WHY ZAMBIA SHOULD BE NEXT ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST…

Africa is a diverse continent full of wild and wonderful opportunities. When deciding where to adventure next, you are spoilt for choice. Time + Tide Founder and Chairman, Thierry Dalais, explored these many opportunities as he travelled around Africa in search of his happy place. As an amateur helicopter pilot, Dalais took flight and used Africa’s rivers as a map to guide his search. He eventually hovered and settled in the honey pot of natural diversity, a wild and uncharted destination – Zambia. With her abundance of natural resources and authentic, welcoming people, Zambia instantly charmed him. From this moment he knew he wanted to share this untouched African experience with others and preserve it for generations to come.

ZAMBIA IS A VIBRANT AND WELCOMING NATION WHOSE REGIONAL DIVERSITY MAKES FOR A RICH AND ENTHRALLING TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

Visitor numbers are small, and the vast areas of pristine wilderness have remained unchanged for millennia. The opportunity to explore these areas and see the wildlife without sharing the experience with many others is a privilege that is hard to find. From sweeping savannah to mountainous escarpments and mighty rivers to ancient forests, this is a country primed for exploration. Around 30% of Zambia’s land is protected for wildlife, totalling around 250,000 square kilometres spread over 20 national parks and 34 game reserves. Thanks to the varied habitat available, Zambia is home to an astonishing assemblage of biodiversity, including 237 species of mammals and 779 species of birds.

 

A BRIEF CULTURAL OVERVIEW

Zambia’s population of 17 million people is comprised of 72 unique ethnic groups. Though each has their own language, there are 8 official languages, with English, Nyanja and Bemba being the widest spoken. Zambians are renowned for being very friendly and welcoming and visitors are invariably touched by the warmth with which they are greeted. It is consistently well-ranked in the UN Global Peace Index, often ranking as one of the best countries in Africa. In addition to a rich traditional food culture, there is a flourishing food scene in the capital city of Lusaka. The art scene is also thriving, offering travellers chances to experience everything from traditional tribal art to chic photo galleries featuring local artists.

 

SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Join us at our camps – Time + Tide Chinzombo, Mchenja, Nsolo, Kakuli + Luwi

  • Park size: 9,050 sq km
  • Mammal species: 60
  • Bird species: 450
  • Key predators: leopard, lion, wild dog, hyena
  • Highlight species: elephant, carmine bee-eaters, hippos, puku, Thornicroft giraffe (endemic), Crawshay’s zebra (endemic), Cookson’s wildebeest (endemic)
  • Activities: day and night game drives, walking safaris, Sleepout Under the Stars, wildlife hides, seasonal boating (Jan – Apr), school visits


CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON SOUTH LUANGWA

LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK

Visit our happy place – Time + Tide Chongwe Camp, Suites and House

  • Park size: 4,092 sq km
  • Mammal species: 60
  • Bird species: 378
  • Key predators: lion, leopard, wild dog, hyena
  • Highlight species: elephant, buffalo, hippo
  • Activities: day and night game drives, walking safaris, boat cruises, canoeing safaris, catch-and-release fishing, Sleepout Under the Stars, wildlife hide, school visits

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON LOWER ZAMBEZI

LIUWA PLAIN NATIONAL PARK

Experience the beauty of Liuwa Plain at Time + Tide King Lewanika

  • Park size: 3,360 sq km
  • Mammal species: 60
  • Bird species: 334
  • Key predators: lion, hyena, cheetah
  • Highlight species: wildebeest and zebra migration, crowned and wattled cranes
  • Activities: day and night game drives, walking safaris, canoeing safaris, birdwatching, Sleepout Under the Stars, scenic helicopter flips, school visits


CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON LIUWA PLAIN

EXPLORE WITH TIME + TIDE, THE ZAMBIA EXPERTS

Time + Tide carries a legacy dating back to 1950 with the founding of Norman Carr’s visionary ecotourism enterprise. We are the only company that operates in three national parks, meaning we offer the widest knowledge base and the most variety of safari experiences. From scenic helicopter flips and sleeping out under the stars to game drives and canoeing safaris, we have the best array of activities to create an in-depth exploration of Zambia’s wilderness that leaves you feeling fully alive.

