If you’re looking for understated elegance, seclusion and superb service, then you’ll find all that and more at Nkwali Camp. This camp is open all year. Nkwali Camp is on private land, in the heart of the Luangwa Valley. On the banks on the Luangwa River, overlooking South Luangwa National Park. Where leopards roam along the bank and can often be spotted from camp. There is a private game viewing area behind camp. As well as exclusive access into the park. Either by vehicle, boat or pontoon.
Limited WiFi and phone signal means you can truly relax and enjoy. Set back from the river on a lagoon are the dining room and swimming pool from which guests are often treated to elephants and other game coming down to drink during the day unperturbed by our presence.
The six chalets are spacious and during the day are fully open to wonderful river views. In the evenings the Constantia grill doors are pulled together to close the open room fronts. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious with double sinks and showers from which you can enjoy the enormous African skies.
Bush Chalet
There is one double, four twins and a suite – ideal for honeymooner or a young family. The suite has a master (en suite) and an extra room (no bathroom). The camp sleeps 12 guests (could be 14 if 2 children in family suite).
The larger bush suite can take children in the lounge area
Nkwali Camp Family Safari ↓
Children 7 years and older are welcome at Nkwali Camp in the family suite which shares a bathroom. Younger children can be accommodated if camp is booked out exclusively.
Children 7-11 years pay 45% and 12-16 years, pay 65%.
Children’s Activities and Services
Child minding during the day and in the evening. Special and appropriate activities, meals and mealtimes for your family safari. Nature walks to collect pods, seeds, and feathers. Visits to the camp kitchen and cookie baking with the chefs. Star gazing and learning simple constellations. Collecting sausage fruit and decorating them. Flower pressing (depending on time of year). Fishing (depending on time of year). Painting, drawing, face painting. Swimming games and races. Visits to Kawaza Village and Chipembele Wildlife Education center. Art safari at Tribal Textiles Jewellery making at Mulberry Mongoose.
South Luangwa Family safari
Handy Hints For Family Safaris in South Luangwa National Park
Take a few magic tricks for fun with our teams or anyone you meet in the local community. A backpack for each child with their choice of games, coloring books, toys, audio books. A notebook for each child to write down the game they see. Ballpoint pens, pencils, erasers and similar if visiting schools. A cheap pair of binoculars for each child. Easy reference child friendly color photo bird & mammal books. And… try the sun block, malarial pills on children beforehand to see if they react against them.
Nkwali Camp Activities
Private activities – If you prefer to enjoy your activities exclusively, we have the option for you to hire a private guide and vehicle. At an extra cost.
Walking Safaris
A walking safari is the most authentic way to enjoy an African safari. It leaves the roads behind and takes you on paths less traveled. You often may be lucky to spot some of the wildlife that South Luangwa National Park has to offer. But that’s not the main goal of a walking safari. Being on foot allows you to get up close to nature. Immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and smells. Which are often overlooked when in a vehicle. With South Luangwa being home to the original walking safaris, there is no better place for this experience. All walking safaris are led by trained Robin Pope Safaris guide and an armed National Parks scout.
Walking safari
Game drives (day and night)
Operated in open game viewing vehicles with a “window” seat for everyone. All vehicles have an open top affording you a vision of total 360 degree. Blankets are supplied during chilly periods and the cover can be put on the vehicle. Ponchos are supplied also during the wet months. A max of 4 people per vehicle, and 6 if a 3-row vehicle.
Game drives
Seasonal Boating
A special treat indeed for guests in the Emerald Season. Explore the lagoons of South Luangwa National Park for enhanced game viewing and birding.
Boat safari
Spa Treatments
Looking for extra relaxation options while you are with us in the wild. There is a mobile spa available at an extra cost in South Luangwa. Our team can arrange this for you.
Village tour
A visit to Kawaza Village and the schools is often remembered years later by guests as the most rewarding part of their visit to Africa. This gives a more holistic experience of the Luangwa Valley. It is also possible to visit the local market.
