Time and Tide Chongwe River Suites

Open-air comfort defines the communal spaces, where canvas awnings and river breezes replace walls. The main lodge serves up Italian-Zambian fusion around communal tables that spark safari stories between strangers. A sandy firepit beckons for nightcaps under spectacular starry skies, while the swimming pool offers respite from the heat. The photography hide draws serious and budding shutterbugs intent on spying wildlife totally undetected. Everything feels intentionally unhurried here, from leisurely brunches overlooking wallowing hippos to afternoon tea where vervet monkeys try and sneak a banana.

Both suites blur the boundaries between outside and in. The Cassia cocoons couples in an elegant bedroom that spills into a canopied lounge, while the Albida spreads between two octagonal bedroom tents on either side of a private living area. Open-air bathrooms feature Victorian clawfoot tubs positioned for river views – nothing quite like a bubble bath while fish eagles call overhead. Handcrafted furniture from fallen winterthorns and local textiles add authentic touches without trying too hard. Each suite's plunge pool faces the river and your butler appears with sundowners at the perfect moment.

Variety rules the day here – morning drives reveal lions lounging in winterthorn shade, while afternoon boat cruises drift past elephants swimming between islands and walking safaris follow ancient wildlife pathways. The real magic happens on canoeing safaris, silently gliding past buffalo herds as malachite kingfishers flash overhead. Tiger fishing tests your mettle against the Zambezi's fiercest (catch and release, naturally), while village visits reveal the community conservation story going on behind the scenes.