Travel to Malawi, Zambia: Ultimate African Adventure

Home  >  Destinations  >  Africa  >  Malawi  >  Ultimate African Adventure

Ultimate African Adventure

			DAYS: 11 GRADE: II, active adventure includes kayaking and walking define PRICE: From $6595 per person HIGHLIGHTS: South Luangwa National Park Lake Malawi National Park Victoria Falls Walking safari Kayak Snorkel SCUBA ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges Wilderness Camp Deluxe Camp MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Feel the pulse of untamed Africa trekking the wildlands of Zambia and kayaking Lake Malawi's clear blue waters. Begin your journey at the spray of thundering Victoria Falls and take advantage of free time to indulge in one of many optional adventurous activities. Then go into the bush where, under the guidance of an expert tracker, you learn to read the bush traveling by foot as well as open vehicle in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park. In Malawi, 'the warm heart of Africa', settle onto a pristine tropical island in Lake Malawi National Park, the world's first freshwater reserve. Snorkel in the crystalline waters amongst a large variety of cichlids and kayak along the granite islands, visiting with friendly residents living a subsistence life in remote villages. Accommodations vary from large safari tents blending seamlessly into lush foliage to chalets set on river banks or lagoons which provide astounding wildlife observation. This ultimate nature and cultural journey is perfect for families with teenagers or active adventurous travelers.

Nothing compare to the aerial view of 'The Smoke That Thunders'.

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE VICTORIA FALLS
Your African adventure begins as you are met and warmly greeted at the Livingstone airport in Zambia. Enjoy an afternoon guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, which straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Watch as the mighty Zambezi River, forced through a fissure, cascades down 300 hundred vertical feet. The spray from the falls can be powerful so be prepared for getting wet. Overnight at Sindabezi Island [LD] 

DAY 2 :  FREE DAY VICTORIA FALLS
The day is yours to indulge in any adventurous experience imaginable as well as join in lodge activities, shop for souvenirs or simply relax in the wonderful lodge setting. Choose any of the activities offered by the lodge; experience Zambian culture and hospitality on a village walk, sip sundowners on a sunset river cruise, fish for the elusive Zambezi Tiger Fish, paddle around the islands in a dugout canoe or join a guided bird walk. Additional active choices in the area include the world's best one day white water rafting trip featuring Class V rapids, bungee jumping off the bridge over the Zambezi, canoeing above the Falls, parasailing or horseback riding (not included). Overnight at Sindabezi Island. [BLD]

	Walk the land gaining new understanding of the wildlife that inhabits the bush.

DAYS 3-4 :  SOUTH LUANGWA WALKING SAFARI
Head into the bush after an early morning flight from Livingstone to Mfuwe, the gateway into one of Africas finest wildlife sanctuaries, South Luangwa National Park Leaving the airstrip behind, your game viewing experience begins as you travel by open vehicle with an experienced guide.

Arriving at a comfortable camp in an untouched and unspoiled part of the park, you become truly immersed in the sights and sounds of the bush. Over the next few days your senses awaken as you feel Africa beneath your feet and are safely introduced to the home of the Big Five under the guidance of well trained, knowledgeable, native guides and scouts. The emphasis is on absorbing the never ending cycle of the environment with its hierarchy of prey and predator and intimate wildlife viewing not on distances walked.

Beginning around dawn after tea and a biscuit, expect to walk 3-4 hours each morning exploring different habitats near camp. Your guide and scout will consider signs of wildlife, your walking pace and your interests in determining the route. Although guides are intimately familiar with the terrain and where animals tend to congregate, you never know what wildlife you may encounter.

Returning to camp, savor a hearty brunch and discuss the animal sightings from the mornings walk. Enjoy a good book and a siesta before heading out in the late afternoon for sundowners and a night game drive to view nocturnal animal behavior. Overnight at either Zungulila or Chindeni Camp. [BLD]

Explore game rich South Luangwa National Park.

DAYS 5-7 :  SOUTH LUANGWA TRADITIONAL SAFARI
Armed with insight gained from tracking footprints and examining spoor while walking the land, spend the next three days ranging further a field exploring different habitats in this game rich section of South Luangwa. South Luangwa is the most well-known of Zambias National Parks due to its incredible concentrations of wildlife. The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and yearly flooding causes the course of the river to change, creating wildlife-rich oxbow lakes. Our game drives will search for elephants, giraffe, antelopes, baboons, buffalo, hippos, zebra, and kudu. These animals are stalked by numerous predators including lion, leopard, and hyena, with occasional sightings of the rare wild dog. Return each afternoon to our luxurious camp to enjoy dinner on a deck that stretches out towards the Kapamba River. Overnights Kapamba Lodge. [BLD]

DAYS 8-10 :  LAKE MALAWI NATIONAL PARK
Start early this morning as you travel out of the park and back to Mfuwe for your flight into Malawi. On arrival in Lilongwe, you will be met for the 45 min. light aircraft flight to Likoma Island. Enjoy three nights at the remarkable Kaya Mawa lodge, a place of truly unique character on the southern tip of Likoma Island, Lake Malawi.  It is a wonderful way to experience the lake, its people and of course relax! Lake Malawi, which stretches nearly 365 miles from north to south and up to 52 miles in width, is Malawis most prominent feature. It is Africas third largest lake and arguably, the most beautiful. Likoma Island, situated in the far north of Lake Malawi, is the larger of two small islands very close to the Mozambique coastline. To visit the island is to step back in time; just 10 sq mi with one small dirt road and six vehicles, the local population survives largely by fishing, rice and cassava farming.  The island has hundreds of huge baobab trees and a number of glorious sandy beaches and rocky coves, perfect for relaxing or photography.

Spend these days at leisure enjoying as many or as few activities as you wish. Snorkeling in Lake Malawi is always a highlight, and masks, snorkels, and fins are provided in each room. Lake Malawi is home to over 1000 species of freshwater fish, many of them colorful cichlids endemic to the lake.  Several Laser one and Laser two sailboats are available, and if youve never sailed there are qualified instructors available to teach you. Likoma Island is known for its friendly locals and a walk or mountain bike ride on the island may take you to the market or to St. Peters Cathedral in Mbamba town. This cathedral, built over 100 years ago, contains a crucifix made from a branch of the tree under which David Livingstone's heart is buried and the choir stalls are carved out of soapstone with elaborate decoration. Overnights Kaya Mawa. [BLD]

DAY 11 :  DEPARTURE
Say good bye to the engaging Malawians you have come to know at Kaya Mawa before boarding the airplane for your flight back to Lilongwe. Consider extending your trip with a visit to another African destination before departing for home. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

.