Many places claim to be "among the remaining wilderness areas" or "one of the last wildlife sanctuaries"; South Luangwa National Park lives up to both and more. The Luangwa Valley is vast, remote and home to both people and a truly impressive variety of game.
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.
The six chalets with bamboo woven walls and thatch roofs offer a rustic luxury opening up to magnificent views of the river as well as open air en-suite bathrooms.
Nkwali offers understated elegance, seclusion and superb service.
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Activities and Services
Nkwali CampCredit: Dana AllanCosy yet spacious honeymoon suit
Nkwali CampCredit: David RogersPrivate open fronted chalets looking onto the Luangwa and Park
Nkwali CampCredit: David RogersBoating the Luangwa in the Emerald Season
Nkwali CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNkwali Camp bar and breakfast area
Nkwali CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNkwali Camp view from the Park
Nkwali CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisSpacious rooms
Nkwali CampCredit: David RogersEntrance to camp
Nkwali pool areaCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNkwali pool area
Nkwali CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisGame drives in the Park
Nkwali CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisChilling with the ellies
Nkwali CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisGame viewing experience
Nkwali CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisBreakfast at Nkwali
Nkwali CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNkwali bar views across the Luangwa onto the Park
Nkwali CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisBoating 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
Seasonal Boating
Walking Safari
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Nsefu Camp | South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Situated in the exclusive Nsefu Sector on a magnificent meander on the Luangwa River across which elephants often cross lies the historic camp Nsefu. Nsefu is one steeped in history and was built in 1951 and barring some upgrades the camp and rooms are still in the same place in the original style. The Nsefu sector was first pronounced a game reserve in 1966 some five years before the South Luangwa was even declared and has always been recognised as an outstanding game-viewing area. Robin Pope Safaris took over Nsefu in 1998, spent a year upgrading it and opened it the following July.
The camp welcomes just twelve guests in six original brick and thatch rondavels with en-suite facilities, each room opening up to what can simply be described as the best view in the South Luangwa.
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Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Nsefu sundownerCredit: David RogersBeautiful sunsets celebrated daily with a drink of choice
Room interiorCredit: Dana Allen
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisNsefu Camp
Elephants in front of campCredit: Dana Allen
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafariBreakfast
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisStunning views across the Luangwa
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisBirding in the Luangwa
Nsefu barCredit: David RogersGreat for relaxing before and after activities
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisThe cheeky ones!
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisElephants crossing the Luangwa in front of camp
Nsefu CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisLions of the Luangwa
Standard room
The camp welcomes just twelve guests in six original brick and thatch rondavels with en-suite facilities, each room opening up to what can simply be described as the best view in the South Luangwa.
The six original rondavels have been upgraded to include spacious en-suite bathrooms however we have tried very hard to keep the feel and fittings in the room in line with the original “old fashioned” feel. Nothing can sum it up better than a guest’s comment of “understated elegance”. Each room has a clear view of the river whether it be from the comfort of your bed or the chairs out on the verandah.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, 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 Viewing Hide, Game Walks, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours
Game drive safari
Season boating Safaris.
Walking in the Luangwa wilderness
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Luangwa River Camp | South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa.
It is through this that the great meandering Luangwa river runs, with its ox bow lagoons, riverine supported woodlands and large plains, all of which play host to huge concentrations of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds.
Luangwa River Camp sits nestled under an ancient ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking the game rich area known as the Luangwa Wafwa.
This small and intimate camp with just five bush suites, along with its setting and location creates a real “wow” factor and a romantic feeling simply flows through the camp.
