Time + Tide Chinzombo is the next generation of Zambian safari camp and fast becoming one of THE places to visit in Africa. Originally opened by Norman Carr Safaris, Zambia’s oldest safari company offering walking and photographic safaris. Wildly luxurious, it brings a level of style, comfort and elegance to the Luangwa Valley. The architects Silvio Rech & Lesley Carstens, were the visionaries behind North Island in Seychelles, Jao and Mombo in Botswana. Chinzombo is the perfect end to any safari combining sister bushcamps: Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli and Mchenja.
Chinzombo is on an sweeping curve of the Luangwa River, overlooking the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. It retains its bush authenticity with grass and canvas walls and spacious living areas that melt into the exquisitely tranquil riverside setting. Colonial accents complement organic textures, creating an authentic feel that harkens back to the early days of exploration. In the shade of magnificent trees, the 60 acre riverside location teems with wildlife and has direct access to the national park on the opposite river bank.
Lounge on the riverfront sun deck with a book from the open air library. Enjoy dinner under the stars. Sip a drink at the bar while browsing through old books and photos or around the fire pit suspended high atop the river bank.
Chinzombo has six sublime safari tents, one of which has two bedrooms for families (can sleep up to five guests). The tents’ 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 room spa treatment.
Each tent has feather top beds (twin or king) surrounded by mosquito nets. A haven for relaxation with Eco cooled sleeping areas and a standing fan. The large open plan bathroom has flushing toilet, a soaking bathtub (big enough for 2!), shower, and his and hers washbasins. Relax by your tent’s private pool and outdoor sunken lounge. Watching the river’s frequent wildlife visitors. Under the shade of ancient trees, listen to the bellows of hippos echoing across the river.
There’s complimentary WiFi access in each room, a minibar, tea and coffee making station as well as bathrobes.
TentFamily Tent
Zambia Family Safari
Spend time in the places you love, with the people you love. Time + Tide believe in introducing children to the wonders of the wild from an early age. The team takes great care in sharing a deep appreciation for the land, wildlife, and culture with every guest. Including the youngest explorers. Unforgettable encounters, immersive experiences, and inspiring stories help families connect with nature. Whether simply enjoying time together or diving into fun filled activities on safari.
Children’s experiences at Time + Tide will spark curiosity and wonder for all kids. Beyond thrilling game drives, younger guests can track wildlife with the guides, try their hand at cooking with the chefs, and enjoy a host of other engaging activities.
Children of all ages welcome in all Time and Tide camps. When sharing with an adult, children under 18 years old are charged 50% of the nightly adult rate. Children 3 and under are free of charge when sharing with an adult. Families of four or less including at least one child younger than 12 years, are required to pay for the use of a private vehicle. Adults are responsible for supervising children at all times. Minimum age for walking, canoeing and sleep out is 12 years old and at the discretion of the guide. The children’s menu delights younger palates with flexible meal times for kids.
Bond with family on a safari in South Luangwa
Time + Tide Chinzombo Things to Do
Home to the original walking safari, Time + Tide South Luangwa is the perfect destination for adventurous and active travelers. With an award winning guiding team, you can explore as you please. Discovering the diverse tapestry of habitats of the South Luangwa.
The region is renowned for its world class predator action, with especially strong sightings of the elusive leopard. Leopard cubs have been seen perched in sausage trees, while lion prides laze near lagoons until the heat begins to fade. In the South Luangwa, expect large herds of elephants and rivers packed with hippos and crocs. This is also one of the best places in Africa to see African wild dogs.
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 the green season. Even those who don’t call themselves birders find themselves reaching for binoculars again and again.
Carmine bee-eaters in flight
The Africa night sky is simply magnificent. The Milky Way seems 100 times brighter in the Luangwa Valley where there is no light pollution. Watched over by the Southern Cross, Orion and Scorpio amongst an infinite number of others. Memories of sitting in awed silence listening to the distant call of lions, cicadas and a million tree frogs under the crescent of an African moon will live with you forever.
Walking Safaris
Discover the delicate balance of the natural world as you explore the unspoiled wilderness of Zambia on foot. Back in the 1950’s Norman Carr pioneered walking safaris and conservation-based tourism in Zambia. His aim was to track big game on foot in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. Home to some of the continent’s greatest concentrations of game. Zambia’s outstanding reputation of guiding is ever prevalent in the team.
