks to learn to identify animal spoor and droppings, birding for beginners and learning to use spotlights at night. Families may want to do activities together but if a child wants to stay behind they can be looked after and entertained. Other activities available include safari packs with fun quizzes and puzzles, trips to Kawaza School to meet Zambian children, helping out in camp or playing games. The older boys love going to the workshop for the morning, playing sport (beach cricket) or even having a sleep in, lazy morning and fry up by the pool.
Facilities
The bar area, right on the edge of the Luangwa banks, is built around a huge ebony tree with fantastic views of the river and across to the park. The open deck is wonderful for moonlit dinners. The dining room is a simple thatched structure, by the lagoon but meals are usually served under the trees by the lagoon or the river, on the deck, or in the bush! There is also a refreshing swimming pool to enjoy between safaris.
Activities
Activities are entirely chosen by the guests and tailored to their requirements. Guests have the option of a walk or a game drive. The drives include morning, afternoon and night drives. An all day drive, with a picnic lunch, is also available. The walks are led by very knowledgeable guides, and escorted by armed National Park scouts. The standard of the guiding is outstanding. Guests can also visit the local village of Kwaza and interact with the villagers and learn about their way of life.
During the months of December to April (Emerald Season) the Luangwa River is rising and falling depending on the rainfall. January to March it is flowing bank to bank. At times it is near full and pouring into the adjacent lagoons. Whatever the level, boating on the river during these months is simply magical.
Alternatively, guests can choose a cultural visit to a local village and school as well as Tribal Textiles an industry based in Mfuwe producing gorgeous hand printed fabrics.
Services
A relaxing massage or hot stone therapy is available during a stay at Nkwali.
When to travel
Zambia has a moderate to sub-tropical climate with three distinct seasons: from November to March is the Emerald, or the rainy season, April to July is Zambia's winter, when the weather is cool and dry, and August to October is summer, when the weather is hot and dry. In terms of game-viewing, the dryer months, meaning a higher concentration of game at the permanent water sources, are a superb time to visit. Alternatively come for some superb bird-watching at the end of the rains.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Just outside the South Luangwa National Park, Eastern Province of Zambia.
How to get there
10 hour international flight from London to Lusaka followed by a flight of 1 hour in a light aircraft to Mfuwe Airport. It is then 30 - 40 minutes by road to the camp.
