Tapping into the rivers of Zambia
Through rivers, our properties are connected across land and sea. The journey starts in South Luangwa’s tributaries, flowing into the Luangwa River, bending and heading down to the Chongwe River where it meets the same water arriving with the rains at Liuwa Plain. Drifting along, these rivers join the mighty Zambezi and venture out to our private island in the Indian Ocean.
While many imagine a safari to be about game drives, there is a world of wonder to be discovered in areas not reachable by vehicle. At Time + Tide, we invite our guests to follow the road less travelled with us to experience this African utopia in its entirety with our immersive safari activities. In this journal, we highlight the thrilling water-focused activities that guests can experience when visiting our properties from canoeing to catch-and-release fishing, boating and cultural-related experiences too.
The Mighty Zambezi
Nestled between an imposing mountain escarpment to the north and the Zambezi River to the south, the Lower Zambezi Valley boasts a variety of activities that few, if any, other destinations can offer. Guests staying at Time + Tide Chongwe can experience the following activities on water:
Canoeing Safaris
Take to the Lower Zambezi by canoe and come face to face with majestic herds of elephants at the water’s edge. Canoeing safaris are great all year round, but during the drier season from August to November, animals gather for a drink of water at the river. This is a truly unforgettable and thrilling experience that if currently not on your bucket list, should be.
Catch-And-Release Fishing
The Lower Zambezi is home of world-class catch-and-release tiger fishing. Getting your hands on a glittering tiger fish is possible throughout the year but is best experienced during October and November in their breeding season.
Safari by Boat
Boat cruises are a wonderful way to explore the Lower Zambezi. Guests can expect to see an array of wildlife such as hippos, elephants, crocodiles and birds.
Liuwa Plain National Park
Time + Tide King Lewanika is the only camp in the entire Liuwa Plain National Park offering a watery wonderland and the chance to feel like the first explorers on Earth.
Canoeing
From January to May the annual floods turn vast swathes of the park into wetlands making it the perfect time to venture out on the plains by canoe. Bird watching is prime during these months, as the plains turn into a haven for migratory birds. Large flocks fill the sky, including crowned cranes and Africa’s largest wattled crane population.
Lozi Fishing
On certain days of the week, Lozi people gather at the Munde River in the Liuwa Plain National Park where they use fish trap baskets to catch fish. These days and times are decided and agreed on together to ensure the fairness of the catch in the community.
Kuomboka Ceremony
Every year, as summer gives way to winter, the Kuomboka procession is a flurry of vibrant colours, beating drums and chanting voices. This annual ceremony marks the transition of the Litunga (Lozi King) from his summer to winter residence, which is located on higher ground, away from the seasonal floodplains. The exact date changes every year, depending on the ebb and flow of the natural world but if the procession is to take place, it’s in March or April, and guests are invited to join to watch this wonderfully energetic and colourful event.
Safari by boat in the South Luangwa
The Green Season, also known as Emerald Season, spreads across Zambia from late November to March every year. After a hot summer in the valley, the rains shower down and bring the wilderness to life, creating a haven for wildlife and visitors alike.
Connected by the high-flowing Luangwa River, Time + Tide Chinzombo and Kakuli remain open during this season, offering the ultimate tranquillity with the added opportunity to boat between the two camps. With water levels at their highest, boating safaris take you straight into the deepest heart of the park to territories untouched and inaccessible to vehicles and walking safaris.
Wildlife does not vanish during this season, only the tourists, making it one of the most coveted spots for seasoned safari-goers. Venture beyond the river banks, through the flooded ebony groves and encounter animals wandering, grazing and drinking at eye level. Furthermore, the Green Season is a birder’s paradise with seasonal and year-round residents showing off breeding plumage and singing their hearts out, hoping to attract a mate.
FOLLOW THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
Book your safari and experience Zambia with us
travel@timeandtideafrica.com and our Time + Tide travel designers will reply to you.
“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