Every guest is welcomed into the Time + Tide family with open arms and big smiles. Join us and reconnect with nature in a sustainable, meaningful way. Touch the earth and feel every sense come to life with the endless delights that a Time + Tide safari offers. Our award-winning guides are widely known as some of the best in Africa, with several of our senior guides trained by Norman Carr himself. Our guides ensure that guests receive an unparalleled level of natural history knowledge, as well as insight into the cultural heritage of the Zambian people who have resided here for generations. The result is an enriching and touching experience that stays with you for years to come, long after the sunset has faded on your trip’s last sundowner.

By working with Time + Tide, you gain access to our knowledge, passion, professionalism, heritage and destinations. We look forward to sharing our beautiful nation with you.

OTHER WELL KNOWN ZAMBIAN DESTINATIONS

  • Victoria Falls – iconic waterfall spanning the Zambia/Zimbabwe border (highest flow rate Feb – May)
  • Bangweulu Wetlands – excellent birding, home to the rare shoebill stork
  • Kasanka National Park – largest mammal migration in the world when 10 million bats arrive en mass to breed (Oct – Dec)
  • Kafue National Park – second largest national park in Africa
  • Kundalila Falls – one of Zambia’s many stunning waterfalls
  • Lusaka – Zambia’s capital city

Book your own dream safari and experience Zambia with us

travel@timeandtideafrica.com

or contact your current Time + Tide travel designer

Discover the road less travelled

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Destinations

Zambia

Zambia is Africa's best kept secret, with its vast landscapes, thriving wildlife and welcoming culture. Trace the steps of early explorers while experiencing immersive safaris in the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. Two of Zambia's most spectacular National Parks with diverse activities and renowned guiding with deep roots in early conservation for generations.

Destinations

Madagascar

Madagascar, an island nation off the southeast coast of Africa, is celebrated for its unique biodiversity and vibrant culture. Home to species and ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth, it offers a vivid exploration of nature's rarities. Discover the unexplored on land and sea.

Zambia

South Luangwa

Just a one hour flight from Lusaka, the South Luangwa is known for its big cat sightings and often referred to as the Valley of the Leopard. It is in the South Luangwa that the legendary Norman Carr pioneered the walking safari and conservation-based tourism in Africa. Zambia's outstanding reputation of guiding is ever prevalent in our team with some of our guides having trained with Norman himself.  Our guides offer guests a raw, authentic safari experience and don't let the finer details in these vast spaces pass you by. 

Zambia

Lower Zambezi

Nestled between the imposing mountain escarpment to the north and the mighty Zambezi River to the south, the Lower Zambezi Valley has a variety of activities that few, if any, other destinations can offer. It has been described by guests as their "happy place" because of its beautiful scenery, peaceful riverside woodlands and abundant wildlife. The Lower Zambezi is just a short 30 minute flight from Lusaka and offers guests the thrill of tiger-fishing to peaceful wildlife sightings on the banks of the river while canoeing or boating. Our guides strive to make each guest feel like they are part of the landscape and not a mere spectator.

Madagascar

Nosy Komba

Just off the northwest coast of Madagascar, a short boat ride from Nosy Be, Nosy Komba is an island celebrated for its lush volcanic landscapes and vibrant culture. Often referred to as the 'forest gem of the Indian Ocean', it provides a spectacular backdrop for Time + Tide Tsara Komba. The lodge blends luxury with nature, offering guests direct access to both the pristine forests and the azure waters of the surrounding archipelago. Known for sustainable luxury and immersive experiences, our guides are expertly trained to reveal the secrets of Nosy Komba’s rich biodiversity and local traditions. 

“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."
Robyn, Guest at Time + Tide Mchenja
"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