Trip Overview & Highlights

Join us for an unforgettable adventure spanning Helen’s two favourite African countries – Zambia & Malawi.

Embark on incredible safaris in the awe-inspiring South Luangwa National Park in Zambia and the enchanting Liwonde National Park in Malawi.

Immerse yourself in local villages to gain insights into Zambian and Malawian way of life.

Discover the beauty and serenity of Lake Malawi and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture of Cape Maclear.

Picture yourself seated by the Luangwa, or Shire Rivers, sipping a refreshing G&T, as the African sun dips below the horizon and elephants frolic in the water below… There’s simply nothing like it!

This is the Africa that dreams were made of…

Njobvu Village

Mumbo Island

Trip Info

Tour Cost from £X,XXX 

• Total – from £X,XXX (subject to current USD to GBP exchange rates)
  • Deposit: £500 (non-refundable)
  • 2nd Payment: £X,XXX (due 62 days before the departure date)
  • 3rd Payment: $XXX (local payment, paid on arrival)

  Local Payment

  • This includes the on-tour expenses that we cannot pay prior to arrival, such as national park entry fees, meals, local transport, some activities and tips for the local guides.
  • The local payment is seperate from your own personal spending money.

Itinerary

Day 2: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Today we journey from Malawi into Zambia and on to South Luangwa National Park, where we’ll spend the next three nights immersed in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations.

South Luangwa is Africa’s best kept secret and widely regarded as one of the best places on the continent to spot leopards and African wild dogs, thanks to its thriving predator population and expert guiding. With luck on our side, we may encounter these elusive species during our time here.

Our lodge sits right on the banks of the Luangwa River, an area known for frequent wildlife activity. Elephants, hippos and other animals are often seen moving through camp, meaning the safari experience continues even between game drives.

After arrival, we’ll settle into our rooms and unwind before gathering for sundowners overlooking the river – a perfect introduction to the magic of the Luangwa Valley – followed by dinner at camp.

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
• Activities: None

Day 4: South Luangwa National Park

This morning we’ll head back into South Luangwa National Park for another early morning game drive, when the wildlife is often at its most active. As the sun rises over the bush, we’ll continue our search for elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, and the many other incredible animals that call the park home.

The afternoon is then free for you to enjoy at your own pace.

You may choose to experience warm Zambian hospitality on a village tour with local guides, offering a fascinating insight into daily life, local traditions, and the surrounding community.

For those wanting something more relaxing, there’s the option to visit the Bush Spa for a massage overlooking a hippo-filled lagoon, or take part in an ‘Art Safari’ workshop with the renowned Tribal Textiles, where you can learn the traditional craft of batik making and create your own artwork to take home.

Or simply relax by the river with a G&T in hand and soak up the atmosphere of camp – and if we’re lucky, perhaps even spot elephants wandering through camp, something that seems to happen almost every time we visit.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
• Activities: Game Drive Safari in South Luangwa National Park

Day 6: Zomba, Malawi

This morning we leave the city behind and begin our journey south through the ever-changing landscapes of Malawi, passing colourful villages, bustling roadside markets, rolling hills, and daily scenes of local life along the way.

We’ll stop en route in the laid-back town of Zomba for lunch, a wander around the local markets and cafes, and the chance to stretch our legs before heading up towards the beautiful Zomba Plateau, one of Malawi’s most scenic regions.

After checking into our accommodation surrounded by nature and mountain views, there’ll be time to relax in the lodge grounds, soak up the peaceful atmosphere, and watch the sunset over the plateau.

In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner and drinks before settling in for a relaxed night around the fire beneath the stars.

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
• Activities: Zomba Town Tour

Day 8: Liwonde National Park, Malawi

Our next destination is the breathtaking Liwonde National Park. En route, we’ll visit a rural Malawian village.

We’ll have a local lunch here, enjoy traditional dances and drumming, stroll through the village to meet the headman and healer and take part in village life by preparing maize flower and cooking nsima, the staple Malawian dish.

