Malawi & South Luangwa
Malawi & South Luangwa
Malawi & South Luangwa
11 Days
Visiting: Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Physical rating:
Moderate
Age range:
14+
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Experience the welcoming hospitality of Malawi; 'Warm Heart of Africa' before crossing into Zambia for two days of world-class game viewing in South Luangwa National Park.
Lake Malawi - Spend time on the banks of an African Great Lake and explore further on a boat safari
South Luangwa - Two days of action-packed game viewing and home to Africa's wild dogs
Premium accommodation - spend five nights in comfortable, exclusive safari lodges in wild settings
Highlights
- Game viewing - In search of the big game of Africa in one of the most unspoilt and off-the-beaten-track destinations.
- Zomba Plateau - Excellent bio-diversity on a forested plateau.
- South Luangwa - One of the finest national parks in Africa and the most renowned destination for walking safaris.
- Lake Malawi - Take an optional activity or relax on the shores of the last of the Great Rift Valley lakes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Lilongwe; Afternoon Guided Walk In Lilongwe Wildlife Centre
Arrive in Lilongwe, Malawi's bustling capital.
Once a small village along the banks of the Lilongwe River, Lilongwe became a British colonial administrative centre and then the capital of Malawi in 1975. Today Lilongwe is divided into two distinct areas of the old town and new town with the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre in the middle. The old town is traditionally colourful with busy streets, while the urbanised new town contrasts greatly with tall, modern buildings set in manicured gardens.
For those arriving on time today our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 3 pm to take us on a guided walk of the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, through 4km of forest trails and river paths. This sanctuary, the only one of its kind in Malawi, is situated across a large stretch of land and offers a natural habitat for some 200 rescued animals, most due for release back to the wild. As well as rescue and rehabilitation centre, the aim of the facility is to educate the surrounding communities and young generations on the importance of conservation and protection against rife deforestation which troubles Malawi's future.
A welcome meeting will be held at 7pm before free time for dinner.
If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Lilongwe International Airport (LLW), which is about one hours\ drive from the airport.
Please note that if you wish to join the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre walk, you must arrive at the hotel by 2.30pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least an hour to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around an hours\ drive so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 12pm. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
Day 2: Take In The Views From Zomba Plateau Followed By An Afternoon Safari
This morning, we'll leave the capital and drive to Zomba Plateau via Dedza. This drive will take much of the morning through mountainous landscape.
The Dedza-Kirk Highlands is the name given to the mountain range that forms part of the Great Rift Valley mountains that separate Malawi from Mozambique. As we travel toward Zomba, there should be some opportunities to take photos of this stunning landscape. The southern part of Malawi is littered with inselbergs, or island mountains, which are small granite mountains shooting up from the planes like lone islands.
Later this morning, we'll arrive at Zomba Plateau. With views once described as 'the best in the British Empire', the mountain rises 1800m above the surrounding plains and forms part of the Shire Highlands. The elevation results in a very different eco-system from lower regions with a variety of flora, a number of small flowing streams, waterfalls and breathtaking views over Southern Malawi.
After a picnic lunch, we will leave and travel to our home for tonight on the banks of the Shire River inside Liwonde National Park. Arriving in the late afternoon, we will head straight out on a game drive. The river is the lifeline through the national park, attracting elephant, waterbuck, zebra and a large number of hippo that can be found wallowing in the shallows. The evening will be free to relax in the lodges comfortable surroundings.
Day 3: Boat Safari Along The Shire River With An Opportunity To Spot Hippos, Crocodiles And Elephants
This morning we'll have an early breakfast and then explore the national park by boat along the Shire River, Malawi's largest waterway. The river is home to a dense population of half-submerged hippos and the waters also attract over 400 species of bird, elephants, Nile crocodiles and antelopes by the dozen.
We'll return to our lodge for lunch before travelling north, roughly following the river to Cape Maclear Nature Reserve where will be staying in a lodge on the banks of Lake Malawi. Although the drive will take most of the afternoon, the forest scenery and the view on arrival make it worthwhile! Cape Maclear is the name of both the reserve and the fishing village that lies within where the villagers are welcoming and curious. There are long stretches of golden beaches, ample opportunity to watch the daily lives of the local fisherman and and thanks to it's spot on the edge of an African Great Lake, it's a promising spot for an excellent sunset.
The evening will be free to relax and dinner is included this evening in the lodge's restaurant.
Day 4: A Free Day To Enjoy The Beach, Visit The Village Or Choose An Optional Activity On The Lake
Today is free. Spend time soaking up the laid back atmosphere and unique environment of the lake complete with golden sandy beaches! Options include a leisurely visit to a nearby island, various water-based activities or just relax on shore.
