Zambia & Malawi ‘Lake of Stars’

Day 1: Newly-wed departure 

Fly overnight from London, via Johannesburg, to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city. 

Day 2: South Luangwa National Park

On arrival into Lusaka International airport at about midday, you’ll transfer to the afternoon internal light aircraft flight to Mfuwe airport in South Eastern Zambia. Marking the end of the Great Rift Valley, the unspoilt wilderness you’ll see from the plane window will fill you with awe before you even step foot in the South Luangwa National Park.

Upon leaving customs, you’ll be met by a Mfuwe Lodge guide who will transfer you in approximately 45 mins to your beautiful split-level timber-and-thatch chalet. As you enter through the lodge reception you’ll walk in the footsteps of those elephant before you, who gently pass through camp each year in search of ripe mangoes. We think this highlights the camp’s magical connection with nature, whilst maintaining beautifully kept uniquely designed chalets with hardwood polished floors, individual fabrics and pottery in each. As you fall asleep to the sounds of hippo, hyena and lions, to think you were sleeping in your own bed back home just two nights before, is mind-boggling.

Day 3-4: Safari Drives and Walks

Over the next couple of days, you’ll settle into the safari pace of life, where you can explore the National Park by vehicle or on foot. In between safari activities, you’ll have a chance to enjoy copious amounts of delicious food and drink and rest in the pool or read a book on the decking overlooking the main lagoon.

Day 5: Lake Malawi beckons

Waking up to birdsong of the 450 bird species in South Luangwa National Park, you’ll be filled with a wave of excitement for your early morning game drive to Mfuwe International Airport in time for your flight to Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi.

You will admire the landscape from your aircraft window and then be met by the Pumulani Lodge staff for a three-hour scenic road transfer to Monkey Bay where you’ll be staying at Pumulani on the glittering shores of Lake Malawi for the next four nights. Your rate includes all your meals, drinks, non-motorised watersports, bike tours and village excursions. Scuba diving and dhow trips make this location especially iconic and memorable. Experts say Lake Malawi is home to more native fish species than any other lake in the world!

Day 6: Star Gazing Extraordinaire 

Lake Malawi is also known as the Lake of Stars (named by Livingstone himself)– where stargazing is inevitable. Pumulani has a one-of-its-kind-in-Malawi Stargazer telescope with 200x zoom. Discover stars, nebulas and planets.

Day 7-8: Rest well

Pumulani means “rest well” in the local Chichewa language – in the four nights you spend in this tranquil and beautiful lakeside setting, you will unwind and be rejuvenated. Your beach villa blends flawlessly into its surroundings - designed by Dutch architect, they are spacious but with gently curving lines and fresh hues with floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the tranquil lake views.

Day 9: Homeward Bound

After breakfast enjoy a return journey to Lilongwe for your flight back to London via Johannesburg.

Day 9: Back to normal

Arriving to London in the early hours of the morning, with a wealth of adventure memories to share with family and friends.