Guides offer guests a raw, authentic safari experience. Slow down and trace a leopard track in the sand through early morning mists. Watch the delicate dance of an oxpecker on a zebra. Listen to the sunrise call of a lion. Breathe in the wild African air. Delight in learning something new on every activity.
Walking safaris are immersive, sensual and peaceful. In Zambia, an armed wildlife ranger or “scout” leads each walking group, followed by the trained walking guide. Having a walk led by two wildlife experts was conceived by Norman and a 60 year track record of safety speaks to the effectiveness of this approach.
The difference between a vehicle safari and walking safari is on the walks you can see, hear, smell and feel the bush. You begin to understand the interconnections of the flora and the fauna. How each small part plays an important role in the greater ecosystem. Small mysteries of the bush are unlocked and explored. Tracks are investigated; and the wide variety of animal poo becomes an unexpected and fascinated learning experience! And while generally speaking, walks are more focused on the little things in the bush, tracking big game on foot is not uncommon and always thrilling.
Game Drives
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.
Driving safaris are all conducted in open 4X4 vehicles (Land Cruiser or Land Rover) with either two or three ‘rows’ of seats. At Chinzombo, Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli and Mchenja we generally have 4, with no more than 6, people on a vehicle ensuring everyone has a ‘window’ seat.
Night drives are generally an extension of your afternoon game drive or walking safari. As the sun begins to set we stop to watch the day come to a close and as dusk falls set off to explore as the nocturnal animals start to emerge.
The best chance of seeing genets, civets, elephant shrew, porcupine and the fierce honey-badger is after sunset and the large predators, with the exception of wild dog, are most active at night. Night time birding can be very rewarding with nightjars, owls great and small, dikkop, bat hawk and coursers are all abundant.
Lions
Boating Safaris
In the South Luangwa, boating is seasonal. Available when the Luangwa River floods between January and April. During this time, high water levels open up vast stretches of flooded woodland and channels, making it possible to reach hidden places that are inaccessible at any other time of year. Boating here feels like entering a different world, where trees rise from the water and everything seems to move in slow motion.
Boating safaris take you eye to eye with hippos and crocs. The air is clear and excellent for photography. You will find magnificent skies and sunsets with the occasional dramatic tropical downpour.
Photographic Safari
Photography safaris are shaped for those who value time behind the lens, with the freedom to slow down and work carefully with light and composition.
In South Luangwa, exciting hours spent on the vehicle, on foot and even in camp invite rewarding observation, while green season boating offers a different perspective as the river runs full and the valley turns vivid. For serious photographers, a private vehicle option makes all the difference, allowing you to linger with a sighting, adjust your position and wait out the moment. Dramatic backdrops, wide skies, and exceptional wildlife create year round opportunities, particularly for those drawn to photographing predators.
From December to March, the rains bring clear air between storms, dramatic clouds, a luminous green landscape, and newborn wildlife. April and May mark the transition to the dry season. The landscape remains green and fresh, rivers still run strong, making it ideal for rich color and atmospheric scenes. From June to August, the dry months bring gentle light and thinning vegetation, with wildlife gathering around water sources, offering excellent opportunities for crisp wildlife photography. September to mid-November becomes warmer and more dramatic, with golden grass, dust and haze in the air, and deep, glowing light that lends itself to striking silhouettes, textured landscapes, and powerful sunrise and sunset imagery.
For your kit, a telephoto lens in the 200 to 500 mm range is ideal, paired with a wide angle for landscapes. Pack spare memory cards, cleaning gear, a dust proof bag, resealable bags for smaller items, plus extra batteries and a charger.
Photographic safari
South Luangwa Birding Safari
The South Luangwa is a birder’s paradise, home to over 400 recorded bird species. Bird life shifts gently with the seasons, and no matter what time you come, it remains consistently rich. From November to April, the green season brings breeding activity, vibrant plumage, and summer migrants such as European bee-eaters, woodland kingfishers, and cuckoos, drawn by abundant insect life. As waters begin to recede in May and June, lagoons and riverbanks attract storks, herons, and waders in excellent numbers. Between July and October, the dry season concentrates birds along the Luangwa River, where southern carmine bee-eaters nest in riverbanks from August to October and raptors are often seen riding warm thermals overhead. At any time of year, whether on foot, by vehicle, or from camp, the South Luangwa offers layered, rewarding birding with constant movement, color, and song.
