Time + Tide Kakuli | South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Perched high above the Luangwa River, Time + Tide Kakuli offers impressive vistas of the river and its many visitors below. Designed to celebrate the panoramic riverside setting, the reed and safari tents have a long, low profile and a bright, airy design.
The chitenge (main area) overlooks a permanent waterhole and the river beyond, promising game viewing right from the comfort of camp.
Take in the panoramic views of the river and listen to the grunts of nearby hippos while giraffe and elephants stop by for a drink. Slow down, unwind and fully immerse into this extraordinary, wild land.
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Perched high above the Luangwa River, Time + Tide Kakuli offers impressive vistas of the river
and its many visitors below. Designed to celebrate the riverside setting, a stay at Time + Tide Kakuli is an awe-inspiring experience that allows you to reconnect with nature in a magnificent way. Freshly redesigned, the suites offer comfort in all seasons, and are thoughtfully appointed to ensure every guest enjoys their experience. Take in the panoramic views of the river from your private verandah, listening to the calls of nearby hippos and watching the giraffes and elephants that stop by for a drink. Marvel at the aerial acrobatics of emerald green bee-eaters hunting outside your tent.
Slow down, unwind and fully immerse into this extraordinary wild land.
THE SUITES
- 4 suites - one bedroom, one bathroom
- Indoor and outdoor showers
- Private verandah with river views
- Double or twin configuration
- Solar power, British three pin plugs in main lounge
- No wifi and phone signal
- Main lodge - dining areas, lounge, bar and campfire
NEED TO KNOW
+ Open 20 Jan to 4 April, 20 May to 7 Nov
+ 2.5 hour game drive transfer from Mfuwe
+ 2 hour boat transfer during Secret Season
Perched high above the Luangwa River, Time + Tide Kakuli offers impressive vistas of the river
and its many visitors below. Designed to celebrate the riverside setting, a stay at Time + Tide Kakuli is an awe-inspiring experience that allows you to reconnect with nature in a magnificent way. Freshly redesigned, the family suite offers comfort in all seasons, and is thoughtfully appointed to ensure every guest enjoys their experience. Take in the panoramic views of the river from your private verandah, listening to the calls of nearby hippos and watching the giraffes and elephants that stop by for a drink. Marvel at the aerial acrobatics of emerald green bee-eaters hunting outside your tent. Slow down, unwind and fully immerse into this extraordinary wild land.
THE FAMILY SUITE
- 1 family suite - two bedrooms, two bathrooms
- Indoor and outdoor showers
- Private verandah with river views
- Double or twin configuration
- Solar power, British three pin plugs in main lounge
- No wifi and phone signal
- Main lodge - dining areas, lounge, bar and campfire
NEED TO KNOW
+ Open 20 Jan to 4 April, 20 May to 7 Nov
+ 2.5 hour game drive transfer from Mfuwe
+ 2 hour boat transfer during Green Season
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Library, Restaurant, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Fireplace, Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, High Tea, Night Drives, Safaris, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Back in the 1950’s Norman Carr pioneered walking safaris in Zambia. His aim was to track big game on foot in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, one of Africa’s last havens of un-spoilt wilderness and home to some of the continent’s greatest concentrations of game. Norman like to say "to view the bush from a vehicle is simply to be an observer, but to get out on foot was to become a part of your surroundings." Over 60 years on, at Norman Carr Safaris we are still walking....we are still passionate about sharing the thrill of tracking lions on foot through early morning mists, the delight in learning something new on every activity and the adventure of walking from camp to camp the original safari way. 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. In other countries, the walking guide is armed and leads the group alone. Having a walk led by two wildlife experts was conceived by Norman and our 60 year track record of safety speaks to the effectiveness of this approach.
While certainly vehicle safaris allow one to cover more ground and see a greater volume of game in a 3-4 hour safari, it is only on a walking safari where all your senses are heightened and you can see, hear, smell and feel the bush. You begin to understand the interconnectedness 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.
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.
The Africa night sky is simply magnificent and it’s worth coming all this way just to experience its vastness and splendour. The Milky Way seems 100 times brighter in the Luangwa Valley where there is no light pollution. We’re watched over by the Southern Cross, Orion and Scorpio amongst an infinite number of others and 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.
Once regarded as the time in the safari calendar to be avoided by less adventurous operators, the 'Secret' Season months of January through March are now heralded by those lucky enough to experience them, as the highlight of the year.
