BEST OF ZAMBIA AND MALAWI

Day 1-2:

Arrival Livingstone airport, Road transfer from Livingstone airport to Chundukwa lodge. Spend 2 nights at Chundukwa lodge with all meals, park fees, laundry, government taxes and service charge. Two activities are included: on the first day, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Day two will include a Victoria Falls tour with lunch outside the lodge. Exclusive of drinks, other activities which must be booked and paid for directly at the lodge. Within the western sector of the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park lies Chundukwa lodge, some 17km up from the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Being 1700 meters wide, Victoria Falls is the most expansive curtain of water in the world which drops more than 100 meters into the sheer Zambezi Gorge. The Tonga and Makalolo peoples lived here for centuries before the Falls were ‘discovered’ by David Livingstone in 1855, who named them after his Queen. Its local name – after which the national park is named – is Mosi-Oa-Tunya, “the Smoke that Thunders,” which describes accurately the huge spirals of spray that can be seen 30km away. The lodge overlooks the mighty Zambezi River and some of its islands and comprises 6 spacious (ensuite) chalets . The dining, lounge and bar areas offering a pleasant atmosphere and space for relaxation are complemented by a small pool. The lodge is owner-operated, with a high standard of personalized service.

Day 3, 4 and 5

Road transfer to Livingstone airport – Proflight scheduled flight to Mfuwe airport. Road transfer from Mfuwe Airport to Track and Trail River Camp. Spend 3 nights at Track and Trail River Camp, with accommodation, all meals, park fees, 2 game activities a day, laundry and airport transfers. Excludes bar! Track and Trail River camp is a small owner operated lodge, situated at the banks of the Luangwa river facing Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. It has 4 comfortable en-suite thatched family chalets and 5 exclusive tents, each with a private veranda overlooking the Luangwa River which attracts abundant wildlife and birds from the African bush. Each chalet provides 220V power, and is equipped with a fan, tea and coffee making facilities, mosquito nets, en-suite facilities. Day and evening safaris are offered. Those who are more adventurous at heart can take the exciting option of a walking safari to view or track animals on foot with an armed escort scout as protection. Track and Trail River camp is one of the few camps that offer Safaris for keen photographers. The aim is to provide you with the best wildlife pictures possible. The Camp is open all year round, including the emerald or wet season. During this time the landscape in the valley changes into a lush green environment that attracts Wild Dogs as well as many species of migrating African and European birds.

Day 5-6 and 7

Scenic and adventurous transfer by road from Track and Trail River Camp through rural Zambia and local villages to reach Zikomo Camp in the Nsefu sector of South Luangwa National Park. During this drive of approximately one hour, you will most likely see wildlife, different landscapes, and traditional villages with curious kids along the bush roads. Spend 3 nights at Zikomo Camp with all meals, South Luangwa Safaris (Morning-and evening activities), park fees, laundry, government levies. Exclusive of drinks!

Zikomo Camp is an intimate refuge of comfort and tranquility in a remote part of South Luangwa, located on the banks of the Luangwa River where Carmine Bee Eaters make their nests in the cliffs along its banks.

The Camp is Shaded by a canopy of mahogany, winter thorn and other huge shade trees filled with birds from the 450 species that make their home in South Luangwa’s Valley.

With no fences surrounding the lodge, wildlife is free to move unhindered, under the walkways. Elephants, hippos, lions and small antelopes such as bushbucks and pukus, are frequently seen in the camp. On a daily base, morning walks and evening drives are organized. The main activity in this park is the legendary walking safari. Walking safaris are always accompanied by a professional guide and an armed escort scout (min age >12 years)

Day 8-9-10-11

The next couple days you will get the opportunity to see more of Zambia and Malawi. After break fast you will be picked up by your driver who will bring you across the border into Malawi and Lilongwe. This transfer will take about 5-6 hours and therefor we have planned a stop-over in the centre of Lilongwa at the Kiboko town hotel, based on B&B. There are enough restaurants in the area where you can you can have dinner. The next morning the driver will continue the journey to Monkey Bay in Malawi, approximately 3-4 hours, followed by a joyful boat transfer to Mumbo Island, your home for the next 3 nights. The tiny island camp, with capacity for only fourteen guests, features tastefully furnished tents with shaded decks, hammocks, hot bucket showers and ‘eco-loos’. A dining area, with bar, a lovely lounge under the baobab tree and a watersport gazebo complete the camp infrastructure. Mumbo was proclaimed the first fresh-water marine reserve on earth. Lake Malawi contains the largest number of fish species of any lake in the world, probably well over five hundred, half of which may be found in the National Park area. This makes snorkeling and diving an absolute must. Other activities are sunset cruises, island walks and kayaking. But of course spending some lazy hours on the private beach or in the hammock of your private veranda belongs to the possibilities as well. The whole camp is built of timber, thatch and canvas, and is perched on high rocks overlooking the water, blending with the African bush to create a ‘Robinson Crusoe’ atmosphere of rustic charm. The whole island falls within an exclusive concession, guaranteeing privacy in paradise. Mumbo Island Camp ranks among the finest in Malawi, and is a member of the prestigious Wilderness Safaris Portfolio.

The Island

Mumbo Island is a pristine and deserted tropical island, and the undisputed jewel of Lake Malawi National Park. Mumbo Island has never been populated, and is still in its natural state with a thick covering of miombo woodland, ancient figs and baobab trees.

Day 11

Lilongwe Road transfer to Lilongwe connecting your international flight. This package can be done in both directions

Notes

1. Confirmation of itinerary is subject to availability at the camps. 2. Yellow fever vaccination! When flying through South Africa, Take care of your yellow fever vaccinations going back into SA from either Zambia or Malawi.