Luxury Hotel Review: Nkwali Bush Camp, Zambia

March 11, 2014 | By Donna Evans

Nkwali Camp

There are many wonderful luxury camps in Zambia, but one of the greatest finds is a very special bush camp located not far from Mfuwe. Nkwali is well staffed and well located on the beautiful Luangwa River which divides it from the Luangwa National Park. While this park doesn’t have the traditional “Big Five” game animals, it does have what I’d call the “Amazing Five”.

European Storks

The Thornycroft Giraffe makes its home here, as do Painted Dogs, Cookson’s Wildebeest (with an underlying pink hue), Craw Shay’s zebra, and the migration of the European storks. Additionally, the South Luangwa shows its spectacular bird life when the rainy season comes around, with crowned cranes, herons, bee eaters, rollers and Pei’s fishing owl.

Now if you are marveling at the thought of wildlife including leopards, hippos, lions, elephants and numerous types of antelopes, imagine staying at a tent overlooking the river with a full open view during the day and all the necessary amenities ensuite. Enjoy the net-covered bed and the sounds of the birds and animals as you drift off to sleep in your wonderful room, complete with robes, power outlets, and a writing desk. You will also have a personal water bottle which you may keep as a souvenir when you depart. It is filled whenever you like with purified water.

Animals occasionally wander through the camp and playful baboons help themselves to bread during lunch. The food is creative and tasty; the staff is attentive and happy. The swimming pool sits next to a lagoon covered with greenery that the elephants find very tasty, and they often come into camp for a drink and a snack.

When looking for adventure off the beaten path, why not visit Nkwali and enjoy the adventure of Africa in bush camp style?