Best walking guide in the South Luangwa

Far from other camps.

It was a very nice safari. Morning breakfast in the riverbed. View the animals. Amazing

Excellent

Excellent

Excellent

Gavin is one of the best!

Well run camp with one of the top guides

Best walking safari guide in the business

The

It was a highlight of our stay and we have been on many walking safari's. The attention to detail and care was second to none

The team are incredibly knowledgeable, work so well together and are a joy to spend time with

Stunning camp in stunning location - just perfect

Delicious

Great experience and a new way to explore your surroundings in more detail

Excellent team

Fantastic

Located inside a Zambia national park and game preserve, Nkonzi Camp was a 24 hour X 4 day sensory experience. Gavin did a great job of showing us wildlife and beautiful country both on foot.

The

Good value for South Luangwa

Back to nature bush located camp

Continuity of employment for local staff

Gavin is outstanding, as are his team

Unique camp location deep in the national park

Brilliant morning walk with expert guide Gavin

Wonderful accommodations.

All solar-powered.

Gavin found creative ways to keep some local core staff in paid work during the two-year Covid epidemic lockdown closure 2020/2021.

Early morning breakfasts in the dried-up riverbed with toast toasted over the fire.

Fabulous walking tours with small permitted numbers; strict rules! Marvellous to look at small objects in close-up, with Gavin's encyclopaedic knowledge bringing them to light.

Gavin is a superlative guide and has a superb team.

Just wonderful. Far away from the eco-lodges near the National Park entrance; we hardly saw any other people in the whole week so had most wildlife experiences to ourselves. Truly special.

Good good

Solar powered lighting, no permanent fixtures.

Food exceeded expectations. All needs/ allergies etc catered for.

Gentle instructive walk, with brilliant guide and scout-saw a leopard whilst on walk, and close to camp.

Excellent knowledge of the area and the wildlife.

Remote and undisturbed but felt secure and safe.

Remote location with 1st class camp ammenities.

Value for money.

Interesting and so informative, not to mention the wildlife interaction.

They anticipate your needs

As wild as you can get

Having experienced several safari's in the past, this was by far the best value for the experience, highly rated and recommended

Every effort was made to limit our impact to the natural environment without fail.

The guide shares his experience and knowledge of the bush and ecosystems in a way that we can relate to and understand, very personal experience.

Extremely knowledgeable

Lovely chefs. Good variety of food. Fresh ingredients

Amazing guides

Stunning location

Wonderful camp & team

A very good price for what you get

A great tented camp with all facilities

100% Carbon neutral. 100% solar, responsible guiding.

Supports Chipembele, CSL and ZCP with every bed night

Homely, locally sourced, cooked on site. Best homemade bread!

Owner guided, Gavin is a knowledgable, informative guide.

Set within South Luangwa in a remote area, over 3km away from nearest neighbours

Best value within South Luangwa N.P

I

G

By far the most value for money safari in Zambia.

Gav is passionate about wildlife and its conservation.

The knowledge the team have is outstanding.

Super responsible towards best practices in respecting wildlife and non-intrusive camp.

Safe practices and fantastic guiding, on the ground for the smallest sightings to the very largest.

The entire guiding team is top notch and several team members and Gavin work seamlessly to spot wildlife as well as give expert information about everything the guests are experiencing.

Totally remote and away from people and other camps. Very comfortable while blending seamlessly with the environment. And not too far to arrive to.

Run purely on solar. 100% carbon neutral. Locally sourced building materials and food.

Supporting local communities from every bed night.

Home cooked, locally sourced, comfort food to suit all pallets. Dining under the stars on the Mushilashi dry river bed in front of camp.

Gavin Opie, founder and owner is the main walking guide all season at Nkonzi camp and is not only knowledgable but passionate about sharing his love and over 15 years of knowledge of South Luangwa.

Owner run.

Set within the South Luangwa National park with closest neighbours 3km away.

A great camp with Atmosphere, excellent location good food and great game sightings. Gavin is an excellent host and the team is great!

Truly unique

Absolutely!

Loved being in the open space, learning about flora and habitat, tracking some animals and inspecting simple things like the insect life as well as the bigger things, like Hippos! Couldn't ask for a more kno

Employment for local people in a highly respected service.

The camp is deconstructed at the end of each season and leaves no mark on the landscape. Next year rebuild the entire thing!

Absolutely great all-round experience without costing a fortune. Great food all through the day. Good company from the staff and other guests

Well done for being eco-friendly Perfectly comfortable and also very natural

So very peaceful, remote from other camps and people Excellent walking safaris comfortable camp

Absolutely magical safari setting.

