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Nsolo Bush Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Remote, intimate camp
- South Luangwa National Park
- Thrilling up-close walking safaris
- Can walk to neighbouring camps

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Overview

Nsolo Bush Camp is an intimate and remote four-tented safari camp belonging to the well-respected Norman Carr Safaris portfolio. Accessed via Mfuwe airport, it's open from June to October each year, with an additional ‘secret season’ in May when the rains have just finished, visitor numbers are low, and wildlife is beginning to migrate back to the valley from higher ground. Tucked away along the South Luangwa National Park’s Luwi river system, this delightful camp is within vicinity of its larger sister camps, Luwi, Kakuli, and Mchenja. The national park’s varied terrain attracts a huge diversity of wildlife, and although Nsolo does offer game drives, it places particular emphasis on walking safaris and so is ideal for any traveller wishing to get out on foot and enjoy some thrilling up-close animal encounters. Norman Carr guests can also enjoy the unique privilege of combining a visit to Nsolo with a walking safari encompassing a stay in all three sister camps.

The area is renowned for its dense lion population, abundance of leopards, and good number of wild dogs. Walking safaris pass through open grassy plains, mopane woodlands, lagoons, and riverine forests so guests are guaranteed to spot a variety of game.

While sister camp Mchenja might be hailed as Norman Carr’s most luxurious safari property, Nsolo is no poor relation when it comes to comfort. The camp is designed to blend into the surroundings, and the trunks of sausage and mahogany trees provide welcome shade. The main area, or ‘chitenje’, is an open-sided, thatched building, overlooking the river which teems with wildlife. The sociable lounge includes a small library, bar, and communal dining table. Dinner is served communally, providing the perfect opportunity for guests to share safari stories with their fellow travellers. Environmentalists will be interested to know that the whole camp runs on solar power.

The accommodation comprises four grass-and-reed tented chalets on raised wooden decks, each with a charming albeit simple open-air ensuite bathroom. Private verandas overlook the Luwi River and surrounding bush, providing the perfect vantage point for spotting the vibrant birdlife and game. Depending on the time of year, one or two pools of water in the riverbed will add interest when animals visit to drink.

Although Nsolo welcomes children, the camp is remote and does have a very adult atmosphere, so it’s best suited to children aged 12 or over with a good degree of maturity. The camp is unfenced, and while the likelihood of wildlife approaching humans or tents is low, parents are advised to supervise their children at all times.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!

    Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.

    Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!

    All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.

    Thanks you once again!

    MissingHardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

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