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US DOLLARS ($)

+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip

+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Luxury Safari Lodge
Zambia

Nkwali Safari Camp
South Luangwa National Park

Nkwali Safari Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia

HIGHLIGHTS
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Highlights

Prime Location on the Luangwa River: Nkwali is set on a private stretch of the Luangwa River, offering uninterrupted wildlife viewing and stunning waterfront scenery. Elephants and hippos are frequently seen from camp, creating an immersive safari experience.
Exclusive Access to South Luangwa National Park: A private boat or pontoon crossing allows guests direct access to some of the best game-viewing areas in the park, known for its high density of leopards, lions, and other big game.
Spacious Open-Fronted Chalets: Six stylish chalets feature open-air designs, handcrafted wooden furniture, and breathtaking river views, seamlessly blending comfort with the surrounding wilderness. The thatched roofs and high ceilings keep the rooms cool, even in warm months.
Expert-Guided Walking and Driving Safaris: Led by experienced guides, Nkwali offers both walking safaris and game drives, ensuring guests experience South Luangwa’s incredible wildlife up close. The park is famous for its leopard sightings and thriving elephant and buffalo populations.
Personalised, Intimate Safari Experience: With a small number of guests at a time, Nkwali delivers a warm and tailored safari, offering private activities and flexible schedules to match individual preferences.
Community and Conservation Commitment: Nkwali supports local conservation initiatives and community projects, helping to protect South Luangwa’s wildlife while contributing to sustainable tourism and local livelihoods.

ines, and private dining experiences under the stars add to the magic of the safari.

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Good to know

How to get there

Flights from Lusaka take around an hour to reach Mfuwe from where there is a one hour road transfer to the lodge including crossing the Luangwa River.

Are children welcome?

Nkwali Safari Camp welcomes children aged 7 and above. For families with younger children, exclusive bookings of the entire camp can be arranged to accommodate their needs. It’s important to note that the camp is unfenced and situated in a wildlife-rich area, so parents are advised to supervise their children at all times. Additionally, certain activities, such as walking safaris, have a minimum age requirement of 12 years. Families with younger children may need us to arrange private activities, which could incur extra costs.

Giving back

Nkwali Safari Camp, operated by Robin Pope Safaris, is committed to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. Key aspects of their sustainability policy include:

Eco-Friendly Construction: The camp utilizes green technology, including solar energy systems, natural air-cooling, and the use of non-fired bricks, to minimize environmental impact.
Water Conservation: Nkwali implements measures to conserve water, ensuring sustainable usage within the camp’s operations.
Waste Management: The camp emphasizes recycling, reusing, and responsible disposal of waste to reduce its ecological footprint.
Wildlife Conservation: Robin Pope Safaris supports anti-poaching initiatives, such as those led by Conservation South Luangwa (CSL), to protect local wildlife.
Community Engagement: The camp invests in local communities by supporting education, healthcare, and conservation projects, fostering positive relationships and contributing to regional development.

What wildlife can you expect to see?

Nkwali Safari Camp, located on the Luangwa River just outside South Luangwa National Park, offers incredible wildlife viewing both from camp and on guided safaris. The area is known for its high density of predators, diverse herbivores, and abundant birdlife.

Big Cats & Predators:

Leopards – South Luangwa is one of the best places in Africa to see leopards, with frequent sightings around Nkwali.
Lions – Large prides roam the region, often spotted hunting at dawn or resting in the shade during the day.
Hyenas – Commonly heard at night and seen scavenging or competing with lions for food.
Wild Dogs – Occasionally seen in packs, especially in the dry season when hunting is most active.

Large Mammals:

Elephants – Herds frequently cross the Luangwa River, often seen near camp and on game drives.
Buffalo – Large herds graze in the open plains, providing dramatic predator-prey interactions.
Hippos – The river near camp is home to one of the highest densities of hippos in Africa.
Giraffes – South Luangwa is home to the Thornicroft’s giraffe, an endemic subspecies found nowhere else.
Zebras – The Crawshay’s zebra, distinguishable by its lack of shadow stripes, is commonly seen in herds.

Antelope Species:

Puku – These golden-coated antelope are commonly seen grazing near water sources.
Impala – One of the most frequently spotted species, providing prey for predators.
Waterbuck – Found near the river, identifiable by the distinctive white ring on their rump.
Kudu – Elusive and often seen in the woodlands surrounding the river.

Birdlife:

Over 400 species of birds can be seen, including:
- Carmine bee-eaters nesting along riverbanks in vibrant colonies.
- African fish eagles soaring above the river, their calls echoing through the valley.
- Pelicans, storks, and herons wading in the shallows.
- Lilac-breasted rollers, kingfishers, and turacos adding colour to the bush.

Reptiles & Other Wildlife:

Crocodiles – Lurking in the Luangwa River, often seen basking on sandbanks.
Monitor Lizards – Common in both the woodlands and along the riverbanks.
Baboons & Vervet Monkeys – Highly social primates that are frequently seen around camp.

Why we love Nkwali

This really is home to some of the very best walking safaris in Africa. This intimate little camp has just six rooms making it perfect for a full buy out for family groups looking for that perfect safari experience.