Sunset or sunrise over a riverside landscape with trees, traditional huts, and eroded riverbank.

Time + Tide Mchenja

Set on the banks of the Luangwa River beneath a grove of ebony trees, Time + Tide Mchenja blends classic bushcamp character with refined comfort. The camp is perfectly placed in the heart of South Luangwa, an area renowned for prolific game viewing. Spacious tents open onto sweeping river views, where elephants and hippos often pass by. Days follow the rhythm of safari: game drives at dawn, walking safaris through the bush, evenings gathered around the fire under starlit skies. Mchenja is intimate, elegant and deeply connected to its surroundings – a place to experience Zambia’s wilderness at its most rewarding.

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Details

  • Country

    Zambia

  • Location

    South Luangwa National Park

  • Price

    from 840 € per person/ night

  • Best time to travel

    June - October

Rooms

Mchenja features a handful of spacious safari tents set under the shade of tall ebony trees. Each tent is designed to maximise light and views, with a comfortable bedroom, en-suite bathroom and a freestanding outdoor bath – the perfect spot to unwind after a day on safari. Natural materials and understated furnishings create a calm, authentic atmosphere. From your private veranda you look out over the river, where wildlife is never far away. The camp combines the intimacy of a traditional bushcamp with thoughtful touches that make your stay relaxed and memorable.

A cozy bedroom with a mosquito net canopy in a round hut with thatched walls and ceiling
A luxurious open-air tent with a bathtub, overlooking a river with trees and blue sky, featuring wooden and fabric elements.
An outdoor bathroom area with a sink, mirror, and bottles on a wooden table surrounded by bamboo fencing and green trees overhead.
A couple sitting on a blanket enjoying a picnic by a river under a large shade tree in a camp setting.

Culinary

Dining at Mchenja is a celebration of fresh flavours and atmospheric settings. Mornings start with breakfast before heading out on safari, lunches are relaxed and often served outdoors overlooking the river. Evenings bring multi-course dinners under the stars or by the campfire, accompanied by fine wines or a sundowner cocktail. The culinary team draws inspiration from Zambia’s rich produce and combines it with international influences, creating dishes that are both creative and satisfying. Meals here are more than just food – they are moments to share stories, reflect on the day and savour the spirit of safari life.

A smiling man in light-colored uniform pouring a drink into a glass at an outdoor table by a river.
An elegantly set dining table inside a rustic, thatched-roof room with comfortable sofas and wooden furniture.
A waiter in a green shirt walks past a buffet table with various dishes in a cozy, outdoor lounge area.
A woman wearing a large sun hat and a green jacket stands by a river, looking at her phone at sunset.

Activities

Mchenja offers access to some of the best wildlife viewing in South Luangwa. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal lions, leopards, elephants and abundant plains game. Walking safaris with expert guides let you explore the bush at eye level, learning to read tracks and understand the smaller details of the ecosystem. As daylight fades, night drives reveal a different side of the wilderness, from prowling predators to elusive nocturnal creatures. Every activity is led with passion and expertise, ensuring your safari is both thrilling and insightful. Mchenja is a camp for those who want to connect deeply with Zambia’s wilderness.

Two elephants wade through a river near a natural landscape, with a swimming pool and outdoor seating in the foreground.
Two people sitting on the grass observing a herd of elephants in a natural setting.
A picnic setup with two foldable chairs, a table with bottles, and a hat on a grassy riverside at sunset.
A rustic adventure scene with a vintage safari vehicle in the open savannah, set up for a sundowner drink with bottles and cups on a table.

Lage

Time + Tide Mchenja is located in the central part of South Luangwa National Park, set on a scenic stretch of the Luangwa River. Surrounded by towering ebony trees, the camp feels secluded yet close to prime game-viewing areas. The river attracts wildlife year-round, providing remarkable encounters right from camp. Most guests arrive via Mfuwe, followed by a game-drive transfer of about 2.5 hours – an experience that often brings first sightings before reaching camp. Mchenja’s location makes it an excellent base for exploring the park by vehicle or on foot, offering both tranquillity and outstanding safari opportunities.

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Contact person

A smiling young woman with long hair stands outdoors with lions resting in the background.
Anja Sterker

Travel Designer

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