Norman Carr Safaris has always been open all year round and is the only Zambian safari operator to open a true Bush Camp in the Luangwa at this time of year. Kakuli opens around the 20th January and closes again in early April. We gain access to camp by boat and activities are either on foot or by boat. A few days at Kakuli combines very well with the game drives and prolific wildlife on offer in the areas around Kapani Lodge and Chinzombo.
During these Secret Season safaris the bush is in its fullest flush of growth, rivers and lagoons are brimming and boating safaris take you eye to eye with hippos and crocs. The air is clear and excellent for photography; you will find magnificent skyscapes and sunsets with the occasional dramatic tropical downpour.
A wealth of migratory birds in breeding song and plumage make the bush a wonderful place to explore at this time of year. It is a time of plenty so there is no shortage of wildlife; the Secret Season months are usually the best for seeing wild dogs in the South Luangwa.
Tonight you will enjoy the ultimate wilderness experience with Norman Carr Safaris. Sleep out under the stars in the spectacular and extremely remote Luwi dry river bed. No tent - just a bed roll and a mosquito net, experience the thrill of the first safari pioneers, including Norman Carr himself, as they discovered the wonders of the South Luangwa.
After tea, you will venture out on foot from Kakuli, find a spot to camp, make the camp fire for a game rangers dinner which you can even help to cook yourself. Then, having shared adventure stories around the fire – sleep out under the magnificent African sky whilst the guide and scout keep a watch till morning.
Wake up with sun and enjoy a cooked breakfast before a walking safari to your next camp.
Kakuli Dining Experience
The bar and dining chitenje (lounge) is constructed of reed and thatch forming the centre point of camp.
Norman Carr Safaris has earned a reputation for the quality and range of food served and you can expect cuisine of the highest standards.
Days in the bush usually start early so a light breakfast is served at dawn before your first safari. A lavish buffet brunch will be awaiting your return to camp and is served at around 11:00am with the rest of the guests in camp, your host and guide. Afternoon tea and cake is taken at about 3:30pm before the evening safari and dinner for everyone is served between 7.00pm and 8:30pm. Dinner in the camps consists of a three-course meal freshly prepared, cooked in camp and served to you at your table. All meals, comprising breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea and dinner, are included in the price of your safari.
The chefs in all of our camps have been trained in-house and they are more than happy to cater to any personal requests. If your food preferences could possibly be regarded as out of the ordinary then it would be easier if you informed us in advance of your arrival, however simple choices of vegetarian, vegan or other fare should be discussed with your hosts on arrival.
Your Stay
5 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, German
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Nkwichi Lodge | Lake Malawi
Nkwichi Lodge lies on the Mozambique shoreline at one of the most beautiful points on Lake Niassa. It has been carefully designed to provide comfort and privacy for guests. With a maximum of only 14 people staying at Nkwichi, the lodge can offer guests the highest levels of service in a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. The beach on the shores of the lake with its fine, white sand is the central feature at the heart of the lodge.. Nkwichi prides itself on practicing responsible tourism. By staying at the lodge guests are contributing to nature and the development of the community.
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- Rooms
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Four-poster Bed, Mosquito net, Outdoor Bathroom incl. rock-pool baths, Inside and Outside Seating Areas
Four-poster Bed, Mosquito net, Outdoor Bathroom incl. rock-pool baths, Inside and Outside Seating Areas
For those looking for the ultimate retreat, Nkwichi’s private houses, designed for groups and families, offer sanctuary in a sumptuous setting.
Private Chef and Guest Services Team
Lake access and private beach
Spacious open-plan, design
Fantastic views
These include :
Kuya
Niassa
Scotlandi
These include:
Nkwazi
Kakoa
Makolo House
Lake of Stars Bed
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Restaurant
Room Facilities
Bath, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Shower, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, Kayaking, Mokoro Excursion, Snorkeling, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Activities Nearby
Scuba Diving
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Fast Facts
Lodge
Kaya Mawa | Likoma Island, Lake Malawi
Sprawled along the white sandy beaches of Likoma Island, in the heart of Lake Malawi, is Kaya Mawa. This boutique lodge welcomes honeymooners, families and friends for an indulgently carefree getaway.