Wildlife Education Center
A charitable trust for the school children of the Luangwa Valley to teach them about wildlife and conservation.
Tribal Textiles
For unique locally produced hand-painted textiles, drawing inspiration from the stunning Zambian wildlife and surroundings. A perfect place to buy a souvenir or two of your Zambian experience (Tribal Textiles).
Art Safari
Or, want to try something different on your safari trip? Come and enjoy Tribal Textiles’ fun and exclusive Batik Workshop.
Work side by side with our friendly team of artists in the peaceful courtyard area of our cafe. Learn the unique art of hand painting and create your own masterpiece with a selection of rich, vibrant colors.
Groups and families welcome!
Giving Back
Anything from books and stationery to clothes and toys. Cash donations are also accepted. Please ask us as well for updated ‘wish list’ from the projects supported in South Luangwa. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and take supplies for the projects supported that are in need, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives of the local children and families.
Best time to visit Nkwali Camp (South Luangwa National Park)
The different seasons offer incredible diversity in terms of landscapes, wildlife sightings and experiences. We have put together some of these highlights for you to consider as you plan your African adventure with us. Be inspired!
Month by Month Guide of South Luangwa Wildlife and Climate ↓
January:
Lower rates | Beautiful vistas and dramatic scenery | Baby boom in animal kingdom | Migratory birds are around | Boating
The new year brings stunning lush scenery to the bush as the rains are in full swing. The animals are well fed and the lagoons are brimming with water birds and mammal activity.
Hot and humid but most importantly not raining constantly. Magnificent cloud build ups and dramatic light with vibrant green bush a feast for the eyes at every turn.
February:
Lower rates | Beautiful vistas and dramatic scenery | Baby boom in animal kingdom | Migratory birds are around | Boating
Take in a different view on the Luangwa with the river full thus enabling trips out on the boat. Elephants up high on the river banks and crocodiles and hippos hugging the river inlets.
Rains are in full swing and the rivers and lagoons are bursting with water and life. Temperatures are still warm but storms cool things down rapidly.
March:
Lower rates | Beautiful vistas and dramatic scenery | Baby boom in animal kingdom | Migratory birds are around | Boating
Keep an eye out for baby elephants. While there is no set time for this we definitely see more of them this time of the year. Bouncing through the bush with their floppy trunks and baggy knees.
Scattered storms, clear skies, warm days and electric sunsets over the lush green Luangwa valley.
April:
Lower rates | Beautiful vistas and dramatic scenery | baby boom in animal kingdom | migratory birds are around
The impala rutting has started. This is when the female impala comes into season and the male testosterone is high. The males can be seen and heard. They are very very aggressive to other males. To impress the ewes, they can be seen bouncing around the bush. Showing off their strength, agility and overall health. Their white undersides of their tails raised high like a flag announcing their dominance.
A beautiful time of the year for the weather. Warm with a few scarce thunderstorms. But cooling down in the evenings which means a lovely aperitif can be had around the camp fire.
May:
Lower rates | Good game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
Keep an eye out for the animals as they hide in the tall vegetation. And marvel at the height of the grass when you see an elephant or giraffe just peeking out over it.
The end of the rains and the storm clouds have gone leaving the clear skies to start drying out the bush. The days are a very pleasant temperature but early mornings are certainly a little cooler.
June:
Lower rates | Good game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
The bush is starting to dry out and the animals know that what lies ahead are the tough dry months. The only ones benefiting from the hardship are the predators.
The temperatures are starting to cool. Some mornings give rise to a mystical mist which rises from the Luangwa in the sunrise.
July:
Great game viewing | Favorable weather
The ebony trees start to fruit around camp. The elephants find it all but impossible to resist the temptation. And therefore, hang out around camp feasting on the fruit. Meanwhile the baboons spend the early mornings sitting in the sun warming up.
