Mumbo Island Sea Kayak

Zambia & Malawi "Livingstone Trail"

18 days from £3,300pp (excl. international flights)

Victoria Falls  – Lower Zambezi  – South Luangwa National Park  – Mulanje Massif  – Liwonde  – Lake Malawi

A wild multi-country adventure

A set departure tour exploring: Zambia and Malawi, ending your trip at the beautiful Lake Malawi

Embark on a thrilling safari through the lesser-explored landscapes of South Eastern Africa, a journey tailored for the intrepid traveler. This odyssey, following the footsteps of David Livingstone, promises an immersive encounter with the untamed beauty of the region. As you traverse the land, the slow-paced travel and rustic accommodations become a testament to the authenticity of the adventure.

In the Lower Zambezi, follow in the wake of Livingstone's explorations with a captivating canoeing experience. South Luangwa National Park invites you to partake in game walks and 4WD drives, offering close encounters with diverse wildlife, including majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and the iconic African buffalo.

The Mulanje Massif unfolds with tea plantations and invigorating hikes. Liwonde welcomes you with a river cruise and game drive, providing glimpses of rhinos, hippos, and myriad bird species. Lake Malawi, teeming with vibrant Cichlids, invites you to snorkel in its crystal-clear waters and relax on secluded island beaches.

This safari is not merely a journey; it's an expedition into the heart of South Eastern Africa's hidden treasures.

Speak to an expert

I created this trip - call me to create yours.

Ali

Ali

Malawi Specialist

01768 603715

Ali

Ali

Malawi Specialist
01768 603715

The expert planning your trip will have lived, worked or travelled extensively in the region you are visiting

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The itinerary…

Day 1-2: Hit the skies

Sunways tour map

Map of the trail

Depart on your overnight flight to Johannesburg. On arrival into Johannesburg, you will have a connecting flight to Lusaka, Zambia. You will spend the night at Pioneer Camp in a twin-share chalet with ensuite facilities. There is also a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar at the lodge.

Day 3: Kafue River

Zma16 Elephant And Tour Bus

Elephant viewing from the tour bus

Spend the morning driving across the rolling Miombo forest hills of southern Zambia, and down into the Zambezi Valley lowland towards the Gwabi River Lodge, on the banks of the Kafue River - a major tributary to the Zambezi river. Spend the evening on an elevated deck at the lodge enjoying the sunset.

Day 4-5: Lower Zambezi Canoeing

Zma16 Canoe Trip

Canoe Trip

After breakfast, you will get to paddle down the mighty Zambezi River, through riverside villages and magnificent scenery. Spend the evening at a wild campsite on Elephant Bones island in the heart of the wilderness. Remember to make sure you leave no trace of your stay so make sure to take everything when you leave.

The following morning you will hop back into your canoe, and safari through an area popular with elephants and hippos. After this, you will be collected by a motorboat, and transferred up stream back to Gwabi River Lodge.

Day 6: Lusaka - Great East Road

Lusaka skyline Zambia

Lusaka, Zambia

Head north to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, where you (and the group) will stock up on supplies in the popular shops and markets. Spend the afternoon driving along the Great East Road, where you will see small villages and street side markets. Reach the small town of Petauke at sunset and check in to Chimwemwe Lodge, where you will spend the night in a standard twin room with an ensuite. There is a restaurant and bar at the lodge for your enjoyment.

Day 7-9: South Luangwa National Park

Zma16  South  Luangwa Lion

A Lion in South Luangwa

Travel down into "the valley" of South Luangwa National Park. This remote region is one Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries where elephants, hippo, lion, and leopard abound. The Wildlife Camp tented chalet is on the banks of the Luangwa River, that overlooks the national park - you will frequently see wildlife from the camp swimming pool. Spend the following days exploring the game management area, and the national park on a walking safaris and game drives; have the opportunity to embark on night drives with a spot light to see the nocturnal animals.

Day 10: Lilongwe

Waterbuck in Malawi

Waterbuck in Malawi

Cross the border at Chipata into Malawi and make your way to the capital, Lilongwe, where you will restock supplies, before heading to Kuti Wildlife Reserve. This reserve is home to a wide selection of big mammal species including giraffe, wildebeest and zebra. You will spend the night at Woodlands Lilongwe Hotel, in a twin-share room with an ensuite.

