Malawi and Zambia
Best of Malawi and Zambia Tour

Arrive in Blantyre where you will be met and transferred from the airport to the lodge. Your guide will meet everyone at the lodge for introductions. Overnight at Leslie Lodge or similar. (D)

(approx. driving time 3-4 hours)

After breakfast depart south to Majete Park, arriving just before lunch. This afternoon choose to take a walk along the river, or simply spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight Ngona Lodge or similar (BD)

Spend the day in Majete National Park, returning to the lodge mid-afternoon. Overnight Ngona Lodge or similar (BLD)

Today we leave Majete back towards Blantyre and on to Thyolo and Game Haven Lodge. We have lunch at the historical Mandela house and arrive at the lodge early afternoon. Overnight Game Haven Lodge (BLD)

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 it’s a short drive and walk up into the estate to Thyolo Mountain – a wonderful site with excellent views of the lower Shire Valley. For keen birders the forest surrounding this picnic site is home to the rare and endemic Thyolo Alethe.  Mid-afternoon, return to Game Haven to relax around the pool, or go walking, mountain biking or even enjoy a round of golf. Overnight at Game Haven Lodge (BLD)

Today we head north to the old capital Zomba. En route we stop at the post office museum before continuing to Zomba. On arrival we take a brief tour then head to Ku Chawe Inn, where we will take a guided walk in the hills. Overnight Ku Chawe Inn or similar (BLD)

After an early breakfast we travel to Llwonde towm where we take a boat safari into Liwonde Park. After lunch we continue to Cape Maclear where we arrive in the afternoon. Overnight Chembe Eagle’s Nest or similar (BLD)

Today is at leisure to enjoy the beach, including non-motorised watersports. Alternatively explore the local village, walk into the surrounding mountains, or visit historical graves. Overnight at Chembe Eagles Nest or similar (BD)

Depart for the drive to Mua Mission; Mua is the site of the KuNgoni Centre of Culture and 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 home to a thriving community, including an arts and crafts centre 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 a one-hour drive to our overnight stop. Overnight at Blue Waters. (B, Picnic Lunch, D)

(210 kms, approx. 4 hours total driving time)

After breakfast, depart for Dzalanyama Forest. We turn off and head South East before Lilongwe and drive towards Mozambique. Arrival is mid-afternoon. After checking into our chalets, a short 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. Please note that the number of en-suite rooms is limited and you may be allocated a room with shared bathroom facilities. Overnight at Forest House, Dzalanyama Forest or similar. (B, Picnic Lunch, D)

(230 kms, approx. 5 hrs total driving time)

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, visit a local school, meet the locals and learn how to pound maize, we will eat some local food, drink some local brews and get a glimpse life as a rural Malawian. 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.  Overnight at Forest House, Dzalanyama Forest. (BLD)

After breakfast we transfer to the border 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 we expect to reach our lodge in the mid-afternoon. We use one of 3 lodges in Luangwa, namely, Marula Lodge, Wildlife Camp or Thornicroft Lodge – all lodges are of a similar standard and offer a good 2 star experience. Each chalet is en-suite with comfortable beds, mattresses and bedding ensuring you have the best nights rest possible, whilst being safely tucked inside your large walk in mosquito net. The restaurants serve good wholesome meals, whilst tea and coffee is available throughout the day. The bar serves a selection of drinks. and you can enjoy the swimming pool. 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 and flora. Overnight at Marula Lodge, Wildlife Camp or Thornicroft Lodge. (B, Picnic Lunch, D)

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. Optional game walks can be arranged locally. Overnight at Marula Lodge, Wildlife Camp or Thornicroft Lodge. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: four hours)

Today transfer to the airport for a flight to Lusaka or Lilongwe for your international flight (B)