Overview
22 days Zambia & Malawi Full Safari
22 days Zambia & Malawi Full Safari, tour is popular for those really looking to delve into Malawian landscapes and culture with the added bonus of one of the best game reserves in Africa – South Luangwa.
The full safari is the full experience!
Game drives through the famous South Luangwa National Park, cooking Nsima in Dzalanyama community, Walking through the rolling green fields of tea in Southern Malawi, kayaking through the crystal clear waters of Cape Maclear and exploring your own private Island for the night, traditional dances and stories from the cultural and historical Mua Mission, Walking safaris in Nkohtakota Wildlife Reserve, sinking your toes into the crystal white sands of Chinteche Beach, and walking across the stunning Nyika landscape!
It’s a tour to tickle the senses and be a part of the diverse Malawian landscape!
Prices are subject to change.
Included:
• 21 Nights Accommodation (Not all en-suite)
• 21 Dinners
• 21 Breakfast’s
• 18 Lunches (of which 7 are picnics)
• Services of vehicle and guide throughout
• Activities as indicated in itinerary,
• Airport transfers
• Game Park Entrance Fees
• 6x Game drives in South Luangwa
• Tea Tours and Tastings
• Game Walks in Nkhotakhota and Nyika
• Non motorised water sports at the lake (Kayaking and / or boating at Cape Maclear)
• Community visits
• Entrance fees to all parks
Excludes:
• Visas [Malawi $ 150 double entry, Zambia $ 50],
• Meals not indicated above,
• Activities not Indicated above [Nyika night drive],
• Drinks,
• Gratuities,
• Personal Spending,
*2020 Price is per person sharing. Price excludes single supplement and any additional activities or meals not set out in the itinerary.
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Detailed Itinerary
Arrive Lilongwe. Transfer from Airport to Lodge. Your guide will meet everyone at the Lodge for introductions and a tour briefing at 18H00, after the briefing dinner will be served. We will arrange airport transfers on this day as and when needed.
Accommodation:
Mafumu Lodge or similiar
Distance: 270 km, Journey time: 6 hrs.
Depart Lilongwe and travel on to Mchinji, where we complete immigration formalities and continue into Zambia. From the border it is another 2 .5hrs to Luangwa Valley – Mfuwe sector. A picnic lunch is enjoyed en route and ETA at the Loge is midafternoon.
The restaurants serves good wholesome meals, whilst tea and coffee is available throughout the day. The bar serves a selection of drinks for all occasions and the lounge and swimming pool remains a popular “chill out” area especially during the hot summer months. Game drives are undertaken in specially modified 4X4 open safari vehicles led by a qualified guide with an intimate knowledge of the park and its fauna & flora.
Accommodation:
We use one of 3 lodges in Luangwa, namely, Marula Lodge, Wildlife Camp or Thornicroft Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Morning and Afternoon game drives – All lodges have open game drive vehicles, en suite accommodation, good food and a pool to relax by during the midday break. Game walks optional extra.
Accommodation:
We use one of 3 lodges in Luangwa, namely, Marula Lodge, Wildlife Camp or Thornicroft Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Morning and Afternoon Game drives. Midday visit to a local project or Tribal textiles.
Accommodation:
We use one of 3 lodges in Luangwa, namely, Marula Lodge, Wildlife Camp or Thornicroft Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Morning and Afternoon Game drives. Optional Game walk.
Accommodation:
We use one of 3 lodges in Luangwa, namely, Marula Lodge, Wildlife Camp or Thornicroft Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 230 km, Journey time: 5 hrs
After breakfast, depart for Dzalanyama Forest. We turn off and head South East before Lilongwe and drive towards Mozambique. Arrival is early afternoon. After checking into our chalets, a walk into the surrounding forest and up Mtsongololo mountain is offered. The track takes us through the endemic forests where there is a profusion of miombo birdlife. Return back to the lodge as it gets dark.
Accommodation:
Forest House or similar
Meals:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Today is a community visit day! – We visit the community that live just outside the reserve – you have the opportunity to walk through the village, meet the locals, learn how to pound maize, we will eat some local food, drink some local brew’s and get a glimpse of what life as a rural Malawian is like. The Malawian people are known for their friendliness and this will certainly reaffirm this view – this visit is non staged and as authentic as living in the country is. Return to the house in the evening for sundowners followed by dinner
Accommodation:
Forest House or similar
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A leisurely start to the day and we have time to explore the area. Numerous trails are available from the lodge into the surrounding area forest. Walks can be as easy or as strenuous as you would like, or if you would rather relax by the stream or on the verandah – the choice is yours. In the early afternoon there is a possibility of new participants joining the tour and once on site there will be introductions.
