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The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa.  It covers an area of over 9000 sq. km. through which the meandering Luangwa River runs.  The oxbow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game - including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo - and over 400 species of birds. Nkwali is located on Robin Popes private land, overlooking the National Park. The area surrounding Nkwali is superb game viewing country, with a beautiful area of ebony woodland and open grasslands. There are driving loops in this area and game is often see as much behind camp as in the park - including leopard, lion and occasionally wild dog. This area is particularly good for elephants and Thornicroft giraffe (an endemic species) Elephants also regularly cross the Luangwa, seen from the bar, or come to the waterhole near the thatched dining room. The chalets are large, cool and spacious, with a great view of the river. The front of the room is open during the day and then closed by a grill doors at night. The en suite bathroom has double sinks and showers, which are open to the skies during the dry season. The bar area, right on the edge of the Luangwa banks, is built around a huge ebony tree with fantastic views of the river and across to the park. The open deck is wonderful for moonlit dinners. The dining room is a simple thatched structure, by the lagoon but we rarely eat meals there - they are served under the trees by the lagoon or the river, on the deck, or in the bush. Although the camp is technically outside the national park access to the park by either by boat (2 minutes) or our nearby pontoon (10 minutes). And of course the main bridge is only 15 minutes away - giving us 3 options for entry. We therefore easily cover a large game viewing area from Nkwali. This central area of the park is accessible all year and so the game is very relaxed and used to the vehicles. This gives great photographic opportunities as the game allows the vehicles to get close. Nkwali is open all year and the seasons are basically divided into the "dry season" (mid May - October) and the "" (November - mid May). This is a broad brush approach and every month produces a special natural happening - here are monthly details on the and what each season brings.     FACILITIES The central bar area is built around a very old and huge ebony tree.  From the bar, many hours are spent watching the game coming to drink, and the birds feeding.  Many animals, including elephants, drink at the small lagoon by the dining platform.  The wonderful fresh salads and vegetables come from the vegetable garden at Nkwali.  Access to the park is by boat or pontoon.   No. of Bedrooms Nkwali takes 12 guests in comfortable reed and thatch chalets overlooking the Luangwa River.  There are 5 twin chalets, a honeymoon suite and a family room.  The chalets are cool and spacious, and have en suite, open-air, bathrooms.  Activities Walking (including Walking Safaris) - led by an experienced naturalist. Game Viewing Drives - in open, four-wheel drive vehicles with knowledgeable safari guides.  Great for viewing and photography. Night Drives - with the aid of a powerful spotlight witness owls and genets, hunting lions and the graceful leopard. Find Similar Properties   Sister cmps to Nkwali are Tena Tena and Nsefu