fall asleep under canvas
A small but passionate team with over 35 years’ experience exploring Zambia. They don’t have millionaire investors or overseas headquarters, but they do have a deep love for what they do and a passion for sharing the magic of the South Luangwa National Park with you.
Location
Tucked away in the northern reaches of South Luangwa National Park beside the peaceful Mushilashi River, Nkonzi Camp feels like a private wilderness sanctuary. With just four tents nestled under ancient mahogany trees, it offers a true sense of seclusion and escape.
Rooms
The tents at Nkonzi are effortlessly comfortable, combining classic safari style with thoughtful touches. Crisp linens, wooden beds, and soft lighting create a cosy, relaxed vibe. The open-air bathrooms, complete with hot bucket showers, bring you closer to nature without compromising on privacy or comfort. You’ll enjoy lounging on the shady daybeds, feeling part of the landscape but with all the little comforts you need.
Amenities
The camp’s welcoming Meru-style tent is the perfect spot to unwind. Whether it’s sharing stories over a sundowner at the bush bar or curling up with a good book in the library nook, there’s a warm, intimate atmosphere throughout. One of our favourite features is the wildlife hide by the natural spring, a tranquil place to watch elephants, buffalo, and colourful birdlife come to drink, often just a few steps away.
Activities
Nkonzi is made for those who love to explore on foot. Guided walking safaris here are exceptional - tracking wildlife through riverine forests and open plains, with chances to see everything from leopard and lion to wild dog and elephant. Game drives are flexible and intimate, often venturing into quiet corners of the park not often visited by others. You’ll love the personal feel of the safari here, with expert guides and small groups making every moment special.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of Nkonzi. The camp is entirely solar-powered, built with locally sourced materials, and committed to low-impact living. Guests’ stays contribute directly to local conservation and community projects, including the Chipembele Education Trust and the Zambian Carnivore Project. Additionally, funds are allocated to Conservation South Luangwa, an organization which each year rescues hundreds of animals from illegal snares, works with local communities to limit wildlife-human conflict, and leads numerous vital anti-poaching patrols.
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Best places to stay in South Luangwa
South Luangwa Trip Inspiration
When to go to Zambia
Find out the best time to visit Zambia with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a good time to visit Victoria Falls, but the rest of the country is very humid and wet leading to many camps shutting during January.
February
February remains wet, so its a good month to visit the thundering Victoria Falls, however only a few camps stay open for boating and walking. The rains have created lush vegetation, during this time of year it is alive with the sound of migratory birds in their breeding plumage, an excellent time for birders to visit Zambia.
March
If you want to witness Vic Falls at its fullest, March is the month to visit, with huge volumes of spray often obscuring the view. The birding is still magnificent in March, and camps offer fantastic value for money as there are no crowds.
April
In April the weather starts to dry, however rain remains a prominent feature of April. In the Lower Zambezi National Park, lush vegetation is at its thickest making animals more difficult to spot. April is seen to be the best time of year to witness the rarely seen Wild Dog in South Luangwa National Park.
May
May is a mixed month, the onset of the dry season means rains are unlikely, however access to certain camps is tricky due to sodden grounds. Game viewing in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi begin to improve as the vegetation things and waterholes begin to dry up, forcing wildlife together.
June
June is a great time to visit Zambia, the ground starts to dry out and camps are offering excellent deals and there are few visitors to share safari vehicles so you may have some areas to yourself.
July
July is high season, temperatures rise and all the camps are officially open. If you want to see game then South Luangwa is the best option, whereas the Lower Zambezi is perfect for river cruises and fishing.
Victoria falls is at its best, without being overly wet and clouded with spray.
August
August's hot and dry weather kicks off what Zambia is famous for, walking safaris. It is the prime time to combine game viewing with Victoria Falls.
September
Temperatures sore in September reaching high 20's making the long days particularly pleasant. This month sees Carmine Bee Eaters arrive, flocks of hundreds nest in river banks providing a thrilling spectacle of colour and sound.
October
October sees temperatures sore again, game viewing is best done in the early mornings to avoid the hot midday sun.
November
November brings the start of the rainy season, but the good news is the sporadic showers are not too disruptive and visitors get to see dramatic skies and stormy skies brewing. Temperatures are high and it can be humid, but the mixed weather brings great value stays. Plus many young animals are being born, making it a fantastic time to see the parks come to life.
December
The rainy season is in full force in December, grasslands begin to lengthen, foliage thickens and game viewing becomes a little trickier. The rivers rise and dependant on water levels travellers can visit 'devils pool' at Vic Falls, providing high excitement and a head for heights needed if you want to get close to the drop off.
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Alistair
Tamara
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