Malawi & Zambia
Wild Zambia Tour

Malawi and Zambia – Wild Zambia Tour – a 14 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.

Witness on this tour the raw and untamed beauty of some of Zambia’s best kept secrets, where waking to see the sunrise means catching a glimpse of the timid Sitatunga, and where wading through swamp lands means the anticipation of observing the Jurassic looking shoebill stork.

This tour succeeds in creating a rich cocktail of experiences, mixing people, culture, wildlife and relaxation in just the right proportions.

This is a truly adventurous tour offering a veritable plethora of big game viewing and the experience of sleeping under the endless African sky. Delving into the wilds of the northern reaches of Zambia, we travel to remote frontiers where few western tourists venture. This is an incredible opportunity to experience true wilderness and Zambia’s hidden gems.

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. Why not explore Wild Zambia?

Tour ratings.

  • Fitness
  • Off the beaten track 
  • Culture
  • History
  • Wildlife

Tour Pace

Busy

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.

We start the Wild Zambia holiday when you arrive in Lilongwe. On arrival, transfer from the airport to the lodge. This evening, dinner will be served in a restaurant near the lodge, where your guide will give a tour briefing, outlining the adventure that lay ahead.  Overnight at Mafumu Lodge. (D)

(Approximate driving time today: ten hours)

After an early breakfast depart Lilongwe for our adventure into Zambia. We travel through Mchinji, heading for the north gate of Luambe Park and a community camping site close by. A picnic lunch is enjoyed en route and we expect to arrive at our camp in the late afternoon, with time to relax before dinner and tonight we have our first taste of camping under the African skies. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time today, depending on game sightings: five to six hours)

After breaking camp we continue our journey to Zambia’s most remote and iconic park, North Luangwa, driving for some three hours through remote rural villages to reach the entrance. Once in the park we will take a two-hour game drive offering one of the finest wilderness experiences in Zambia, if not Africa. The park is noted for its massive herds of buffalo, large prides of lions, along with many other species including Hyena, Cookson’s Wildebeest, Bushbuck, Zebra, Warthog, Baboons, Vervet Monkeys and Impala. Elephant and Leopards are also seen but less frequently than in the southern park. Wildebeest, Hartebeest, Reedbuck and Eland are all usually seen. Overnight at Buffalo Camp – en suite chalets. (BLD)

This morning we undertake a game walk; led by an experienced and qualified guide and supported by experienced game scouts to enable you to gain an authentic insight into wild Africa. All manner of wild and natural phenomenon can be encountered and enjoyed. Return to camp for some leisure time before setting off on a late afternoon sundowner drive. Overnight at Buffalo Camp. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time today: five hours)

Depart Buffalo Bush Camp and continue up the escarpment heading for the unique Kapishya hot springs, a natural, hot, sulphur free spring set alongside the banks of the Mansha River. A variety of activities is available including river floats, horseback riding, and bird walks but relaxing in the natural hot mineral water is definitely not to be missed. It is situated on the estate of Shiwa Ngandu (The Africa House) which is rich in history. Overnight camping. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: height hours)

We shall break camp early before setting off on a two-hour drive to Mpika, stopping for supplies before continuing on to our overnight destination of Kasanka National Park This is a valuable conservation area with a wealth of flora and fauna including many endangered species and exceptional birdlife. Kasanka offers species like the rare sitatunga, sable antelope and bushpigs. Elephants, hippos and buffalo are usually in evidence and the park is increasingly clear of grass and ideal for walking. The rivers are all perennial so there’s always water for the animals to thrive.  The campsite has a simple pit toilet, shower and shelter but staff will be on hand to assist with hot water for showers. Overnight camping. (BLD)

Today we explore this delightful area. We recommend an early morning walk onto the flood plain in front of the campsite where Sitatunga are often seen, then visit one of the hides overlooking the lake and swamps.  Game drives are done in our own vehicles that have been specially modified for optimum game viewing with pop up roofs and large windows. Overnight camping. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time today: eight hours)