Day 5: Visit Mua Mission; Overnight At Kumbali Wildlife Reserveve
After a leisurely start this morning, we head up the lake's coast where we stop off at Mua Mission. The mission is famous for the quality of wood carvings and was established in 1976 by a Canadian missionary Fr. Claude Boucher Chisale who dedicated his life to researching, recording and preserving Malawian culture. It is here that one gains a very deep and profound understanding and insight into the history of Malawi through the Chamare Museum, the Carving Centre and the new Research Centre.
After a picnic lunch, we will continue north along the shores of the lake to Senga Bay. On arrival we'll have time to check-in before going out for the sunset cruise on the lake. Accompanied by the captain on an open-sided boat, we'll travel out on to the lake in hope of seeing the territorial fish eagles and fisherman going about their daily routine before watching the sun go down over Africa's third largest lake.
We'll be spending one night here in a rustic eco-lodge where the beds are comfortable, the phone signal is lacking and nature is just on the other side of the lodge door.
Day 6: Visit A Working Rice Plantation; Afternoon Drive To Dzalayama Forest Reserve
It will be a leisurely start today with a relaxed breakfast before visiting a nearby rice plantation for a guided tour, offering a great insight into daily life in the prominent agriculture industry. We'll return to the lodge for lunch before departing on a long drive to Dzalanyama Forest Reserve. The drive will take around five hours through varied landscapes.
Late this afternoon, we'll arrive at the reserve which has been a protected area since 1922 and forms the natural border between Malawi and Mozambique. We'll have a late afternoon walking tour to orientate ourselves with the area, and hopefully see the indigenous orchids and birdlife.
We'll be staying at Dzalanyama Forest house for two nights where the accommodation overlooks the Makata Steam and is nestled among large Miombo trees. It's a great spot for those interested in birds and the different species can often be heard for miles in the early morning. Indigenous, colourful butterflies are common in the area too, normally seen down the river.
Day 7: Relaxing Day Visiting The Local Village And Community Project With Traditional Lunch
Today will be relaxed as our leader accompanies us on a visit to the local village to meet the locals and learn about their daily life. We'll be shown the traditional process used by the communities to distil local gin (Kachasu), make bread, and taste nsima with pumpkin leaves.
Our leader will also take us to visit the primary school, meet the community leaders and help us to develop an understanding of the challenges faced by small Malawian villages. We'll round it off with a local lunch within the community before a free afternoon to relax and make the most of the slower pace of life.
Day 8: Full Day Drive South Luangwa (Cross Into Zambia)
This morning sees us up early for the drive to the the Zambian border where we shall cross into Zambia before continuing to South Luangwa National Park. We'll have a picnic lunch en-route and should arrive at our safari lodge in the late afternoon and the rest of the day will be free to relax, enjoy a sundowner or perhaps spend an evening around the campfire.
Our premium accommodation in South Luangwa provides a comfortable stay on the banks of the Luangwa River. We'll be staying in chalets with private bathrooms and verandas, based around a small swimming pool, all within the wild and natural setting of the African Bush.
Day 9: Morning And Afternoon Safari Experiences In South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa is Zambia's premier park and is widely noted for its large concentrations of game and over 400 bird species! Nestled within the Great Rift Valley, the park covers a vast area over 9,000 sq. km and is bordered on its east side by the meandering Luangwa River. The park encompasses a wealth of habitats, including shaded mopane woodland, riverine forest, thickets, lagoons and grassland providing plenty of variety during morning or afternoon game drives.
The Luangwa River offers a permanent source of water resulting in ample opportunities of spot game. Hippos can be spotted in large numbers wallowing in the river, elephants come to bathe at the water's edge and Cape Buffalo are commonly seen. There is also the chance to see lions, wild dogs and leopards which are the main predators in the region. Binoculars will be key for any trip out, whether to get a better view of a leopard lazing on a tree branch or see the vast variety of birds up close.
Walking safaris are a very popular in this remote area too, and we hope to have the chance to explore on foot during our time here. Accompanied by an experienced park ranger or'scout' and a guide, walking safaris permit us the rare privilege of walking among wild animals in their natural environment, whilst also learning about smaller aspects of the bush. This is a fantastic opportunity to discover and learn about the plant life and animal spoor.
Today and tomorrow's exact itineraries will depend on local conditions and will require flexibility to make the most of our time here but rest-assured during the next two days in South Luangwa we include four half-day activities of either game drives or walking safaris.
Day 10: Morning And Afternoon Safari Experiences
South Luangwa is one of the finest parks in Southern Africa and today we'll spend another day in search of wildlife as we continue with our game drives or walking safaris.
Free time between safaris can be enjoyed by the pool, on your veranda or having a relaxed drink in the welcoming bar.
Day 11: Trip Ends At Airport
Departing from South Luangwa National Park this morning, we drive to Mfuwe Airport (MFU), which is around a 45 minute drive. We aim to be at the airport for 9am. The earliest your flight can depart is 11.30am.
What's Included
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Meals
Breakfasts:10 Lunches:6 Dinners:9
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Accommodation
Comfortable
Check out our Q&As
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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