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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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Road conditions can sometimes be rough, pot-holed and bumpy in this part of Africa, sometimes leading to delays and some long driving days, however, the ever changing diversity of views and landscapes more than make up for this.
Some of the camp sites where we stay are situated in a wild life area where animals have freedom of movement.
Back to topPlease note: Participation in watersports requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Lilongwe - Wildlife Centre US$6; Mua Mission US$8.
Liwonde NP - Boat Safari US$30, Night drive US$30, Game walk US$20.
Cape Maclear - Water skiing US$50, Snorkelling US$15, Hobie Cat sailing US$35, Kayak hire US$20.
South Luangwa NP - Night Safari US$50, Walking safari US$50.
Accordingly you should allow approx. US$45 for gratuities for local staff.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: ZMK – Zambian Kwacha. MWK – Malawi Kwacha.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: We recommend taking your money in US$ cash (only accept post 2001 US$ notes) Avoid the lower and higher (US$1, 5 & 100) denomination notes, as they are difficult to change.Please note that it is difficult to convert local currency back to US$'s so please ask your Tour Leader for guidelines on how much to exchange
Where to Exchange: Your Tour leader will advise you.
ATM Availability: Available Lilongwe but they are unreliable.
Credit Card Acceptance: Credit cards have limited use in Zambia, and incur a 5% bank charge.
Travellers Cheques: Although the safest means of carrying money TCs can be difficult to change but can be exchanged on arrival at the Airport.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Malawi | Zambia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | $1.20 | $1.10 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | $1.80 | $1.80 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | $1.50 | $1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | $2.20 | $2.20 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Zambia: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Zambia. The foreign office advise it is best to obtain visas prior to travel in order to avoid any potential problems with the airlines or with the Zambian Immigration Authorities. Visas can be obtained through the consular office, your travel agent or through Explore’s recommended Visa Service. Visas may also be available at all ports of entry, but please contact your consular office for further information. Other nationalities must consult their travel agent or consular office.
Malawi: Visas are NOT required for nationals of UK, AUS, CAN, NZ and US. Other nationalities must consult their travel agent or consular office.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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We strongly recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, and polio. Malaria is present in the region so consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
Yellow Fever: Please note you will need a Yellow Fever Certificate for border crossings.
Bilharzia: The existence of bilharzia has been reported in certain areas of Lake Malawi. Please be aware that if you choose to swim there may be a risk of contracting bilharzia. However, certain medical advice indicates that it can be cured with tablets available through your Travel Clinic.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topMalawi/Zambia: The main rainy season is from January to March. Rain is widespread and generally falls in the form of a thunderstorm in the late afternoon; grass tends to be long and there is more water about so game is more dispersed. Otherwise it is dry, with low humidity for most of the year. Temperatures reach around 29°C during the day with quite cold nights throughout the year. Early dry season is the most pleasant time for temperatures and the best for bird watching. For game viewing though the late dry season is better
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of baggage (a soft bag or holdall for ease of loading onto vehicles) plus a daysac. Total allowance: 12kgs Maximum (due to weight restrictions on our vehicles). This weight does not include your camera equipment. Remember you are expected to carry your own baggage in and out of hotels – so don’t overload yourself.
Back to topPack for 'All Tours' plus 'Hot Conditions'. Clothing should be lightweight, but a warm sweater and/or fleece jacket is advisable as Zambia lies on an elevated plateau and nights can be cold, as can early morning game drives until the sun has risen. Lake Malawi can also be cold first thing, so best to be prepared. Rainwear is useful in case of an unexpected downpour and a scarf is advisable for dusty drives. Avoid wearing bright colours whilst game viewing.
Back to topLightweight trail boots or shoes with grip for walking safaris plus trainers or sandals for general travelling.
Back to top3-season temperature – 5°C - 0°C sleeping bag plus a sleeping sheet. Although mattresses are provided you may bring your own if you wish. Take a torch (ideally a head torch), water bottle, insect repellent, high factor suncream and good quality sunglasses with a high UV protection. Binoculars are useful for bird watching and game viewing, as is a telephoto lens for close-up wildlife shots. Accommodation has mosquito screening where necessary so nets are not required. Take a swimming costume, towel and if you want to do some snorkelling you might like to bring your own mask and snorkel as well.
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topArea: Malawi: 118,500 sq km. Zambia: 752,600 sq km.
Population: Malawi: 11.6 million. Zambia: 10.4 million.
Language: Malawi: English, Chewa (Chichewa) & various local dialects. Zambia: English, Bemba.
Religion: Malawi: Protestant (55%), Catholic (20%), Muslim (20%). Zambia: Christian & Indigenous beliefs, with many following both.
Local Time: GMT +2.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 230v AC 50 Hz.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topRecommended Maps: Michelin: Africa Central & South (1:4,000,000), Macmillan’s: Tourist Map of Zambia (1:2,200,000).
Recommended Books: Richard D Estes: Safari Companion, Lonely Planet: Malawi, Mozambique & Zambia, Bradt guide to Zambia, Tim Jeals: Livingstone, Thomas Packenham: Scramble for Africa, Spectrum guides to Zambia and Malawi.
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