The perfect Zambian welcome
The attention to detail and service provided by the team at Nkwali is exceptional and makes this a truly wonderful experience.
Location
Nkwali Camp enjoys a privileged position just outside South Luangwa National Park, along a peaceful curve of the Luangwa River. This quieter, private side of the river means you’ll often have the view and the wildlife all to yourself. Elephants regularly wander past, and you’re only a short hop across the water from one of Zambia’s most wildlife-rich regions.
Rooms
The six chalets at Nkwali are simple, spacious, and designed to immerse you in the sounds and rhythms of the bush. Made from woven bamboo and thatch, with open-air en-suite bathrooms and wide views over the river, they allow guests to enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush in comfort.
Amenities
The heart of camp is the open-sided lounge and dining area, where guests gather for relaxed meals with a view. There’s a small pool to cool off during the heat of the day, and in the green season, boat safaris add a new perspective to your adventures. Thoughtful details like freshly baked bread, cold drinks waiting after your drive, and river-facing sundowners, make the experience quietly luxurious.
Activities
Game drives and walking safaris here are outstanding, led by some of Zambia’s most experienced guides. The area around Nkwali is known for frequent leopard sightings and a rich variety of game, especially during the dry season. You’ll also have the chance to visit nearby communities supported by the camp, a lovely way to connect with the people who call this wild place home.
Sustainability
Nkwali is part of Robin Pope Safaris, whose long-standing commitment to conservation and community is woven into everything they do. The camp runs on solar power, follows sustainable building practices, and supports vital anti-poaching work through Conservation South Luangwa. Every guest benefits from the camp’s strong partnership with the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) - you’ll even meet their field team for an introduction at camp, gaining insight into their work monitoring lions, leopards, wild dogs, and other predators.
Let one of our experts help your craft an unforgettable experience
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.
Speak to a Zambia expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Alistair
Tamara
Plan with an expert
Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your travel ideas, or call (888) 445-2912
A tailor-made itinerary just for you
Our experts will send you a detailed itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.
Value guarantee
Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.