Bush Honeymoon Shoulder Season 12N

Gavin Opie, who leads most of the walking safaris from Nkonzi Camp, describes a walking safari -

"Being on a walking safari removes any barriers between you and the environment. On a drive, those barriers may be minimal, but you are still one step removed from what is going on around you. When walking, you are better able to take it all in. you feel the earth and smell the air. Not only are you able to observe many aspects of the bush that you miss, when on drive, but you also experience a greater connection – a deeper appreciation of where you are and the significance of the environment you are in. There is no greater thrill than approaching lions from downwind or observing elephants walking past you on their way to water. It can’t be described, you have to experience it!"

Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Nkonzi Camp Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Walking safari at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Nkonzi Camp features two hides designed for immersive wildlife viewing. The first hide is strategically located next to a permanent water source, easily accessible by vehicle or on foot during a walking safari. This prime location has yielded incredible wildlife sightings over the years, including lions, elephants, wild dogs, and an abundance of birdlife. It’s a fantastic spot for avid photographers and nature enthusiasts alike to observe these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.

The second hide is conveniently situated within the camp itself, providing guests the freedom to visit at their leisure. This hide offers a tranquil space to watch the local birdlife while enjoying the sounds of nature.

Additionally, directly opposite the camp lies a well-frequented waterhole, where a wide variety of wildlife often gather. From the comfort of your safari tent, you can catch glimpses of animals coming to quench their thirst. This unique setting allows for some prime game viewing right outside your door.

Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or new to safaris, these experiences promise to enhance your stay and create lasting memories.

Mushilashi spring hide Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Game viewing at Nkonzi Camp Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Nkonzi Camp Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Mushilashi spring hide Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Wild dogs at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

Views from Nkonzi Camp Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

African Barred Owlet Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Brown Hooded Kingfisher Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Departing camp at 6:00 AM, we set off in our open game viewers for an exhilarating full-day drive through the stunning landscapes of South Luangwa National Park. With ample time on our side, we’ll enjoy a scenic morning tea break and a leisurely lunch amidst nature, allowing you to relax in the heat of the day and absorb your surroundings.

The full-day safari gives us the opportunity to venture further into the park, exploring its incredibly diverse habitats. This significantly increases your chances of witnessing extraordinary wildlife sightings, including some of the park’s iconic animals in their natural behaviour.

As the day winds down, we aim to return to camp in time to bask in the breathtaking sunset unfolding before Nkonzi Camp, providing a perfect end to a day of adventure. Following the stunning views, you’ll be treated to an early dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients, allowing you to reflect on the day’s experiences with fellow guests.

This unforgettable day is sure to be one of the highlights of your stay at Nkonzi Camp and is guaranteed for those booking a stay of four nights or more. Join us for an adventure that promises both excitement and unforgettable memories.

All day drive at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

All day drive at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

All day drive at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

All day drive at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

All day drive lunch Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Leopard at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

Lions at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Start your day with an unforgettable morning game drive, departing from camp at 6:00 AM after enjoying a light breakfast set against the stunning backdrop of the dry riverbed in front of Nkonzi Camp. Our carefully designed open game viewers allow guests an unobstructed view of the spectacular birds, lush trees, and diverse wildlife that inhabit the surrounding area.

During the drive, we pause midway for a refreshing morning tea break in the shade. This is the perfect opportunity for guests to stretch their legs and indulge in a delicious homemade muffin or cookie while soaking in the natural beauty around them.

Morning game drives typically return to camp between 10:30 and 11:00 AM, providing you with ample time to relax, unwind, or enjoy a rejuvenating shower before gathering for lunch at midday.

Leopard at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz.

Game drives at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Nkonzi Camp game drive Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Nkonzi Camp game drive Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Hyena and Vultures at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

Nkonzi Camp game drive Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Wild dog at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Hippo at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz

Our afternoon safari begins with a departure from camp between 3:30 and 4:00 PM, depending on the season. After enjoying afternoon tea in camp, we set off. . As the sun begins to dip on the horizon, we'll take a leisurely pause for sundowners, giving you the chance to soak in the breathtaking beauty of an iconic African sunset.

Once the sun has fully set, we shift gears and continue our adventure under the stars. Equipped with powerful spotlights, we embark on a thrilling search for nocturnal animals as they come to life in the cooler evening air. This unique experience allows you to witness the park from a different perspective, unveiling the secrets of the night.

We aim to return to camp around 7:30 PM, allowing you just enough time to relax and share stories of the day’s adventures before gathering for dinner at 8:00 PM.

Nkonzi Camp Night Drives Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

South Luangwa night sky Credit: Artur Stankiewicz.

Nkonzi Camp night drive Credit: Artur Stankiewicz.

Nkonzi Camp Night Drives Credit: Artur Stankiewicz.

Wild Dog at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz.

Sunset at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Artur Stankiewicz.

Lion at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

Game drive at Gavin Opie Safaris Credit: Gavin Opie Safaris

After your morning Wake Up call of 'Knock Knock' at c. 5.00 a.m. (everything is optional!), there is time for a warming / refreshing cup of tea / coffee and home-made biscuits before you leave for c. 6.00 a.m.

Some of the primarily nocturnal predators are still active at this time of the day, so there is an excellent chance of coming across leopard or lion sightings, as well as seeing some of the many antelope and other animals such as the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe as well as some of the many elephant and buffalo.

Your experienced Guide will find an idea scenic spot for another tea / coffee break, before you meandar your way back to the lodge for mid-morning.

