Njobvu Safari

Njovu Safaris truly feels like a second home. The remarkable brothers and owners, Thomas and Nicolas, made our stay exceptional. We relished delicious meals and had a delightful time during our safaris. Accompanied by two adults and two kids (ages 15 and 6), we spent four nights in the Lion and Buffalo accommodations. Our wholehearted recommendation goes to Njovu Safaris, where we were pleasantly surprised with an impromptu safari lunch featuring a breathtaking leopard sighting. The team's excellence and the chef's culinary skills truly added to the overall fantastic experience.

Fantastic! could not fault it. This was our 5th trip to Southern Africa and these 3 days were very good indeed. The food was first class - we had to ask for less at lunchtime. The facilities were superb and we had possibly the best guide ever in Godfrey. Bill was very attentive in the dining area and had a good sense of humour. There were some animals to watch from the dining area both in the day and in the evening when the lights came on. I think we saw all the animals we could have wished for and Godfrey knew so much about every aspect - he also made a very good cup of tea at the morning break and produced a nice cold beer at sundowner time. The game drives were all very good indeed. In short, we really enjoyed everything and were sorry to leave.

We just returned from a trip to Africa in which building a school in Malawi was the main focus, but we also had the good fortune of spending 4 nights at the Njobvu Safari Lodge with 2 drives a day and one walking Safari. Doing a safari has been a big bucket list item for a very long time, so of course there was a lot of anticipation and expectations of what it would be like. I'm also a professional photographer, so I had my own set of hopeful expectations of what we would experience. Fortunately, all of our expectations were surpassed! Thomas, our guide (and co-owner) lead us on each of our drives and was always able to anticipate exactly where to be so that the animals often seemed to be "coming to us". He's also a photographer, so he knew about finding the best angles for good light, which was really helpful. The lodge was also a beautiful setting next to a body of water and field that was regularly filled with birds, Impalas, baboons, warthogs and the occasional Hippo and/or crocodile. Our "chalets" were great with private balcony's, showers with views over the water and tasteful decorations. We had full board, so all of our meals were at the lodge and they were all fantastic with different choices each meal and friendly and attentive service (special thanks to Mariam for your always pleasant demeanor). All in all this was a perfect first safari experience with a wonderful lodge and staff and we will definitely be hoping to come back again. In the meantime, we will be happily and enthusiastically be recommending Njobvu Lodge to anyone and everyone we meet who seems interested.

I have so many positive things to say about Njobvu Safari that I'm not sure where to start. From the moment we stepped off the plane in Mfuwe, my husband and I were greeted with warm, friendly smiles and the utmost hospitality. We were transferred from the airport by private vehicle to the Njobvu Safari Lodge which is just a short five minute drive from the park entrance itself. Upon arrival at the lodge, we were helped with our bags and settled into our private chalet for the evening. Our chalet (we stayed in Hippo) was equipped with a comfortable queen size bed, small sitting area, AC and even hot water in the shower. After a very long day of travel, we definitely enjoyed that shower. The next morning we woke up and we were finally able to experience the beauty of this lodge in daylight. The safari lodge is nestled along a thriving lagoon that is filled with all sorts of wildlife including a variety of birds, hippos, various families of baboons, antelope and even a crocodile or two. It was an incredible feeling to wake up in the morning to so many different bird calls and to hear the hippos singing their chorus together. Meals at the lodge were prepared by the in house chef and kitchen staff which did a phenomenal job prepping tasty, fresh meals. The chef was accommodating to our dietary restrictions and actually planned a complete week of vegetarian meals for us. In regards to the food, I was expecting the food to be mainly pre-prepped or boxed, but the food I had at this lodge surpassed all of my expectations. All meals were served in the communal dining area along the lagoon so that you can take in the beautiful sunrises and sunsets that are so spectacular in Africa. Aside from breakfast, lunch and dinner they also served us high tea in the afternoon and a lovely "sundowners" drink which was actually served in the safari park itself. Honestly, watching a family of elephants cross the river together while sipping on a glass of wine amidst a gorgeous orange sunset is one of those memories I will cherish forever. Each day we went on one daytime safari and one night safari. Our guides were an encyclopedia of knowledge. Every time I would try to stump one of them with a question about the wildlife, they knew the answer. They were even extremely well versed in knowledge about all of the local plants. A special shout out to Thomas who indulged all of my husband's desires for "just one more photo". The lodge is the only one in the area that is locally owned and the owners do a great job of hiring local individuals. We ventured into the village with staff from the lodge and we were able to see what initiatives had been started to help the local communities. All in all, this was the experience of a lifetime. Even sitting here writing this review, I am flooded by lovely memories that make me just want to go right back there. I can't wait until my next trip.

