Zambia & Malawi "Livingstone 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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