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Zambia & Malawi "Livingstone Trail"

Duration
16 days
Price from
£3,300 pp.
Location
Malawi, Africa
Mumbo Island Sea Kayak

Trip Highlights

  • Follow the famous Livingstone Trail
  • Experience the best of Zambia safaris
  • Relax in Malawi

What's Included

  • Fully guided small-group tour
  • 15 nights accommodation
  • Internal flights
A Safari and Beach trip away from the crowds

From the big game of South Luangwa to the shores of Lake Malawi - a journey through two of Southern Africa’s hidden gems

This safari takes you deep into the wild heart of Zambia and Malawi, two countries that often fly under the radar but reward curious travellers with exceptional wildlife, warm local culture, and soul-stirring landscapes.

Over the course of this journey, you’ll explore three of Zambia’s best national parks. Kafue, Lower Zambezi, and South Luangwa - before crossing into Malawi to hike on Mount Mulanje, track wildlife in Liwonde National Park, and unwind beside the golden shores of Lake Malawi. It’s a route that offers serious variety, with plenty of time to soak it all in.

Tamara, one of our Zambia experts, says:

“Zambia and Lake Malawi can compete with any traditional safari and beach trip! The water is warm, clear and calm with beaches you could mistake for its neighbour Mozambique. The combination of Zambia and Malawi is something I really believe is a missed trick when looking at going on a safari, with incredible wildlife, no crowds, intimate lodges and private beaches, its hard to not see the attraction”

This is the kind of journey that rewards the curious. It’s not about ticking boxes or chasing crowds, it’s about experiencing wild Africa in all its diversity, with time to slow down, dig deeper, and discover what makes each place unique.

Zambia is one of the continent’s last great safari frontiers - remote, unspoilt, and filled with exceptional guides. Malawi offers a softer, gentler counterpoint, with warm hospitality, varied scenery, and a pace of life that invites you to breathe it all in.

What we love most about this route is its balance: it’s adventurous without being extreme, authentic without sacrificing comfort, and offers an incredible variety of experiences, from walking safaris and big game drives to mountain hikes, cultural moments, and lakeside bliss.

This is a trip for those who want more than just a safari. It’s for those who want to connect with nature, with people, and with places that feel genuinely wild.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Zambia

Staying at Pioneer Camp

Arrive in Lusaka, the shining capital of Zambia. You will spend the night at Pioneer Camp in a twin-share chalet with ensuite facilities. The lodge also has a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.

Day 2 Kafue River

Time Tide Kakuli

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 3-4 Lower Zambezi Canoeing

Canoe trail 10

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 5 Lusaka - Great East Road

Day 6-8 South Luangwa National Park

Lioness Busanga Plains

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 9 Lilongwe

Day 10-11 Mulanje Massif

Day 12-13 Liwonde

Day 14 Lake Malawi

Day 15 - 16 Return to Lilongwe

Pumulani Lodge 1

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 snorkelling 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 16 Lilongwe - Home time

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Duration

16 days

Location

Malawi, Africa

Price from

£3,300 pp.

Price Includes

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

Price Excludes

  • International flights to Zambia and Malawi.
  • Any activities marked as optional.
  • Local payment of US$300 payable to the tour leader on departure.
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned as included.
  • Single supplements

The price of this trip is 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.
  • 2 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.
  • 1 night at Woodlands Lilongwe Hotel - twin-share room with an ensuite.
Trips in Zambia

Zambia Trip Inspiration

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Alistair

Africa Expert

When to go to Zambia

Find out the best time to visit Zambia with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is a good time to visit Victoria Falls, but the rest of the country is very humid and wet leading to many camps shutting during January.

February

February remains wet, so its a good month to visit the thundering Victoria Falls, however only a few camps stay open for boating and walking. The rains have created lush vegetation, during this time of year it is alive with the sound of migratory birds in their breeding plumage, an excellent time for birders to visit Zambia.

March

If you want to witness Vic Falls at its fullest, March is the month to visit, with huge volumes of spray often obscuring the view. The birding is still magnificent in March, and camps offer fantastic value for money as there are no crowds.

April

In April the weather starts to dry, however rain remains a prominent feature of April. In the Lower Zambezi National Park, lush vegetation is at its thickest making animals more difficult to spot. April is seen to be the best time of year to witness the rarely seen Wild Dog in South Luangwa National Park.

May

May is a mixed month, the onset of the dry season means rains are unlikely, however access to certain camps is tricky due to sodden grounds. Game viewing in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi begin to improve as the vegetation things and waterholes begin to dry up, forcing wildlife together.

June

June is a great time to visit Zambia, the ground starts to dry out and camps are offering excellent deals and there are few visitors to share safari vehicles so you may have some areas to yourself.

July

July is high season, temperatures rise and all the camps are officially open. If you want to see game then South Luangwa is the best option, whereas the Lower Zambezi is perfect for river cruises and fishing.

Victoria falls is at its best, without being overly wet and clouded with spray.

August

August's hot and dry weather kicks off what Zambia is famous for, walking safaris. It is the prime time to combine game viewing with Victoria Falls.

September

Temperatures sore in September reaching high 20's making the long days particularly pleasant. This month sees Carmine Bee Eaters arrive, flocks of hundreds nest in river banks providing a thrilling spectacle of colour and sound.

October

October sees temperatures sore again, game viewing is best done in the early mornings to avoid the hot midday sun.

November

November brings the start of the rainy season, but the good news is the sporadic showers are not too disruptive and visitors get to see dramatic skies and stormy skies brewing. Temperatures are high and it can be humid, but the mixed weather brings great value stays. Plus many young animals are being born, making it a fantastic time to see the parks come to life.

December

The rainy season is in full force in December, grasslands begin to lengthen, foliage thickens and game viewing becomes a little trickier. The rivers rise and dependant on water levels travellers can visit 'devils pool' at Vic Falls, providing high excitement and a head for heights needed if you want to get close to the drop off.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails.

August, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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