Day 11-12: Mulanje Massif

Zma16 Mount  Mulanje

Mount Mulanje

Enjoy a tour of Malawi's famous tea plantation in the Thyolo region before making your way to Kara o'Mula lodge in Mulanje where you will stay in a twin-share room with an ensuite. The following day you will explore mighty Mount Mulanj'e walking on the slopes to see the streams, waterfalls, and towering peaks.

Day 13-14: Liwonde

Zma16  Liwonde Boat Cruise

Liwonde Boat cruise

Majestic ancient baobab trees and towering palms set the stage for the breathtaking reserve in southern Malawi. Liwonde is home to Malawi's largest surviving elephant population and shelters the critically endangered Black Rhino. In the morning, your exploration will lead you through grassland and woodland habitats aboard a safari truck, seeking encounters with leopards, elephants, hippos, and antelopes. The Shire River meanders along Liwonde's western border, offering you the perfect opportunity for a river cruise safari. As the day unfolds, you'll cruise in anticipation of spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, amongst others. Stay two nights camping at Mvuu Camp, which offers a campsite swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

Day 15: Lake Malawi

Mumbo  Island Sea Kayak

Lake Malawi Mumbo Island Kayaking

Lake Malawi (one of the Great Rift Valley lakes) is a must-see destination. You will head to the Lake Malawi National Park and enjoy a boat trip near the secluded tropical Mumbo Island, near Cape Maclear. The rustic lodge is an idyllic paradise with kayaks and snorkelling gear available to explore the island and snorkel with the tropical sea life (at your own expense).

Day 16: Return to Lilongwe

Strawberry Peacock Chiclid in Lake Malawi

Strawberry Peacock Cichlid in Lake Malawi

Wake up to the symphony of birds on your paradise island. Enjoy a leisurely morning on the beach or take a kayak for a tranquil paddle. Stop for a snorkeling session to marvel at the kaleidoscope of colorful fish.

Later, catch the ferry back to the mainland, where we rejoin our truck and journey back to Lilongwe. Sun-kissed, laid-back, and rejuvenated, we're ready to re-enter daily life. Spend your finally night at Woodlands Lilongwe Hotel in a twin-share room with an ensuite.

Day 17: Lilongwe - End of tour

Downtown Johannesburg South Africa Storm min

Johannesburg

Say goodbye to the group and head to the airport for your 2h25 flight direct to Johannesburg where you will check into your overnight flight back to the UK

Day 18: Home sweet home

Land the following morning, sun-tanned, laid back and ready to boast to everyone you know about your incredible safari adventure.


Duration: 18 days

Location: Malawi holidays, Africa

Price: £3300pp

The price of this trip is £3,300 per person and includes accommodation and meals as follows:

    • 1 night at Pioneer Camp, Lusaka - twin-share chalet with ensuite, breakfast included.
    • 2 nights at Gwabi River Lodge, Kafue River - twin-share room with ensuite, breakfast and lunch included.
    • 1 night wild Camping on Zambezi River - dome tent, all meals provided.
    • 1 night at Chimwemwe Lodge - twin standard room with ensuite, all meals provided.
    • 3 nights at Wildlife Tented Camp, South Luangwa - twin share chalet, breakfast and lunch provided.
    • 2 nights at Woodlands Lilongwe Hotel, Lilongwe - twin-share room with ensuite, breakfast provided.
    • 2 nights Kara o'Mula Lodge, Mount Mulanje - twin-share room with ensuite, breakfast and lunch provided.
    • 2 nights at Mvuu Camp, Liwonde - camping, all meals provided.
    • 1 night at Mumbo Island Lodge, Lake Malawi - twin-share room with ensuite, all meals provided.

Price also includes:

  • Game drives and activities mentioned as included in the itinerary
  • Guide fees and park entrance fees
  • Flight from Lilongwe to Johannesburg

Exclusions:

  • International flights to/from the UK.
  • Any optional activities (including game drives) that are marked as optional.
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned as included.
  • Single supplements
  • Local payment of US$300 payable to the tour leader on departure.
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