Njobvu surpassed our expectations! The warmth and friendliness of all the staff was genuine and the accommodation was natural, environmentally sourced and very comfortable - we loved the shower with views to the river. All meals were delicious and clearly prepared with care and thought, catering for all dietary requirements. Game drives twice a day were exciting and we always came back to the lodge having learned something as well as taking photos. Hats off to the two young Zambian entrepreneurs for following their dream to run their own Lodge!

Wow! I didn't know what to expect going on Safari, but Njobvu Safari exceeded all my expectations. Seriously if you are looking for a unique and locally run safari stay here! You won't be disappointed. Nicolas greeted our group with a huge smile at Mfuwe airport and we piled into their awesome land cruiser safari vehicles for a beautiful drive to the camp. When arriving to Njobvu, you are immediately immersed in the African bush sounds and lighting. Crocs, storks, baboons, elephants, impala, all grace the edge of the lagoon that Njobvu Safari overlooks. Honestly, I could even just spend time sitting and relaxing on the chalet deck or the community area with a set of binoculars and be happy. The chalet itself is well appointed. The king bed was super comfortable and the mosquito netting kept any bugs at bay. Although I found coming in beginning of June there wasn't many mosquitos or bugs during our stay. It was nice to have an in room shower and bathroom with hot water and ac. The entire staff was extremely kind, helpful, and attentive. They kept the rooms tidy and would attend to refilling coffee/drinking water and turning the bed down/making the bed daily. Food was absolutely incredible! I didn't come across a single meal I didn't like and wow do they keep you fed and happy. Between breakfast lunch and dinner with 2 tea times and a happy hour "sundowners" out in the bush, you will not go hungry! The morning and night safaris are world class! The guides at Njobvu Safari are from the area and their local knowledge combined with expertise shines. There wasn't a question our group asked that couldn't be answered. They all seemed to anticipate exactly where an animal would pass and place us in fantastic viewing angles! We saw leopards, elephant, two lions on a mating spree, hippos ( so many hippos), giraffe, impala, zebra, wart hogs and so much more...The happy hour on the river was breathtaking! I could go on and on but what I'm trying to say is Njobvu Safari was a plus 5 star experience. If you want to stay at a safari that focuses on employing the local community and giving back, book here!

It's always about the location and Njobvu has one of the best - overlooking a lagoon and only a five minute drive to the park. I loved the boardwalk from the reception area to the chalets which is well lit at night, and the swimming pool although it was a tad cold in July! The accommodation, service, food and safaris are great - as the other reviews have mentioned and expanded upon. I stayed for nine days and did several drives into the park, the highlight being the wild dogs but I got as much enjoyment watching the activity by the lagoon. There are two resident hippos, a family of eles who came every day, any number of birds and a beautiful pied kingfisher who hangs out by the bar and sits atop the canoe pole so you can get great photos. I shall return.

What a lovely perfect place where you are sang by the hippos who sleep in the lagoon in front of your cabin. The food is delicious by creative chefs who bake incredible breads , rolls and desserts. How about stuffed boneless quail stuffed with sausage wrapped in bacon for dinner. I gained more weight on this trip than I did when I visited. Right next the park on the game drives I saw lions elepants leopards giraffes etc only several feet from the jeep. The sunsets make you want to cry it is so incredible. All the staff are the most gracious ever ! Come to paradise.

We recently stayed 3 nights at this Safari Lodge. From the moment we were picked up at the airport by friendly Nicholas one of the co-owners, we felt we were in for a treat. Our cottage was comfortable and clean with a mosquito net over the bed and a lovely shower with a view of the lagoon outside. We loved sitting on our deck watching the hippos and all the animals coming down for a drink. Meals were of a high standard and the staff were friendly and professional. We made use of the swimming pool in the hot afternoons, it was one of the best we had amongst all the camps we stayed at. Our guide on the game drives was Byron with spotter Moffat (great owl spotter) joining us at night. We learned so much from Byron, his energy, enthusiasm and professional experience was outstanding as well as a great sense of humour. Njobvu is a great small lodge which is only a 5 minute drive to the Park gate, we would definitely love to return some day.