Malawi and Zambia Encompassed – a 15 day Small Group Tour.
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.
- Fitness
- Off the beaten track
- Culture
- History
- Wildlife
Tour Pace
Moderate
Tour style
Traveller
Relaxed Pace
Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed pace tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.
Moderate Pace
Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.
Busy Pace
A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you’ll return home feeling you’ve really experienced as much as you possibly could.
Pioneer Class Tours
On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.
Traveller Class Tours
Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you’ll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.
Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival Blantyre
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)
Day 2: Majete
(approx. driving time 3-4 hours)
After breakfast depart south to Majete Park, arriving just before lunch. This afternoon take a game drive around the lodge and watering hole. Overnight Thawale Lodge or similar (BLD)
Day 3: Majete
Spend the day in Majete National Park, with morning and afternoon game drives. Overnight Thawale Lodge or similar (BLD)
Day 4: Zomba
Today it’s a 5-hour drive back through Blantyre, Limbe and onwards to Zombe. After a picnic lunch and visit to the colourful Zomba market we make the ascent to Ku Chawe Inn, atop of Zomba Mountain. This afternoon we take a walk to the dam along the stream and past the trout farm before returning to the hotel for the evening. Overnight Ku Chawe Inn or similar (B, Picnic Lunch, D)
Day 5: Liwonde – Mvuu Camp
From the plateau it’s a short 2-hour drive to Liwonde park. From the gate its an hour’s game drive to Mvuu Camp where we arrive in time for lunch. This afternoon head back into the park for game viewing before returning to the camp for dinner. Overnight Mvuu Camp or similar (BLD)
Day 6: Liwonde
Spend today at Liwonde park with morning and afternoon game activities. Choice of boat safari or game drives. Overnight Mvuu Camp or similar (BLD)
Day 7: Cape Maclear
Cross the river by boat and head towards Cape Maclear, stopping en route at fishing villages, historical sites and local points of interest. On arrival check in to your lodge and the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Chembe Eagles Nest or similar (BLD)
Day 8: Cape Maclear at leisure
Spend today exploring the lake. Boat trips, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing etc all available as optional extras. Overnight Chembe Eagles Nest or similar (BD)
Day 9: Senga Bay
From the lake it’s a 3-hour drive to Mua Mission where we stop for our picnic lunch and a visit to the cultural museum, before continuing to Senga Bay for an overnight stay (approx. 2 hours). Overnight Safari Beach Lodge or similar (B, Picnic Lunch, D)
Day 10: Luangwa – Flat Dogs
Depart the lake after an early breakfast and after a brief stop in Lilongwe to collect your picnic lunch, continue to Zambia. Cross the border and arrival in Mfuwe, South Luangwa late afternoon. Overnight at Flatdogs Lodge or similar (B, Picnic Lunch, D)
Days 11-12: Luangwa – Flat Dogs
Spend two days exploring the park with morning and afternoon/evening game drives Overnight Flatdogs Lodge or similar (BLD)
Day 13: Dzalanyama Forest
Return back through Chipata and re-enter Malawi, then its a 2-hour drive to Dzalanyama reserve. Arrival at the lodge is late afternoon. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight Dzalanyama Lodge or similar (B, Picnic Lunch, D)
Day 14: Dzalanyama Forest
A day to explore the forest – walking or cycling is included or we can arrange a cultural program for the morning. Overnight Dzalanyama Lodge or similar (BLD)
Day 15: Dzalanyama Forest – Lilongwe Departure
From Dzalanyama it’s a 2-hour drive to Lilongwe and the airport for your departure flight. (B)
Tour Notes
Important Note - 17 May 2023 Departure
Please note that the 17 May 2023 departure is a slightly different itinerary and is only 15 days in length. Please contact us for more details.
Deposit Amount
For this tour we require an initial deposit of 20% of the value of the tour in order to confirm the booking due to limited availability at lodges.
Group Size
This group tour operates subject to a minimum group size of 2 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.
Download PDF.
Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.
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)
Read more about Malawi and Zambia and our other African Tours
Undiscovered Destinations
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