Southern ground hornbills
South Luangwa National Park Sleep Out (Supplementary cost)
The sleep out is an unforgettable experience where you can fully immerse yourself in nature and spend a night in the wild. You are joined by private chef, guide and scout. It is available between June to November.
After afternoon tea, we recommend a walking safari to guide you into the heart of the Zambian wilderness where you will reach your sleep out location. The site is on a dry, sandy riverbed in the heart of South Luangwa National Park. Enjoy sundowner drinks as the sun retreats and opens up a vast night sky full of millions of stars. Have dinner and drinks around the fire with loved ones. Laughter and chatter intermingling with the whooping of hyenas, a gentle chorus of creatures and maybe a distant lioness’ roar. Wildlife frequently wanders past, bringing the game viewing right to you.
Retreat to your gossamer tent and cozy bedroll sheathed beneath a transparent netting. Let the sounds of the bush and crackling fire lull you to sleep.
Wake up to the scent of freshly brewed coffee as the first rays of sun stretch across the land. Warm your toes by the campfire as your chef prepares a hot breakfast cooked to order. Birds chirp as grazers tip toe past, beckoning you to come explore their wild home.
After breakfast, jump on the game vehicle or choose a walking safari to track the animals you heard calling through the night. This is Africa in its wildest form, exactly as the early explorers experienced it.
Minimum 2 guests, maximum 8 guests (Minimum age 12).
Your room is held back in your main camp should you wish to return at any time.
Sleep under the stars
Cultural Excursions
This cultural excursion focuses on inclusive education and the community led care of children with support needs. You’ll visit families involved in the home based education program, meet children and caregivers, and witness how knowledge, training, and consistent support are changing lives. It takes you beyond the wilderness and into the lives of the people who call these places home. Through respectful, guided visits, you’ll witness how your stay directly supports conservation, education, and community empowerment. The cornerstones of the Time + Tide Foundation.
Conservation South Luangwa (CSL)
Every guest’s stay contributes to CSL and the amazing work they do to protect the wildlife of the South Luangwa. CSL practices a multi-faceted approach to wildlife resource management and protection. They implement counter trade/trafficking measures including anti-poaching foot patrols, aerial surveillance, sniffer dog detection and tracking work. Alongside direct community engagement with people living alongside the extraordinary wildlife in the Valley. If you are interested in their work, we can arrange a talk and tour for you at the CSL offices in Mfuwe Village.
Chipembele
Chipembele is a charitable trust and NGO that aims to teach Zambian children and the community the value of wildlife and their environment. So they may be conserved for present and future generations. Chipembele has a unique education center, with a widely acclaimed interpretive room. The Center provides an interactive and contemporary learning facility that embraces wildlife, the environment and conservation issues. There is also a small animal rehabilitation facility where orphaned and injured animals are reared or nursed back to full health before being returned to the wild.
Wellness
Between activities, enjoy wellness therapies that combine the healing touch of expert therapists with the richness of African botanicals. Yoga kits and guided yoga classes are available at Chinzombo Camp.
Wining + Dining at Chinzombo
At Time + Tide, the dining experiences offer an immersive journey. Inviting you to savor the essence of Zambia. Captivating culinary adventures can be enjoyed in camp, amid a wild bush setting, or from the comfort of your luxury tent. Dishes draw from the rich cultural and natural heritage of Zambia by celebrating its vibrant flavors, local produce and traditions. By bringing together the best of Zambia with inspiration from around the world, the dining experience appeals to international guests. While retaining its wonderful Zambian authenticity. Dietary preferences and needs are met with creativity and ease.
It might be breakfast cooked over the coals at sunrise, a long lunch beside the river, or an elegant three course dinner in camp. You might find yourself out in the bush with a surprise table waiting under the trees or seated beside the fire as the Milky Way emerges overhead. Each setting is chosen with care, and each meal is thoughtfully prepared.
