Reviews of Nkwali
Wildlife sightings and reviews
241 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
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
89% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
93% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
64% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
100% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
98% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
98% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
98% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
87% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
85% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
26% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
8% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
6% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
4% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
4% success
![](/assets/images/ui/pixel.png)
0% success
"Nkwali review"
Melissa and team very friendly and looked after us very well. Good wildlife viewing." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
"Nkwali review"
We might have been especially lucky on previous visits, but we wdidn't feel that we were made to feel as special this time. We were not asked by the camp if we wanted to go walking or on a boat trip although these were arranged when we asked. There was a large South African birding group in camp which seemed to take priority and the best guides. Ours was enthusiastic and helpful, but inexperienced.
Another very good experience, but not sure we'd go back to Nkwali. Even at this time of the year we came across a number of other vehicles (admittedly most from Nkwlai or the Robin Pope houses." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Nkwali - fantastic"
The food was consistently excellent
Our guide - Sebastian - was very knowledgable and very helpful
Cannot recommend it too highly" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
The WDC people were wonderful and the standard of guide at R Pope's was excellent based on our experience of Botswana including Kwando, Namibia and South Africa. We had 4 different guides with different personalities but all very good. R Pope's were extremely accomodating in trying to offer multiple activities for each taste when the wild dog were showing no sign of coming close to the area. 9 leopard in 8 days is pretty good and elephant shrew and white tailed mongoose a bonus, birding fantastic.
Transport across river novel and good for quick park access. Nice to be able to go by boat on the river. More game than we expected for emereld season and with the wild dog finally turing up, a whole day with them was a bonus that you wouldn't get on any other trip.
N'kwali is a lovely camp especially for emereld season. Good access, friendly and confident staff, excellent food without feeling force fed. We had to ration the cake intake!
Having said we wouldn't normally go to the same camp twice - we would with N'kwali." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"A Christmas to remember."
Having the use of boats on our doorstep (literally) to get across the river, and into the park, added to the overall experience. Opportunities for walking were somewhat curtailed due to the muddy conditions underfoot, but we manged to get out twice during our 6 days there.
The carol concert, where all the safari lodges and their guests congregated under a nerby baobab tree, is a memory that will stay with us for many Christmas's to come So, too, was the excellent play performed by local drama group, Seca. This is the second time we've been to Nikwali, and we hope it won't be the last." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 8n in Malawi
"Nkwali review"
The guiding was good but some drives were extremely quiet and with the luck of the draw we saw no cats at all in the area. The time it took to get to the park could be a drawback but they did try and vary the routes as much as possible. In the event the drive to the main gate was the best wildlife option as the game was much more plentiful there than taking the nearer routes via the boat and the river crossing.
The guiding was good but not outstanding. I would also praise their willingness to allow us to make a particularly early start on two occasions so as to be on the bridge at the main gate before sunrise." See all these reviews: 17n in Zambia
"Nkwali review"
Camp was well run and accommodation very good. Although different from the safari house we really did enjoy our time here. A refreshing change. Boys got to try their hand at beating the drum for meal time. Pool again was a big plus to the boys. They loved it and was a great way for them to pass the down/quiet time. Could see the need for a English/Welsh hostess here - more staff and guests to coordinate. Done very effectively.
Different from the luxury of the previous 3 days but we loved this camp.
Another of the many highlights from this part of the trip was the morning we spent at the school and village sponsored by Robin Pope. We were privileged to get into the local school, Jonathan pumped water from the well, we chatted to the local nurse, we eat lunch prepared by a villager....a very humbling experience and a huge learning experience for the boys." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Wonderful start to our safari at Nkwali"
On arrival at our first camp, Nkwali, we were welcomed like old friends and therefore settled in very easily. It seemed they couldn't do enough to make sure we were OK. Aware of my special diet, they still took the time to regularly check that everything they gave me was OK. I was impressed by their attention to detail.
We loved the accommodation (and the wake-up call of African drumming each morning!) On our very first night drive we came across a leopard and her cub - and then again on our second night! This was setting a precedent! The day drives were fantastic too with very knowledgeable, friendly guides. We were sad to have to leave but looked forward to Nsefu." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"well run, good food and good walking"
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.