IAN STALKER
African lodging and safari company Time + Tide’s new sales manager for the USA and Canada says its clients may be able to spot leopards or lemurs, depending on which of its clearly differing destinations they opt for.
The company provides vacations in landlocked Zambia and Indian Ocean-ringed Madagascar, which the company notes have remarkably different wildlife. But newly appointed North American sales manager Meg Shepro says clients will see intriguing creatures no matter which of the two countries they visit, adding both are under-appreciated by the world’s wildlife enthusiasts.
“Zambia is home to the walking safari where Norman Carr brought this experience to life while setting up the first national parks within Zambia in the 1950s and 1960s,” says travel industry veteran Shepro, who has visited many parts of Africa. “Zambia’s outstanding reputation of guiding is ever prevalent in our team with some of our guides having trained with Norman himself, so you will find that walking safaris in Zambia focus on seeing wildlife, along with the flora and fauna of the area. rather than only focusing on the latter which other countries tend to do.”
Shepro says Zambia is coined “the last true wilderness and greatest secret of Africa.” Clients can get an immersive safari without compromising on creature comforts while enjoying Time + Tide’s luxury touches that the North American market look for in their safari.
“For everyone that I know who loves safaris, Zambia is their favourite county due to its thriving wildlife, diversity of activities and the warm, welcoming people which will allow for authentic cultural experiences within rural villages. Visitor numbers are small, and Zambia’s vast areas of pristine wilderness have remained unchanged for millennia. The opportunity to explore these areas and see the wildlife without sharing the experience with many others is a privilege that’s hard to find these days. It is an extremely safe country with easy access from neighbouring countries or international flights connecting from North America, so it is a true gem that no one is talking enough about.”
On the other hand, Shepro says Madagascar “is a destination completely unlike anything else.”
Often called the ‘land in a forgotten sea,’ she says “Madagascar stands as the world’s fourth-largest island, a vast expanse of natural wonder nestled in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa. It’s a land renowned for its diverse ecosystems, which ranges from lush rainforests to extensive coral reefs, each teeming with life.”
The island is particularly celebrated for its biodiversity, with over 85% of the country’s unique wildlife and floral species not found anywhere else on the planet.
“The history of human settlement in Madagascar traces back approximately 1,500 years, beginning with voyagers who navigated the oceans in canoes from regions around what is now Borneo,” Shepro says. “Madagascar’s cultural identity is a vibrant amalgamation of its Austronesian roots blended with African, Arab, and French influences, creating a unique cultural heritage that is as rich as its ecology. The warmth and hospitality of the Malagasy people make Madagascar not only a place of environmental interest but also a land of welcoming and diverse communities. Due to Norman Carr’s dedication to setting up national parks for wildlife conservation over half a century ago, the wildlife viewing in Zambia is incredible.”
While the areas still feel completely wild, the animals are not skittish and game drives, walks, boating and canoeing are extremely successful in finding wildlife.
“The South Luangwa is home to Africa’s highest concentration of leopards, so it is aptly named the Valley of the Leopard,” she notes. “As you cannot find rhino within most parks in Zambia, it is not commonly considered a Big 5 destination, however, those who combine their trip with Victoria Falls by visiting Livingstone, can enjoy a walking safari or game drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in search of the White Rhino being protected here.”
Those that travel with Time + Tide t will have good opportunity to see key species including lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, hippo, hyena, zebra, various antelope species and a lot of birdlife.
“In Madagascar the wildlife focus will be on lemurs, chameleons, birds, sea turtles, whale sharks and various marine life,” she adds.
Shepro says Time + Tide’s family-owned properties are pioneers in luxury safaris in Zambia and Madagascar. The company has eight camps across Zambia and two lodges in Madagascar. All are described as “very comfortable,” with en-suite bathrooms with full running water, rather than bucket showers; plug points within the rooms; field bars or refreshment fridges to keep soft drinks, wine and milk for coffee cold; and WiFi.There are three Zambian camps within the Lower Zambezi that include a luxury tented camp, private luxury suites complete with private butler, chef and guide and an exclusive use house seen as great for family and friends. Within South Luangwa, it has five amps — its premier level tented camp, Chinzombo, along with four seasonal bush camps which are rebuilt each year new for the season.
In Madagascar it has recently added the “beautiful” Tsara Komba to its portfolio. It “boasts barefoot luxury on Nosy Komba island, a 20-minute boat ride from Nosy Be. Our most luxurious property will be Miavana which is an experience unlike any other,” Shepro adds. “Rediscover your sense of wonder in a place where luxury means stepping foot where no man has before, surrounded by an unspoiled horizon. Raw and refined, Miavana brings together exclusivity and adventure as well as true sense of travelling with purpose. At around 10 square kilometres in size and only 14 villas in total, Miavana is an intimate haven of time and space, a chance to escape and unwind.”
While Time + Tide’s seasonal bush camps have open-air bathrooms, Shepro notes they have full plumbing, hot water and all the “creature comforts the modern luxury explorer is looking for.”
Those vacationing in the South Luangwa our guests will find day and night game drives, walking safaris and options to sleep out under the stars. Visits to the local villages with the Time + Tide Foundation are available as well. In the Lower Zambezi, the company has day and night game drives, walking safaris, boating safaris, catch and release tiger fishing and canoeing, with Shepro reporting that clients “often come face to face with elephants stopping for a drink – a true highlight” — and another unique sleepout option as well.
“Zambia will offer a traditional safari experience with unique touches such as walking safaris, seasonal bush camps and canoeing to make it stand out while Madagascar offers a forest-to-reef safari found no where else on Earth,” she adds. “We often encourage combining these two fantastic countries as your experiences will differ greatly and your itinerary will have you exploring some of the most remote corners of Africa, all within a luxury setting.”
Time + Tide works directly with travel agents. Agents that would like to learn more or have a training on the Time + Tide portfolio can connect with Shepro at [email protected].
“The Time + Tide story is one of passion for the exceptional beauty of Zambia and Madagascar, with Tsara Komba being a proud new chapter in this narrative,” Shepro adds. “Here, luxury is personal, travel is impactful, and the preservation of our natural world is paramount.”
