This small group safari journeys to famous natural highlights and relatively unheard-of destinations in Zambia and Malawi. Most nights include en-suite accommodation with three nights spent camping, one of which is a night of bush camping on an island in the Zambezi River.
Highlights on this Zambia & Malawi Safari include:
This budget safari offers a real African experience, calling for a level of participation and a healthy spirit of adventure!
On the first day of this Zambia & Malawi Safari, we meet up at the lodge in Lusaka at about 16h00.
After being briefed on the journey ahead we gather for a group dinner at our lodge, where we get to know our travel companions.
Today we have a long drive ahead of us as we travel to the Kafue River, one of the main tributaries of the Zambezi River. Our drive takes us through the rolling hills of southern Zambia into the Zambezi Valley, where our next lodge is set.
Arriving at the leafy lodge we enjoy sundowners on the deck overlooking the quiet Kafue River.
On day three of our Zambia & Malawi Safari we set off down the wide Zambezi River in canoes. We spend the day paddling along the mighty river, soaking up the wild scenery and passing local villages lying on the riverbanks. While canoeing we look out for wildlife and birds along the river course, where common sightings include hippos and crocodiles.
Night three is spent camping on Elephant Bones Island, one of the uninhabited small islands dotting the Zambezi River. We take all the equipment and our own water supplies with us, setting up a basic camp in the bush. There are no ablutions facilities, so it is a really simple back to nature experience. We sleep in two man dome tents with mosquito netting and mattresses.
In the morning we pack up after breakfast, taking all our rubbish with us as we paddle on. We canoe into a game-rich area where a variety of large animals are usually encountered. Along the way, we stop for lunch, preparing a meal to be enjoyed in the wilderness.
In the afternoon a motorboat meets us and we are transferred back to the lodge along the Kafue River.
Today we drive north to Lusaka, the capital city and economic heart of Zambia. We stop off in the bustling city to top up on supplies for the next stretch of the road, getting a sense of modern urban life in Zambia.
Then we proceed on the Great East Road running to Chipata in the Eastern Province of Zambia. Our route takes us through open wilderness and rural areas where we pass little villages and market stalls.
Due to a long day of travel today, we spend the night in Petauke at a comfortable lodge with en-suite facilities.
Day six takes us into the South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa's finest game parks and the top wildlife destination in Zambia. We drive into the game-rich Luangwa Valley, making our way to our next secluded lodge beside the Luangwa River. Here, we stay in comfortable chalets nestled in the trees along the river and lagoon, visited by various animals including hippos and elephants, as well as birds.
During our stay in Luangwa Valley, we explore the South Luangwa National Park and the neighboring game management area, on game drives and a guided game walk. Game drives are conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles and include one night drive. On the night drive, we use a powerful spotlight to find our way in the bush and search out nocturnal wildlife.
South Luangwa is famous for its walking safaris, being known as the place where African walking safaris originated. The game walk is a thrilling and rewarding experience, offering opportunities to encounter large animals on foot and get up closer to the flora and fauna. In some rainy seasons, the game walk is not possible, in which case we embark on an additional game drive.
South Luangwa is known for its abundance of wildlife, especially its excellent leopard sightings. Other common sightings include lions, buffalos, elephants, hippos, antelopes, zebras, Thornicroft's giraffes, baboons and Cookson's wildebeest. South Luangwa Park offers exceptional bird watching, attracting some 400 species, from raptors to Palearctic migrant species.
On the afternoon of day eight you have the chance to set off on an optional (own expense) game drive or game walk in Luangwa Valley. There is also the option of visiting a local village (own expense) to gain insight into Zambian culture and rural life. Alternatively, you can take it easy at the lodge, swimming in the pool and watching for wildlife and birds in the natural surroundings.
This morning we leave the remote wilderness of South Luangwa Valley, driving east to Chipata. Reaching the city of Chipata we cross over into Malawi. Malawi is known for its friendly local people, earning it the moniker of 'The Warm Heart of Africa'.
Once in Malawi, we head to the busy capital, Lilongwe, and overnight at a comfortable lodge. Spend the afternoon exploring Lilongwe and browsing the craft markets before enjoying a well-deserved dinner (own expense) in town.
On day ten we visit a tea plantation in the lush Thyolo area to see how the tea is grown, harvested and produced.