Accommodation:
Forest House or similar
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 360 km, Journey time: 6 hrs
Breakfast then it’s a scenic drive through Malawi, along the Mozambique border, with good views of the lake, through the commercial Capital of Malawi – Blantyre- till we reach our overnight. There are a number of interesting stops enroute like the rock paintings, viewpoints overlooking the lake from the escarpment and market stall alongside the road. Game Haven is a serene, beautiful game park and lodge is set in the indigenous forests and grasslands of the Shire highlands of Southern Malawi. Experience exceptional viewing of the wildlife which include kudu, roan, eland, sable, giraffe, zebra, and a prolific birdlife. As part of the unique Game Haven experience, enjoy the internationally designed Matkovich & Hayes 9-hole golf course, beautiful but challenging; The relaxing sound of the cascading waterfall at the swimming pool and fishing and braaing on the scenic lawns of Lake Bvumbwe. As the sun sets, enjoy a drink in the Victorian styled bar followed by exceptional international cuisine at our Ambrosia restaurant.
Accommodation:
Game Haven Lodge or similar
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast we explore the area. A highlight will be a walking tour of the world recognized Satemwa Tea estate, followed by a tea tasting workshop. They produce a variety of white, black, gold and flavoured teas. After the tasting, return to the luxurious Huntingdon House where we will have a superb lunch. After lunch its a short drive and walk up into the estate, to Thyolo mountain – a wonderful view site with excellent views of the estate and the lower shire valley. For keen birders the forest surrounding this site is home to the rare and endemic Thyolo Alethe. Midafternoon, return to Game haven to relax around the pool, walking, mountain biking or even a round of golf.
Accommodation:
Game Haven Lodge or similar
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 280 km, Journey time: 5 hrs
Drive to Lake Malawi – Cape Maclear. En route we pass Zomba and a visit to the vibrant Zomba Market is offered, then cross the Shire River, through the historical Mangochi town and continue to follow the lakeshore northwards. Arrival at Cape Maclear is mid Afternoon with time to enjoy a sundowner whilst relaxing on the beach. Here we again stay in a choice of 3 similar lodges – Chembe Eagles Nest, Cape Mac Lodge or Annie’s Lodge – depending on availability. Each lodge offers en suite chalet accommodation, nicely situated on the beach and in an area to enable easy exploration of the surrounding village.
Accommodation:
Here we again stay in a choice of 3 similar lodges - Chembe Eagles Nest, Cape Mac Lodge or Annie's Lodge.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day on the beach at leisure – non motorised watersports included. Explore the village, walks into the surrounding mountains, visit local pubs, historical graves, swimming, snorkeling, scuba to skiing is all possible.
Accommodation:
Here we again stay in a choice of 3 similar lodges - Chembe Eagles Nest, Cape Mac Lodge or Annie's Lodge.
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner
This morning we prepare for our Kayaking experience. Transfer just down the beach to Kayak Africa Base camp and here we are familiarized with the kayaks and equipment and then set off for the island. The protected waters of the National Park bring sea kayaking within reach of anyone, irrespective of fitness or experience. The two-person kayak is stable and allows easy paddling. For those not wishing to paddle, it is possible to go by powerboat to the island. Arrival at the Island camp is before lunch with the remainder of the afternoon to explore the peaceful beauty of the place. Explore the island and surrounds by kayak, walking and swimming / snorkeling. Overnight Island Tented Camp with the remainder of the afternoon to swim, snorkel or kayak on the calm lake. On the island there are only limited en suite chalets and some clients will be staying in non en suite dome tents – en suite chalet preference will be given to those clients that did not have en suite facilities at Dzalanyama.
