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Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo Bushcamp

About Nsolo Bushcamp

Taking the local name for the greater honeyguide bird, Nsolo Bush Camp overlooks a bend of the usually dry ...

... Luwi River, a tributary of the Luangwa. One of the Expert Africa team first visited the camp in 1995, when its rustic style and firm focus on walking safaris was almost universal amongst the park's many seasonal bushcamps. Since then Nsolo has kept its ethos, unlike most contemporaries, and continues to appeal to safari lovers whose passion is walking.

Nsolo is still a rustic, open-air bushcamp with lots of charm which is well run by an excellent, friendly team. It is best visited as a base for walking safaris, especially when used as the start of a camp-to-camp walking safari following the Luwi River. Come for a classic Luangwa walking safari and to get a real feeling for the bush – just don't expect designer chic.

Our view

Nsolo is still a rustic, open-air bushcamp with lots of charm which is well run by an excellent, friendly team. It is best visited as a base for walking safaris, especially when used as the start of a camp-to-camp walking safari following the Luwi River. Come for a classic Luangwa walking safari and to get a real feeling for the bush – just don't expect designer chic.

Lara Webster

Lara Webster

Zambia expert

Accommodation

5 chalets

Children

OK for ages 12+

Open

15 May to 31 October

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Fly-camping

Fly-camping

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Night drive

Traveller reviews of Nsolo Bushcamp

55 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


97%
55 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
48
Good
7
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr FfromAmsterdam

Arrived 6 Jun 2024, 2 nights

"Nsolo Bushcamp review"

"this camp turned out to be our favorite …" Read Mr F’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr G.fromDevizes

Arrived 10 Sep 2022, 2 nights

"Nsolo Bushcamp review"

"The chalets were perfect... basic.. but felt the most relaxed …" Read Mr G.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

NJKfromManchester

Arrived 24 May 2022, 4 nights

"Nsolo Bushcamp review"

"My 2nd time at Nsolo - still fabulous.. Would happily return a third time. …" Read NJK’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

NJKfromManchester

Arrived 2 Jul 2018, 3 nights

"Setting the standard"

"Location, location, location - Nsolo on the banks of the dry Luwi is beautiful …" Read NJK’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr SfromSanur, Bali

Arrived 30 May 2018, 1 nights

"Nsolo Bushcamp review"

"It had a great vibe/energy and openness. We had the best meal of our trip there. …" Read Mr S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr A & familyfromUK

Arrived 11 Sep 2017, 1 nights

"Nsolo Bushcamp review"

"Too brief visit to really judge. …" Read Mr A & family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

S & JfromHerefordshire

Arrived 21 Sep 2016, 1 nights

"Nsolu Bushcamp excellent"

"Again, a wonderful welcome from Charity and all the staff. We particularly …" Read S & J’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Miss PfromLondon

Arrived 27 Jul 2016, 2 nights

"Lovely Camp"

"This is a return visit (I was here in 2012). It remains a lovely camp, but …" Read Miss P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Ms DfromIreland

Arrived 22 Aug 2015, 3 nights

"Warmest welcome at Nsolo Bushcamp"

"Warmest welcome ever from Colo and her team, constantly willing to surprise …" Read Ms D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs TfromTunbridgeW

Arrived 13 Aug 2015, 2 nights

"Nsolo Bushcamp"

"The welcome provide by Colo and her team was wonderful The guiding was brilliant …" Read Mr & Mrs T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Nsolo Bushcamp reviews

Nsolo Bushcamp: Our full report

Taking the local name for the greater honeyguide bird, Nsolo Bush Camp overlooks a bend of the usually dry ...

... Luwi River, a tributary of the Luangwa. One of the Expert Africa team first visited the camp in 1995, when its rustic style and firm focus on walking safaris was almost universal amongst the park's many seasonal bushcamps. Since then Nsolo has kept its ethos, unlike most contemporaries, and continues to appeal to safari lovers whose passion is walking.

Nsolo Bush Camp has five thatched chalets built on raised timber decks. Each chalet has its own style, incorporating trees and other natural features, and has been cleverly designed using local materials. Bamboo-lattice windows sit in reed walls, a bamboo hanging rail has reed-covered clothes hangers and woven reed 'wallpaper' conceals the plumbing in the spacious en-suite bathroom, which is completely open-air.

