Sample Zambia Family Safari

Nkwali Camp is built on the banks of the meandering Luangwa River overlooking the South Luangwa National Park on the opposite bank, where leopards can often be spotted from camp. This is superb game-viewing country with a beautiful area of ebony woodland and open grass plains.

Nkwali offers understated elegance, superb service and makes a great first stop in the South Luangwa before you continue on to the wilder parts of the park, as the transfer time from the airport is only an easy 40 minutes.

This small and intimate camp has an unusual bar encircling an enormous ebony tree and a sitting area under thatch cantilevered over the river. Here you can drink in the serene views whilst watching the sun set over the river. Set back from the river on a lagoon is the dining room where you can often see elephants and other game coming down to drink during the day unperturbed by our presence.

The six thatched and woven bamboo chalets at Nkwali are very simply furnished, cool and spacious. During the day they are open to enjoy the magnificent river views but in the evening can be fully closed. Each has an en suite semi-open bathroom with a large open air shower to enjoy the enormous African skies, but an enclosed toilet. There's a honeymoon suite which has a separate sitting room (which can double up as a family suite). A short distance away is a secluded swimming pool with changing room,

As with other camps in the central area of the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali is open all year round. The fact that Nkwali is not IN the park itself is no problem as Nkwali has exclusive access into the park either by boat in summer, or by their quirky pontoon right next to the camp. As the dry season progresses, the 4x4 game vehicles are even able to ford the Luangwa River using a series of sandbags which is always an adrenalin rush for guests!

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Nkwali Camp Credit: Robin Pope Safaris Nkwali Camp bar and breakfast area

Nkwali Camp Credit: Robin Pope Safaris Nkwali Camp view from the Park

Nkwali Camp Credit: Robin Pope Safaris Spacious rooms

Nkwali Camp Credit: David Rogers Private open fronted chalets looking onto the Luangwa and Park

Nkwali Camp Credit: Dana Allan Cosy yet spacious honeymoon suit

Nkwali Camp Credit: David Rogers Boating the Luangwa in the Emerald Season

Nkwali Camp Credit: David Rogers Entrance to camp

Nkwali pool area Credit: Robin Pope Safaris Nkwali pool area

Nkwali Camp Credit: Robin Pope Safaris Game drives in the Park

Nkwali Camp Credit: Robin Pope Safaris Chilling with the ellies

Nkwali Camp Credit: Robin Pope Safaris Game viewing experience

Nkwali Camp Credit: Robin Pope Safaris Breakfast at Nkwali

Nkwali Camp Credit: Robin Pope Safaris Nkwali bar views across the Luangwa onto the Park

Nkwali Camp Credit: Robin Pope Safaris Boating in the Emerald Season

Chalet

The 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.

Property Facilities

24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool

Room Facilities

Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah

Available Services

Airport Shuttle (Complimentary)

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Boating, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)

Activities Nearby

Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours

Game drive Boating Safari Walking Safari

Game drive

Seasonal Boating

Walking Safari

Africa has a spellbinding effect on most first time travellers. Many who have grown up on this continent will tell you that Africa will stay in their blood forever, no matter where they might end up in the world - it is home. In the heart of the African subcontinent lies a destination known as "the real Africa". This is Zambia, where you will find remote wilderness areas, breath taking scenery, wildlife in abundance and a kind hearted people. There, in the midst of the unspoiled African bush, on the northern bank of the Zambezi River, directly opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pools World Heritage Site, you will discover Baines' River Camp.

This true colonial style safari lodge, named after the famous artist and explorer Thomas Baines, offers a wide variety of activities in and around the Lower Zambezi National Park, including specialized photographic workshops, fly fishing clinics, elephant studies and birding weeks, each hosted by internationally renowned expert guides who are passionate about the African bush and their subject.

The tranquil setting, intimate atmosphere of the camp, luxury Explorer Suites and dedicated pilot accommodation make the camp the ideal location for corporate getaways or an unforgettable holiday.

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Baines' River Camp Credit: David Rogers The lodge is situated on the northern bank of the Zambezi River, offering an exquisite view towards Mana Pools World Heritage site

Baines' River Camp Baines offers accommodation to a maximum of 16 guests in 8 individual suites.

Baines' River Camp | Activities Credit: Roger de la Harpe Enjoy game viewing by boat, canoe or vehicle. Other activities included sport angling, sundowner cruises and walking safaris.

Baines' River Camp | Activities Enjoy game viewing by boat, canoe or vehicle. Other activities included sport angling, sundowner cruises and walking safaris.

Baines' River Camp | Activities Enjoy game viewing by boat, canoe or vehicle.

