Reviews of Nkwali
Wildlife sightings and reviews
238 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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"Nkwali review"
We also really enjoyed having dinner with the other guests at a common table - I really feel that this is what safari is about, sharing stories and meeting other people from around the world." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
There is a lovely new bar and bigger deck area.
The only thing that I found difficult were the steps up from the river, quite steep and uneven in height!!" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 4n in Malawi
"Nkwali review"
"Nkwali review"
The chalets were spacious and comfortable, and well set up for the evening by the staff. The common areas overlooking the river and the hippos was a perfect way to start the day.
I really enjoyed the large common dining table that was used for dinners (and one lunch), we had a great time talking with our fellow travelers and some of the staff during meals." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
The wild dog sightings were excellent, as ever. I had booked a private guide and vehicle for this trip, and really enjoyed my time with Perry, who is young and enthusiastic and has great potential. He got into the spirit of my "bird list", and we managed to spot 176 species, smashing my previous PB of 162, and with several new ones for me.
I had a few more lion sightings than on previous green season trips, including one male who came to drink from the lagoon by the dining area in camp, just as we were about to sit down for lunch! I am used to seeing elephants there, but a lion was a first for me.
I have always liked Nkwali as a camp, particularly the open fronted rooms, but it's the people that really make the place. The atmosphere is relaxed and you get a sense that everyone loves what they do. I look forward to my next visit." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
"First visit to South Luangwa"
The accommodation was good. I had been a little concerned that not being fully enclosed by canvas or a solid wall, might have resulted in too many unwanted creatures in the room, but this was not the case.
Perry was our guide. He read the bush well, was an excellent communicator, and drove safely and confidently. Access to some areas was limited because of the wet conditions, so some of the drives were a little repetitive. We were very fortunate however, to have some wonderful sightings. In our first three drives we saw lions, a leopard with a fresh kill and wild dogs. Later in our stay we had a very close encounter on the road, with a breeding herd of elephants. Perry’s handling of this situation inspired confidence.
During our stay there was a short burst of extremely windy and wet weather. The staff, all of whom were excellent, dealt with this admirably. During our stay, a slight delay to one game drive was the only disruption we experienced.
Monkeys and baboons visited the camp, particularly in the after lunch period when no staff were around. We were warned not to leave out anything they might consider food." See all these reviews: 5n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
The wild mango trees were fruiting and it was a great opportunity to see the elephants, monkeys and baboons feeding on the fallen fruit.
Staying at Nkwali in the wet season was a bit of a challenge as we never knew what we might encounter in the room at night. The rain brought out a host of insects, arachnids and assorted creepy crawlies. If you don’t like close encounters with such creatures this might not be the best time of year to visit but if you don’t mind then you’re in for an interesting time!" See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
We appreciated the swimming pool for cooling off and the chance to watch wildlife come to the lagoon whilst you are on the loungers.
There was plenty of game to view and we saw everything we were hoping for.
The food was also excellent." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
The camp and chalets are lovely, high quality, small pool welcome in the heat, staff all very good indeed. Guiding was excellent, lots of game of all sorts on drives, a morning walk very informative on ecology etc. Will happily return if we can.
We were taken aback at the number of vehicles homing in on animals in this southern end of the park (we have been to centre and north only in the past), and actually backed off at night on one occasion when several cars from other camps were pressing in on lions." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
The service was good, food tasty and plentiful, and guiding and game viewing very satisfactory. I have no complaints whatsoever.
One of many highlights was watching a herd of elephants drink from a pool of water while we were having lunch." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
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