Nkwali Camp
South Luangwa National Park
Accommodation
Nkwali Camp is situated halfway between the South Luangwa River and a small oxbow lagoon, which is reached via a small bridge leading onto a meadow and down to the river, where the six rooms and the camp's main building are located.
Three rooms, one of which is for families, sit either side of the main building. The rooms have stone floors, stone walls and thatched roofs; the walls are a little low and guests have little privacy in the bathroom, particularly as the rooms are built very close together. The rooms are completely open towards the front; a trellis is raised and curtains are closed in the evenings.
The main building comprises a bar, lounge and a fire pit where breakfast is served. Close to the lagoon is a swimming pool and covered patio where lunch and dinner is served.
Location
Nkwali Camp is situated outside South Luangwa National Park, approximately 1 hour from Mfuwe Airport. The road turns left just before the main bridge and leads south along the river. The camp is located right on the riverbank.
Wildlife
Baboons hang out at the camp and a mongoose family uses it as a racecourse. Lion, leopard and hyena are relatively easy to find, wild dog less so. The Luangwa River flows past the front door and plays host to crocodile and hippo. This region is also home to elephant, buffalo, zebra, kudu, impala, puku and a large variety of birdlife, particularly large colonies of bee-eaters.
Activities
The camp offers game drives in an open 4x4 vehicle, walks with armed rangers and a village visit (Kawaza Village) - guests may even spend a night in the village if they wish.
Game drives take place around the camp or in the park itself. The park is accessed via pontoon, which is pulled across the river by two men. The park can be driven into from the same spot when the water is low. Alternatively, guests can jump in a motorboat and traverse the river at Nkwali before getting straight into a vehicle waiting at the other side.
Good to know
Thornicroft's giraffe, Cookson's wildebeest and Crawshay's zebra are unique to South Luangwa National Park.