Afterwards, we’ll continue on to Liwonde National Park and our riverside camp on the banks of the Shire River (pronounced “Shiree”). Surrounded by nature and often visited by wildlife, it’s the perfect place to unwind after the journey before gathering together for dinner in the evening.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Chalets (Ensuite)
• Activities: Njobvu Village Tour (village walk, local lunch, dancing, drumming & tradtional healer)

Day 9: Liwonde National Park, Malawi

Today we head out to explore the beautiful Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s most scenic wildlife destinations, known for its river landscapes, abundant wildlife, and incredible birdlife.

This morning, we’ll enjoy a boat safari along the Shire River, one of the highlights of visiting Liwonde. Drifting quietly along the water offers the chance to get incredibly close to wildlife as animals gather at the riverbanks to drink, cool off, and bathe. Expect plenty of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and an abundance of birdlife along the way, all set against the stunning scenery of the park.

After the boat safari, we’ll return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax before heading back out into the park later in the afternoon.

This afternoon’s game drive gives us the chance to explore more of Liwonde’s diverse landscapes in search of elephants, antelope, hippos, crocodiles, and if we’re lucky, predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

As the sun begins to set, we’ll stop for safari sundowners in the bush – the perfect chance to soak up the atmosphere with a drink in hand while watching the sky turn shades of orange and pink over the African wilderness.

After sunset, we’ll continue our drive before returning to camp for dinner following another unforgettable day on safari.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Chalets (Ensuite)
• Activities: Game Drive Safari & Boat Safari in Liwonde National Park

Day 11: Mumbo Island, Malawi

The morning is free to relax by the beach, or by the pool, explore the fishing village on a walking tour or hike up to an incredible viewpoint overlooking Chembe village and Cape Maclear.

After lunch, we’ll take a boat over to beautiful Mumbo Island in Lake Malawi National Park, for the next 2 nights, staying in beautiful rustic but very comfortable chalets directly overlooking the lake.

We’ll have dinner together in the communal area and afterwards, you can learn to play the traditional Malawian game of bao or sit around the fire for cosy chats, before going to bed and falling asleep listening to the sounds of the waves lapping the rocks. And relax…

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Chalets (Ensuite)
• Activities: Mumbo Island

Day 12: Mumbo Island, Malawi

Wake up to the waves lapping the shore and watch the sunrise over Lake Malawi – definitely worth waking up early for.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Spend the day swimming and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi, home to hundreds of colourful cichlid fish found nowhere else on Earth. There’s also the option to hike around the island, relax in a hammock by the lake, learn to play the traditional game of bao, or head out kayaking on the calm waters.

For those looking for even more adventure, scuba diving is also available, with a variety of incredible dive sites to explore. From the famous Zimbabwe Rocks near Mumbo Island to granite pinnacles, caves, and dramatic underwater landscapes, there’s plenty to discover beneath the surface.

As night falls, we’ll gather on the beach for Amarula sundowners, toasted marshmallows around the bonfire, music, and dancing under the stars. Watch the traditional fishing boats twinkling across the lake while the sound of the water gently laps against the shore – the perfect final evening on Lake Malawi.

After an unforgettable night by the beach, we’ll retreat to our cosy chalets for a good night’s sleep.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Chalets (Ensuite)
• Activities: Mumbo Island, Kayaking, Snorkelling, Hiking

Essential Info

What’s Not Included

 
• Flights (international & local)
• Airport transfers at the start/end of the trip
• Visas
• Medications, antimalarials or vaccinations
• Travel/health insurance (required)
• Drinks & meals not mentioned
• Optional activities
• Transport & tips for optional activities
• Tips for hotel staff

Trip Notes

• This trip is perfect for travellers looking for a balance of safari, culture, adventure, and relaxation without feeling constantly rushed from place to place.
• This is a more relaxed trip compared to some of our faster-paced itineraries, but it’s far from boring. For many travellers who’ve visited both countries, Malawi and Zambia often end up being some of their favourite places in Africa. They also happen to be two of Helen’s personal favourite countries on the continent – and she’s travelled extensively across Africa.