Day 1 - Mafumu Lodge
Arrive Lilongwe. Transfer from Airport to Lodge. Your guide will meet everyone at the Lodge for introductions and a tour briefing at 18H00, after the briefing dinner will be served. We will arrange airport transfers on this day as and when needed. Overnight Lodge on Bed and Breakfast basis. Dinner this evening at your own cost.
Day 2 - Thornicroft Lodge/Marula Lodge
Depart for Luangwa, drive pass Mchinji, where we complete immigration formalities and continue into Zambia. From the border it is a short drive to Chipata - Zambia's capital of the Eastern Province, then drive through to Luangwa Valley - Mfuwe sector. A picnic lunch is enjoyed en route and ETA at the Camp is mid afternoon. Here we stay at the Thornicroft Tented Camp. Overnight Lodge all meals and activities inclusive.
Day3 - Thornicroft Lodge/Marula Lodge
After an early morning wake up call, we have a light breakfast of tea / coffee, cereal and toast with preserves, then depart for the game drive. Our aim is to be on our first game drive by 6.15 am. Game drives are done in the camps open safari vehicles, to optimize your pleasure and experience. Drinks and snacks are taken along for your enjoyment whilst in the park. Depending on game sightings, we return to the Camp at 11 for a scrumptious "brunch". An afternoon rest then we again head out for our afternoon drive at around 1600 - returning to the camp at 20.00. Evening Dinner
[Night drive – Luangwa is renowned for the night drives and this is INCLUDED in your safari. - a powerful spotlight is used to spot nocturnal creatures that frequent this habitat.]
Overnight Lodge all meals and activities inclusive.
Day 4 - Thornicroft/ Marula Lodge
Morning and Afternoon Game drives. Overnight Lodge on all inclusive basis.
Day 5 - Thornicroft/ Marula Lodge
Morning and Afternoon Game drives. Overnight Lodge on all inclusive basis.
Day 6 - Dzalanyama Forest Lodge
After Breakfast, depart for Dzalanyama Forest. Arrive at the Forest Lodge Late afternoon. a Picnic Lunch is enjoyed enroute this day. A walk up Mtsongololo Mountain offered. The track takes us through the endemic forests where there is a profusion of miombo birdlife. Return back to the lodge as it gets dark. Overnight Forest House on all meals inclusive basis.
Day 7 - Dzalanyama Forest Lodge
Today is a community visit day! - We visit the community that live just outside the reserve - you have the opportunity to walk through the village, visit a local school, meet the locals, learn how to pound maize, we will eat some local food, drink some local brew’s and get a glimpse of what life as a rural Malawian is like. The Malawian people are known for their friendliness and this will certainly reaffirm this view - this visit is non staged and as authentic as living in the country is. Return to the house in the evening for sundowners followed by dinner. Overnight Forestry house and chalets on all meals included basis
Day 8 - Dzalanyama Forest Lodge
A leisurely start to the day and we have time to explore the area. Numerous trails are available from the lodge into the surrounding area forest. Walks can be as easy or as strenuous as you would like, or if you would rather relax by the stream or on the verandah - the choice is yours. In the early afternoon there is a possibility of new participants joining the tour and once on site there will be introductions. Overnight Forestry house and chalets on all meals included basis.
Day 9 - Game Haven Lodge Thyolo
Breakfast then it’s a scenic drive through Malawi, along the Mozambique border, with good views of the lake, through the commercial Capital of Malawi - Blantyre- till we reach our overnight. There are a number of interesting sights enroute like the rock paintings, viewpoints overlooking the lake from the escarpment and market stalls alongside the road. Your guide will indicate what is possible to visit, according to the time available en route. Game Haven is a serene, beautiful game park and lodge is set in the indigenous forests and grasslands of the Shire highlands of Southern Malawi. Experience exceptional viewing of the wildlife which include kudu, roan, eland, sable, giraffe, zebra, and a prolific birdlife. As part of the unique Game Haven experience, enjoy the internationally designed Matkovich & Hayes 9-hole golf course, beautiful but challenging; The relaxing sound of the cascading waterfall at the swimming pool and fishing and braaing on the scenic lawns of Lake Bvumbwe. As the sun sets, enjoy a drink in the Victorian styled bar followed by exceptional international cuisine at our Ambrosia restaurant. Overnight Dinner, bed and breakfast basis
Day 10 - Game Haven Lodge
After breakfast we explore the area. A highlight will be a walking tour of the world recognized Satemwa Tea estate, followed by a tea tasting workshop. They produce a variety of white, black, gold and flavoured teas. After the tasting, return to the luxurious Huntingdon House where we will have a superb lunch. After lunch, if the group wants, we drive further to and visit Thyolo view point - a wonderful view site with excellent views of the estate and the lower shire valley. For keen birders the forest surrounding this site is home to the rare and endemic Thyolo Alethe. Midafternoon, return to Game haven to relax around the pool, walking, mountain biking or even a round of golf. Overnight Chalets on Dinner bed and breakfast basis
Day 11 - Cape Mac 2* Lodge
Drive to Cape Maclear-Lake Malawi. En route we pass Zomba and the historical Mangochi town to follow the lakeshore northwards. This day you overnight Chembe Eagles Nest, Cape Mac Lodge or Annie's Lodge depending on availability .