Simple furnishings feel fully in keeping with their natural surroundings. Double wooden doors open onto a private shady wooden deck where comfortable chairs face the riverbed. A couple of these decks are wrapped around trees, offering welcome shade in the heat of the day.

Nsolo Bush Camp's main area, or 'chitenje', is an open-sided, thatched building set on a slightly raised wooden deck overlooking the Luwi riverbed – so is a great place to watch out for birds and game. The trunks of sausage and Natal mahogany trees have been incorporated into the structure, giving welcome shade, too. There is a comfortable lounge with a small library, a bar and a large communal dining table where most meals are taken – and a 'guest toilet' within close proximity, although don't expect too many outside guests to drop in!

Beyond the chitenje, the ground slopes away onto a wide sandbank before dropping into the main riverbed. The sandbank is a magical spot for sundowner drinks and snacks or for a beautiful lantern-lit dinner under the stars.

Depending on the time of year there are one or two pools of water in the riverbed, where animals come to drink. On the bank above, canvas chairs have been laid out in various viewing positions, and nearby, a campfire is the focus for breakfast and pre-dinner drinks.

Day and night drives are possible at Nsolo, and on our last visit we were lucky enough to spot a pride of lions and their cubs on a kill during an evening drive. However, activities at this bushcamp really focus on walking safaris, with good, knowledgeable guides. These walks might take place on the open plains, devoid of roads, across the riverbed from the camp, or through riverine woodland.

Visitors to Nsolo often combine a stay at Nsolo with its sister camps, Luwi Bushcamp, Kakuli Bushcamp and Mchenja Bushcamp, usually starting or finishing at Kapani Lodge. Many guests choose to walk between some of the camps, though distances vary. It is some 7km between Luwi and Nsolo, which takes about three hours to walk, but between Nsolo and Kakuli is between 14km and 19km, depending on any detours to track wildlife, and usually takes about four hours. Thus it is recommended only for fitter travellers during the cooler months (May to early September). When we stayed at Nsolo in September 2017 we enjoyed a walking transfer to Luwi Bushcamp, and were rewarded with the sight of hyenas scavenging in the dry riverbed, as well as a large herd of elephants, along the way.

Geographics

Location
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Ideal length of stay
A two- or three-night stay at Nsolo Bushcamp is ideal. This works best when combined with a walking safari encompassing its sister bushcamps, Luwi Bushcamp, Kakuli Bushcamp and Mchenja Bushcamp, perhaps ending at the luxurious Chinzombo.
Directions
Mfuwe Airport is reached by a 70-minute scheduled flight from Lusaka. From here, a road transfer/game drive lasting approximately three hours takes visitors to Nsolo Bushcamp.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
The Expert Africa team have visited Nsolo very regularly over the last 20 years, and we’ve always found the food at Nsolo to be delicious, well prepared and well presented.

Breakfast is usually served around the campfire before the early-morning activity. A choice of cereals, fresh fruit, juices and fresh pastries are set out in a buffet. Porridge is heated over the fire and, on our last visit, toast and eggs were cooked to order.

A buffet brunch is served at about 11.00am, when the morning excursion returns to camp. We could choose from a delicious vegetable quiche; a lentil, squash and feta salad; tilapia fishcakes, with fish caught in Lake Kariba; and a variety of fresh, green salads. We also couldn’t resist the freshly baked bread, and the fruit salad that followed.

Dinner is usually a three-course meal, often served under the stars after you’ve returned from your evening activity. We had a very garlicky, but quite tasty aubergine bruschetta to start, followed by beef fillet with an unusual but pleasant whisky sauce, served with roast squash, potatoes and vegetables. Dessert was a chocolate fondant, which went down very well.
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
Soft drinks, house wine and local spirits are included in the rates, but note that fine wines, champagne and imported spirits and liqueurs are charged as extras.

The filtered water provided is suitable to drink, but bottled water is also available from the bar if you prefer.

