Malawi & Zambia
Wild Zambia Tour

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)