Malawi and Zambia
Malawi and Zambia – Best of Malawi and Zambia Tour – a 15 day Small Group Tour from £2495 per person.
Some countries are just made for each other. Malawi and Zambia are good examples. Offering superlative game viewing, exceptional guides and great lodges, Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is a headline destination.
The subtler appeal of Malawi includes dramatic mountains, one of Africa’s greatest lakes, resurgent wildlife, and some of the world’s most genuinely hospitable people. A first visit to Malawi is never a last visit.
This tour succeeds in creating a rich cocktail of experiences, mixing people, culture, wildlife and relaxation in just the right proportions.
This tour combines many of Malawi’s unique and attractive areas and the strong community involvement and interaction is a key aspect to the tour.
Game viewing in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, one of Africa’s best National Parks is an added attraction. There are opportunities for walking and hiking for more active travellers, and this a well balanced tour, suitable for families and individuals alike.
Itinerary.
Day 1 – Join the tour in Lilongwe, Malawi
Arrive in Lilongwe and transfer to lodge accommodation. An introduction and tour briefing will be held before dinner. Overnight at Mafumu Lodge. (D)
Day 2 – Luangwa Valley, Zambia
(Approximate driving time: six hours)
Today we depart Lilongwe and travel to the Mchinji border crossing where, having completed formalities, we continue into Zambia. It’s two-and-a-half-hours from the border to the Luangwa Valley – Mfuwe sector. En route we stop for a picnic lunch and expect to reach our lodge by mid-afternoon. We use one of three lodges in Luangwa, 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, and large walk-in mosquito nets. In each case there’s a restaurant, bar and a swimming pool. Game drives into South Luangwa National Park utilise open 4WD safari vehicles and are led by qualified guides 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)
Day 3 - Luangwa Valley, Zambia
The best times to view wildlife are early morning and late afternoon – game drives coincide with these periods. After breakfast there’s time to relax in camp. However, further guided game walks may be arranged locally. Overnight at Marula Lodge, Wildlife Camp or Thornicroft Lodge. (BLD)
Day 4 - Luangwa Valley, Zambia
As well as today’s game drives, there’s an opportunity to visit a community project showcasing textiles produced by local tribes people. Overnight at Marula Lodge, Wildlife Camp or Thornicroft Lodge. (BLD)
Day 5 – Luangwa Valley, Zambia
By now you’ll be in tune with the bush. Today’s morning and afternoon game drives will explore areas not previously visited, perhaps attempting to see species not already encountered. Further guided game walks may be arranged locally. Overnight at Marula Lodge, Wildlife Camp or Thornicroft Lodge. (BLD)
Day 6 – Dzalanyama Forest, Malawi
(Approximate driving time: five hours)
After breakfast we depart for Malawi’s Dzalanyama Forest Reserve. Our route crosses the border, heading south east towards Mozambique. We arrive early afternoon and explore surrounding forest or take an optional hike into the Dzalanyama Hills. The track passes through miombo woodland, home to a profusion of colourful birdlife. Please note that the number of en-suite rooms is limited and guests may be allocated a room with shared bathroom facilities. Overnight at Forest House, Dzalanyama Forest. (B, Picnic Lunch, D)
Day 7 - Dzalanyama Forest, Malawi
Today we visit a community that live just outside the reserve. Here, there’s the opportunity explore the village and meet the inhabitants. We’ll eat local food, sample some village brews and glimpse life as a rural Malawian. The visit is a genuine opportunity for cultural exchange and not in any way contrived. Malawian people are justifiably known for their friendliness and generosity, a view reaffirmed by this visit. We return in time for evening sundowners followed by dinner. Overnight at Forest House, Dzalanyama Forest. (BLD)
Day 8 - Dzalanyama Forest at leisure, Malawi
A leisurely start to the day allows time to explore one of the numerous surrounding forest trails. Walks can be as strenuous or as easy as you like. Alternatively, relax by the stream or on your veranda. Overnight at Forest House, Dzalanyama Forest. (BLD)
Day 9 – Thyolo - Game Haven Lodge, Malawi
(Approximate driving time: six hours)
