Our travel advisor, Dani, had the opportunity to explore the beautifully untouched Zambia on an African safari. She got to experience a small group tour with Time + Tide and spent 10 days travelling by land as well as charter planes. From Lower Zambezi to South Luangwa, only metres away from elephants, prides of lions and much more.
Time + Tide’s family-owned properties are pioneers in luxury African safaris in Zambia and Madagascar. They have a legacy of responsible tourism and offer modern-day explorers the luxury of space and the chance to feel truly alive. Make sure to check out our Time + Tide offers here, or contact a Luxury Travel Specialist for more information.
Learn more about Dani’s African safari by reading her guide.
This African Safari Itinerary
Day One- Lusaka
We arrived in Lusaka, Zambia from Johannesburg. Our journey began with a scenic flight from Lusaka to Royal, soaring over the escarpment towards the shimmering waters of the Zambezi River. There was a short road transfer to Time + Tide Chongwe. We settled into camp and enjoyed a cup of tea before heading out on a gentle afternoon activity to get acquainted with our new surroundings. As evening fell, we gathered around the fire for stories beneath the stars, before dinner was served to the soundtrack of the bush.
Day Two- Lower Zambezi National Park
We started the day with coffee at dawn before setting out on a morning game drive. This was one of the best times to see the wild dogs on the move. Lots of wild sightings in The National Park, with a coffee stop along the way. Then we returned to camp for a relaxed brunch and a sleep. Later, we headed out by boat to explore the Zambezi River. We saw elephants, hippos, and brightly coloured birds along the banks as the afternoon light settled over the water. As the sun set, we enjoyed sundowners on a remote sandbank before returning to camp for dinner under the stars.
Day Three- Lower Zambezi National Park
Today, we started with an early walking safari. This is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the bush. With our guide leading the way, we noticed the smaller details that are often missed from a vehicle. After a well-earned coffee stop, we went back to camp for brunch. In the afternoon, we were off again on the boat to a quiet channel where canoes were waiting. Gliding past elephants, kudu, and dazzling birdlife. At the end of the channel, there was a boat ready with sundowner drinks to toast the day. Dinner back at camp rounded off the day filled with adventure and tranquillity.
Day Four- South Luangwa
We had a slow and peaceful morning today, and watched the sunrise from the comfort of our rooms. After a light breakfast we jumped in our road transfer to Royal for our onward flight to the South Luangwa. We took a road transfer to Royal followed by a flight to Mfuwe, South Luangwa. From there we drove through the friendly town of Mfuwe and viewed some of the inspiring community projects supported by the Time + Tide Foundation. Our transfer turned into a game drive on entry to the South Luangwa National Park. We arrived at Time + Tide Luwi where we settled into our tents and prepped for an afternoon safari in one of the most remote corners of the Luangwa.
Day Five- South Luangwa
After a dawn wakeup call, we gathered around the fire for tea or coffee before setting off on foot with our guide, scout, and escort. Walking straight from camp is one of the most intimate ways to experience the bush. After lunch, we packed a small overnight bag; tonight we experienced the signature sleepout. We shared a special dinner together under the stars and then sat by the camp fire on bean bags with our night caps. Saying goodnight, we went to sleep in our sleeping bags in mosquito netting, with nothing but the fire and our guide keeping an eye out. It was intimidating listening to the lions hunting on and off during the night but ended up being one of the best sleeps on the tour. As the sun set, we enjoyed dinner with our feet in the sand, before a hot bucket shower and a night spent beneath the stars.
Day Six- Luangwa River
With the sun as our wakeup call, we had an early morning and a full breakfast cooked over the fire before taking a leisurely game drive back to Time + Tide Luwi. After a chance to freshen up, we continued our journey through the park, watching as the wilderness shifted and wildlife appeared along the way. As early afternoon approached, we arrived at Time + Tide Kakuli, beautifully set on the banks of the Luangwa River. We settled into our rooms and enjoyed tea before heading out on a game drive that ended with sundowners at one of the river’s many breathtaking viewpoints and then went back to camp for dinner.
Day Seven- Luangwa River
We began the day with an early walking safari, following our guide into the bush. Lunch was served in a special location a short walk from the camp. In the afternoon, we headed out on another game drive, ending with sundowners. Returned for drinks on the deck and kept a special look out for owls before dinner.
Day Eight- South Luangwa
The final breakfast at Kakuli was bittersweet! But we had one last game drive that ended at Time + Tide Chinzombo, our last stop in the South Luangwa. Chinzombo offered a different kind of safari: contemporary comfort in a wild setting. On arrival, we enjoyed a fresh, seasonal lunch before settling into our spacious villa, complete with a private plunge pool overlooking the river.
Day Nine- South Luangwa
Today was at our own leisure and I started with a private yoga session and 1.5 hour massage on the veranda. Breakfast was enjoyed around the fire with a yummy brie and bacon jaffle, a camp favourite. The rest of the day we relaxed by the pool and had our final family dinner.
Day Ten-Lusaka
On our last day, we enjoyed an early breakfast before our guide drove us to Mfuwe Airport for our flight back to Lusaka and then onto Johannesburg.
Accommodation
Throughout the African safari, we stayed at a combination of properties that highlighted both the Lower Zambezi National Park and the South Luangwa National Park. This offered two distinct and equally remarkable safari experiences all underpinned by Time + Tide’s renowned guiding expertise and luxury camps. Elephants were free to roam through the camps and we walked safely around at night with guides. We always woke to evidence of hyaenas and baboons eating leftovers and playing in the trees through the night. This is exactly how I pictured an African safari!
All were luxurious and had a great blend between indoor and outdoor living. In some of the camps, you could choose between a tent, suite and house. I was really happy to see that there was still the element of luxury with some of the features and designs, when in reality we were in the bush on an African safari! Some of my favourite features between the accommodations were;
- Soaking tub with river views
- Private pools
- Multi-adaptor plus and WiFi
- Campfires
- Open air-bathroom
- Outdoor shower
- Library
- Family rooms
- Dedicated staff and culinary teams
Service
The guides with Time + Tide were nothing but excellent, and they really made the trip for me. These guides for an African safari are so knowledgeable, they spend years learning about the animals and their behavior and they know where to go every time to find action. They also know how to think and react quickly to keep tourists safe- which is such an important aspect on an African safari. Everyone took their roles seriously, they went above and beyond. Not only for food and drink delivery but even the service of walking us safely to our rooms each night, since there were always animals roaming around.
Dining on an African Safari
On this African safari with Time + Tide, we had all inclusive meals every day! Plus, afternoon tea, morning tea and afternoon sunset drinks. Breakfast was always a smorgasbord of fresh fruit, yoghurt, pastries, eggs and salads and cold meat. We were spoiled with the most creative salads at lunch and barbecue meat as our main. Dinners were always a combination of fish, meat and vegetarian meals, cooked in traditional and non traditional African dishes. Dessert was never left off the menu with a great range of fresh cakes and cheeses to pick on this Time + Tide African safari.
Time + Tide delivered an unforgettable African safari through two of Zambia’s most remarkable national parks, blending raw wilderness with refined luxury. From expertly guided safaris to beautifully designed camps and thoughtful service at every turn, the experience offered adventure, comfort, and a deep connection to the landscapes and wildlife. For travellers seeking an authentic yet elevated African safari, Time + Tide truly sets the benchmark. See our favourite Time + Tide offers here, or chat to a luxury specialist for other itineraries.
