South Luangwa NP & Dzalanyama Forest Safari

A 6 day Safari that takes you from Lilongwe, Malawi to Zambia's premier Reserve - the South Luangwa National Park. The park is located in the Luangwa Valley which consists of 9050 sq km's of unspoiled woodland and riverine vegetation and is home to over 40 mammal and 650 bird species.

The Lodge we will make use of  situated on the banks of the Luangwa River and consists of  10 en suite chalets each having been built from stone, concrete and wood. Each of these chalets is spacious and well ventilated with a canvas roof and is designed to allow for some great views. Each room is fully kitted out and each chalet has a veranda with a view of the river and the park.

Our next leg of the Safrai will take us to the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, a range of steep sided hills boasting beautiful trees and escarpments. The reserve which is not as game rich as South Luangwa is still home to hyena, leopard, sable antelope but is more well known for its abundant birdlife.

The Lodge we make use of  is set overlooking the Makata Stream amongst the Brachystegia trees, the most common found tree in the reserve, which attract a wide variety of birds and butterflies. The Lodge is an ideal retreat from which to enjoy bird watching, hiking and to simply enjoy the solitude of the surrounding forest.

Day 1: Lilongwe, Malawi to Luangwa Valley, Zambia

Meet at the office at 08h30 in the morning. [A free collection service is offered to clients in Lilongwe]. Depart Lilongwe at about 09h00 in the transfer bus/vehicle. Continue to Mchinji. [one and a half hour drive] Here we complete immigration formalities and continue to Mwami -  crossing the Zambian border. From the border it is a short drive to Chipata - Zambia's capital of the Eastern Province. Proceed on a dirt road to Luangwa Valley - Mfuwe sector. A picnic lunch is enjoyed en route and we arrive at the Lodge in the mid afternoon. On arrival check into your chalets followed by tea and coffee. Dinner is served from 19h30 onwards.

Day 2 & 3: Luangwa Valley – Zambia

After a light snack with tea & coffee we depart for a morning drive at 06H00. All game drives are undertaken in open game viewing vehicles, to optimise your comfort and game viewing experience. Drinks and snacks are taken along for your enjoyment whilst in the park. Depending on game sightings, we return to the lodge at 11h00 for a scrumptious "brunch". An afternoon rest, swim, tea then we again head out for our afternoon/ night drive at around 16h00 - returning to the lodge at 20h00. Evening Dinner.

Day 4: Dzalanyama – Malawi

After breakfast the return transfer vehicle departs at 09h00. Arrival in Lilongwe is mid afternoon, then it's a one and half hour transfer to Dzalanyama. Evening dinner. Overnight Dzalanyama Forest Lodge.

Day 5: Dzalanyama Forest – Malawi

After an early cup of tea or coffee and a light snack, we go on an approximately 4 hour walk. The area is renowned for its excellent bird life and at times small antelope are seen. Return to the lodge and enjoy a delicious brunch [eggs, bacon, toast, salads, cold meat etc] after which there is time to relax or swim in the cool mountain stream that flows past the front of the lodge.

The afternoon is spent around the waterfalls a short drive away. We return to the lodge, as it gets dark, using a spotlight to see nocturnal animals and an area speciality the Pennant Winged Nightjar. Evening dinner. Overnight Dzalanyama Forest Lodge.

Day 6: Lilongwe – Malawi 

After breakfast we depart to Lilongwe in time for your return flight or onward journey.

Please Note:

This tour requires a minimum of 2 people for guaranteed departures. See full pricing for details.

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