After your optional afternoon siesta, it is time for Afternoon Tea and the off for another trip to explore a different section of the amazing South Luangwa National Park, with its range of diverse habitats.
Perhaps this time you will across that pack of Wild Dogs, see a family of Elephants crossing the road right in front of you, or see a pride of lions feasting on a kill made earlier in the day.

Just before the sun sets, it is time to get ready for your Sundowner. An extra special experience at Chikunto Safari Lodge, the various of which will last a lifetime. Needs to be experienced rather than described.

Then it is time for your night game drive, in one of the only places in Africa that allows you to see predators like the lions and leopards in their natural hunting environment.

The Spotter on your vehicle will also give you the opportunity to see other nocturnal animals such as the Civets, Genets and Porcupines.

The South Luangwa National Park is rightly famous for being known as 'The home of the walking safari'.

There is no compulsion to go on a walking safari, but one can be arranged for you during you stay - anything from a 'gentle' 1 1/2 to 2 hours to a more extended experience.

In the company of an armed Scout from the National Park, your experienced Chikunto Guide will fascinate you with details on the local flora and fauna, pointing out and explaining the numerous animal tracks. Amongst other things, you will become an expert on elephant and hippo dung and their contributions to life in The Valley!

Although the larger animals tend to be more wary of people on foot than in a vehicle, you still have a reasonable chance of getting relatively close to some of the larger animals - your safety will always be the number one priority.
Another memory that stay with you forever.

This new 6 metre high platform provides stunning panoramic views out over the South Luangwa National Park, with the river itself and the setting sun directly in front of you.

Upgrading for a night or two the deluxe Stargazing & Sleep out Combination Suite allows you to combine having your own suite with direct private access to, and exclusive use of, the platform. With your own private sun lounger and Day Bed, plus the options of a private Sundowner, private dinner and your sleep out option you will be spoilt for choice on the memory front.

Imagine your private sundowner or dinner on that raised platform / deck, connecting with nature and each other, listening to the sounds of the hippos in the nearby Luangwa River and the noises of the African bush, with the sun slowly setting over the meandering river directly in front of you, stars above you, subtle lighting all around, drink in hand…
then waking the next morning to the dawn chorus and herds of puku or impala beneath you - memories for a lifetime.

Build in time during your visit to relax and to immerse yourself in being out in the bush, away from the stresses of 'normal' life.
Enjoy spending time by, or in, the unique salt-water counter-current swimming pool; lie out on the deck overlooking the waterhole, watching a wide variety of animals that come on a regular basis to quench their thirst; take time to relax in the spacious lounger area - see how many of the birds you can recognise in the voluminous Roberts Bird Guide or just sit at the bar and treat yourself to one of the premium drinks...

Take time to savour some of the delicious dishes that will be served up by the wonderful team in the kitchen.

Explore the wonderfully wild paths around and over Nankoma Island & connect with nature. The further you go the smaller you feel as you walk among massive Baobab trees. Venture off track to The Ancient Fig for a halfway break and soak in the enchanting natural beauty of this unspoiled paradise.

The main trail around the island is only 2.3km. Enjoy the thriving birdlife, look out for the elusive Red Duiker along the top path, Chameleons camouflaged in in trees, Monitor Lizards along the shore.

Early-birds will catch a stunning sunrise!

Explore the Marelli Archipelago by kayak - a great way to get out and explore the coves and coastal wildlife up close.

It takes around 45min-1hr around Nankoma Island, but for the more active and adventurous you can kayak all 3 islands in around 2.5 - 3 hours.

For a shorter kayak, there are rocky outcrops close to shore. Paddle around and spot all the different kinds of colourful fish. Other possible sightings: otters, monitor lizards, bird-life (especially Cormorants and African Fish-Eagles).

6 kayaks available: 4 single & 2 double.

Rarely does one have such effortless and immediate access to a site teaming with aquatic life. Just a few meters off the shore, experience Malawi’s renowned Cichlids in all their natural splendour. Famed for their vivid and vibrant colours, the Islands are home to species unique not only to Lake Malawi, but many to these islands! Look out for the Blue Zebra!

The best sites depend on lake levels and the time of year. Snorkel equipment is free to use for off-shore snorkeling. At an additional charge, snorkel trips can be arranged to Maleri and/or Nakantenga Islands.

Cruise around the Marelli islands and experience an awe inspiring Lake Malawi sunset out on the water - MGT (Malawi Gin & Tonic) or your sun downer of choice in hand. Every sunset is different & it's always an unforgettable event as the sun gently dips below the low lying Nkhotakota hills in the distance.

Malawi is world renowned as a birdwatchers paradise. The country boasts over 650 different species of birds, 10% of which are native species non-existent anywhere else on the globe.

Lake Malawi provides an ideal habitat for bird life has the highest concentration of African Fish Eagles on the continent. Their cry is heard frequently echoing across the skies over Nankoma Island.

There are over 350 species at the islands - best seen in the dry season. Take a bird check-list around the island and tick of how many you see.

Quite possibly the most popular 'activity', although this doesn't require being active. With stunning views over Lake Malawi, what better way to spend an afternoon than splash about in the Infinity Pool with a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail for kids) or laze on the deck-chairs with that book you've been too busy to read!

An exciting way to experience Lake Malawi, flying over the fresh clear water of the lake at high speed.

Motorized water-sports have additional charges.
Must be booked at the lodge, around the boat transfer schedule.

What better place to relax and pamper oneself than a tranquil private island, surrounded by the calming sounds of nature. Set under a giant fig tree with views across Lake Malawi.

Yoga weekends are usually scheduled during low season. Guided practice with restorative immersion in nature.

For self practice, the lodge has a few spare yoga mats, or guests can bring along their own and set up on their balcony or where they like!