As the rains breathe new life into Zambia, the green season transforms the landscape into a lush paradise teeming with wildlife. This is a time of renewal, where the rivers rise, the landscapes shimmer in vivid green, and the wildlife thrives. It’s also a time when we gently bid farewell to some of our camps, allowing the wilderness to reclaim them until the dry season returns. Yet, amidst this rhythm of retreat, two camps remain open in the South Luangwa, ready to invite you into the magic of this extraordinary season: Time + Tide Chinzombo and Time + Tide Kakuli.
These two camps are refuges in this wild and luscious landscape and are spectacular bases from which to explore Zambia’s best-kept secret. With few camps open, the green season is perfect for modern-day explorers seeking the road less travelled, away from crowds.
Chinzombo and Kakuli are connected by the flowing Luangwa River, offering serenity and peace with the added unique opportunity to boat between the two at this time of year.
On the high riverbanks of the Luangwa, Chinzombo offers a luxurious retreat. Here the sounds of the bush harmonise with the gentle flow of the river, and you have front-row seats to nature’s grand performance. From your private verandah, watch elephants crossing the river or catch the shimmer of a rainbow after a dramatic afternoon shower. Nights here are an invitation to connect with nature — the stars seem especially bright after the rains wash the sky clean and the fireside stories are particularly memorable alongside the nocturnal whispers of the bush.
The remote Kakuli, open in January until March, is only accessible by boat during the green season. This offers guests a truly unique perspective at the green heart of South Luangwa’s vibrant ecosystem.
Perched high on the banks of the swelling Luangwa River, Kakuli is the perfect place to take a deep breath and enjoy the utter tranquillity of the green season.
Wake early to the merry sounds of hippos below and watch a pied Kingfisher dive into the water on the hunt for breakfast as you have yours. The adventures at this time of the year are truly extraordinary; glide through ancient ebony forests, which flood annually with the rains, and explore this part of the world in a way that few other travellers have seen it.
This season brings its own unique rhythm to the South Luangwa, which can be explored by boat or on immersive walking safaris. The air is thick with the songs of migrant birds in their bright breeding plumage, and the ground is alive with new life as young animals take their first steps. Towering clouds build dramatic backdrops for photography, while the scent of rain and earth fills the air. With fewer visitors during this time, the green season provides an unmatched sense of solitude and exclusivity. This is a safari experience that feels entirely your own — whether it’s a daring adventure or a peaceful time for renewal, we have the perfect safari for you. Join us on our Rivers + Rainbows journey.
FOLLOW THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
“Tsara Komba was everything we wished for our first Madagascar getaway. The lodge is beautiful, with breath taking sea views and incredible gardens. To Nava and the entire team, thank you for your gracious hospitality. Thank you for going the extra mile to ensure we had a comfortable and memorable stay. The food was delicious, with fresh, local ingredients prepared to perfection. We can't recommend Tsara Komba highly enough.”
Shetil, Guest at Time + Tide Tsara Komba
"The uniqueness of being in a camp with only four safari tents is the ultimate feeling of luxury. Luwi overlooks a wide open grassland that on my first morning we watched a high speed chase - a pack of Wilddogs on a hunt. It was exhilarating to watch and sent our heart rates through the sky adding a lot of chatter and laughter once the pack had passed by."
Jessica, Guest at Time + Tide Luwi
"The authenticity and remoteness of the seasonal camps will be a special experience that I will long to return to. There really is no place on earth that you can really escape like you can at the seasonal camps. Falling asleep at Kakuli to the distant lion roars and waking to the call of the fish eagle - really what a magical walking safari!"
Lara, Guest at Time + Tide Kakuli
"This is the most magical place you're ever likely to experience. Nestled under a grove of imposing Albida trees, it is clearly favoured by the many elephant who graze on the Albida pods. Their presence adds an incredibly special energy to the camp. "
Charles, Guest at Time + Tide Chongwe Camp
"To my sheer joy and amazement, I walked into the main camp area one morning after sleeping in, to witness a herd of elephants crossing the Luangwa River. I was alone in camp at the time and that sighting will be the highlight of my trip to Africa… somehow, the solitude, the sound of the beautiful animals swishing through the water and me being the only one to witness it made it quite a spiritual experience."
"Our family had the most joyful time at Chongwe, really everything was perfect and every detail taken care of. The team ensured we had the best time at every activity (even tiger fishing!). We felt privileged to spend a few days here and look forward to returning."
Richard, Guest at Time + Tide Chongwe
"Our stay at Nsolo was truly unforgettable! We were captivated by the authentic and secluded setting, and the sleepout under the stunning African stars was the absolute highlight of our trip. We highly recommend this unique experience to anyone looking for an adventure off the beaten path."
Lotte, Guest at Time + Tide Nsolo
"Chinzombo is a stunning lodge in a beautiful location of the South Luangwa. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a deck and plunge pool overlooking the Luangwa River. There is always an abundance of wildlife around the rooms, we had a banded mongoose, bushbuck, elephants and hippo's - just to name a few."
Michael, Guest at Time + Tide Chinzombo