In Zambia, wildlife encounters are not rare moments. They are part of daily life on safari. Herds of elephants crossing the river at first light, leopards padding silently across game trails, wild dogs racing through golden grasslands, these are the stories that unfold around you each day.
We often hear about the ‘Big Five’, but in Zambia we speak of the Magnificent Seven. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino, cheetah and African wild dog. Five of these roam the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks, where sightings are not just possible but frequent.
It’s not just about the big names, though. Zambia’s wild places are rich with life at every turn. In the South Luangwa, the landscape shifts from riverine forest to open plains, teeming with zebra, puku, giraffe and wildebeest. In the Lower Zambezi, the river is the lifeblood of the ecosystem, drawing in elephant, hippo and buffalo, and offering glimpses of shy bushbuck at the water’s edge.
Big cats abound. Leopard cubs have been seen perched in sausage trees, while lion prides laze near lagoons until the heat begins to fade. This is also one of the best places in Africa to see African wild dogs. Packs thrive in both regions, and in peak season it’s not uncommon to witness them on the hunt.
For birders, Zambia is a dream. Over 450 species fill the skies and treetops, from seasonal carmine bee-eaters to the ever-present african fish eagles or a special pel’s fishing owl. The air rings with their calls, especially in our green season. Even those who don’t call themselves birders find themselves reaching for binoculars again and again.
And then there are the smaller stories. The Little Five are favourites for guests with a keen eye: ant lion, buffalo weaver, rhino beetle, elephant shrew and leopard tortoise. On foot, the details sharpen. You begin to notice the prints in the dust, the rustle in the undergrowth, the way the wind carries scent through the bush. Whether by vehicle, canoe, or on foot, each outing is a window into another world.
Every guide at Time + Tide has earned their stripes through years of training and deep personal connection to the land. Many were raised in the surrounding villages, where learning animal behaviour began long before their first safari. Their understanding of the bush is instinctive, and their ability to share it with you is part of what makes a safari here so memorable.
There’s a quiet confidence in Zambia’s wild places. Nothing is hurried. Nothing is staged. The magic is in the watching, the waiting, and the sense that you are somewhere rare. This is safari as it was meant to be, wild, raw, and full of wonder.
