Feel the rhythm drummed by the hooves of migrating wildebeest, the wing beats of cranes taking flight and the distant rumble of a thunderstorm on the horizon. Take in the sea of wildflowers stretching out across the savannah. Get up close and personal with a clan of curious hyenas. THAT IS ZAMBIA!
KING LEWANIKA
This camp is named after King Lewanika of the Lozi people, who proclaimed Liuwa Plain a protected area in the early 1880s, making it one of the earliest game reserves in Africa. Today it remains an unspoiled area, hosting a pageant of rare game and wild beauty. The only permanent camp in Liuwa Plain National Park, its six open-front villas (including a two-bedroom, two-bathroom family villa) are the essence of pure and simple luxury. Built using local techniques and sustainable materials, they run on solar power and are furnished using vintage leather, cotton and canvas—a nod to old-world safari days. Designed to completely immerse you in the vast landscape, each has an indoor and outdoor shower, a comfortable lounge and a verandah, all with stunning views over the plains.
Take a deep breath in as you look out over the curving horizon from the serene main lounge. Dine on dishes that combine the rich cultural and natural heritage of Zambia with inspiration from around the world. Warm yourself by the campfire under an endless dome of stars while listening to the legend of Lady Liuwa, matriarch of the local lion pride.
The area is a photographer’s dream, with every season offering a different backdrop for capturing the robust wildlife. Join our award-winning guides on an intimate safari excursion to admire some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife—including a growing cheetah population—on foot, in a vehicle or by canoe (in season).
Built and operated by Time + Tide, the lodge was conceptualized in collaboration with African Parks, the Zambian Department of National Parks and Wildlife, and the Barotse Royal Establishment.
Insider Tips
- Ultimate wild luxury
- Zambia’s premier safari camp
- Award-winning design on the riverfront
- Park/conservation fees US$140 pppn
ACTIVITIES
- Day + night game drives
- Walking safaris
- In villa spa treatments
- Sleep out Under the Stars
- Boating safaris (seasonal)
NEED TO KNOW
- 15 October to 15 July
- 5 Villas + 1 Family Villa (2 bedroom, 2 bathroom)
- Mains electricity + limited wifi
- Heli flight from Kalabo Airstrip
- Children of all ages with prior arrangements
SHUMBA CAMP
The vast mosaic of grassy seasonal floodplains extending to the horizon, mist rising at sunrise, epitomizes the wild, remote Busanga Plains. Its diversity can be discovered on game drives as well as boating early in the season or hot air ballooning later on.
The stylish camp is built on raised decks on a verdant tree island, allowing for breathtaking views of the surrounding floodplains. Shumba’s six luxury tented units offer spacious living with a cushion-strewn veranda for outdoor contemplations.
They took a leap of faith into remote Zambia, far off the beaten track for most travelers and with a shortened tourism season, to help expand the area’s ecotourism presence, support anti-poaching activities, and provide local employment and other opportunities. Shumba Camp is open between 1 June and 31 October each year.
- The most luxurious accommodation in Kafue, overlooking vast wildlife-rich plains
- Shumba means lion, referring to the large prides often seen near camp
- The most exclusive wildlife hot air ballooning in Africa
TIME + TIDE CHINZOMBO
Relax on your verandah overlooking a sweeping curve of the Luangwa River. Let the bellowing hippos lull you to sleep. Wake up with the eye of an elephant just outside your villa.
Named after a type of tree which grows near camp, Time + Tide Chinzombo’s natural building materials and vintage accents blend modern style with the best of a traditional bush safari camp.
Its six spacious guest villas (including a two-bedroom, two-bathroom family villa) rest beneath ancient msikzi trees. Each has a private pool and soaking tub with panoramic views over the river and its abundant wildlife.
The villas’ award-winning design features canvas, timber and reed, accented with leather and raw linen. Each stretches out onto a shaded verandah where you can while away the afternoon or unwind with an in-villa spa treatment.
Down a winding path, the main lodge beckons. Lounge on the riverfront sun deck with a book from the open-air library. Enjoy dinner under the stars, made with produce we grow ourselves. Sip a drink at bar while browsing through old books and photos, or around the fire pit suspended high atop the river bank.
This is one of the most game-rich areas of South Luangwa National Park. Take a boat across the river with our award-winning guides for a game drive, safari walk or boat cruise (seasonal) to catch sight of lions, leopards and other world-class predator action.
Insider Tips
- Ultimate wild luxury
- Zambia’s premier safari camp
- Award-winning design on the riverfront
- Park/conservation fees US$100 pppn
NEED TO KNOW
- Open all year
- 5 Villas + 1 Family Villa (2 bedroom, 2 bathroom)
- Mains electricity + limited wifi
- 1 hour game drive transfer from Mfuwe Airport
- Children of all ages with prior arrangements
ACTIVITIES
- Day + night game drives
- Walking safaris
- In villa spa treatments
- Sleepout Under the Stars
- Boating safaris (seasonal)
TIME + TIDE MCHENJA
Hear baboons bark and monkeys chat as you follow the flick of a leopard’s tail across the river. Feel your insides vibrate to the roar of a male lion passing through camp in the middle of the night. Sit within reach of an elephant as it feeds on the seed pods just outside your room.
Mchenja is the local name for ebony, and the camp is tucked into a shady ebony grove beside the Luangwa River in the heart of South Luangwa National Park.
Its five rooms (including a two-bedroom, two-bathroom family suite) are pure, natural elegance with grass walls, soft cushions and light-as-air curtains. Each has a feather-top bed, large picture windows and open air en-suite bathroom with a bath looking out onto the river.
Built around a bent ebony trunk, the main lounge has the feel of a spacious treehouse. At breakfast, listen to a chorus of birdsong and laughing hippos. Between safari activities, relax in the refreshing pool overlooking the river.
Pull yourself away from camp to track big cats through the bush with hushed voices and beating hearts. Night drives are always rewarding, with the bush revealing a different nocturnal surprise every time. At the right time of year, this is one of the best camps in the park for seeing carmine bee-eaters.
Insider Tips
- Gorgeous riverside setting in a lush ebony grove
- Luxury meets adventure
- Pool overlooking the river
- Park/conservation fees US$100 pppn
NEED TO KNOW
- Open 20 May to 7 November
- 5 Rooms
- Solar power + no wifi
- 2.5 hour game drive transfer from Mfuwe Airport
- Minimum age 8
ACTIVITIES
- Day + night game drives
- Walking safaris
- Sleepout Under the Stars
- Wildlife photography
Emily Lockard-Furry began selling travel in 2014. She specializes in destination weddings and honeymoons, but also plans itineraries for multi-generational families and incentive reward travel.