After breakfast we leave for Malawi’s Shire Highlands, taking a scenic route parallel to the Mozambique border, passing through the commercial capital, Blantyre. There are several interesting stops en-route, including rock paintings, viewpoints and roadside market stalls. Accommodation for tonight is at a lodge within a private game park, bordering indigenous forests and grasslands of the Shire Highlands. Wildlife includes kudu, roan, eland, sable, giraffe, zebra, and prolific birdlife. As the sun sets, enjoy a drink in the Victorian-style bar, followed by dinner. Overnight at Game Haven Lodge, Malawi. (BLD)
Day 10 – Game Haven Lodge, Malawi
The highlands of southern Malawi are known for tea production, and after breakfast we visit Satemwa Tea estate, and participate in a tea tasting workshop. Satemwa is one of the only independent estates in Malawi, producing a variety of white, black, gold and flavoured teas. After the tasting we have lunch at Huntingdon House, the former home of the owners. 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 surrounding forest is home to the endangered and endemic Thyolo Alethe. In the mid-afternoon we return to Game Haven to relax around the pool, go walking, mountain biking or even to enjoy a round of golf. Overnight at Game Haven Lodge, Malawi. (BLD)
Day 11 – Zomba - Lake Malawi - Cape Maclear, Malawi
(Approximate driving time: six hours)
It’s impossible to visit Malawi without including Lake Malawi – the Lake of Stars. The drive from the Thyolo passes the dramatic mountains of Zomba Plateu, and in the town of Zomba we call in at the market before crossing the Shire River at Mangochi. Following the lakeshore northwards, we arrive at Cape Maclear (Chembe), named by 19th century explorer David Livingstone, in mid-afternoon. There’s time to enjoy a sundowner while relaxing on the beach. Here, we again stay in one of three lodges – Chembe Eagles Nest, Cape Mac Lodge or Annie’s Lodge. Each lodge offers en-suite chalet accommodation situated on the beach and in an area enabling easy exploration of the surrounding village. Overnight at Chembe Eagles Nest, Cape Mac Lodge or Annie’s Lodge. (BLD)
Day 12 - Cape Maclear at leisure, Malawi
Today is free to relax on the beach, perhaps taking advantage of a variety of non-motorised watersports. Alternatively, explore the local village, walk into the surrounding mountains, or visit nearby historic missionary graves. Overnight at Chembe Eagles Nest, Cape Mac Lodge or Annie’s Lodge. (BD)
Day 13 – Cape Maclear - Lake Malawi
This morning embark on a full day on the lake. We will board a catamaran and sail around the islands for a full day stopping off at one of the islands with snorkelling and kayaking opportunities, and a picnic lunch. Return to the mainland in time for a sundowner followed by dinner. Overnight at Chembe Eagles Nest, Cape Mac Lodge or Annie’s Lodge. (B, Picnic Lunch, D).
Day 14 – Mua Mission, Malawi
(Approximate driving time: four hours)
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)
Day 15 – Lilongwe – Departure from Malawi
(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half hours)
Today we co-ordinate our departure to arrive in Lilongwe in time for your return flight or onward journey. (B)
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Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.
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Dates & Price.
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Tour CodeStartEndTrip StatusPricing
Tour Notes
Important Note - Tour Dates
Please note that tour dates for 2022 are still provisional and may change by a day or so.
Group Size
This group tour operates subject to a minimum group size of 3 travellers. You may be joined by travellers from companies other than Undiscovered Destinations.
Single Supplement
Single Supplement from £415 – £445.
Flights
Return flights from London to Lilongwe start from around £530. Please contact us for a quotation.
Transfers
Airport transfers are included in the tour price if you are arriving on the first and departing on the last day of the tour, or if you stay before or after the tour at the same hotel being used by the group.
Extra Accommodation
Please contact us for prices for pre and post tour accommodation.
The Best of Malawi and Zambia Private Tour
If you do not wish to be part of a group tour then you can do the same tour on a private basis. Please contact us for prices.
Kindly note that we can also tailor a similar or totally different itinerary to meet your requirements.
Tour inclusions.
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All accommodation
- Transport in private vehicles
- Services of an English speaking guide
- National park fees
- Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Entrance fees listed as part of the itinerary
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Items of a personal nature
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Visas (Double entry for Malawi – $150 and single entry for Zambia – $50)
- Drinks
- Tips (discretionary)