In untamed Zambia you can experience a unique safari. Expect a huge respect for nature at the campsites here
(Un)real wilderness
Zambia is one of the last true wildernesses on our planet, where wide, untamed rivers meet pristine acacia forests and where the laws of nature are the only ones that apply. This African hidden gem, with its rich culture of myriad tribes, is one of the few places in the world where you will come face to face with representatives of the Big Five endangered species and where the night is truly pitch black. To fully experience the wild nature of the bush, untouched by man for millennia, the local network of numerous glamping facilities also allows you to blend comfort and luxury with the surrounding nature.
Absolute respect for the surrounding nature, as well as unprecedented facilities, is inherent in the nine campsites of the Time+Tide network in the South Luangwa, Liuwa Plain and Lower Zambezi National Parks. It is also from nature that most of the materials and themes used in the subtly colonial interiors with smooth transitions to the outside are based. You can sleep under the open sky or in the comfort of your bed, watch the animals from the hot tub in the freestanding plank verandah or simply in a chair in the communal lounge watching Africa rise or fall asleep.
Safari from the air, water and land
Livingstone and Victoria Falls tend to be the starting point for a tour of Zambia. Afterwards, it's tempting to take a river trip down to Lower Zambezi National Park, which offers a great variety of wild life, but also perspective from which to see it. Game here can be seen from the water in a boat or canoe, on land from a jeep and on foot, or from the air from a helicopter. Seeing a majestic elephant from a jeep, from the level of the shore or standing unprotected in the open are three completely different experiences.
In Liuwa Plains National Park, there are only two places to stay in its entire 3,500 square kilometres. King Lewanika Camp from the Time+Tide network is the only permanent camp in the area and has a capacity of just six tents. This means that there can only be two jeeps in the entire park at a time with a maximum of twelve travellers on board. It is hard to imagine a greater degree of safari authenticity.
The feeling you get when you breathe in the earthy scent of a riverbank, when you creep past wading elephants in a canoe, or touch a glistening tiger fish before releasing it back into the water. Fall asleep to the sounds of grunting hippos and cackling hyenas on the lower Zambezi, and wake up to birdsong over the river at sunrise. The Lower Zambezi is at its most magical from April to November, when the river is ideal for boat and canoe safaris as well as spotting wild dogs, lions, leopards and other predators.
Walking between camps
Another area of interest, famous for having the densest population of carnivores in Africa, especially leopards, is the South Luangwa. The road here follows the rivers, so it offers many opportunities for spotting wildlife that congregates by the water. Luangwa is where walking safaris originated, where you walk from camp to camp in an area where you will not encounter people or cars, but you will have countless opportunities for wildlife viewing.
The walking safari route can also be planned with accommodation options in mind. The highlight may be the ending, in which you will go down the Luangwa in a boat and by jeep along the river to the famous Chinzombo camp, known as the most luxurious in the area. You can rest assured that this camp will provide you with comfort and luxury you wouldn't expect in the heart of the wilderness. Take a walk in the wilderness, where every step brings a new experience and where the sounds of nature form a perfect symphony.
Each camp in the Time+Tide network is unique in its own way, offering a different perspective on Zambian nature. For example, Puku Ridge Camp, which is newly renovated, overlooks the open savannah and allows you to observe wildlife right from your tent. Chinzombo Camp, on the other hand, offers private pools and modern facilities, making it the perfect place to relax after a day of adventure.
A harmony of luxury and tradition
The design of Time+Tide camps combines elements of local culture with modern comfort, which is reflected in the use of traditional materials such as wood and stone, while providing luxurious amenities such as spacious beds, private baths and swimming pools. The gastronomic offer is also of a high standard, using its own ingredients and preparing dishes inspired by African and international cuisine. Each dish is prepared with the utmost care and attention to freshness and quality.
But also worth mentioning is Nsolo Camp, known for its luxury tents with wooden floors and private verandas. This campsite is ideal for photography enthusiasts, thanks to its location near watering holes where game often congregates. Luwi Camp is another exceptional place to experience an authentic safari. Located in a remote part of the park, it is famous for its night safaris, which provide a unique insight into the nightlife of the African bush.
Zambia is a destination that deserves to be on every nature and adventure lover's bucket list. It's a place where you can experience the real Africa, where nature and wilderness intermingle with the rich culture and history of the local tribes. Every day spent in Zambia is full of surprises and unforgettable moments that will forever connect you to this magical part of the world. If you are looking for a place where you can escape from civilization and experience a true adventure, Zambia is the right choice.
