Carmine bee-eaters are some of Africa’s most dazzling birds. With their vibrant plumage, extraordinary aerial acrobatics and tendency to group together, they make for delightful birdwatching that thrills even the least enthusiastic birder. These seasonal migrants arrive into Zambia’s South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks in September and stay through November, when they make their way back to the lush forests of Central Africa. They are drawn to Zambia thanks to the wide availability of exposed riverbanks during the dry months, which make for the ideal site to build their nests. They tunnel into the vertical banks to build their burrows, living in large, social colonies. By using these banks, they create a safe haven in which to lay their eggs and raise their young.
These remarkable birds have become quite the draw thanks to the visual wonders they create, but there is so much more to them. Read on to learn more about their fascinating biology.
Book your own dream safari and experience the beauty of Zambia with us
travel@timeandtideafrica.com
or contact your current Time + Tide travel designer
Zambia is Africa’s best-kept secret, with its vast landscapes, diverse wildlife and welcoming culture. Trace the steps of the early conservationists while experiencing walking safaris in the South Luangwa. Come face to face with giants as you glide quietly in a canoe along the reeds in the Lower Zambezi. Feel the rumble of a distant thunderstorm on Liuwa Plain’s horizon as you marvel at the sight of gathering wildebeest among a flush of colourful wildflowers. A journey with Time + Tide Safaris offers an immersive experience across a land unchanged by time. Discover our nine camps, from award-winning luxury tented camps to seasonal bush camps, set deep in the heart of the African wilderness.
Fringed by white sand beaches and colourful coral reefs, Miavana is a haven of luxury at the ends of the Earth. Raw and refined, this private island sanctuary brings together world-class luxury in a world of rare wildlife and extraordinary landscapes. Madagascar is like nowhere else on the planet. A land of lemurs and chameleons, turtles and terns, where unknown species are still being discovered to this day. Miavana is the ultimate destination for modern-day explorers, an adventure playground offering an unrivalled range of activities that span the horizons of land, sea and air, celebrating the very best of this remarkable region.
Perched on the slopes of Table Mountain, Future Found Sanctuary is a secluded sanctuary nestled amidst one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Luxurious private villas are enveloped by expansive gardens and dramatic vistas, offering an elevated experience of Cape Town, unlike anywhere else in city. Minutes from South Africa’s oldest wine farms, world-renowned dining destinations and the city’s best beaches and iconic attractions, Future Found Sanctuary invites exploration and curiosity, while providing an exclusive private retreat from the city. Guided by the ancient wisdom of nature, our intention is to help guests slow down and align with nature’s rhythms.
Just a one hour flight from Lusaka, the South Luangwa is known for its big cat sightings and often referred to as the Valley of the Leopard. It is in the South Luangwa that the legendary Norman Carr pioneered the walking safari and conservation-based tourism in Africa. Zambia's outstanding reputation of guiding is ever prevalent in our team with some of our guides having trained with Norman himself. Our guides offer guests a raw, authentic safari experience and don't let the finer details in these vast spaces pass you by.
Time + Tide is the only permanent lodge in the Liuwa Plain. Its vast wilderness of over 3600 km2 has been protected for over 100 years, yet it is one of Africa's best kept secrets. As the African rains arrive in the north, the plains turn to a watery wonderland bringing with it a movement of wildebeest as they journey south to calve near the lodge. Liuwa Plain is known for its apex predators of lion prides and large hyena clans as well as endangered and rare bird species that thrive in this region. It is a land unchanged by time.
Nestled between the imposing mountain escarpment to the north and the mighty Zambezi River to the south, the Lower Zambezi Valley has a variety of activities that few, if any, other destinations can offer. It has been described by guests as their "happy place" because of its beautiful scenery, peaceful riverside woodlands and abundant wildlife. The Lower Zambezi is just a short 30 minute flight from Lusaka and offers guests the thrill of tiger-fishing to peaceful wildlife sightings on the banks of the river while canoeing or boating. Our guides strive to make each guest feel like they are part of the landscape and not a mere spectator.
All rights reserved 2024 Time + Tide