Travel to Malawi, Zambia: Ultimate African Adventure

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Ultimate African Adventure

			DAYS: 11 GRADE: II, active adventure includes kayaking and walking define PRICE: From $5995 per person (Includes Local Air) HIGHLIGHTS: South Luangwa National Park walking safari Lake Malawi National Park kayaking and snorkeling Victoria Falls. ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges 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 Malawi's clear blue waters. 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', we are based on a pristine tropical island in Lake Malawi National Park, the world's first freshwater reserve. Here we snorkel in the crystalline waters amongst chromatic Cichlid fish and kayak along the granitic islands, visiting with friendly residents living a subsistence life in remote villages. Feel the spray of thundering Victoria Falls and take advantage of free time to indulge in one of many optional adventurous activities. Rustic and luxurious 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.

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. Your home for the next two nights is a classic forested retreat located on two untouched islands linked by a suspension bridge and situated in the middle of the Zambezi River. The lodge was built in partnership with the local people and with great care to avoid any negative impact on the environment or alteration of the village lifestyle. Raised walkways protect the delicate riverside environment and connect the six teak and canvas chalets built from natural materials. Known for its delicious cuisine and genuine hospitality, relax and recover from your travels in this beautiful and peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle in and around Victoria Falls. Overnight at Islands of Siankaba or similar. [BLD]

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 Islands of Siankaba or similar. [BLD]

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

DAYS 3-5 :  SOUTH LUANGWA WALKING SAFARI
We head into the bush after an early morning flight from Livingston to Mfuwe. Leaving the airstrip behind, your game viewing experience begins as you travel by open vehicle with an experienced guide into one of Africas finest wildlife sanctuaries, South Luangwa National Park. 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 under the guidance of well trained, knowledgeable, native guides and scouts, you are safely introduced to the home of the Big Five. 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 a spot of 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 morning's 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. The first two nights will be spent at the same camp before walking (if it is not too far) to a different camp for your final night in the bush. A light pack for your camera is all that is needed while walking as all luggage and gear will be transported by vehicle.

Overnights in specific bush camps will depend on the season and the game viewing but may include any of the following: Bilimungwe, a luxury trails camp situated in a large ebony grove 50 meters from the Luangwa River composed of 4 reed and thatch chalets with en-suite toilets and showers. Abundant game, such as elephant, buffalo and giraffe are attracted to its permanent water hole. 6 km away from Bilimungwe, luxury tented Chindeni nestles on the apex of a permanent ox bow lagoon. The 4 en-suite tents each rest on a private raised veranda which makes an ideal platform for viewing the big game which frequent the lagoon and watching spectacular sunsets over the Nchindeni Hill. Also with views of the Nchindeni Hill and situated on the Luangwa River, Chamilandu features three grass and reed chalets on raised timber decks. This camp enjoys good sightings of leopard and wild dog among other animals as well as a huge colony of Carmine bee eaters. The newest camp, luxurious Kapamba offers excellent viewing of the plentiful wildlife that comes to drink at the Kapamba River. [BLD]

Explore game rich South Luangwa National Park.

DAYS 6-7 :  PUKU RIDGE TRADITIONAL SAFARI
Armed with insight gained from tracking footprints and examining spoor while walking the land, we spend the next two days ranging further a field exploring another game rich section of South Luangwa. A three hour game drive brings us to Puku Ridge, our luxurious traditional old world safari camp named for the elusive Puku antelope which never strays far from water. Set among the trees, Puku Ridge overlooks a wide water rich valley which draws abundant wildlife and provides excellent animal viewing opportunities. Enjoy morning and late afternoon game drives looking for elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo, antelope, Thornicrofts giraffe, Cooksons wildebeest, kudus, bushbucks and impalas. Visit the Tribal Textiles workshop in Mfuwe village to meet local artesians who design and produce unique hand painted textiles with both traditional and more contemporary designs. Overnights Puku Ridge or similar. [BLD]

	Kayak among the islands in the clear waters of Lake Malawi.

DAYS 8-10 :  LAKE MALAWI NATIONAL PARK
Trading in superb game viewing for a remote island paradise, take a short flight from Mfuwe to Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. Get a glimpse of the diverse new and old parts of Lilongwe and enjoy a delicious lunch in a delightful guesthouse in a residential area. Satisfied from lunch, we sit back and take in the sights on the drive to Cape Maclear, the jumping off point for our kayaking safari. Boarding a motorized boat, we travel 12 km through the crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi to Mumbo Island, our base for exploring Lake Malawi National Park. This designated UNESCO World Heritage site, protects several hundred species of mostly endemic fish in the world's first freshwater national park.

Mumbo Island is uninhabited with the exception of our intimate, barefoot luxury style camp. The large fully furnished safari style tents are situated on thatched wooden platforms with shady decks and hammocks that overlook the lake. There are fire warmed bucket showers and privately situated dry composter toilets with renovations underway to add en-suite facilities to several of the tents. Lit at night by hurricane lanterns, delicious meals are served in the new timber, thatch, and canvas dining and lounge area. Enjoy the freedom to plan your own schedule and indulge in your choice of activities. In stable sea kayaks, paddle the protected waters of the National Park with native guides who have intimate knowledge of the area. Snorkel and swim in crystal clear water brimming with many species of colorful Cichlid fish. Maybe a Cape Clawless Otter (the only mammal found on Mumbo) will join you in a pre-breakfast dip. SCUBA dive (not included) among the massive granite boulders that make up the underwater terrain. (Mumbo is a PADI registered resort that offers beginner and advanced courses as well as casual dives for certified divers.) Walk the wooded island nature trails looking for Fish Eagles, White Breasted Cormorant, Water Dikkop and Paradise Flycatchers among others. Simply relax in a hammock with a good book and let your cares drift away. Overnights at Mumbo Island. [BLD]

Connect person to person with the warm heart of Africa.

DAY 11 :  DEPARTURE
Say good bye to the engaging Malawians you have come to know at Mumbo Camp before boarding the boat back to Cape Maclear. On the mainland an hours drive brings you to the airstrip at Club Makakola for your flight to Blantyre or Lilongwe. Consider extending your trip with a visit to another African destination before departing for home. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Lyndsay Harshman 1(800)345-4453