Special interests

Solo safaris
Single travellers who love walking might want to include Nsolo into their solo safari holidays in Zambia. It's small and personal, and combines well as part of a camp-to-camp walking safari with its sister camps. Ask if we can waive the single supplement for solo travellers.
See ideas for Solo safaris in Zambia
Walking safaris
Nsolo Bushcamp offers walking safaris through various environments, from grassy plains to mopane woodlands, visiting the remaining lagoon and the riverine woods along the Luwi riverbed. Transfers on foot between Nsolo and its sister camps are a highlight of walking in Zambia.
See ideas for Walking safaris in Zambia

Children

Attitude towards children
Nsolo is happy to accommodate children of 12 years and over.
Property’s age restrictions
12 years and over are welcome at Nsolo
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
Nsolo is a remote bushcamp with quite an adult atmosphere so is suited only to older children with a high degree of maturity.
Notes
Nsolo Bushcamp is unfenced with dangerous animals often passing through the camp. Parents need to keep children under close supervision at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Nsolo Bushcamp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Nsolo Bushcamp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Buffalo

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Lion

75% success

Giraffe

50% success

Spotted Hyena

50% success

Wildebeest

50% success

Leopard

25% success

Aardvark

0% success

Eland

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Roan antelope

0% success

Sable antelope

0% success

Wild dog

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There are solar lights in all the chalets. Batteries may be charged throughout the day in the main area.
Communications
Nsolo Bushcamp has 24-hour radio communications with its sister camps in South Luangwa National Park and with its administrative base at Kapani Lodge.
TV & radio
None
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
Each chalet has a flush toilet, and plumbed-in washbasins and showers with hot water always available.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The guides and manager at Nsolo are trained in first aid. The various safari operations in South Luangwa National Park sponsor a doctor who is based in the Mfuwe area and who is available to tend to anything more serious. Nsolo has links to a flying-doctors service for serious emergencies.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
As Nsolo Bushcamp is unfenced, a guide will escort guests to their chalets after dark.
Fire safety
The camp has a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and there is a fire break around the camp.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Fly-camping

    Fly-camping

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Night drive

    Night drive

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
A complimentary laundry service is included, but this does not include ladies’ underwear; soap for this is provided in the rooms. Note that clothes are hand washed and coal ironed.
Money
No exchange facilities are provided.
Accepted payment on location
A stay at Nsolo is fully inclusive. We recommend that you use US dollars or kwacha (the local currency) for tips if possible.

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Nsolo Bushcamp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Nsolo Bushcamp.


Excursions from Nsolo Bushcamp

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Nsolo Bushcamp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Kawaza Village Visit

Kawaza Village Visit

Two to three hours

Just outside Zambia's South Luangwa National Park lies a normal, working rural African village which is open and welcoming to visitors to the Luangwa valley. There is nothing artificial or contrived about Kawaza Village, and it offers a rare opportunity to experience and appreciate Kunda culture, and meet local Zambians.

More about Kawaza Village Visit
100% (1 reviews)
Tribal Textiles Tour

Tribal Textiles Tour

One - two hours

Visit the Tribal Textiles workshop, where hand-painted textiles are produced by more than a hundred local people. The workshop is close to Mfuwe Airport, so is ideally placed for a stop en route to/from the South Luangwa. With products ranging from cushion covers to bags and T-shirts, it's a great place for souvenir shopping while at the same time supporting the local community.

More about Tribal Textiles Tour

Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park

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When to go to South Luangwa National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Nsolo Bushcamp in South Luangwa National Park


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

South Luangwa National Park in January

January marks the height of the wet season in South Luangwa. Expect frequent downpours, often lasting a few hours, with intermittent sunny periods. The mercury regularly climbs above 30°C, accompanied by high humidity. The park's landscape is verdant and lush, with crystal-clear air.

However, the abundance of water causes most larger animals to disperse, and the thick vegetation can hinder game viewing. Walking safaris are largely impractical during this time. Migratory birds, many in breeding plumage, boost the area's avian diversity. Most lodges close and the few that remain open offer their lowest rates. Only the central network of all-weather roads is reliably passable for 4WD safaris. Low numbers of visitors ensuring a tranquil park experience for those who do visit.

  • Wet season peak, frequent showers
  • Most lodges and all bush-camps are closed
  • Lush vegetation, ideal for photography
  • Large wildlife is scattered, can be challenging to spot
  • Few tourists, budget-friendly rates

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

South Luangwa National Park in February

February continues the ‘green season’ trend in South Luangwa National Park, with impressive thunderstorms delivering short bursts of rain most days, punctuated by clear skies. The park remains awash with water, affecting wildlife distribution and lodge operations.