Meaning ‘maybe tomorrow’ in Chichewa/Nyanja, the ethos of Kaya Mawa is in its name. Relaxed lakeside living is woven into the style, luxury and comfort of its Houses and Rooms. Each of Kaya's eleven rooms and private villa is unique and offers something extraordinary. Serene and secret decks for sunbathing or romantic dinners; secluded lakeside chalets with private lounges. You may find yourself showering under the stars, taking a midnight dip in your private pool, or simply walking hand-in-hand after a moonlit supper on the beach.
If all the relaxation is too much, your days can be filled with everything from stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, kitesurfing, waterskiing, sailing and quad-biking, plus a full PADI dive school. And as the sun goes down on another perfect day, enjoy a massage at the spa, nestled in the rocks on the lake, and have the last of your cares soothed away as you wonder, "Shouldn't I be leaving?...maybe tomorrow."
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- Units
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A favourite to many, nestled right on the edge of the lake, Msekwa is a picturesque chalet. Enter through an arched doorway, making your way down the steps passing the outdoor bath and shower, you arrive to your private deck. The outdoor living area leads you to a wooden walkway, giving direct access to the lake. Jump and snorkel right into the crystal clear waters and watch the abundance of fish that the lake has to offer. Msekwa is a Standard Room.
Hidden away within the western tip of a rocky knoll, Khuyu commands sweeping views of Lake Malawi. It is the first room on the water, with easiest access to the beach and restaurant and all the peace and privacy needed for a relaxing retreat. The lantern-lit bathtub is where you’ll want to be when the sun goes down.
The second chalet from the beach, Mbungu is built higher up in the rocks giving you stunning views across the lake to the neighbouring island Chizimulu and the Kaya Mawa beach. A secluded chalet with an outdoor living area perfect for sundowners. Follow the stone stairway to the private deck with access straight into the lake. The bed has been built snuggly into the original beach boulders and there is space in the bedroom for a baby cot. Mbungu is a Standard Room.
Want to stay on your own island? Make your way across the wooden bridge and find yourself at Makungulu. Perched on its own private rocky isle and draped in pink bougainvillea, Makungulu makes quite an impression before stepping foot inside. The shaded stone terrace has a cosy corner seat and dining table for two and extends to a wooden deck with loungers and a jetty over the lake with striking views to Mozambique.
Meaning ‘fish eagle’ in Nyanja, Nkhwazi gives you a near bird’s eye view out to Nkhwazi Island and the south of Lake Malawi from the top of a rocky knoll. There is an understated elegance to Nkhwazi. The white-washed bedroom area steps down onto wooden decked floors that flow outside to three private decks at the front of your room. Here, the warm sun beckons you to unwind in the infinity pool and seating area with a panoramic vista that is all yours.
The fish eagle’s call is fondly referred to as ‘The soundtrack of Africa’. Not a day goes by on Likoma Island without hearing it and yet you never grow tired of the sound. It has become part of the natural rhythm at Kaya Mawa. Nkhwazi sleeps 3 people.
Whether from the comfort of the luxurious bed or plunge pool under the ficus tree canopy, Mbamba commands stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounds.
The large bed with driftwood headboard and canopy of draped mosquito netting takes centre-place in Mbamba. Then, out to one side of the room is a large deck with lounging area and plunge pool, and on the other, an intimate dining area.
Even though it sits at the top of a rocky knoll, Mbamba blends effortlessly into its natural surrounds, with bougainvillea bushes adding a touch of pink and purple to the greenery. This attracts some feathered visitors, like bee-eaters and weaver birds, which always provide colourful and chatty entertainment as they flit between the branches. Mamba is a Premium room and sleeps 3 people.
Yofu is an ideal chalet with two separate rooms enough for a family of four. Nestled into the back of the beach partially hidden by a large mango tree, perfect for families wanting to spend as much time as possible on the beach and in the lake. he bright, airy main bedroom has double doors leading out onto a secluded section of the beach where your own dhow-lounge space awaits. The shared full bathroom has an open-air bathtub and shower on the second level, which makes for magical stargazing while soaking. The second bedroom sleeps two children.
Our second family beach chalet. Ulisa is a large two-roomed house with a full bathroom between the bedrooms. Double doors in the master bedroom open to a spectacular view across the white sand to the lake. The second room sleeps three children in single beds, one of them hung from the roof! The house also has it's own outdoor lounging and dining area.