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Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisBirds Eye view of the camp
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisAerial view of the camp
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisAt dusk
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisFrom above
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisPool with a view
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisAt Twilight
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisCozy chalets
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisInviting pool area
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisBreakfast with a view
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisMain area
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisChalets with a view
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisWildlife right at your doorstep
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisBath time
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisDecadent bathtub
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisRoom with a view
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisRomantic lunch
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisTime to cool off
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisChalets in the wilderness
Luangwa River CampCredit: Ed SelfeMain Area
Luangwa River CampCredit: Ed SelfeChalet interior
Luangwa River CampCredit: Ed SelfePool area
Luangwa River CampCredit: Dana AllenNothing is too much trouble
Luangwa River CampCredit: Dana AllenChalet bathroom
Luangwa River CampCredit: Ed SelfeMain lounger/pool area
Luangwa River CampCredit: Ed SelfeDinning area
Luangwa River CampCredit: Ed SelfeLounge area overlooking the Park
Luangwa River CampCredit: Ed SelfeDinning
Luangwa River CampCredit: Ed SelfeChalet exterior
Luangwa River CampCredit: Ed SelfeBreakfast over the Luangwa
Luangwa River CampBathroom
Luangwa River CampWalking Safari
Luangwa River CampBedroom
Luangwa River CampGame drives
Luangwa River CampAlfresco dinning
Luangwa River CampWildlife
Luangwa River CampCredit: Robin Pope SafarisWildlife
Bush suite
The subtly decorated bush suites with brick walls and thatch roof each have ensuite bathrooms with sunken bathtubs looking out onto your own private corner of Africa. Both the bedroom and bathroom are afronted with large sliding doors leading onto a decked area allowing a lovely breeze into the room and great views onto the river.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Pool
Room Facilities
Bath, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Babysitting Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours
Exploring the Luangwa
Walking in the Luangwa
Seasonal boating on the Luangwa
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 5
Special Interests: Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Blue Zebra Island Lodge | Blue Zebra Island, Senga Bay, Malawi
The perfect getaway for nature lovers looking for a combination of adventure and relaxation in a tranquil, private setting. Exclusively situated on Nankoma Island, a wild paradise in Lake Malawi National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site). Unobtrusive and eco-friendly, operating on solar power.
Offering a unique and sustainable travel experience, Blue Zebra is a conservation driven lodge working with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in Malawi to protect three islands making up the Marelli group: Nankoma, Maleri, and Nakantenga. These uninhabited islands are home to a vast array of fresh water fish, including some of the most rare and colourful in the world. They support diverse flora and fauna and are a bird watcher's paradise.
Accommodation: a unique set-up with 9 en-suite safari-style tented chalets, 1 forest-set Pitta Cottage, and 1 Superior Family Cottage overlooking Lake Malawi. Secluded executive chalets boast stunning views from private balconies. The chalets are set in an unspoiled environment, immersed in nature.
Facilities: spa, infinity pool, cocktail bar, restaurant, games room, meetings room, curio shop.
A 2 hour drive from Lilongwe, this is a great combination with Zambian Safaris as well as various wildlife parks in Malawi.
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Restaurants
BirdingCredit: WAG Malawi
The most luxurious and spacious of the island room types. A large, open planned cottage (house) with a lounge and dining area and two en-suite bedrooms (one queen, one double). 2 single beds can be added to the main room.
The master bedroom has ample cupboard space with a built in dressing table and an open bathroom with a shower and bathtub. The second bedroom is a smaller en-suite double room opening onto the lake-facing balcony.
Minimum 2 adults required (or supplement to the equivalent). Capacity: 4 adults, 2 children. This unit can be set up in different ways: suitable for a couple; 2 adults sharing separate rooms; 3 - 4 adults sharing (with discounted sharing specials); a family with 2 adults and up to 4 children; multi-generational families.
Credit: Roaming Media (Rogan Roams)
Credit: Gemma Thomas
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Main BathroomCredit: Gemma Thomas
Credit: Vikki McEwan
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Fridge, Fridge/Freezer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge, Mosquito Nets, Safe, Table, Tea / Coffee, Wardrobe
2 Executive Family Chalets: Malachite and Fisheagle. Spacious en-suite safari-style tented chalets each with 2 bedrooms, a lounge and bathroom. Private lake-facing balconies.
Typically for families of up to 5 (2 adults & up to 3 children) or up to 4 adults. Main room: 1 queen bed / Twin room: 2 single beds / U12's sofa bed in the lounge
FISHEAGLE: located around the side of the island with a long downward stairway entrance, in a natural and very private setting.
MALACHITE: located just behind reception at the lodge entrance. Private but closer to lodge facilities.
Executive Chalets: Cormorant. En-suite safari-style tented chalet, exclusively located around the side of the island with a private lake-facing balcony. 1 queen bed & 2 sofa beds for U12's.
Sandpiper, our newest room at the lodge offers an en-suite safari-style tented chalet, exclusively located around the side of the island with a private lake-facing balcony 1 queen bed only.
Cormorant ViewCredit: Michael Wendel
CormorantCredit: Gemma Thomas
CormorantCredit: Gemma Thomas
CormorantCredit: Michael Wendel
Sandpiper Credit: UMP Festival
SandpiperCredit: Michael Wendel
SandpiperCredit: Michael Wendel
SandpiperCredit: Michael Wendel
Room Facilities
Balcony , Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Fan, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Queen Bed, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Named after the African Pitta.