Baines' River Camp | Sundowners Credit: David Rogers End your day in the bush off watching the sun set over the Zambezi River and its escarpment.

Baines' River Camp | Sundowners End your day in the bush off watching the sun set over the Zambezi River and its escarpment.

Baines' River Camp 3 suites are located in close proximity to the main lodge whereas the remaining 5 are situated in more secluded areas.

Baines' River Camp | Main Lodge Credit: Adriaan Louw The main lodge resembles one big verandah, offering various intimate corners

Baines' River Camp | Suites Credit: Adriaan Louw Baines offers accommodation to a maximum of 16 guests in 8 individual suites. 3 suites are located in close proximity to the main lodge whereas the remaining 5 are situated in more secluded areas.

Explorer Suite (King Beds)

Explorer Suites

Each elegantly furnished Explorer Suite offers:
A spacious bedroom with King size (XL) bed, which can be converted to twins, a writing desk, a leather occasional chair with footstool
A bath & dressing room with double basins, large walk-in shower, separate toilet
A river-facing veranda with a 2 metre sofa, occasional chair, coffee table

Two of these Suites offer additional outside showers and are usually allocated to honeymooners or guests celebrating a special event.

General amenities include air-conditioning (operational during generator hours), ceiling fan, coffee and tea making facilities, hairdryer, personal safe, luxury bathroom amenities, personal insect repellent, torch, whistle to attract the attention of a watchman in case of an emergency.

Property Facilities

24-hour Security, Bar, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah

Available Services

Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, Kayaking, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)

Activities Nearby

Bird Watching, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cultural Tours, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Kayaking / Paddling, River Cruises, Safaris, Walks (Guided)

Game Drive River Cruises Sunset cruises Tiger Fishing Canoe Safaris Walking Safaris

Your best chance to see and photograph predators, large herds of buffalo etc. is on a game drive in an open viewing vehicle.

When possible, our guests enjoy the use of a private vehicle and dedicated guide.

Best time to visit: June - November

River cruises make for relaxed game viewing, photography and bird watching. You will be entertained by baboons, hippo, elephant, crocodiles,water buck
and the occasional buffalo on the river bank and the Zambezi’s various islands.

Best time to visit: 01 March – 30 November

Sunset cruises make for a spectacular end to a day in the bush. (01 March – 15 December)

Anglers visit the Zambezi River especially to catch Tiger Fish, a fearsome game fish. Strict catch and release policy. (01 September – 30 November)

Canoe safaris give a totally different perspective to the African wilderness. (01 June – 15 December)

Walking safaris are not for the faint-hearted and are best suited during winter months. On a walking safari the focus is mainly on tracks, vegetation, birds,

butterflies etc. (01 June – 30 September)

Waterberry Zambezi Lodge, Zambia, is a small friendly lodge just 30-40 minutes from Victoria Falls in the heart of the bush. Unlike the other ‘smarter’ lodges on the river, Waterberry and its guests relish in its informal relaxed style. The real beauty of Waterberry is that it is within easy reach of Livingstone and the Falls. But well away from helicopters and microlights. And the general buzz of a busy town.

The lodge lies on the banks of the spectacular Zambezi River with wonderful views to the Zimbabwe game reserve on the opposite bank of Zambia. The lodge is very proud of its cuisine. With meals usually enjoyed alfresco, served in the bush or enjoy a barbecue cooked under the stars of Zambia.

Waterberry Zambezi Lodge has a range of seven comfortable en suite rooms. Some are close to the river and some overlook the garden or the private dam. All are open to the high thatch (which is cooling in the hot sun). All are equipped with comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms, mosquito nets,  fans and air conditioning. Outside each has a private deck for relaxing with a good book, a spot of bird-watching or even a private dinner. The lakeside rooms can accommodate an extra bed. The family chalet has two inter-leading bedrooms.

Waterberry is the perfect place to truly relax. Choose between the large terrace, the floating sun deck, the upstairs viewing lounge or around the large swimming pool which is surrounded by landscaped gardens. The floating sundeck is perfect for sun-downers, fishing or even a private candlelit dinner on request. Want to be a little active? There’s a guide nature trail around the lake to see birds and small wildlife species.

Another attractive feature of Waterberry Zambezi Lodge is that you can choose between taking the partially inclusive rate which includes all meals, airport transfers, local drinks and one guided activity per day. Or the fully inclusive rate with two activities per day. Activities include a guided tour of the Falls, boat cruise at sunrise or sunset, fishing, island picnic, guided birding, guided village walk or guided tour of the town & local markets.

A highlight of many stays is the village visit to a completely uncommercial local village. This is where many of the staff live and where Waterberry has built and manages the local primary school.