Accommodation:
Island Tented Camp
Meals:
Breakfast. Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 210 km, Journey time: 5 hrs 20 mins
Paddle back to the mainland [or return by boat], then its a 2.5 hr. drive to Mua Mission – Mua is the site of the KuNgoni Centre of Culture & Art. It provides insights into the history and culture of Malawi through the Chamare Museum, the Carving Centre and the new Research Centre/Library. The museum describes the Chewa, Ngoni and Yao cultures, their rites of passage, their interaction with one another and their encounters with Islam and Christianity. It also holds a unique display of Gule Wamkulu masks, texts and images and dances can be arranged. It is also home to a thriving community, including an arts and crafts center whose students create Malawi’s finest wood carvings and who go on to make a living from their own handiwork throughout Malawi. After this, it’s an hour 20 mins drive to our overnight.
Accommodation:
Blue Waters lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
DAY 15: Nkhotakota Reserve
Distance: 160 km, Journey time: 3 hrs
This morning you have the opportunity to go on an early morning game drive, a walk or a cycle ride in the reserve, before returning for breakfast, then departing for a 3-hr. drive to Nkhotakota reserve. Here we stay at Kuchenga bush Camp or Bua River Lodge. Set in a remote area of the park, Kuchenga offers 6 chalets, where 2 chalets shared ablutions. Superb views and set in a remote area of the park. Arrive after lunch and the afternoon a walk is offered.
Accommodation:
Kuchenga Camp - Chalets
Meals:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 110 km, Journey time: 3 hrs
A Morning game walk for those that wish then return for a later breakfast [Brunch] after which we depart to Chintheche. Makuzi Beach Lodge, is located along the northern shores of Lake Malawi. Delightfully sited in its own private bay, the lodge is ideal for that perfect “Retreat to Paradise”. Makuzi Beach has stylish en suite thatched chalets – all nestled in manicured gardens overlooking the lake’s warm, clear waters. The lodge is perfectly positioned to offer guests spectacular views of the lake while enjoying a quiet drink at the bar. The restaurant has an excellent reputation for outstanding cuisine and guests are encouraged to enjoy the full African experience while dining under the stars. There’s a wide variety of activities: swimming, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking or just wallowing in the lake. Makuzi Beach is involved in community projects, one of which is the village tour and includes a visit to the historical missionary site, museum and a taste of the local cuisine. Horse riding and scuba diving can be arranged off-site. Bird watching opportunities are some of the best along the lake
Accommodation:
Makuzi Beach Lodge - Chalet
Meals:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
DAY 17: Makuzi Beach Lodge
Day at Leisure on the beach and exploring the area – visits to Bandawe Point, the nearby local village to see the community project.
Accommodation:
Makuzi Beach Lodge - Chalet
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner
Distance: 320 km, Journey time: 8 hrs
After an early morning departure, we drive through Mzuzu and continue up to Nyika Plateau. Picnic lunch en route and arrival in Nyika is midafternoon. Chelinda Lodge- each beautiful pine chalet has large windows, spacious balconies, are comfortably furnished, en suite with a fireplace. The communal public area and bar are well appointed with superb views and comfortable facilities as well as a sauna. Activities include game drives, walking, mountain biking, birding and fly fishing for trout.
Accommodation:
Chelinda Lodge - Chalet
Meals:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Morning and afternoon game drives and walks – Optional Night drive.
Accommodation:
Chelinda Lodge - Chalet
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Morning and afternoon game drives and walks – Optional Night drive.
Accommodation:
Chelinda Lodge - Chalet
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 385 km, Journey time: 8hrs
From Nyika continue through Mzuzu again and onto the Viphya Plateau. Luwawa Forest Lodge is an international guesthouse and outdoor adventure centre in the unspoilt wilderness of the Viphya Plateau. At 1600m, the area is malaria-free. The lodge overlooks a large, well-stocked lake. Much of the Lodge’s electricity is from solar energy and the water supply from a mountain stream. Fresh vegetables prepared in the kitchen are from the lodge’s permaculture garden. The lodge is dedicated to being in tune with its natural surroundings. The latest addition to the facilities is a Sauna & bush shower. Luwawa has prolific birdlife and antelope can be seen close to the lodge. Further afield are monkeys, baboons, leopards and hyenas. Numerous activities are offered such as squash, canoeing, abseiling, orienteering. Luwawa is ideal for family and individual holidays. The lodge is committed to responsible tourism through its many local community assistance projects in which guests can be directly involved.
Accommodation:
Luwawa Forest Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Disntance: 210 km, Journey time: 3 hrs
Today we co-ordinate our departure to arrive in Lilongwe in time for your return flight or onward journey. Check in is 2 hrs. before your international flight.