Dense vegetation limits game viewing opportunities on safari and walking safaris aren’t usually possible. However, the swollen Luangwa River allows for unique boating experiences unavailable during drier months. Despite challenging conditions, patient visitors may be rewarded with sightings of animals caring for their young. The handful of operational lodges maintain low rates, and the park sees few visitors during this period.

  • Continued wet season, regular downpours
  • All bush-camps and most lodges are closed
  • Verdant scenery, photogenic landscapes
  • Game viewing challenging due to thick foliage
  • Low visitor numbers, economical pricing

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

South Luangwa National Park in March

March signals the tail end of South Luangwa's rainy season, with heavy showers still frequent. Water levels peak, so driving off the park’s all-weather road network remains challenging. Daytime temperatures consistently exceed 30°C, with rain-induced humidity remaining high.

Most lodges are still closed, and thick vegetation continues to impact game viewing and walking safaris. However, this period can offer exceptional sightings of animals with their offspring, and predator activity often increases. Wild dogs have historically been particularly active in the park during this time. The combination of clear air and increasingly blue skies provides excellent photographic opportunities. Birdwatching remains superb as migratory species prepare for their winter journey.

  • Wet season persists, intermittent rain
  • Many lodges remain closed
  • Abundant greenery, picturesque settings
  • Young animals plentiful, but hard to see
  • Minimal crowds, cost-effective travel

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

South Luangwa National Park in April

April represents a transitional period in South Luangwa National Park as the rains shift from intense downpours to lighter, less frequent showers. The park's scenery remains incredibly green and vibrant, though larger wildlife can be harder to spot on safaris.

Some lodges begin to reopen while seasonal bushcamps remain closed as they prepare for the upcoming dry season. The Luangwa River reaches often its highest level in April, creating a spectacular sight. Despite the challenges, this period can offer unique experiences for those willing to brave the unpredictable conditions – and accept a greatly reduced choice of places to stay.

  • Wet season waning, occasional showers
  • Some lodges begin reopening
  • Landscape still lush, great for photographers
  • Wildlife viewing slowly improving
  • Few visitors, attractive off-season rates

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in April

South Luangwa National Park in May

May is a lovely month; it typically heralds the start of the dry season in South Luangwa. While occasional showers may occur, most days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, temperatures begin to drop, with daytime highs around 26°C.

The drying landscape improves access within the park, and most lodges reopen. Some standing water remains, but game viewing noticeably improves as the vegetation thins out. The clear air continues to benefit photographers. Late May is very popular among the Luangwa’s ‘safari regulars’ who seek to capitalise on good weather, improved wildlife sightings, newly-opened camps (including some seasonal bush-camps) and the final weeks of low-season rates at many lodges.

  • Dry season onset, clearer skies
  • Most lodges and some bush-camps operational
  • Vegetation still green, crisp air
  • Game viewing conditions improving
  • Last month for lower accommodation prices

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

South Luangwa National Park in June

June in South Luangwa National Park is characterised by virtually rainless days and abundant sunshine. Humidity levels plummet, and winter's approach brings cooler temperatures, with nighttime lows around 10°C and daytime highs of 25°C.

The landscape remains lush, but the thinning vegetation significantly enhances visibility for game viewing, the conditions are ideal for walking safaris. All the lodges and bushcamps in the park are operational by early June. While some offer shoulder season rates, others are already running with high-season pricing. Wildlife begins to concentrate around water sources, setting the stage for excellent game viewing in the coming months.

  • Consistently sunny, cooler nights
  • All South Luangwa lodges open
  • Wildlife sightings becoming more frequent
  • Ideal conditions for walking safaris
  • Viewing of the Victoria Falls at its best

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

South Luangwa National Park in July

As the dry season progresses in South Luangwa, July sees vegetation and grasses dying back, with water becoming increasingly scarce. Wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, most notably along the Luangwa River, leading to excellent game viewing opportunities.

July marks the heart of winter, with daytime temperatures in the 20s Celsius, whilst nighttime lows can drop to single digits. Early morning and late evening game drives can be particularly chilly, with lodges often providing blankets and hot water bottles. Bring your hats, coats and gloves! Visitor numbers rise significantly, and space at popular small camps can become limited. Nearly all properties now charge their highest rates.

