Come on an exciting journey with us across this beautiful corner of Africa: from Malawi’s great lake to the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. On a series of game drives we observe a range of wildlife including lion and buffalo in the ‘mopane’ woodlands and cool oases of this varied landscape. Each night we camp under the stars for a real sense of adventure.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Lilongwe (Malawi)
This incredible journey begins in the Malawi capital of Lilongwe, lying along the banks of the Lilongwe River. A small village of no real note at the turn of the 20th century, Lilongwe went on to become an administrative centre for the colonial British when the country was known as Nyasaland. It was the presidential designs of Dr Hastings Banda that saw it propelled to the lofty heights of the nation’s capital in 1975, when it replaced Zomba as the country’s premier city. Today Lilongwe is divided into two distinct sections - the Old and New Towns, with the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary occupying the space slap bang in the middle! Transferring out to the Sanctuary Lodge Campsite, we spend our first evening under an African sky, taking dinner at the nearby lodge. Please note: dinner is not included and will be at your own expense - £10pp.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Day 2:
Drive to Liwonde National Park via Dedza
Packing up camp this morning we depart Lilongwe and head south, passing close to the Mozambique border and making a short stop in the town of Dedza, located at the foot of Dedza Mountain (2198m). The town lies amidst a fertile region of farmland and plantations that lies along the traditional trade routes between Lilongwe and Ntcheu and from here we turn to the east, heading across the centre of the country to arrive at the Liwonde National Park later this afternoon. After setting up camp, and if time allows, we will take an afternoon’s game drive through the park, returning to camp at sunset. Located at the southern end of Lake Malawi, Liwonde is one of the most popular national parks in the country and in spite of its small size (580 sq km) it boasts a wealth of animal species, including elephant, sable antelope, bushbuck and warthog. The park’s western border is bounded by the River Shire, which attracts hippo and crocodile, as well as fish eagles, weaverbirds and Pel’s fishing owl, often seen hunting along the water’s edge around sunset.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3:
In Liwonde; game drive
Starting early this morning we depart on another game drive, returning back to the camp in time for a delicious brunch and a chance to spend the rest of the day relaxing. Those that wish can partake in one of the optional activities available at camp including boat safaris along the river, game walks and night drives. The park itself boasts a range of environments, encompassing as it does riverine swamps, open grassland and mopane and deciduous woodland. That being the case it can present some of the most scenic game viewing anywhere in the country and it is reputed to offer one of the best bird watching experiences in Southern Africa, with some 266 different species being recorded.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4:
Drive to Cape Maclear in Lake Malawi National Park
Following the shores of Lake Malombe north we head next for the remote Nankumba Peninsula and the setting of Cape Maclear in Lake Malawi National Park. Arriving around lunchtime we will set up camp, after which the rest of the afternoon is free to explore something of the area around our camp. Alternatives include an optional sunset cruise or perhaps you might like to try your hand at some of the numerous watersports on offer. Alternatively you might like to enjoy the beach and make the most of the tranquillity of this glorious setting.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
At leisure at Cape Maclear; optional activities
Cape Maclear is the world’s first freshwater national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site and the next two days have been left free to enjoy as you wish, doing as much or as little as you like. An inland sea, carved out by the vast upheavals of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa and the ninth largest on the planet, covering an area of more than 11,400 square kilometres and in some places reaching depths of up to 700 metres. As well as its magnificent setting, the lake is also rich in life, with crocodiles and hippos in abundance and more fish species than any other lake on earth, including about 30% of the world’s cichlid species. These colourful tropical freshwater fish, which have come to grace the waters of many an aquarium worldwide, can easily be seen in the clear waters of the lake. Options available include sailing and kayaking, snorkelling and mountain biking and it is also possible to arrange visits to nearby islands, or perhaps to local villages and schools.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6:
Optional activities at Cape Maclear
Today is a free day for you to enjoy optional activities.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7:
Drive to Senga Bay via Mua Mission
Departing Cape Maclear we continue north, skirting the shores of the lake and travelling up to the Roman Catholic Mua Mission. Whilst it was founded at the turn of the 20th century, the mission’s fame and high quality woodcarving actually owes more to a Canadian missionary by the name of Fr. Claude Boucher Chisale, a man who dedicated his life to researching, recording and preserving Malawian culture. A short visit affords an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and insight into the history and culture of Malawi through the Carving Centre, the new Research Centre/Library and the Chamare Museum, which highlights the Chewa, Ngoni and Yao cultures, explaining their rites of passage, their interaction with one another and their encounters with Islam and Christianity. After our short visit we proceed to Senga Bay, beautifully located on the western shore of Lake Malawi.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8:
Drive to South Luangwa Valley National Park (Zambia)
Today’s journey sees us heading back towards Lilongwe, from where we turn east, towards the Zambian border and the spectacular landscapes of the South Luangwa National Park. Crossing the border at Mchinji we head via Chipata, taking a picnic lunch en route and hopefully arriving in the park later this afternoon, affording us a chance to relax and soak up the ambience of our surroundings before dinner. Zambia’s most spectacular game park, South Luangwa National Park is located at the southern end of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, over 9,000 sq km of breathtaking diversity that lies entrenched between the towering Muchinga escarpment and the Luangwa River. It encompasses a rich range of habitats, including shaded mopane woodland, riverine forest, thickets, lagoons and grassland that provides a spectacular haven for the incredible concentrations of game that inhabits the park. Made famous by the wonderful wildlife paintings of David Shepherd, South Luangwa is renowned for its walking safaris, indeed the park is where this most unique of wilderness experiences originated.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9:
In South Luangwa NP; game drives and optional activities
Over 60 species of game have been recorded in South Luangwa, including zebra, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, leopard, spotted hyena, elephant and lion. There are also significant numbers of antelope, such as kudu, impala and bushbuck. Of the more spectacular bird species (there are over 400 types in the park), crested cranes, saddle-bill storks, egrets and vultures are regularly viewed. Over the next two days we will have an opportunity to view some of the incredible game on offer in the park, with morning game drives in open safari vehicles. Depending on the success of our wildlife viewing the plan is to return to the camp mid morning for brunch and a chance to relax. Afternoons are then left free to enjoy at your leisure, with the evenings presenting a chance to undertake optional night drives in search of nocturnal wildlife such as leopard, genets, civets and honey badgers.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10:
Game drive and optional activities
This morning we have another included game drive. The afternoon is at leisure followed by an optional night drive.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11:
Drive to Lilongwe (Malawi)
A leisurely start (around 09.00) sees us retracing our steps back to Lilongwe for a final night in Malawi’s bustling capital. Enjoying a picnic lunch along the way, we hope to arrive back in Malawi’s bustling capital around mid afternoon, to enjoy the delights of the Sanctuary Lodge and perhaps take a last chance for some bargain hunting amongst the craft markets of the Old Town.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12:
Tour ends Lilongwe
Included meals: Breakfast
