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Nkwali Camp

Nkwali Camp offers an exceptional gateway to the wildlife-rich heart of Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley, set on Robin Pope’s private land directly overlooking a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River.

This peaceful, wildlife-dense setting features a blend of ebony woodland and open plains, creating the perfect environment for regular sightings of elephants, giraffes, and a wealth of other species right from camp. It’s not unusual to watch elephants crossing the river from the bar or drinking at the nearby waterhole while you enjoy breakfast or an evening sundowner.

Ideally positioned for easy access to the famed Mfuwe SectorSouth Luangwa’s most accessible and game-rich region—Nkwali offers guests front-row seats to some of the valley’s most renowned wildlife encounters. The Mfuwe Sector is celebrated for its exceptional leopard sightings and for being home to Thornicroft’s giraffe, an iconic species endemic to the Luangwa Valley.

With Nkwali open from April to December, it provides one of the longest operating seasons in the region, allowing visitors to experience the park through multiple phases of the dry season.

The camp itself is intimate, hosting just twelve guests in spacious, breezy chalets built from woven bamboo and thatch. Each chalet features a beautifully designed open-air bathroom crafted from molded clay, blending comfort with an authentic bush atmosphere. Shared spaces—including the thatched dining area and riverfront bar—are equally airy and welcoming, offering sweeping views and opportunities for wildlife watching throughout the day.

Activities focus on exploring the Mfuwe Sector by day and night with highly trained guides. Open-vehicle game drives reveal abundant predators, herbivores, birdlife, and nocturnal species, ensuring memorable sightings across varied habitats.

For families or small groups seeking extra privacy, Robin’s House, located nearby on the riverbank, offers an exclusive retreat with two bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen, and superb river views.

Nkwali Camp Gallery

Your stay- what you need to know

Nkwali Lodge
Prime Riverfront Setting

Perched on a wide bend of the Luangwa River, Nkwali offers superb panoramic river views and frequent wildlife sightings from the bar, dining area and riverbank.

Private Land & Rich Habitat

Set on Robin Pope’s private land, the camp is surrounded by ebony woodland and open grasslands — exceptional terrain for game viewing right from camp.

Access to Mfuwe Sector and South Luangwa

With easy access to the Mfuwe Sector, guests enjoy outstanding chances to see leopard and the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe, plus a wealth of general game.

Intimate Chalets & Authentic Design

Six spacious A-frame chalets (max 12 guests) crafted from woven bamboo and thatch, each with generous open-air en-suite clay bathrooms for an authentic bush experience.

Expert Day & Night Game Drives

Fully guided open-vehicle game drives and night drives led by experienced guides provide superb wildlife encounters across diverse habitats.

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Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

More South Luangwa Camps & Lodges

South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife regions, renowned for its rich biodiversity and exceptional safari experiences. Here are further recommendations for where to stay when exploring the South Luangwa ecosystem.

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