Then we drive to our lodge at the base of the Mulanje Massif, an impressive granite massif created by magma flowing to the earth's surface about 130 million years ago. Mount Mulanje reaches 3002 meters tall at its highest point, Sapitwa Peak - the tallest mountain in Malawi. Rising up sharply over the surrounding plains, the massif consists of some 20 peaks forming a plateau of elevated grasslands intersected by deep, densely forested ravines.
We set off on a walk in the Mulanje Massif on day 11. Exploring the scenic area on foot, we visit mountain streams and flowing waterfalls in the towering green hills. Known as the ‘Island in the Sky’, Mulanje is often shrouded in mist, peeking out of the rain clouds that are formed by its tall peaks. This wet micro-climate formed by the tall massif feeds most rivers in the southern region of Malawi and perhaps explains the presence of humans dating back to the Stone Ages.
Keep an eye out for the rich flora and fauna of the region, from black eagles to blue monkeys and the endemic Mulanje cedar, which reaches up to 40 meters tall. Spend the evening soaking up the peaceful mountain setting and leafy gardens at our delightful lodge.
Next, we travel to the southern shores of Lake Malombe, to Liwonde National Park. This 548 km² national park is home to abundant wildlife, including the largest elephant population in Malawi.
In Liwonde we take a boat cruise along River Shire to spot game from the water and we explore the grassy plains, woodlands, and valleys on game drives. The boat cruise is ideal for watching hippos and crocodiles, which are plentiful, as well as spotting a variety of birds. Bird species include brown-breasted barbet, fish eagle, Pel's fishing owl, Livingstone’s flycatcher, Lilian’s lovebird, and many more. On our game drive, we might encounter black rhinos, leopards, hyenas, and a variety of antelopes, such as kudu, sable, and bushbuck.
Evenings are spent at our scenic camp on the banks of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park.
Please note:
You have the option of upgrading to chalet accommodation at extra cost, upon arrival at the lodge (subject to availability).
Traveling north on day 14, we reach the next highlight of this Zambia & Malawi Safari - Lake Malawi. Malawi's top travel destination, scenic Lake Malawi is a favorite thanks to its sandy shores, water activities, and friendly locals. This massive Great Rift Valley Lake is also called the 'Lake of Stars' because of the twinkling lights of fishing boats at night.
We head to Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the southern tip of Lake Malawi. Here we take a boat cruise out to our next lodge, located on Mumbo Island, close to Cape Maclear. During our stay on Mumbo Island, you are free to enjoy optional water activities, explore the boulder-strewn island and relax on a sandy beach cove. The lodge has snorkeling gear and kayaks that you can use for exploring and watching the marine life. Lake Malawi is best known for its colorful, endemic fish species, including numerous cichlids.
Wake up to the tropical paradise of Mumbo Island on day 15 and head down to the beach. Spend the morning exploring the island by kayak, stopping to snorkel and unwind on the beach. Take it easy on the pristine island, enjoying the sunshine and beauty of this remote spot.
Later we catch the ferry back to the mainland where our overland truck awaits. Leaving laid-back Lake Malawi, we return to Lilongwe for a final dinner (own expense) at a local restaurant.
Please note:
The lodge on Mumbo Island has a limited number of rooms, which may affect the single supplement options (depending on the size of your tour group).
On the final morning of our Zambia & Malawi Safari, we enjoy breakfast at our guesthouse in Lilongwe, bringing our adventure to a close at about 08:00. Airport transfers will be available on request.
On 10 nights we stay in en-suite accommodation, sleeping in chalets, rooms or tented rooms. The remainder of the nights are spent camping, with all equipment provided (except sleeping bags).
This tour includes one night of bush camping where we camp on an island in the Zambezi River. There will be a bucket shower with water heated on the fire and a pit latrine. We camp in two-man dome tents, measuring 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 meters, and sleeping mattresses are provided. The tents are fitted with mosquito nets and all camping equipment is provided. You will need to bring your own towel and sleeping bag.
We travel in a 12-seater safari truck built to handle the rough roads of Africa. In South Luangwa National Park an open-sided 4x4 vehicle is used for game viewing.
This is a limited participation tour, which means that clients are required to assist the crew with some tasks and chores. Everybody on the tour helps to set up camp and take it down again on the camping nights, pack the truck and clean up. When the crew prepares meals clients assist with the washing up on a rotational basis.
This tour does take children.
Children between the ages of 12 and 17 years of age are accepted on group scheduled departures, travelling with an accompanying adult.
1. Lake Malawi
2. Liwonde National Park, S131, Malawi
3. Kuti Wildlife Reserve Main Gate, Malawi
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