Overview

Nsolo Bush Camp is a small-scale luxury safari camp in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia's premier wildlife destination. Operated by Time + Tide Africa, a conservation-focused hospitality group, the camp prioritizes intimate wildlife experiences over commercial scale. Known for: positioning on an active elephant migration route, proximity to wild dog denning sites, and access to lion prides using the dry riverbed as a thoroughfare. Best for: serious wildlife photographers, safari enthusiasts seeking authentic bush experiences, couples seeking romantic getaways, and travelers interested in walking safaris and nocturnal wildlife viewing.

Accommodation & Rooms

Nsolo Bush Camp offers 5 safari rooms designed for comfort without excessive luxury. Each room features en-suite bathrooms with hot water, mosquito nets, and private verandas overlooking the bush. The rooms are strategically positioned to minimize impact on wildlife corridors while maximizing sighting opportunities. Accommodations include tea and coffee stations, safes for valuables, and quality bedding suitable for the African climate. The camp's small footprint—just 5 rooms—ensures personalized service and minimizes environmental impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

Dining & Cuisine

Meals at Nsolo are served in the spacious main lounge, which doubles as a social hub for guests. The dining experience emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients prepared by the camp's kitchen team. Afternoon tea and cake service is standard, accompanied by local Zambian beers and a selection of house wines and spirits. All meals, standard drinks, and service are included in the nightly rate, eliminating hidden costs. The main lounge provides a comfortable space for guests to relax between activities, review the day's wildlife sightings, and plan the following day's safari strategy.

Wildlife & Activities

South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its concentration of wildlife, and Nsolo's positioning captures this abundance. The camp's location on an elephant path means regular daytime and nocturnal elephant encounters. Wild dogs—one of Africa's most endangered carnivores—den regularly near the camp, offering rare viewing opportunities during breeding season. Lion prides use the adjacent dry riverbed as a migration corridor, particularly during the dry season. Game drives and walking safaris target these predictable wildlife patterns.

Primary activities include: twice-daily game drives (morning and afternoon) led by experienced guides, guided bush walks exploring on foot to observe smaller wildlife and vegetation, and the Time + Tide Sleepout—a signature experience where guests sleep under the stars on elevated platforms with guides monitoring for nocturnal wildlife. The camp offers flexibility to combine activities based on wildlife activity and guest preferences. Night drives are available to observe nocturnal species including aardvark, serval, and spotted hyena.

Location & How to Get There

Nsolo Bush Camp is located in the heart of South Luangwa National Park, approximately 60 kilometers south of Mfuwe, the main gateway town. The camp sits in the Nsolo area of the park, positioned on the Luangwa River's eastern bank. Access is primarily by air: charter flights from Mfuwe Airport (approximately 45 minutes drive from the camp) are arranged by Time + Tide. International visitors typically fly to Lusaka (Kenneth Kaunda International Airport), then connect to Mfuwe via scheduled or charter services. Ground transfers from Mfuwe to camp take approximately 45 minutes by vehicle.

For travelers preferring overland routes, the camp can be reached via approximately 10 hours of driving from Lusaka, though this is rarely recommended due to road conditions. Most guests arrive via Mfuwe Airport, which receives regular charter flights and some scheduled services. Time + Tide arranges all transfer logistics as part of the inclusive package, eliminating coordination hassles for international guests.

Best Time to Visit

Nsolo Bush Camp operates seasonally from May 20 to November 15, covering the dry season when wildlife concentrates around remaining water sources. This period offers the best combination of wildlife viewing, comfortable temperatures, and minimal rain. May to August represents the coolest months with clear skies, ideal for photography. September to November sees increasing temperatures but also excellent wildlife viewing as animals remain water-dependent.

The dry season timing aligns with peak wildlife activity: elephant herds are most visible, wild dog breeding season peaks in June-July, and lion activity is elevated as prey animals concentrate around water. The Luangwa River remains a reliable water source throughout the season, ensuring consistent wildlife encounters. November marks the end of the dry season with sporadic rain, signaling the beginning of the wet season and the camp's closure period. The May-November window represents the optimal window for South Luangwa safaris.

Conservation & Community

Time + Tide Africa operates Nsolo as part of a broader conservation philosophy emphasizing low-impact tourism and community integration. The camp's small size (5 rooms) reflects a deliberate choice to minimize environmental footprint. Revenue from tourism supports local employment, with guides and staff sourced from surrounding communities. The camp's positioning and operational practices are designed to coexist with wildlife corridors rather than disrupt them.

Time + Tide's broader impact initiatives include partnerships with conservation organizations in South Luangwa and community development projects in surrounding villages. Guests' fees contribute to park conservation efforts and anti-poaching initiatives. The company has established itself as a leader in responsible safari tourism, balancing commercial operations with environmental stewardship and authentic community engagement.

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