Go With The Flow | Zambia's Rivers

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. 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.

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

explore@timeandtideafrica.com and our Time + Tide travel designers will reply to you.

Discover the road less travelled

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.

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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.

Explore Zambia

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.

Explore Madagascar

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. Boasting one of the highest wildlife densities in Africa, with lions, wild dog, large herds of elephants, buffalo and plains game, it is also home to several endemic species, such as the Thornicroft’s giraffe, Crawshay’s zebra and Cookson’s wildebeest. The beautiful Luangwa River, winding through the park, creates prime game viewing opportunities, especially in the dry season. It is in the South Luangwa that the legendary Norman Carr, one of our founders, 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 don’t let the finer details in these vast spaces pass you by.

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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. Stunning scenery, peaceful riverside woodlands and abundant wildlife provide a unique blend of a land- and water-based safari that’s both exhilarating and serene. The Lower Zambezi is just a short 30 minute flight from Lusaka, direct to elephant heaven. These gentle giants are prevalent in the valley, also home to healthy populations of lion, leopard, wild dogs, hippos and incredible birdlife. The opportunity to explore by canoe, boat or on foot add a sense of adventure and variety to game drives. Our guides strive to make each guest feel like they are part of the landscape and not a mere spectator.

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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.

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