The best part of Nkonzi Camp - two amazing guides - the best I have come across - anywhere.

You really feel special on the walking safaris. You don't meet anyone else, the environment is 'real', the knowledge ofo the guise is amazing, and safety procedures are strictly adhered to.

Can't believe how good the food is when you consider the location. The food is quality, without being ostentatious - good, natural, healthy food.

The camp employs local people - from the nearby town, and also supports a number of community projects.

The camp only exists in the dry season - all trace of the camp is removed for the rest of the year. Solar power is used throughout, as is the fresh water from their borehole. Minimising the impact on the wildli

We've done lots of safaris throughout sub-saharan Africa, and Nkonzi Camp is certainly the best value for money out of anywhere we have stayed so far.

Since we started staying at Nkonzi Camp, it has developed significantly - it is eco-friendly, sustainable, yet can certainly be described as luxury.

South Luangwa is a top safari destination for us - and Nkonzi Cam is ideally situated away from the 'traffic'.

I cannot praise the two guides enough - I have being doing safaris in sub-saharan Africa since 2002 - in fact I have actually had a safari guide published here in the U.K. - and I can honestly say that Gavin O

Great locatoins for the walks - nobody else was seen at all. The knowledge of the guides is of course imperative, and this was a huge bonus for us. Also, safety procedures were strictly adhered to - no short cu

Great food, great service. What impresses me is that the chef focusses on quality rather than quantity - this way there is little food waste. Also, the variety of eating locations adds to the experience - parti

Local inhabitants are employed throughout the camp, and local community projects are supported by the company.

As mentioned before, the camp is completely eco-friendly, in every respect. It is satisfying to know that at the end of the season, the site returns to its natural state.

This is the most impressive feature - the luxury camp facilities, and the amazing two guides (Gavin and Sam) - and at a mid-budget price.

Completely eco-friendly - in every sense. Despite this, there are all the luxuries you would expect from a top class camp.

A location far away from other camps and lodges - you really do feel like you are alone with the wildlife.

Excellent guiding! Employees a spotter as well as a guide for each vehicle.

loved the walking parts of the safaris! Great chance to see the smaller things that often get missed in a vehicle, plus the thrill of seeing the larger while on the ground!

Fresh food, cooked well and made from good ingredients. Even had a local food evening. and catered for a dietary need.

Guides are careful to follow ethical guiding standards at all times. Camp is luxurious enough to be very comfortable, but it doesn't have so many extras that it becomes unsustainable.

Excellent value, for a small, personalized camp in a remote location!

The design of the camp is perfect for a seasonal camp. It gives you everything you need and nothing that you do not.

The location is supreme! It is very remote inside one of the best parks! It is pristine nature at its finest. We literally had days that we did not see anyone else while on safari.

As there are just eight guests at Nkonzi it feels like visiting family. Gavin is a wonderful host, nothing is too much trouble. With no Phone or internet your senses become more alive; and the elephant passing

A small camp with only eight guests we felt we were part of the Nkonzie family. Sam and Gavin are very good communicators and take time to get to know their guests and what the guests want from their experience

I did two walking safaris, altogether a different experience, feeling so immersed in the bush. Both guides, Gavin and Sam have so much knowledge and enthusiasm, encourage you to use all your senses and take the

Although only a small bush kitchen area is available the most amazing meals are produced, along with cakes and cookies. there is no official meal choice but our likes/dislikes were all accommodated. Breakfast i

Staff and supplies come from the local area.The camp takes part in a scheme which funds a doctor for the area. We were informed of local small businesses and were able to visit them.

Local produce is used as much as possible. Solar power to each tent for a fan and to recharge batteries. No fences, the camp is dismantled and stored during the rainy season.

Wonderful value for money.Not a luxury camp, but everything you need. Comfortable bed, flushing toilet, bucket shower, lovely food and brilliant guides.

A small intimate camp, away from the main visitor areas. It feels at one with the bush.

Amazing, genuine, knowledgeable, caring team

Brilliant location. Amazing & genuine staff & guiding

Love that this is a solar camp!

I felt this was an awesome Safari for the money. I couldn’t have afforded more but I felt this real down to earth Safari had all the comforts of home and more. Jacob took exceptional care of us. Anything we n

Loved the way Gavin positioned the tents along the river!