The start of winter and temperatures drop significantly at night. Providing ample opportunity to snuggle up under a duvet.
August:
Great game viewing | Favorable weather
The calls of leopard and lion travel through the night as the bush thins out. The early mornings are serenaded with the ghostly call of the ground hornbill.
Winter is in full swing with cold nights and mornings but pleasant day time temperatures.
September:
Phenomenal Game Viewing
The predators are sharpening their claws. The next few months for them is hunting season. Sticking to the gullies and sneaking up on their pray. There is no shortage of opportunity.
Leopard
With winter behind us the temperatures rise sharply as we all prepare ourselves for the warmest time of the year. Evenings are warm but the temperatures still dip a little but the days are getting hot.
October:
Phenomenal Game Viewing
The time of year when everyone and everything is hot. The wildlife concentrates around any available body of water. Only the mopane trees have the energy to burst into new leaf injecting a much needed splash of color to the dry bush.
This is the peak of the dry season and temperatures are at their highest with the bush as dry as it will be all year.
November:
Lower rates | Beautiful scenery | Good game viewing |
The intensity of the heat and build up of distant storm clouds. This is when the bush bursts into new life with impala, puku and warthogs being born in their plenty and rushing around the bush waiting for the rains.
The days and nights are hot and scattered with the promising sight and sound of enormous, localized storms. Sudden downpours provide momentary relief from the heat but dry out as soon as it stops.
December:
Lower rates | Beautiful scenery | Good game viewing |
The migratory birds are coming in and all ears are tuned in to hear the first call of the elusive Angola Pitta. The Abdim Storks line the river banks and the woolly necked storks are also starting to arrive.
It is hot and stormy. One of the most dramatic times of the year with purple grey skies and jagged lighting splitting the clouds in half.
Getting to Nkwali Camp
1 hour 30 minutes flight with Proflight from Lusaka, Zambia. From Lilongwe, Malawi it is a 1-hour flight.
From Mfuwe Airport it is a 40-minute road transfer to the camp through colorful village life. And some game viewing area as well.
Throughout the year Nkwali have direct access from the camp to the park by boat or vehicle. During the dry months, Nkwali operates a pontoon into the more southern part of the area. When the river is at its lowest, they can drive directly across the river from Nkwali.
Nkwali Camp Accommodation Rates
Bush chalets and Honeymoon/Family Suite
Emerald: January – 21st May
$ 525
Shoulder: 22nd May – June
$ 590
Peak: July – September
$ 750
Shoulder: October
$ 590
Emerald: November – December
$ 525
Please note these accommodation rates are valid until further notice (issued October 2024).
The rates are per person sharing (no single supplement unless more than 3 rooms booked). For 4+ rooms single supplement is 30% of the per person sharing rate.
Rates are inclusive of: All meals, Game viewing activities (2 per day – game drives or walking safaris), Laundry, Bar, Mfuwe Airport transfers, Inter-RPS camp transfers, Meet & greet at Lusaka & Mfuwe.
Rates Exclude: Visas, flights, Tourism Levy, Luangwa Conservation & Community Fund* & park costs
*This levy is to help ensure long term survival of the areas/parks we work in.
Nkwali Camp Special Offers and Packages
Long Stay Discount
Stay 7 nights at Robin Pope Safaris properties, and get 10% discount or stay 10 nights and get 20% discount.
The Robin Pope Safaris camps in South Luangwa, Zambia are: Nkwali Camp, Nsefu Camp, Tena Tena, Luangwa River Camp, Luangwa Bush Camp, Luangwa Safari House or Robin’s House. Please note we are still adding the other camps.
If you book Robin Pope Safaris camps within 30 days of travel, receive these excellent discounted rates (per person per night): South Luangwa camps (excludes Houses, Bush Camping & Mobile Walking): $595 (Peak), $475 (Shoulder) & $425 (Emerald) Malawi camps: $350 (Peak), $300 (Shoulder) & $275 (Emerald) John’s Camp: $600 (Peak) & $525 (Emerald & Shoulder)
Family Safari
The second child under 16 years stays FREE! This will be the youngest child.