We break camp and depart early today, passing the junction to the David Livingstone tree where he died and his heart was buried, before his body was carried to Dar as Salaam and subsequently shipped to England. Expect a fairly rough, but interesting journey north to The Bangweulu wetlands.  This is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife secrets. It boasts over 100,000 Black Lechwe and the world’s most visible Shoebill storks. When the Bangweulu swamp dries up, bird watching is mostly done on foot around the remaining shrinking pools. Game drives are spectacular amongst the big herds of black Lechwe and black winged pratincole, both attractive species found in the Bangweulu. The area supports an incredible diversity of water and plains-birds as well as species such as Elephant, Buffalo, Tsessebe, Reedbuck, Oribi and Sitatunga. Tonight, we shall camp on the entrance to the flood plain. (BLD)

Today we have a full day to explore this unique area. Firstly, we drive and then walk through the swamp in attempt to see the somewhat Jurassic looking shoebill stork. In the spirit of this adventure, be prepared to wade through the swamp lands. Although sightings of the shoebill cannot be guaranteed, our chances are good and the walk itself is a fabulous African experience. Depending on our success, we return at lunchtime, and the afternoon will be a leisurely opportunity to experience the vast herds of Black Lechwe on the open plains. Overnight camping. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time today: seven hours)

This morning we depart the swamps and head back to the main “great north road” and our overnight camp – Mutinondo – 10,000 hectares of privately owned land encompassing pristine Miombo woodland, massive chunks of granite inselbergs, crystal clear rivers to swim in and picturesque waterfalls and glades (dambos). We aim to arrive by mid-afternoon so we have time to explore on foot in the beautiful late afternoon sunlight. The campsite is set on the edge of a wooded rocky outcrop with cooking areas, pit latrines and nice hot showers. Here we will be camping with our cook preparing all our camp meals. (BLD)

Today is a full day to explore and enjoy this area. Walking trails are demarcated and trails are graded, depending on individual’s capacity. Another option is horse riding – subject to availability. Overnight camping. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time today: five hours)

Today we have a 5 hour drive down the escarpment into Luangwa Valley, and then continuing to the northern entrance gate of South Luangwa Park. From there we drive through the park for approximately another 4 hours, along the 05, to the Mfuwe Area. We expect to arrive at Mfuwe by late afternoon. Overnight lodge accommodation. (BLD)

Enjoy two spectacular game drives today, one early in the morning and the other in the afternoon/evening in open game viewing safari vehicles with a Luangwa qualified guide with intimate knowledge of the spectacular biodiversity which can be viewed in this magnificent wilderness. Overnight lodge accommodation. (BLD)

Transfer you back to Lilongwe where the Wild Zambia tour will end with a transfer to the airport for an evening flight. Alternatively, you may wish to extend your stay add on a lake break on beautiful Lake Malawi. (B)

Dates & Price.

Tour Notes

Please note that tour dates for 2023 are still provisional and may change by a day or so.

This group tour operates subject to a minimum group size of 4 travellers. You may be joined by travellers from companies other than Undiscovered Destinations.

Single Supplement from £325 – £350.

Return flights from London to Lilongwe start from around £530. Please contact us for a quotation.

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.

Please contact us for prices for pre and post tour accommodation.

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.

Mapped itinerary.

Want to see details of your itinerary on a map?

Download PDF.

Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.

For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.

+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA

Tour inclusions.

  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • All accommodation and camping equipment
  • Transport in private custom-made safari vehicles
  • Services of an English-speaking guide and camp chef
  • Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)

Tour exclusions.

  • International flights
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Any airport taxes
  • Local Payment used for Game park fees of US Dollars $399 per person
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas
  • Drinks
  • Tips (discretionary)

We had a fantastic time. The lodges were all as good as we had expected and the guides superb. The wildlife was above and beyond what we had hoped for. Thank you for a great holiday.

 

Laura Hermitage, UK