  • Warm days, chilly evenings
  • Game viewing notably improved
  • Excellent visibility for walking safaris
  • High season prices for most camps and lodges
  • Comfortable daytime temperatures

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

South Luangwa National Park in August

August in the national park offers some of the year's best game viewing opportunities. South Luangwa’s vegetation has largely died back, and wildlife clusters around remaining water sources.

Rain is extremely unlikely, with sunny days largely guaranteed, though a haze may sometimes appear on the horizon due to dust and smoke in the air. Nighttime temperatures can dip below 5°C, but daytime highs reach the 20s Celsius. Warm clothing is essential for morning and evening drives. This is one of the most popular months to visit the park for a safari, with lodges and camps charging peak rates and often booking up far in advance.

  • Very dry warm days and cold nights
  • Prime wildlife viewing near water sources
  • Perfect weather for walking safaris
  • Peak season means highest prices
  • Some haze may affect photography

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

South Luangwa National Park in September

September is arguably the very best time to visit South Luangwa National Park. It probably hasn’t rained for many months, humidity is low, and temperatures are just beginning to climb.

Mornings are more comfortable for 4WD safaris, rising to daytime typical highs in the low 30s Celsius. Water scarcity forces the wildlife to congregate around remaining sources, particularly around the Luangwa River, where most of the camps and lodges are situated. There high game densities lead to increased chances of inter-species interactions. It’s peak season for lodges and camps charge which are often fully booked. A little haze may affect long-distance views and photography. The Luangwa River's water levels continue to drop, concentrating hippos and crocodiles life in the remaining stretches.

  • Dry and hot, clear skies
  • Exceptional month for wildlife observation
  • Landscape sometimes hazy due to dust and smoke
  • Peak season, lodges often fully booked
  • Higher prices for accommodation

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

South Luangwa National Park in October

October sees the dry season peak in South Luangwa at its most intense, with the landscape increasing parched. Occasional showers may occur as the promise of rain approaches. Temperatures can soar above 40°C during the day, rarely dropping below 20°C at night.

This heat can be draining, so walking safaris will set off early in the morning to beat the heat and sitting in an open 4WD on safaris can feel like facing a large hair-drier. Heat-haze and smoke may obscure the horizon as the Luangwa River becomes a series of pools, crowded with hippos and crocodiles. Other wildlife cautiously approaches these water sources, leading to thrilling predator-prey interactions. Game viewing is at its absolute best with the best chance of witnessing hunts.

  • Optimal wildlife viewing conditions
  • Very hot days and nights
  • Dusty, hazy atmosphere is challenging for photos
  • Some lodges start lowering their rates
  • Less crowded than previous months

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

South Luangwa National Park in November

November typically witnesses the end of the dry season in South Luangwa. While the onset of rains is unpredictable, temperatures remain consistently high and humidity builds as the wet season approaches.

Early November may still be dry, but spectacular thunderstorms usually arrive, often later in the month, triggering rapid green growth when they do come – and an explosion of life from insects and smaller animals. Everything seems to come to life! When pools of water becomes more readily available away from the Luangwa River the wildlife quickly disperses. Some camps and all the seasonal bush-camps camps close; those that remain open reduce their rates. The rains quickly clear the air of dust and smoke, improving visibility and photographic conditions.

  • Unpredictable month: depends on the rains
  • Hot and humid – then the set season begins
  • Wildlife dispersing as vegetation thickens
  • Lower accommodation rates, fewer tourists
  • Improved conditions for landscape photography

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

South Luangwa National Park in December

December usually marks the first full month of South Luangwa's wet season. Heavy thunderstorms become frequent, interspersed with sunny intervals. Daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C, accompanied by high humidity.

The rainfall transforms the landscape, encouraging lush vegetation growth. It’s a time renewal when insects, birds and smaller wildlife abound. While the larger species of wildlife remains in the park, wildlife viewing becomes more challenging due to the thick greenery and dispersed animal populations. Many lodges and all seasonal bush-camps are now closed as access to the park’s outlying areas becomes difficult. The few lodges that remain open offer lower rates and see few visitors. The rains clear the air, restoring vibrant blue skies and crystal-clear air which delights photographers.

  • Rainy season in full swing
  • Most lodges closed or offering low rates
  • Wildlife harder to spot in thick vegetation
  • Few visitors, budget-friendly period
  • Lush green scenery, very photogenic landscapes

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

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