River Journey Safari
This 7 night safari is one of those bucket list trips between January and March! It is a chance to explore the South Luangwa National Park during the most vibrant time of the year. The Emerald Season. This is when the Luangwa River is at its fullest. Thus giving rise to some exceptional boating. South Luangwa is completely different at this time of year.
From US$3955 per person sharing (SAVING US$620).
8 Day River Journeys Safari ↓
NOTE: Camp order in South Luangwa requires a start and end at Nkwali due to access of Nsefu requiring both vehicle and boat transfer and the duration.
This safari covers one of Zambia’s premier park – South Luangwa. The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa.
“The Luangwa Valley is at its most dramatic in the Emerald Season, with the Luangwa River now flowing over into the brimming lagoons. Boating into these lagoons, flooded ebony groves and flowing channels gives you a view of the Valley which is normally inaccessible during this season“.
The Luangwa River is one of the last remaining major rivers in Africa, and even in the world, that has not been damned for hydropower. This vast river still annually rises, floods into lagoons and channels, changes course and resulting in new lagoons and in so doing creates a rich flood plain river system. To be in the heart of the park, at peak flood time, staying at the first camp built in Zambia (Nsefu) with the river being your only access, is quite an experience.
Day 1: Nkwali Camp
On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. Nkwali is ideally situated for the start of your safari.
Day 2: Nkwali Camp
This is a day to explore the South Luangwa National Park with a mix of walking, game drives and boating.
Day 3 – 5: Nsefu Camp
Today you will take the boat up to Nsefu Camp. A leisurely game viewing and birding experience. Which will take between 2 and 4 hours depending on what you see on the way. The Luangwa River will be high and many of the lagoons will be full. The bird life is amazing along the river and you will often see a bull elephant or a lion on the banks.
Nsefu Camp is on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. There are six round rondavels with luxurious en suite facilities and each room has a clear view of the river through large windows and from the new wooden verandahs.
On arrival at Nsefu you will be shown to your accommodation and then enjoy your lunch. Followed by a well-deserved siesta before you set off on an afternoon activity. Over the next few days you will explore the area by boat and by foot. There are many lagoons, ebony groves and channels that will be flooding. Therefore, you will be boating over land which is the driving area of the park in the dry season. Also, taking a scout with you, you will be able to enjoy a walk to explore further afield in the park for an all day picnic.
Lunch will be under a tree or next to a lagoon. And you will then be able to take a siesta. Or simply spend a lazy couple of hours reading a book or watching the fascinating animals and landscape around you. Returning to camp when you are ready. You may decide to continue straight on your evening boat ride and return to camp at sunset. These are very flexible days.
Day 6: Nkwali Camp
Today you will boat back to Nkwali in the morning, where you will enjoy wide views across the Luangwa River. Depending on your arrival time in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali. Or if in the afternoon for tea and the afternoon and night game drive.
Day 7: Nkwali Camp
At dawn breakfast is around the campfire. The porridge heated on the fire and toast cooked by the coals. The morning walk or drive will leave soon after. And your photographic expedition will begin. Entering the park by boat from the camp or by the nearby pontoon. The game in the area is excellent. And includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe. A mid morning break of tea, coffee and cake will be taken by a scenic point on a lagoon or the Luangwa River.
Return to camp for lunch around mid day. After lunch you can cool off in the swimming pool or siesta. Tea will be available in the afternoon. Then its off on an afternoon game drive that continues into the early night giving the chance to see the nocturnal world. Usually one returns to camp about 8 pm with dinner generally at 8.30 pm.
Day 8:
After breakfast you will be transferred to Mfuwe Airport for your onward connection.
