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.
"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 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 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
The lodge is stunning and all the staff are utterly wonderful. The views from the lodge are outstanding, lovely Liuwa wilderness.
My bedroom was incredibly comfortable, very stylish, hitting a difficult combination of minimalist yet luxury. Incredibly comfortable bed and many relaxing areas to rest.
Mandy, Guest at Time + Tide King Lewanika
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
"Thank you for embracing the unique culture of Barotseland through storytelling, song, dance, drums and the marimba - this is a jewel in the necklace of the African Parks managed conservation areas we are visiting across Africa - much appreciated."
Kingsley Holgate, Guest at Time + Tide King Lewanika
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