16-Day Zambia Malawi safari

Upon your arrival at Lusaka international airport you will be welcomed by your safari guide who will transport you to your safari lodge were you will have dinner and overnight stay.

We will travel a considerable distance to get to our lodge, which is situated along the banks of the Kafue River, crossing the undulating Miombo wooded highlands of southern Zambia and down into the Zambezi Valley lowlands. It is the longest and largest river that totally resides in Zambia and is a key tributary of the Zambezi River. While watching the sunset from the elevated terrace, we will spend the night on its banks.

We will float along the powerful Zambezi River, which is also the home of the Nyami Nyami, a native deity. paddling through picturesque countryside and nearby riverfront settlements. In the middle of untamed Africa, on Elephant Bones Island, we spend the night at a wild campsite. We will continue our canoe safari the next morning through a region rich with elephants, hippos, and other wildlife.

We’ll travel to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, where we can fill up on supplies in the city’s hopping markets and shops. We travel this afternoon along the Great East Road, going through little towns and marketplaces on the side of the road, till we arrive at Petauke just before dark.

As we descend into “the valley” of the South Luangwa National Park, we see wildlife. Elephants, hippos, lions, and leopards wander freely in this secluded area, which is one of Africa’s best wildlife preserves. From the camp’s swimming pool, you can frequently witness hippos and elephants, since your lodge, located on the banks of the Luangwa River, overlook the national park. We will embark on a game walk, an open-air 4WD game drive, and one at night with spotlights to look for nocturnal wildlife as we tour the game management area and the national park.

We will enter Malawi at Chipata and travel to the nation’s capital, Lilongwe, where we will resupply before continuing on to Kuti Wildlife Reserve. Giraffe, wildebeest, and zebra are just a few of the huge mammal species that call this reserve home. The sable herds, which thrive in this environment and number over 100 animals, are Kuti’s pride and delight.

Before traveling to our hotel in Mulanje, we will have a tour of one of Malawi’s well-known tea estates in the Thyolo district. The bare granite cliffs of Mount Mulanje rise to about 3002m, dwarfing everything in its vicinity and influencing local cloud patterns, making it a major source of rains at the head of almost all the rivers in this region of southern Malawi. David Livingstone was the first European to visit the Massif, which was formed some 130 million years ago, in 1859, but archaeological research shows that humans had been present there since the Stone Ages. We go for a day hike on the hills to observe the rivers, cascades, and soaring mountains.

The setting for this gorgeous southern Malawi reserve is made up of tall palm trees and ancient baobab trees. Liwonde, which spans 548 km2 of the upper Shire River plains and valley slopes, is home to the biggest remaining population of elephants in Malawi as well as the endangered Black Rhino,. A knowledgeable local guide will join us as we board an open game watching 4WD in the morning to look for leopards, elephants, hippos, antelopes, and the rare Lilian’s lovebirds in the grassland and woodland environments.

The crown jewel of Malawi and one of the Great Rift Valley lakes is Lake Malawi. We will travel to the Lake Malawi National Park, where we will board a boat and travel close to Cape Maclear to the remote tropical Mumbo Island. With kayaks and snorkeling equipment available to explore the island and snorkel with the jewel-like fish, the indigenous Cichlids, the rustic lodge is a picture-perfect sanctuary. The “warm heart of Africa” is Malawi, thanks to its welcoming population.

Wake up to the sound of birds on your own beautiful island. Get out of bed and go to the beach for a morning of leisure and sunshine, or get in a kayak and paddle around the island. If you go snorkeling, you’ll be astounded by the sheer range of fish colors. Later, we will take the ferry back to the mainland, where we will board our truck once more and head back to Lilongwe, sun-kissed, carefree, and prepared to resume life as usual.

After spending 16 days on this incredible vacation, the excursion concludes when you are transferred to the airport to catch your home flight.