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Waterberry Zambezi Lodge seen from the river Almost hidden amongst the trees, the beautiful riverside setting for Waterberry Lodge

Waterberry - the restaurant deck overlooking the Zambezi Waterberry - Informal lunchtime on the restaurant deck overlooking the Zambezi.

Waterberry dining terrace Waterberry - Good food is so important, all special diet requests are discussed on booking and on arrival.

Waterberry Lodge swimming pool Waterberry - The pool set amongst the lawns and beautiful gardens surrounded by sun loungers

Waterberry - lounge/dining terrace and upstairs viewing lounge Waterberry - Dine, lounge or rest overlooking the Zambezi

Waterberry Rooms Heron and Jacana Waterberry - Cottages surrounded by lawns and gardens overlooking the private dam

Waterberry Upstairs Viewing Lounge Waterberry - The upstairs viewing lounge with fantastic views over the Zambezi

Waterberry - Wagtail and Sunbird Cottages Waterberry rooms surrounded by trees and lawns and overlooking the private dam

Waterberry lawns The lodge lawn overlooks the Zambezi and the national park beyond

Inside the Woodlands tents at Waterberry Luxury safari tents in the Waterberry private conservation area. Superking bed, seating area with sofa and desk, bar fridge and tea and coffee station, thatched shower room extension with shower, basin, dressing area, storage.

The Woodlands tents in the Waterberry conservation area The Woodlands - Luxurious classic safari tent in the beautiful gardens and conservation area at Waterberry.

The Woodlands Lounge Exclusively for Woodlanders and friends - lounge and dining area

Waterberry Lodge - Lodge Cottages The Woodlands at Waterberry - Forest Tents The River Farmhouse at Waterberry

The Waterberry cottages are set around lawns, gardens and the Zambezi riverbank. Named after birds found around the lodge, these are lovely cool rooms open to the high thatch. All have private terraces and are en-suite with air conditioning, ceiling fan, mosquito nets, private terrace, inside and outside lounge seating, wifi, toiletries, hairdryer, gowns, water, hand sanitiser. Private dining on the terrace is available on request.

The versatile cottages are doubles, twins or triples with one two-storey family house that is particularly good for families.

Originally set up for birders, The Woodlands proved so popular that the tents are now available to those wanting to be in the wild without sacrificing comfort and luxury.

The three 40m2 safari tents are furnished as doubles or twins, with lounge seating inside and out, plenty of space for clothes and luggage, a private veranda garden, a separate dressing room with hanging and shelves, and en suite shower room.

Guests enjoy breakfast at The Woodlands either at their tent or on the central dining veranda. Other meals are served in the Waterberry restaurant, a couple of hundred metres walk away along sandy paths round the private dam, the swimming pool and other lodge facilities are also for Woodlanders. Private dining can be arranged at The Woodlsnds on request.

There is a permanent waiter/groundsman/guard in attendance.

The Woodland is also available for exclusive use for a minimum of 4 guests.

A private, fully serviced house for exclusive use by groups of family or friends, River Farmhouse has three ensuite bedrooms and one two-bedrooms suite.

South and East doubles have a river view, French windows opening onto the terrace and en suite bath/shower rooms. North is a two-bedroom suite with views over the gardens, West is a double/twin overlooking the gardens, with an en suite shower room. All bedrooms have ceiling fans, mosquito nets and air conditioning.

The lounge has comfortable sofas and chairs with amazing views over the terrace, pool and river to the game park beyond. There’s a fireplace for cold evenings and air conditioning for warm ones. In the kitchen off the lounge chef and kitchen team prepare meals to serve inside or outside depending on the weather and guest preference.

On the shady terrace guests can dine, relax and stay cool out of the hot sunshine or warm up with braziers on cold evenings.

The large infinity pool overlooks the Zambezi and the game park beyond whre elephants and game often come to the river to drink.

And for people who just can’t bear to leave the world behind there’s wifi – for downloading great birding, stargazing and other apps to help you make the most of what you see.

Waterberry Zambezi Lodge The River Farmhouse at Waterberry Lodge The Woodlands at Waterberry - Forest Tents

With seven thatched cottages set in beautiful gardens or along the riverbank, Waterberry is famous for good service, great foot and the very best of Zambian hospitality.

Each thatched cottage is different. All are en suite with a private terrace and inside lounge seating. Furnished in clean colorful style, with huge comfortable beds made by our local craftsmen, each room has air conditioning, ceiling fan and electric blankets for cold nights and a safe for personal belongings.

The en suite shower rooms are stocked with toiletries, bathrobes and a hair dryer,

The rooms have a mix of double, twin and triple beds with one family unit (Owl House) having two en suite bedrooms and a lounge.