Designed with love and luxury in mind, Madimba is well-deserving of its title as the ‘Honeymoon House’. This grand house lies at the far west end of the Kaya Mawa beach. Opening out in front of the large, split-level bedroom is your own infinity pool with magical views across Lake Malawi to Mozambique. Indulge in romantic, starlit dinners and relax on sun loungers under the African sky from the comfort of your private deck.
To one side of the bedroom is a huge en-suite bathroom with double vanities, shower and double-ended sunken bath that looks over the deck to the lake. On the other side of the room, the sitting room with bar beckons you to relax in the cool, stone-walled interior.
Whether indoors or outdoors, Mainja immerses you in its beautiful natural setting for an unforgettable lakeside experience spent with friends and family. A long wooden walkway and concrete causeway leads you to where this majestic house sits on a rocky outcrop on the northern side of Kaya Mawa’s beach. In usual Kaya Mawa style, Mainja is tastefully decorated with statement art pieces and splashes of colour amidst white linens, natural furnishings, stone walls and polished floors.
Ndomo Private House
Located on the south west corner of Likoma island, Ndomo Private House is completely exclusive and secluded from the outside world. Built around boulders around the rocky hill. Inspired by the architecture of Zanzibar, Zambia and Kenya, Ndomo interior style has been imaginatively paired with African antiques and contemporary bespoke pieces created largely at Katundu Workshop.
There is a large living room with deck, kitchen and dining area, study and media room. Outside you will find three large terraces and a courtyard, dining and barbeque area, and plunge pool, all with panoramic views of the lake and beyond. You have the private beach in front of the House all to yourself.
Ndomo is fully staffed with a nanny, cook, housekeeper, ground staff and watchmen. You also enjoy all the facilities and activities that Kaya Mawa has to offer and are welcome to spend as much time as you wish at the lodge.
Ndomo house has 4 bedrooms, three of which have their own bathrooms. The other has a bathroom located just outside the door. The house accommodates 8 people.
Property Facilities
Activity Desk, Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Fridge, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service, Travel Desk
Activities on Site
Beach Drop Off, Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Cycling, Fine Dining, Fishing, Kayaking, Kite Surfing, Massages, Quad Biking, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Walks (Self Guided), Water Skiing
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Big 5, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gorilla Tracking, Marine Adventures, Safaris, Wildlife Tours
Kaya Mawa is partnered with Likoma Island Divers, a recognised PADI Resort. We have two in-house dive instructors who can cater for any skill levels and teach a full range of PADI courses, ensuring everybody can enjoy an underwater adventure during your stay. The centre is
able to teach courses all the way from a 3-hour discovery dive to Dive Master.
Likoma Island, surrounded by the pristine waters of Lake Malawi, is widely regarded as having the best diving on the Lake, both in terms of the diversity of fish species and their sheer abundance. With some of the best fresh water diving in the world and some 11 recognised dive sites nearby.
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For the adventurous, why not experience the stunning Lake Malawi by boat and try your hand at water skiing and wake boarding, or for the younger ones, knee boarding and ringo.
We have skis that fit ages 5+ and a trained instructor on hand to give handy tips and pointers to ensure you will be on your feet (or knees) in no time.
Enjoy the island from the water, taking a local dhow boat to visit some of the best snorkelling spots and into town to visit the cathedral built in 1905. Make a day of it with a packed picnic and your favourite drinks, or set off for a sunset fishing cruise.
Explore Likoma Island by E Bike making the excursion around the island not only silent but eco friendly as well. Visit the cathedral built in 1905, Katundu textiles workshop, the majestic valley of the baobabs and some of the eleven local villages. The warmth of the locals will make you feel right at home on Likoma.
A much more leisurely way to take the island, led by a guide you will be shown all the sights of Likoma without working up a sweat.
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Single and double sailing boats are available for both the experienced and novice. Kaya Mawa offers three Lasers and one Laser 2 for our guests to enjoy, either sailing solo or with our instructor. Take a quick lesson with our expert instructors before sailing off into the majestic waters of Lake Malawi.
Explore the tranquility of Lake Malawi by kayak or stand up paddle board. Paddle to the neighbouring beaches or one of the smaller islands and admire the Mozambican coastline. Pack your snorkelling gear and enjoy some of Lake Malawi's 1000 species of fish, many endemic to the lake, more than all the freshwater species in Europe and North America combined.
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Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Fast Facts
5 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Sports, Star Gazing, Watersports, Wine