Sample menu:
Zambian Grass Fed Beef Tartare, Garlic Aioli, Salted Lavash
Spiced Confit Local Duck Leg, Brown Butter & Red Potato Mash
Vegetable & Cassava Root Curry, Pickled Mango, Poppadums
Flambéed Stone Fruit, Mkhoyo Ice Cream, Ginger Biscuit Crumble
The best time to visit Chinzombo?
The best time for a safari at Chinzombo depends on what you are wanting to do.
From November to April (Green Season), the scenery is lush green and you get the best sunsets. There a fewer tourists and cheaper rates. The rains bring birds and baby animals in abundance so excellent time for everything!
May and June is time of less rain (with June having almost none) although the scenery is still lush. The weather is cooler making it ideal for walking safaris. This is a fantastic time for photography.
July to October is the dry season. The bush gets less dense therefore it is easier to spot the wildlife. They also congregate at the fewer water sources so generally this the peak safari season in the South Luangwa National Park. Temperatures are lovely and warm during the day but chillier in the evenings (especially July and August). Again, this makes it ideal for walking safaris.
How to get to Chinzombo?
Mfuwe is the gateway to the South Luangwa National Park. There are regular flights from Lusaka to Mfuwe International Airport (MFU), just outside the park. The drive from Mfuwe Airport to Chinzombo is approx 1.5 hours.
Time + Tide Chinzombo Accommodation Rates
Chinzombo Camp is open throughout the year.
2026 and 2027 Time + Tide Chinzombo Rates
Green Season: 1st January – 30th June & 1st November – 31st December
Safari Season: 1st July – 31st October
Per adult sharing
$ 1,330
$ 1,840
Single Supplement: 50% of the nightly rate
Children 3 and under stay for free. 4 – 17 years old pay 50% of the adult rate.
The rates include:
Accommodation and all meals.
Standard drinks (soft drinks, house wine, beer and spirits).
Transfers to/from Mfuwe Airport.
Local inter camp road transfers, laundry and service charge.
Two daily activities: Game drives, walking safaris, cultural visits.
Seasonal activities: Boat cruises.
A 20 minute welcome massage.
These rates exclude:
Reserve spirits, wines and champagnes.
Entry visas, flights.
Meet and Greet in Lusaka.
Spa treatments.
Gratuities, personal expenses and extras.
Park Fees and Conservation Levies.
Time + Tide Chinzombo Special Offers
Stay/Pay Offers
Stay 10, pay 8, stay 7, pay 6 or Stay 4, pay 3*. Can be combined with all Time and Tide camps in Zambia (see below under Jet Set Safari).
*Valid all year except the 4 for 3 offer which is only available in the green season (1st – 15th November and 1st April – 30th June).
Spontaneous Safari
A wildly generous offer that allows you to follow the road less traveled and enjoy this exceptional, untouched and uncrowded wilderness. The Spontaneous Safari rates are valid for travel until 30 June 2026. With the exception of Time + Tide Luwi and Time + Tide Nsolo, valid until 15 November 2026. This offer can be combined with the Stay Pay offers, which give you complimentary nights to enjoy more time on safari, including the Stay 10 Pay 8, Stay 7 Pay 6 and Green Season Stay 4 Pay 3 offers.
Spontaneous Safari Rates
Green Season: 1st January – 30th June 2026
Safari Season: 1st July – 15th November 2026
Chinzombo
$ 950
–
Chongwe Suites and Chongwe House
$ 700
–
Chongwe Camp, Mchenja, Kakuli, Nsolo, Luwi
$ 600
$ 800 (Nsolo, Luwi only)
Jet Set Safari
Stay a minimum of 5 nights at any Time + Tide Safaris camps in Zambia and 5 nights at Time + Tide in Madagascar and receive 2 nights complimentary.
Valid all year.
*For stays at Miavana, you also get complimentary return helicopter transfers from Diego Suarez / Nosy Be.
South Luangwa Honeymoon
Stay a minimum of 5 nights at any Time + Tide Safaris camps in Zambia within 6 months of your wedding and receive 50% off your partner’s accommodation.
Valid all year.
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