Day 12 - Chembe Eagles Nest/Annie's/ Cape Mac Lodge
Day on the beach at leisure - non motorised watersports included. Explore the village, walks into the surrounding mountains, visit local pubs, historical graves, swimming, snorkeling, scuba to skiing is all possible. Overnight Lodge on dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Day 13 - Chembe Eagles Nest/Annie's/ Cape Mac Lodge
This morning, after breakfast there is a full day trip on the lake offered. We board the lodges catamaran and sail around the islands for a full day. The trip will include a visit to an island with snorkeling and kayaking possibilities, a light lunch, it includes park fees and offers you a relaxing way to experience the sheer beauty of the area. Return to the Lodge in time or a sundowner. Overnight Lodge on dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Day14 - Blue Waters Senga Bay
Depart and its a 2.5 hr. drive to Mua Mission - Mua is the site of the KuNgoni Centre of Culture & Art. It provides insights into the history and culture of Malawi through the Chamare Museum, the Carving Centre and the new Research Centre/Library. The museum describes the Chewa, Ngoni and Yao cultures, their rites of passage, their interaction with one another and their encounters with Islam and Christianity. It also holds a unique display of Gule Wamkulu masks, texts and images and dances can be arranged. It is also home to a thriving community, including an arts and crafts center whose students create Malawi’s finest wood carvings and who go on to make a living from their own handiwork throughout Malawi. After this, it’s a 1.5 hr. drive to our overnight. Overnight at Blue Waters lodge on Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 15 - Rafiki Camp/Kuchenga
This morning some of the group will be departing back to Lilongwe, whilst you would continue for a 3hr. drive to Nkhotakota reserve. Rafiki Camp, located adjacent to the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve and the Bua River, offers magnificent views across the Miombo woodland forest. Set in private expansive and mature natural gardens, the lodge has a Malawi feel that incorporates thatched roofs with Luxury Safari tents for its guest rooms and thatched public areas. Arrive after lunch and if time allows a short afternoon a walk in the grounds is offered. Overnight chalets on dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Day 16 - Makuzi Beach Lodge
Morning game walk for those that wish then return for a later breakfast [Brunch] after which we depart to Chintheche. Makuzi Beach Lodge, is located along the northern shores of Lake Malawi. Delightfully sited in its own private bay, the lodge is ideal for that perfect “Retreat to Paradise”. Makuzi Beach has stylish en suite thatched chalets - all nestled in manicured gardens overlooking the lake’s warm, clear waters. The lodge is perfectly positioned to offer guests spectacular views of the lake while enjoying a quiet drink at the bar. The restaurant has an excellent reputation for outstanding cuisine and guests are encouraged to enjoy the full African experience while dining under the stars. There’s a wide variety of activities: swimming, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking or just wallowing in the lake. Makuzi Beach is involved in community projects, one of which is the village tour and includes a visit to the historical missionary site, museum and a taste of the local cuisine. Horse riding and scuba diving can be arranged off-site. Bird watching opportunities are some of the best along the lake. Overnight lodge on Dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Day 17 - Makuzi Beach Lodge
Day at leisure to explore the Lake. Overnight Makuzi Beach Lodge on dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Day 18 - Chelinda Camp - Nyika Plateau
After an early morning departure, we drive through Mzuzu and continue up to Nyika Plateau. Picnic lunch en route and arrival in Nyika is mid afternoon. Chelinda Camp, facing a clear water dam, consists of six twin bedded en suite rooms. There’s a restaurant and bar overlooking the dam. Activities include game drives, walking, mountain biking, birding and fly fishing for trout. Overnight rooms inclusive all meals.
Day 19 - Chelinda Camp
Morning and afternoon game drives and walks - Optional Night drive. Overnight Rooms inclusive all meals
Day 20 - Chelinda Camp
Morning and afternoon game drives and walks - Optional Night drive. Overnight Rooms inclusive all meals
Day 21 - Luwawa Forest Lodge
From Nyika continue through Mzuzu again and onto the Viphya Plateau. Luwawa Forest Lodge is an international guesthouse and outdoor adventure centre in the unspoilt wilderness of the Viphya Plateau. At 1600m, the area is malaria-free. The lodge overlooks a large, well-stocked lake. Much of the Lodge’s electricity is from solar energy and the water supply from a mountain stream. Fresh vegetables prepared in the kitchen are from the lodge’s permaculture garden. The lodge is dedicated to being in tune with its natural surroundings. The latest addition to the facilities is a Sauna & bush shower. Luwawa has prolific birdlife and antelope can be seen close to the lodge. Further afield are monkeys, baboons, leopards and hyenas. Numerous activities are offered such as squash, canoeing, abseiling, orienteering. Luwawa is ideal for family and individual holidays. The lodge is committed to responsible tourism through its many local community assistance projects in which guests can be directly involved. Winner of the Malawi Government’s Tourism Award 2008 for “Community Participation and Sustainable Tourism Practices”. Overnight Lodge on dinner bed and breakfast basis.
Day 22
Today we depart after breakfast to arrive in Lilongwe in time for your return flight or onward journey. A 3 hr drive from Luwawa to the airport, check in is 2 hrs before your international flight.
International flights and visas, if required, are not included in the price