Awesome location on the riverbed. We were there in the dry season so the river was dry. It worked really well because we would have our breakfast on the dry riverbed every morning with an open fire. Jacob did a

Highly recommended for a small tented safari experience off the beaten track. Good friendly atmosphere, a great balance i of informal living with the most professional guides. Outstanding!

Outstanding knowledge and experience if the guides made this such a memorable safari. Gavin Opie and Sam were exceptional and knew where to find the animals whilst always respecting them. We were frequently the

Walking safari was a highlight, with skilled guides at the front and back of the group. Very small group helped make this a mist memorable and informative experience, we even learned to work out which animals w

Delicious home cooked food, some camp fire meals, good ambience around the shared table.

Very ecological, high level of care for the local environment, minimal rubbish, respect for all wild life us paramount.

Gavin Opie is very professional and helpful. The tented safari had just the right level of comfort, with hot water bottles for cold nights! Wine and other drinks are included in the price.

All the guides were extremely knowledgeable and spoke English very well, which helped me as that is the language I speak. The groups are small enough and the guides so expert and comfortable with their surround

As I mentioned in several of the other categories. I think Nkonzi goes above and beyond in this regard especially where the property is concerned. Being seasonal most signs of habitation are swept away when the

I chose Gavin Opie Safaris (Nkonzi) partially because price was a concern for me. After Zambia I went on other Game Park tours and safaris in Botswana and South Africa. Nkonzi was by far the best in wildlife se

I liked that there was little permanent infrastructure and that when the camp wasn't in use that it reverted back to a natural area. The river bed in front of the camp was dry when we were there and so was used

Coming straight from Canada, this was the Africa I had hoped to see. The camp is right in the Park, and being seasonal, feels like you have just struck up camp for the night though it is extremely comfortable a

The way the camp is set up along the river bed was awesome. I felt is very unique. The animals came across the river right over to camp and it was so exciting watching them. Everyone on the staff made it the m

The guides were able to spot and show us many different animals. They amazed with their skill. We had Sam as our guide most of the time and he was great. He even took us to a carmine bee eater nesting site on o

I didn’t go on one but others with me did and enjoyed it.

Very good food presented well. Home made deserts were a hit with me. I was surprised to have linen table cloths,glassware,silver ware etc. the morning breakfast over a campfire in the dry riverbed started the d

Very impressed that the camp donates operating a local school and clinic

Very impressed with the camps commitment to the human impact to a minimum. (Reusable water bottles )

Felt like I was treated high end but paid a price which made it possible to experience an African safari when I never thought it would have been financially possible for me.

Enjoyed that the lounge/dining area was near our tents. The nuts and bolts of the operation(kitchen etc) was removed from guest area which contributed to the “in the wild”vibe.

Location was away from other busier parts of the park so I felt like I was truly on a safari. The elephants could be seen from our tents on numerous occasions.

Sam our guide was superb. He was very patient and accommodating for the photographers in the group. His knowledge was outstanding.

Cannot rate Gavin and his safari trips too highly. He is immensely experienced and makes the whole experience a joy. The Nkonzi Camp is a great base in the park and meets every need without costing silly amount

Wonderful sitings of an amazing array of wildlife but with a minimum disturbance to the animals. Gavin is an expert and respects his environment and all the thing that live there.

Numerous walking safaris on both visits, a highlight.

Simple but excellent food, just the right level for safari.

All staff locally employed

Rebuilt every year and almost invisible only a short distance away.

Exceptional value

Simple but everything you need in a tented camp and environmentally designed.

Great location, Gavin is an expert and so much fun as well and South Luangwa is an amazing place. We have been twice and want to go again. It is also very good value for that location.

I have been on a number of Safari trips over the years in different parts of Africa, but this trip was the highlight. I loved the location and facilities of the camp - nothing was too much trouble and the food

Gavin Opie and his team were fantastic.

We had some brilliant walks in the bush where we saw a variety of wildlife. These were managed in a highly professional manner with the clear emphasis on safety.

Absolutely excellent, given its remote location and deliberately limited catering facilities

The number one priority of the design of the property, and the whole concept is based on a design to minimise the impact to the environment. There is no visible evidence of the camp once it is dismantled and t

Great value for money - given its location and the challenge of bringing a wide range of supplies to the camp.

The camp is created from virtually nothing at the beginning of the season. Nevertheless it provides the highest standard of accommodation, facilities and food in a remote location in the National Park. It is

Absolutely superb location deep in the South Luangwa National Park fully integrated into the local environment but also very accessible to the main wildlife centres of the park.

A true safari experience with unfiltered sights, sounds and smells.