The central dining area has sundecks overlooking the Zambezi, and a shady upstairs lounge.

A swimming pool is in the middle of the beautiful gardens and guests can walk around the marked paths beside the private lake.

THE RIVER FARMHOUSE - 1 private safari house with 4 bedrooms sleeping 8-10

A private, fully serviced house for exclusive use by groups of family or friends, River Farmhouse has four bedrooms, two doubles and two doubles/twins with the option of extra guests in the lounge annexe.

South and East doubles have a river view, French windows opening onto the terrace and en suite bath/shower rooms. North and West doubles/twins have en suite shower rooms overlooking the gardens. All bedrooms have ceiling fans, mosquito nets and air conditioning.

The L-shaped lounge has comfortable sofas and chairs with amazing views over the terrace, pool and river to the game park beyond. There’s a fireplace for cold evenings and air conditioning for warm ones. In the kitchen off the lounge chef prepares meals to serve inside or outside depending on the weather and guest preference.

On the shady terrace guests can dine, relax and stay cool out of the hot sunshine or warm up with braziers on cold evenings.

The large infinity pool overlooks the Zambezi and the game park beyond.

And for people who just can’t bear to leave the world behind there’s wifi – for downloading great birding, stargazing and other apps to help you make the most of what you see.

THE WOODLANDS - A FOREST CAMP WITH 3 TENTS

The latest addition to the Waterberry accommodation. Originally set up for birders, The Woodlands proved so popular that the tents are now available to those wanting that special wilderness feeling without sacrificing comfort and luxury.

The three 40m2 safari tents are furnished as doubles or twins, with lounge seating inside and out, plenty of storage for clothes and luggage, a private veranda garden, and a fully en suite bathroom with basin, shower and toilet, a safe for personal belongings and a bar fridge.

Guests enjoy breakfast at The Woodlands either at their tent or on the central dining veranda. Other meals are served in the Waterberry restaurant, a couple of hundred metres walk away along sandy paths round the private dam, the swimming pool and other lodge facilities are also for Woodlanders.

The Woodland has a permanent waiter/groundsman/guard in attendance.

The Woodland is also available for exclusive use as a unit for family and friends wanting to holiday privately with exclusive service.

Property Facilities

24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant, Secure Parking

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah

Available Services

Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Room Service

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fishing, Game Viewing, Walks (Self Guided)

Activities Nearby

Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Golf, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Horse-back Safaris, Museums, Rhino Tracking, River Cruises, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Sky Diving, Tree-top Canopy Tours, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours

Zambezi River Cruises Community Projects Visit Visit Victoria Falls Guided Birding Livingstone Town and Market Tour

Nothing beats drifting down the Zambezi at sunset. Listen to the sound of the river settling in for the night. Baboons and monkeys climbing to safe-haven perches high in the trees, flocks of birds heading to their night-time roost. Herds of elephant and buffalo coming down for an evening drink, hippos grunting and splashing around, jostling for the best position in the water. This is what you'll do on your first night at Waterberry - sundowner in one hand, camera in the other. Bliss.

At dawn the Zambezi wakes - completely still with mist rising from the waters, this is a magical time to set out in a small boat with hot water bottle and blankets and hot coffee to see the sun rise as the birds setting out for their daytime feeding grounds.

Our village guide lives in the community and will show guests how rural Zambians lead their lives in this completely noncommercial setting. Followed by curious children guests will see our school and education areas, the village library and the community farm that are part funded by the village walks.

Waterberry's owners have built a school, library and adult education centre, and given land for a community farm opened during the pandemic to help provide food for the village. From a mud and stick classroom in 2009 to recognition of the school as a regional exam centre, the community projects programme is at the heart of Waterberry.

Victoria Falls never ceases to amaze. Flowing over 1.6km of sheer cliff between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the huge body of water changes with every season. High water in the early part of the year floods with absolutely astonishing force, shaking buildings miles away, releasing massive spray and vast double rainbows. In the dry season, from late October until early January, the huge 100m deep canyon is exposed with boiling rapids and views to the fast running cataract on the west side.

Walking the paths around the Falls is an unmatched, awe-inspiring experience. We think everyone should see the Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, because they are very different experiences.

Waterberry's expert bird guides take guests around the 1km Waterberry riverbank and through the wooded areas to see our amazing collection of birds. Keen birders can also visit Mosi O Tunya Park. A dawn cruise on the Zambezi reveals flocks of birds leaving their night time roost and heading for their daytime feeding grounds.

Livingstone was the capital of Zambia at the beginning of the 20th century, and some fascinating architecture remains. In the Museum guests can actually pull out and read David Livingstone's handwritten letters. At Maramba Market local Zambians shop for food, beautiful fabrics and literally everything!