South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Nkwali is located on the banks of the Luangwa on a magnificent meander in the river overlooking the National Park where leopards roam along the bank and can often be spotted from camp.
Situated on Robin Pope Safaris’ private land outside the park there is a private game viewing area behind camp as well as exclusive access into the park either by boat or across the pontoon. Nkwali is dominated by an enormous ebony tree around which the bar is molded. It is this tree which, when Robin and Jo Pope found it cemented the location of the camp.
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Watch the Nkwali video for a short introduction
Nkwali is a small intimate and authentic camp and is the ideal start off point to any safari with a few more creature comforts than the bush camps to help ease people into the African way of life. Nkwali's six chalets are spacious and during the day are fully open to wonderful river views, in the evenings the Constantia grill doors are pulled together to close the open room fronts. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious with double sinks and showers from which you can enjoy the enormous African skies.
Nkwali is dominated by an enormous ebony tree around which the bar is molded. It is this tree which, when Robin and Jo Pope found it cemented the location of the camp. From the bar deck cantilevered over the river a cool drink can be enjoyed whilst watching the sun set over the Luangwa. Set back from the river on a lagoon are the dining room and swimming pool from which guests are often treated to elephants and other game coming down to drink during the day unperturbed by our presence.
Activities on offer include guided walking safaris, game drives (day and night), guests can also take a cultural/village tour, visit Chimpembele Wildlife Orphanage, a local market, and Tribal Textiles. Although the camp is outside the national park, we access the park by either by boat (2 minutes) or our nearby pontoon (10 minutes). And of course the main bridge is only 15 minutes away - giving us 3 options for entry. We therefore easily cover a large game viewing area from Nkwali. This central area of the park is accessible all year and so the game is very relaxed and used to the vehicles. This gives great photographic opportunities as the game allows the vehicles to get close.
Even though the camp is situated outside the National Park this does not impact on the game viewing with private land offering large diversity of wildlife behind the camp for short game drives and exclusive access directly into the park by boat or by using the pontoon for most of the activities. We do occasionally use the main gate for guests staying with us for extended periods of time as well as for game drive transfers up to the bush camps.
Responsible Tourism
Operating lodges and camps in protected ecosystems in Africa alongside local indigenous communities and wildlife comes with a great deal of responsibility.
Robin Pope Safaris is committed to responsible tourism. We conduct our business in a manner that benefits the environment and wildlife conservation, the people who work for us, and our neighboring communities. In this way our tourism operations, and the presence of our guests, has the capacity to protect natural wildlife areas, alleviate poverty through good employment practices and contribute positively to the local community. We work together with community development, wildlife conservation and responsible tourism specialists to ensure that we operate in accordance with these principles.
Caring for the environment
Robin Pope Safaris takes pro-active steps to ensure that we run in an environmentally responsible manner. This is important in protecting the fragile ecosystems upon which the wildlife and local people rely upon for their survival and in which we operate.
Steps we take:
Wildlife Conservation
Robin Pope Safaris undertakes many activities, and supports a diversity of projects that contribute to the conservation and protection of wildlife. We also ensure that wildlife and their habitats are not disturbed by our operations.
Activities we undertake:
Professionally Trained & Highly Qualified Safari Guides
Our guides are trained to the highest possible standards and all have professional safari guiding qualifications.
Anti-Poaching
In Zambia we financially support the vital anti-poaching activities of Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) in order to keep South Luangwa’s wildlife safe from poachers.
We also support both financially and practically our local Kakumbi Community Resource Board.
In Zimbabwe we support the Zambezi Elephant Fund. This fund works with local authorities, as well as a collaborative group of alliance partners to maintain a strong anti-poaching presence.
Carnivore Research The Luangwa Valley is home to Zambia’s second largest wild dog population, its largest lion population and one of its largest leopard populations.
Conservation Education
Changing ‘hearts and minds’ of community members living alongside wildlife to understand the importance and value of wildlife are crucial in its conservation.
Support of Government Wildlife Bodies
Robin Pope Safaris supports the conservation efforts of the Zambian, Malawian and Zimbabwean governments through the payment of tourism levies and fees, by reporting snared animals to the wildlife authorities, promoting the protection of fish species along Lake Malawi National Park and by assisting their operations with vehicles and resources when needed.
Community benefit
For over 30 years, we have been committed to ensuring that our local communities benefit from our presence through employment. We understand the interdependence between local communities and the wildlife and natural resources that tourism depends upon. As we operate in rural areas that lack other development opportunities, we are in a great position to impact positively on local people’s lives.
Healthcare
Robin Pope Safaris founded the Luangwa Safari Association Medical Fund, which contributes to the upkeep of the government’s rural Kakumbi Health Centre; which provides healthcare for more than 20 000 residents.
Education
Robin Pope Safaris believes that investing in education provision in the local community is one of the best contributions we can make to our neighbours. Education is key to ending the cycle of poverty in rural African communities.
Trade Not Aid
We purchase as many locally available supplies as possible to stimulate local trade. We also contract local craftsmen for new buildings and in the refurbishment of our existing properties and support local artisans by selling their wares in our gift shops.
With our active support, community members from Kawaza Village set up and manage the first authentic cultural village tourism enterprise in Zambia. We encourage trade with Kawaza Village and are their main supplier of guests, marketing them internationally through our website and our tour operator partners and acting as their Booking Agent.
Caring for our staff
To care for our staff, we ensure high standard treatment, fair wages, and good working conditions as well as access to education and training. We employ solely on the basis of merit and employ local staff in all areas of our operations.
Training & Promotion
We have a number of training mechanisms in place for our staff and have a policy of in-house development and promotion from bottom to top.
We always reward good work and encourage our staff to further their education – both through our in-house training courses and externally. We sponsor employees that show high commitment and potential to develop themselves to senior management level.
The following camps compliment Nkwali well, and should be considered when extending an itinerary.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
305 Booty Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Tel: (757) 428 1166 / Fax: (757) 428 0554 / Toll Free: 1 800 322 3867