The best walking safari deep in the bush with unbelievable guides

Gavin Opie has a fantastic group of guides renowned for spotting unusual and fascinating creatures. Spotter Moses in particular was able to see a nightjar which was flattened on the road and which was completel

The experience of walking through the Bush was brilliant. Looking at the elephant footprints to deduce how fast and they were going, following hippo trails, seeing weaver bird nests, seeing everything at such c

Nkonzi Camp was 100% eco friendly using solar panels to generate all the power needed to maintain services. Incredibly eco friendly, including using locally sourced and produced materials where possible.

This camp was the real McCoy - Rolls Royce product at Ford Fiesta prices! Excellent food and comfortable accommodation all for a very reasonable inclusive price.

There is a wonderful feeling of isolation, but still with comfortable accommodation. Sitting on a safari chair in front of a tent, looking out at the dry riverbed with just the sound of the wind and no sign o

Both men and their teams show an amazing passion for the bush

Gavin is an exceptional guide and his passion and knowledge for the African bush is unbelievable

Walking safaris is all about the intricacies of the small and not obvious aspects of the bush. Gavin can keep you entertained for hours ours as well as get you close (and safely) to the bigger animals.

Gavin Opie Sam Both extremely experienced and have a wealth of knowledge which they share with clients. Both are polite humble yet with special personalities that make for an incredible and most enjoyable

Gavin and his team are extremely knowledgeable and have a real passion for the animals. We got to see so many animals with the best sight being lions while on a walking safari.

Solar powered, eco toilets and the entire camp gets deconstructed for the summer. This must be the clear leader in this category

You could not have an experience like this all inclusive anywhere else that I know of

Basic but everything you need and nothing you don't to experience Wild Africa in its purest form

Away from the crowds. Feels like you miles from the rest of the world

Gavin is an amazing guide and the walking safari was one of my best experiences. I always felt safe and learned a lot about the wild life in South Luangwa.

Gavin Opie and his team of guides gave us an unforgettable experience. They are all incredibly knowledgeable and good at explaining even the small things.

Walking in the bush with Gavin Opie is a wonderful experience. His knowledge is amazing and he makes you feel safe as well as being exhilarated by the experience.

Amazing food produced using quite basic facilities.

Local businesses benefit from supplying Nkonzi Camp.

Use of solar power and own bore hole for water make Nkonzi Camp as sustainable as possible.

Amazing value for money because of the personal knowledge of Gavin Okie which is second to none.

The personal oversight of Gavin Okie makes Nkonzi Camp very special. It’s design is comfortable but also intimate. There is space around the accommodation tents and central eating and socialising area is won

Nkonzi camp is unique because of its location far away from other camps.

I have been lucky enough to stay at Nkonzi Camp on four different occasions, each time was wonderful. I have recommended Gavin Opie to friends and relations who have also visited and experienced the same amazin

Gavin Opie is an AMAZING guide. His knowledge, understanding and love for the African bush are evident on every safari - walking or driving. His intimate knowledge of the park ensures amazing sightings, but he

I have experienced several walking safaris with Gavin Opie and have been totally amazed at his depth of knowledge, understanding and fascination with every aspect of walking in the bush. A safari is so much mor

Nkonzi Camp provides employment and training for members of the locAl community. Materials and provisions are sourced locally if possible. Nkonzi Camp (Gavin Opie Safaris) supports Chipembele Education Centre

The team is very friendly.

Nkonzi Camp is a PERFECT example of what an environmentally responsible camp should be. Every item is considered carefully for its impact on the environment - there are NO UNNECESSARY luxuries, but everything v

The all inclusive cost is amazing for the service and facilities provided in such a remote area.

The spacious nature of the camp ensures privacy, the use of solar lighting and power gives authenticity and sustainability and adds to the wonderful atmosphere of having the park to yourself. The use of the d

Nkonzi Camp is a perfect sustainable, authentic bush camp in a wonderfully remote and unspoiled location.

Gavin is fantastic!

Gavin is one of the last few owner operators left in South Luangwa National Park, and he's trying to do things the way the original safari pioneers did. So the focus is on a beautiful, simple tented bushcamp, w

Gavins knowable and easy manner was spot on. Can’t wait to see him again.

Gavin Opie is the owner and main guide, Sam is his righthand man. Between them they have over 25 years' experience guiding in the Luangwa and they make a great company guiding team with exceptional knowledge de

All solar powered and seasonal so everything is taken away at the end of the year.

Away from the major tourist areas of the park, but with great wildlife

Gavin Opie is an outstanding guide!