Reviews of Nkasa Lupala
Wildlife sightings and reviews
33 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Nkasa Lupala and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge review"
The views from the lodge can only be described as amazing, and it was clear from their leavings that elephants had walked around our tent at one time. The game drive was again excellent. We saw lion close up and much bird life and many more smaller creatures. The bush walk with a locally born guide was very interesting and gave a good insight into growing-up in remote rural Namibia.
Overall a different and well worthwhile visit and experience." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
"Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge review"
Erica the manager apologized for being too busy to answer her phone??
We had a fabulous view from our tent again everything was really clean and the food was very good. One small thing I didn’t like was that they turned the water off from 9.15pm to 6.30am. So you are unable to flush the toilet.
We did not see lions but we were woken by them roaring ………..just wonderful.
We did an evening game drive and a half day combo. The boat part of the combo was definitely the best bit. Lots of elephants coming to drink from the river and Hippos galore." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
6 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Sitatunga
1 sighting
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
3 sightings
"Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge review"
Buffalo
3 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Wildebeest
1 sighting
"Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge review"
The accommodation was as described, our adult daughter was travelling with us, we had a family tent which was well laid out and gave her privacy.
Sadly, the game guide lacked communication skills to make a rather dull game drive on the first evening more interesting, not his fault lack of animals, except for lots of warthog and a large herd of buffalo on the way back to the lodge in the dusk which was amazing. Also, the sundowner a disappointment as only offered beer in tins with no glasses or alternative for the ladies.
The Combo Drive with the river cruise was well worth it seeing lots of Elephant, Hippo, Zebra, Lechwe and Bird life and a proper sundowner! (I and another guest had spoken to Erica the previous evening)
Despite the tiny problems they did not spoil the stay and we would recommend this lodge for the experience and location. Its Africa!" See all these reviews: 5n in Namibia
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
7 sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
10 sightings
"Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge review"
Our guide, Westy, arrived promptly. We had to leave our vehicle at a civic centre – something obviously agreed with the Sangwali authorities.
The camp is in one of the most remote corners of the region. It was more rustic than we expected which another guest had warned us about. Our tent on stilts was basic.
It was a pity that the light bulbs hadn’t been checked. Water conservation obviously isn’t an issue there – no plugs again!
An average welcome included the formality of the passing of the wifi voucher, restricting your use 200MB for the stay, please don’t drink the water and everyone must sit down to dinner at 7pm at one long table.
One flask of filtered water was provided in your tent each day. Any extra had to be purchased.
When sitting down for dinner, we discovered most of the guests were German (no problem with that) who were only interested in conversing in German amongst them selves. Not a very enjoyable evening.
The big complaint for us was that staff were clearing plates away before other diners had even finished that course. We objected strongly at the time as one of us was still eating a course when the next was about to be served to the other one !
We spoke to the manager who eventually agreed to allow us to sit at separate tables after that. As it turned out, we weren’t the only ones who disliked the arrangements.
There was an honeymoon couple who also had to request a separate table. Obviously for groups, of which there were several, these arrangements weren’t an issue. Breakfast was served at separate tables fortunately.
The staff themselves were very friendly and courteous. Most of the time service was good. The meals were somewhat average / mediocre.
We went on a sunrise drive and did the combi drive the next day. That takes you down to the wetlands as well as a normal morning drive. You’re out for more than 4 hours. We enjoyed the quiet as we listened to the sound of the lapping water when on the water. Westy was a very good guide and did his best to find as much as possible to see but the animals weren’t playing ball! However, a dash to find a leopard was somewhat scary!!
So, we felt the camp might have needed a bit of tlc/refurbishment and less obtrusive ‘management’ of the guests.
We’re pleased to have been there if only to see the wetlands up close.
However, it’s not one we would necessarily return to until is has been improved and made more multination ally welcome" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
"Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge review"
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge review"
The main area (where meals of a good standard are served at a table shared with the owners and all other guests) was very welcoming. There was a constant supply of tea, coffee and rusks or other treats depending on the time of day.
Due to the late rains, the wildlife was not as prolific as on our last stay in the area (at the sister camp Jackelberry) but we very much enjoyed our shared game drives throughout the park. The owner was very engaging, great company and really helpful when we needed to sort out some minor practicalities.
Would highly recommend." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge review"
Simone the manager was very engaging and knowledgable.
Tasty food." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
2 sightings
Hippo
2 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge review"
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
1 sighting
"Huge herd of Buffalo."
Again staff very friendly and helpful although the guiding was, in my opinion no where near being up to scratch. Really enjoyed the after dinner chats with the owner about all sort of things. Between us we were able to put the world to rights and forget for that brief moment of time that people like Trump and Borris Johnson even exist.
Like most places we stayed at, game was in short supply. The early rains in October meant that there was a plentiful supply of water in the bush and the wildlife didn't need to come out" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
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