Immerse yourself in the unspoiled wilderness of the South Luangwa, discovering the diverse tapestry of habitats that make up this exceptional National Park, from tranquil rivers to ancient forests and open pans. 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. Slow down and watch the delicate dance of an elephant’s trunk, listen to the sunrise call of a lion, breathe in the wild African air.
Journey Information
- Flexible walking safari itinerary, tailor-made to your preferences around choice of camps and length of stay.
- For example, follow our most popular 5-night walking safari itinerary, or extend it to 10 nights with 2 nights spent in each camp.
- You dictate the pace, walk as much or as little as you please, with vehicle transfers available between camps as an alternative.
- You will always be accompanied by a guide and scout when walking, and your luggage will be transferred ahead of you.
- In addition to your morning walking safari, game drives are also available in the evening.
- Minimum age for walking is 12 years old, and at the guide’s discretion.
Journey Information
- This journey is only available in Safari Season.
- Time + Tide Safaris seasonal camps are open from 20 May – 15 November.
- Expect world class predator action, encounters with endangered species and unique endemic animals.
- Known as the Valley of the Leopard, the South Luangwa is home to abundant leopards as well as lions, plentiful plains game, mighty herds of elephants and diverse birdlife. The famed carmine bee-eaters peak during October.
- Our Time + Tide Sleepout is highly recommended as an addition to your walking safari. Just like the early explorers, you will fall asleep under a canopy of a million twinkling stars, listening to the susurrations of the night-time bush. A cosy bedroll, bush loo and culinary team ensure that this experience is as comfortable as it is memorable. Your room is held back in camp should you wish to return.
Discover your journey
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA
TIME + TIDE SEASONAL CAMPS
Begin your journey at our seasonal camps, exploring the wilds of the South Luangwa in the tradition of the walking safari from camp to camp. Originally sited by early pioneer Norman Carr decades ago, the camps are located in the best game areas of the whole national park. Each one has a unique setting, from an intimate river lagoon frequented by wildlife to a lofty perch along a sweeping curve of the Luangwa River. Each camp has its own distinctive personality and style, yet all are designed to reconnect guests with the natural world by providing an immersive, authentic experience. Panoramic views, open air design, natural light and organic materials bring the beauty of the South Luangwa to every moment of your stay. Your guide will meet you on arrival at Mfuwe Airport and transfer you to your first camp. After a delicious meal and a cup of coffee, settle into your room before departing on your afternoon activity.
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA
TIME + TIDE CHINZOMBO
You can choose to end off your walking safari in the lap of luxury at our camp, Chinzombo. Your transfer from our seasonal camps includes both a game drive and a scenic 5 minute boat trip. Chinzombo’s luxury safari tents’ award-winning design blends modern style with the best of a traditional bush safari camp. Each stretches out onto a shaded verandah where you can while away the afternoon or unwind with an in-room spa treatment. Each safari tent has a private pool and soaking tub with panoramic views over the river and its abundant wildlife. Down a winding path, the main lodge beckons. Lounge on the riverfront sun deck with a book from the open-air library. Enjoy dinner under the stars, sip a drink at the bar while browsing through old books and photos, or around the fire pit suspended high atop the river bank. On your departure day, your guide will transfer you back to Mfuwe Airport where you will fly back to Lusaka in time to catch your international flight home.
OTHER JOURNEYS YOU MIGHT LIKE
5+ NIGHTS | WALKING SAFARI
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Our expertise in African travel and conservation dates back for many decades, you can expect equally pioneering travel guidance from our award-winning team. Time + Tide are custodians of some of the most remote corners of our planet and it is our privilege to guide you along 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