En-suite, spacious thatched cottage, nestled in nature. Located above the central Lake Safari Tents, with stairway access. One spacious ensuite bedroom, a lounge with a sofa bed, and a large side-patio with a table seating area, patio furniture & hammock.
Pitta Cotta BedroomCredit: Michael Wendel
Pitta Cottage LoungeCredit: Michael Wendel
Pitta Cottage Outdoor AreaCredit: Michael Wendel
Pitta Cottage Entrance/LoungeCredit: Jennifer Wendel
Pitta Cottage BathroomCredit: BZ
Pitta Cottage StairwayCredit: BZ
Room Facilities
Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Lake Safari Tents: Bulbul, Darter, Heron, Hornbill & Nightjar En-suite safari-style tents, smaller than executives but quaint and comfortable. 3 doubles, 1 twin, 1 single. Some have sofa beds for U12s.
DARTER: 1 queen bed & 2 sofa beds Centrally located, nearest the restaurant, no stairs, largest balcony.
HERON: 1 queen bed & 1 sofa bed Centrally located, small stairway entrance.
HORNBILL: 2 single beds & 1 sofa bed Centrally located in-between Darter & Heron, small stairway entrance.
BULBUL: 1 queen bed & 1 sofa bed The furthest chalet from the communal area overlooking the lake. At the entrance to nature trails.
NIGHTJAR: 1 single bed Centrally located, small stairway entrance. This is the smallest of our accommodation options, with one single bed only.
Credit: Anneke Jagau
Credit: PMJ Photography
Credit: Anneke Jagau
Credit: 3WheelsCo
Credit: 3WheelsCo
Credit: Athira Mohan
Credit: 3WheelsCo
Room Facilities
Balcony , Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Dressing Gowns, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Bar, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Beach Drop Off, Bird Watching, Boating, Boules, Canoeing, Fishing, Kayaking, Massages, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Water Skiing
Activities Nearby
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.
KayakingCredit: Artur Cabral
Credit: Stephane Perrier
Credit: Jonathan Ramael
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Credit: BZ
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.
Credit: Stephane Perrier
Credit: BZ
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Credit: BZ
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.
Sunset CruiseCredit: Gemma Thomas
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Credit: tbc
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.
African PittaCredit: Ivan Monk
African PittaCredit: Michael Wendel
Blue-cheeked Bee-eaterCredit: The Birding Life 2024
African FisheagleCredit: The Birding Life 2024
Credit: BZ
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Credit: Kim Paffen
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Credit: Kim Paffen
Credit: The Birding Life 2024
Credit: M.Giannakis
Bul-BulCredit: The. Birding life 2024
Credit: D.Giannakis
Credit: D.Giannakis
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Credit: D.Giannakis
Credit: BZ
Credit: M.Giannakis
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Credit: D.Giannakis
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!
Island ViewCredit: Michael Wendel
Infinity PoolCredit: Jenn Wendel
Pool viewCredit: Jenn Wendel
Poolside CocktailsCredit: PJM Photography
Lunch at the poolCredit: PJM Photography
Miss UmpCredit: UMP Fest
Poolside FunCredit: Anneke Jagau
CocktailCredit: Miss UMP - UMP FEST
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.
Cheers!Credit: Michael Wendel
Spa VibesCredit: Michael Wendel
Island SpaCredit: Michael Wendel
Couples MassageCredit: Michael Wendel
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!
Welcome to the Fig Tree Bar – Your Front Row Seat to the Lake Unwind with a chilled cocktail or a zesty mocktail in hand as you take in panoramic views of Lake Malawi from our infinity poolside bar. The Fig Tree Bar is the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and soak up the island atmosphere. From crisp wines to refreshing mixers, there’s something for every taste — especially when paired with a legendary Blue Zebra sunset.
Cheers to good vibes and even better views!
CocktailsCredit: Habari Media
Credit: Anneke Jagau
Named after a frequent visitor to the island, the African bee-eater.
All packages are inclusive of meals prepared by a team of Malawian Chefs at Blue Zebra Island Lodge.
Creatively inspired by international cuisine, with a touch of Malawi: The menu is prepared around seasonal foods and catered to all dietary requirements. Advance request should be given for special requirements, given that it may be difficult to get some ingredients to the island.
Enjoy a continental buffet with hot-breakfast to order; select a 2-course lunch & 3-course dinner from a set menu presented daily.
Breakfast: 6.30 to 10.00 Lunch: 12.00 to 14.00 Dinner: 18:30 to 20:30
The restaurant can seat 40 guests. Guests may opt for a poolside lunch or a private evening dining experience at the sunset lounge or Nankoma Beach.
Your Stay
4 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included