The off season is a fantastic time to go on safari. Not only is the price significantly cheaper, the bush experience is totally different: there is an abundance of young wildlife, fewer vehicles, and incredible birdlife.
You will spend one night in Lilongwe before heading to South Luangwa the following day, after the bush it is time to visit Lake Malawi before returning back to the wild, this time at Liwonde National Park. You will finish the trip on Mumbo Island.
Upon arrival in Lilongwe, your guide will transfer you to Kumbali Lodge, a beautiful setting on the outskirts of Lilongwe. Here you can relax and unwind and enjoy your evening with a sundowner, or two, before heading to South Luangwa the following day.
Award-winning safari lodge set in the most prolific game area of the South Luangwa. The perfect place to enjoy excellent game viewing, recharge your batteries, or to start and finish your journey to our Bushcamps.
Set inside the park, just five minutes drive from the main gate, the lodge’s allure is instantly obvious. Beneath a canopy of ebony and mahogany, its thatched buildings are arranged around the banks of two lagoons where an endless stream of wildlife will keep you enthralled as you lounge on the open deck or take a dip in the swimming pool.
After breakfast it’s time to hit the road and head to Salima, it’s approximately a 7-hour drive from South Luangwa. From Salima there is a boat transfer to the island which takes about 20 minutes. Blue Zebra Island Lodge is tucked away on Nankoma Island, a part of the Marelli Island archipelago. During your time on the island you will be able to enjoy drinks by the pool, soak in the sun on the beach, snorkel and discover the Blue Zebra Cichlids, and even play badminton. The Island is renowned for its dazzling array of bird life, you will find yourself on an un-spoilt island paradise, surrounded by nature and luxury.
The family friendly Mvuu Lodge is located right on the banks of the Shire River and caters for the more budget-conscious traveller. An impressive thatched dining and lounge area hosts meals between stunning river cruises and game drives through the park. Expect to see a profusion of hippos, crocodiles and the amazing birdlife of the Liwonde National Park.
Your guide will transfer you to Cape Maclear, which is about a 2 hr drive, in time for your afternoon boat transfer to the island. Mumbo is based 10 km off the Cape Maclear peninsula and takes 45 minutes by boat, or if you are feeling like an athlete feel free to kayak out to the island, which should take about 2 hrs. Enjoy the next 3 days in paradise, make the most of the incredible snorkelling, crystal clear waters, fascinating bird life, diverse flora and fauna, semi challenging walks and stunning sunsets. Make sure to hike up to Pod rock for a sun-downer.
Unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye to Mumbo hopefully with some special memories of an excellent African adventure. You will be transferred by boat to Cape Maclear where you will meet your guide for your final road transfer back to Lilongwe to catch your flight home.
– 2 game activities a day in Zambia + Parks Fees + All Meals
– Laundry, Tourism Levies and VAT.
– International flights + Visas + Drinks (Except where included)
This itinerary is merely an example and should be used as a guideline, as we will happily personalise the trip to make your adventure in Malawi and Zambia perfect. If you would like to consider some extensions we would strongly recommend some of the below locations, where more information can be found under Zambia and Beyond:
– Livingstone/ Victoria Falls – Kafue National Park & Busanga Plains – Liuwa Plains- Chobe National Park – Mvuu – Nyika Plateau – Nkotakota Wildlife Reserve – Majete Wildlife Reserve – Liwonde National Park