Nkonzi Camp
NKONZI CAMP IS A SEASONAL TENTED BUSH CAMP LOCATED ON THE BANKS OF THE MUSHILASHI RIVER IN THE SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK.
Nkonzi Camp is tucked away in a section of riverine woodland overlooking a seasonal river, in the quiet interior of the park. The camp is owned and operated by Gavin Opie who is passionate about exploring this remote area on foot, although game drives are now part of a stay here. Whilst the game viewing in this area may not match other areas of the park, there are much better chances of seeing some harder to find species such as Lichtenstein’s hartebeest and serval. And being in this area means you rarely encounter other vehicles. Nkonzi is ideal for anyone looking for an authentic, good value bush experience, with good hosting and guiding, and will particularly suit keen walkers.
Rooms
The camp accommodates up to 10 guests in five guest tents which are placed under a reed thatch. To the side of each tent, also under the thatch is a comfortable outdoor area, furnished with sun loungers. Each tent is simply furnished with comfortable double or twin beds and a shelving unit / luggage space. The outdoor en suite bathrooms have a flush toilet, authentic safari bucket shower, and a washstand with basin and jug.
Central Areas
The relaxed tented main area comprises a reed bar and a small lounge under the shade of some trees. Meals are taken communally in the shade or occasionally out in the riverbed under the stars in the evenings.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – No
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming – No
Habitat & Wildlife
The Luangwa Valley is one of Africa’s most scenic and game-rich National Parks. Forming part of the southern end of the Great Rift Valley, the wide valley floor is about 1,000ft lower than the surrounding plateau and through the centre flows the Luangwa River which is fed by dozens of sand rivers during the rainy season, causing it to become a raging torrent. It frequently alters its course from season to season, causing many ox-bow lakes to form. These lakes are very important to the ecology of the valley and account for the high carrying capacity of the park.
Elephant, although slightly smaller than their southern African savannah counterparts, are plentiful, as are buffalo (in huge herds), kudu, waterbuck, puku, impala, bushbuck, warthog, and reedbuck. Thornicrofts giraffe (endemic to the region) are commonly seen and the Cookson’s wildebeest can be seen in the northern sector of the park.
Along the river hippo can be seen in their hundreds, in the late dry season packed into ever decreasing water pools, whilst huge crocs laze on the many sand banks.
However, the park is perhaps best known for its predator populations, in particular lion and leopard, the latter of which are seen regularly by day and at night. Wild dogs have made a good comeback in the park in recent years and are often sighted.
Night drives can also be very productive, with nocturnal species such as civet, genet, honey badger, white-tailed mongoose, African wild cat, spotted hyaena and porcupine regularly seen in addition to the many superb leopard sightings.
The birdlife of the Luangwa is equally exceptional, with over half of the total Zambia species (around 700) being recorded here. Commonly sighted species include crowned crane, carmine- and white-fronted bee-eaters (which nest in the banks of the river from late August onwards), Lilian’s lovebird, purple-crested turaco, paradise whydah, striped kingfisher and the impressive saddlebill storks. Pel’s fishing are also regularly seen.
Activities
While Nkonzi Camp originally established itself as an excellent walking camp, game drives now form as much a part of the activities as walking (although for those with a particular interest in walking, a focus on exploring on foot can be arranged with plenty of advance notice, subject to the availability of a guide and ranger). The area around camp is more suited for walks and these are generally offered as an option in the morning; whereas game drives cover a variety of different areas, including the busier Mfuwe region. For guests staying for four nights or more, full day game drives are offered to give a complete change of scenery.
Seasons
Nkonzi Camp is open from June to October, though game viewing and walking conditions will be best from July onwards.
Nkonzi Camp is not an obvious choice for family travel – the minimum age in camp (and for walking in Zambia) is 12 years. For families with older children who would enjoy the walking and adventurous nature of the camp, this could be a fantastic experience.
Gavin Opie Safaris are committed to sustainable tourism, ethical safari guiding and wildlife conservation. For every guest who stays at Nkonzi Camp, they donate a nightly contribution to three local organisations.
The first, Chipembele Education Trust, provides sponsorship for local children to attend school as well as running after-school conservation clubs to foster a love of Zambia’s rich natural resources. Gavin also raises money personally for the trust by travelling to the UK when the camp to give talks to community groups about choosing sustainable safari holidays
The second recipient is Conservation South Luangwa (CSL), an organisation which works on the front line of wildlife conservation. CSL rescues animals from illegal snares, works with local communities to limit wildlife-human conflict, and leads numerous vital anti-poaching patrols. CSL also works with local communities to grow sustainable cash crops like chilli and lemon grass, which crop raiding elephants will leave alone.
Finally, the Zambian Carnivore Project supports international research into many of Zambia’s predator species, generating insights that feed directly into conservation efforts around the country. The project also trains the next generation of Zambian conservationists, supporting them through international degree programmes which enable them to continue critical research and conservation efforts throughout Zambia.
Nkonzi Camp assesses their carbon footprint each year and works with Biocarbon Partners, who works with local communities to prevent deforestation and protect biodiversity across the country. Nkonzi Camp operates entirely off solar power without petrol generators, building with sustainable local materials, buying local produce wherever possible and recycling waste where possible.
