Game drives, night drives, walking safaris
Arriving at Nkwali is like coming into an oasis of calm and efficiency. Built under a grove of large ebony trees the eight airy stone and thatch chalets overlook the Luangwa River, where fat pods of hippos compete with the conversation. This has been the base for Robin and Jo Pope who have created a slick operation without losing the personal touch.
The highly professional Zambian guides play a big role in your stay at Nkwali, not only accompanying you on walks or day and night drives, but joining you for drinks around the fire and at meal times. The delicious meals are often accompanied by tall tales of the often dramatic wildlife sightings of recent days in the Park.
When not quietly relaxing in the cool of your open-fronted room, the congenial atmosphere of the camp-fire, lounge or river-side deck are nice places to hang out and take in the sights and sounds. There is also a pool which is invaluable in the hot September/October days. superb Zambian guides eat with the guests and are on hand to point out and identify the large numbers of animals and birds that quietly (or not so quietly) get on with their lives on the other side of the Luangwa River.
The guides do their best to be flexible where activities are concerned but a typical day will start with an early breakfast around the camp-fire followed by a walk or drive. The middle of the day is yours to wonder around the grassy lawns or kick-back with a book. Late afternoons are good for drives along the river to locate a suitable sundowner spot followed by a night-drive back home. Night drives can be very rewarding and leopard sightings are not uncommon in this area.
Nkwali is a good base to explore Mfuwe and can be combined well with one of the other camps in the less visited parts of the park. The tented camp Tena Tena and historical small lodge Nsefu are used for walking safaris and there is also a mobile walking safari run by the same company.
8 thatched stone chalets with river views
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris
Includes full board accommodation, scheduled activities, soft drinks, beer, house wines and local spirits, park fees where applicable. Does not include special activities, premium wines, champagne and spirits, gratuities, items of a personal nature.
The Luangwa Valley is probably Zambia's best known wildlife area. As well as having very good all-round game, Luangwa is somewhere that has gained a well deserved reputation for walking safaris, though there is a great deal more to do above and beyond. The park consists of large amounts of woodland; miombo interspersed with grass lands in the north of the park and large stands of mature ebony forming deep shade along the banks of the river. Read more?
Zambia has made a name for itself in the last ten years, as a high quality wildlife destination and one that is particularly good for walking safaris. Intimate (and often rustic) bushcamps, excellent local guides, beautiful riverine scenery and varied game and birdlife are the trademarks of a safari in Zambia. Jump straight to our favourite Zambia experiences. Read more?
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Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.
