Nkwali Camp

The chalets at Nkwali Camp are all open plan and spacious. Built out of naturally occurring materials, the plaster walls and stone floors paired with the open front work in partnership to create a room which feels like part of the surrounding nature. The chalets have authentic thatch roofs which are exposed inside, creating character and adding dimension. A large comfortable bed sits in the middle of the room and is covered in mosquito netting, so guests can have a bug-free night’s sleep. All rooms come with a seating area, and an ensuite which is complete with double basins and a large shower. Outside the front of the chalets is a terrace space where guests can unwind after a long day and gaze over the endless horizon. These rooms come in twin or double configurations, and there is a suite which is perfect for small families or honeymooners.

Set just back from the lagoon the main dining area is where all meals are served. Enjoy fresh and delicious food whilst staring over the rolling grasslands and keeping an eye out for any meandering elephants or lazy hippos lounging in the lagoon.

For an exciting afternoon spend time on a traditional safari game drive and sit in the comfort of a Landcruiser while looking out for wildlife. This is the perfect activity to cover a large amount of land, and see wandering elephants, herds of zebra, giraffes eating from the tall trees or galloping antelopes all undisturbed and in their natural habitats. Night drives are also offered, giving guests the opportunity to spot some elusive nocturnal species of the park, such as leopards.

With a trained, knowledgeable and friendly guide, set off on foot to explore the national park. This is a more intimate way to discover the park, and your guide will impart their wisdom on the flora and fauna which you might see. Spend time immersing yourself in your surroundings and discover the micro-ecosystems of the South Luangwa National Park.

Water levels depending, boating safaris can be organised for guests. Glide along the winding rivers and emerald lagoons and keep an eye out for sly crocodiles, lounging hippos, colourful reed frogs or thirsty animals on the banks.

For guests who wish to immerse themselves in the local culture then village tours can be arranged. This is the perfect opportunity to meet members of the local Kawaza Village, see the local school, visit the Wildlife Education Centre which educated locals and guests alike, and visit the tribal textile workshop where you can see local craftsmen and women at work, and can buy an authentic souvenir.

As well as making sure that ‘wildlife and their habitats are not disturbed’ by their operations, Robin Pope Safaris supports a variety of initiatives which all have the conservation and protection of nature at their core. For example, all the guides at Robin Pope Safari camps are trained ‘to the highest possible standards’ and have received professional qualifications. Robin Pope Safaris supports important anti-poaching activities of Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) to help protect the area and keep it clear of illegal poachers. Another anti-poaching initiative they support is the ‘Zambezi Elephant Fund’ which works in partnership with local authorities and alliance partners ‘to maintain a strong anti-poaching presence.’ To help protect and preserve the wild dog population in Zambia, as well as the lion population and leopard populations, there are carnivore research programmes which are supported and conducted by Robin Pope Safaris.

To help aid them in their conservation efforts, Robin Pope Safaris understands the vital importance of education in their efforts. They aim to change ‘hearts and minds’ of the local communities, to create a more peaceful co-existence of humans and wildlife. To help aid conservation efforts Robin Pope Safaris ‘supports the conservation efforts of the Zambian, Malawian and Zimbabwean governments’ by paying levies which go towards conservation programmes such as ‘promoting the protection of fish species along Lake Malawi National Park and by assisting their operations with vehicles and resources when needed.’

Working in remote and rural areas, Robin Pope Safaris offers employment and opportunities for local people who otherwise may not have any employment. Not only do they provide employment for the local communities they also make many other positive impacts. The ‘Luangwa Safari Association Medical Fund’ was founded by Robin Pope Safaris which helps to provide healthcare for more than 20,000 people and ‘contributes to the upkeep of the government’s rural Kakumbi Health Centre.’ To help break the cycle of poverty, Robin Pope Safaris puts a large emphasis on providing and augmenting the education of the local children.

To help support the local community, Robin Pope Safaris purchases ‘as many locally available supplies as possible to stimulate local trade.’ They also support local businesses by contracting local craftsmen to help build and refurbish their buildings and sell handcrafted goods in their gift shops. By supporting the local Kawaza village, the first ‘authentic cultural tourism enterprise’ has been set up. Robin Pope Safaris is the main supplier of their guests and trade with this village is positively encouraged as much as possible.

As well as employing members of local communities they ‘ensure high standard treatment, fair wages, and good working conditions as well as access to education and training.’ Promotions through the ranks are available, with training and support throughout the whole process. Staff are also encouraged to ‘further their education’ and employees are sponsored for the opportunity to ‘develop themselves to senior management levels.’

Robin Pope Safaris understands the importance of working in an environmentally friendly way in order to protect the environment, local wildlife and people in the areas in which they operate. They take ‘proactive steps’ to ensure that this happens, including using green technologies in their camps, such as ‘solar energy systems, natural air-cooling and non-fired bricks’, they also promote the conservation of water and the recycling, re-use or responsible disposal of water.