Camp Nkwazi: Cabins on the Banks of the Zambezi River
Camp Nkwazi is a hidden gem nestled on the picturesque banks of the Zambezi River just 45 minutes from Livingstone, Zambia. We spent three nights here after visiting Victoria Falls. The camp has both cabins and campsites on the property, perfect to cater to all needs. Camp Nkwazi offers a perfect haven for nature lovers, with hippos frequenting the riverbank.
The Basics
- USD 165 per person, per night for the bed, breakfast, and dinner option
- Book direct via info@campnkwazi.com
- Incredible food and lodging
To get to Camp Nkwazi, we used a taxi from Livingstone. The ride cost USD 45. If you’re self-driving, look out for the sign on the left side of the road to know when to turn.
I loved our welcome drink upon arrival! Throughout our stay the staff made sure we were comfortable. The managers were very helpful in getting our activities organized.
Lodging Options
Tented Chalets
The property has 10 tented chalets that directly face the Zambezi River. Be sure to request cabin number 10! This has the best view of the river.
When we stayed in April 2023, there was a pod of hippos that made a shallow part of the river bed home.
They are a little hard to spot in the pictures but we heard them chit-chat and saw them well enough from our balcony. Do you spot the hippo footprints in the mud?
At 4 am on our first night, rustling sounds woke us up. Curiosity drove me to the window, where I came face to face with a hippo! It was an insane experience I’ll never forget. After a short stare-down, the hippo got scared and ran into the water. While we heard water sloshing sounds on the following nights, no hippo ventured as close again.
Hippos are extremely dangerous. Each night after dinner, we had to be escorted back to our lodge just in case. Hippos are dangerous when you are between them and the river. You’ll get a full briefing while staying at Camp Nkwazi.
Our stay cost USD 990 for three nights of lodging and food, not including extra drinks or the sunset cruise experience.
There is wifi in each of the cabins. It was fine for basic emails and whatsapp. I had some work email to do and the connection was so so horrible to my work server that it was a struggle to work (though I managed it with extreme patience). Don’t plan on working from here or taking calls. However, the desk is a perfect set-up; I felt like I should start a book or something while sitting there waiting for my email to load.
Camping
Camp Nkwazi has 13 campsites, carefully nestled amidst the greenery. These sites offer lawns for a comfortable camping experience. With accommodation options available for 2 to 8 vehicles, there is ample space for everyone. Each campsite is equipped with essential amenities, including a spacious braai area with lighting, a 220V power point, and access to running water. The convenience of hot water is provided through the use of a traditional wood-burning boiler known as a “donky.” If you prefer not to cook, you can eat at the restaurant.
Dining options
There is a self-catering option, breakfast option, or breakfast and dinner option available as packages.
We chose the breakfast and dinner package. However, once we arrived and saw how excellent the kitchen area was stocked, we realized that we could have done self-catering, or just done the dinner option. That said, all the meals were lovely.
Dinner Day 1!
We were among the few lodgers at Camp Nkwazi when we visited. The others must have all been self-catering as we didn’t encounter anyone else each evening. Our dining experiences felt very special and exclusive. Dinner is excellently prepared and comes in three courses.
Dinners Day 2 and 3!
For breakfast, we had an array of fruits and yogurt followed by eggs, potatoes, and beans. Bacon is also available.
We brought our own drinks from Livingstone for sundowners. I bought the “local” wine but it was (sadly) horrible. Don’t buy it. Plus, it’s not actually local; the wine is South African, it just has the local name.
What to do at Camp Nkwazi
Hang by the pool
The pool at Camp Nkwazi overlooks the Zambezi River.
Go on a sunset cruise
Catch the golden hues over the Zambezi River on a cruise. Typically, the cruise requires a minimum of 4 people, meaning you might have to pay an additional per-person fee for the cruise to operate when it’s just for 2 people. We paid extra and we really enjoyed the private experience.
The price includes snacks such as spring rolls and samosas, along with drinks. I had 2 gin and tonics and Wilhelm had beer.
I loved that we got to see the hippos a little closer! Sometimes it’s possible to see lions and elephants along the riverbank on the Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi River because that side is actually a national park. You’ll notice that the Zimbabwean side is much less green than the Zambia side even though it’s a national park: we found out from our informative guide that this is because elephants trample all the trees in the national park.
We saw several fun birds and even a monkey!
I think I mentally blocked out the price of the cruise with our surcharge but I think it was USD 100 per person (instead of USD 60). Check with the camp for the evening you want to go on a cruise.
Go on a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana
Camp Nkwazi can organize a safari day trip for you to the famed Chobe National Park, home of the cutest elephant herds. What’s unique about this safari adventure is that you’ll have both a land and a boat safari. Read all about it.
If you’re planning to just stay at Camp Nkwazi, check out these things to do in Livingstone or plan a day trip to Victoria Falls:
Chill in the lounge
Chill in the lounge/dining space with some drinks.
Visit Camp Nkwazi website here.