Land & Lake Safaris 2010

15-Day Malawi & Zambia Explorer

Cost US$ 2365.00 + Local Payment US$ 260 p/p sharing
Single Supplement US$ 300.00

Duration: - 14 Nights / 15 days
Minimum 4 people needed to guarantee this safari at the advertised price.

Day 1 – Arrive in Lilongwe and we collect you from the airport and transfer you to a lodge in town. Overnight Bed and Breakfast Basis.

Day 2 – Depart Lilongwe after breakfast and head Northwards along the M1 via Kasungu, Viphya Plateau, Mzuzu to Vwaza Marsh On arrival check into rustic chalets and the afternoon is spent on a short walk along lake Kazuni’s shoreline. Excellent bird life and hippo sightings are guaranteed. Overnight Kazuni Camp on an all inclusive meals Basis.

Day 3: - After a light snack we go on a 3 hr game walk, returning for a superb early lunch. Following this we pack up and continue to Nyika National Park. From the entrance of Nyika, we drive for 3 hrs through the reserve to Chelinda Camp. Game sightings are frequent along this route especially as you reach the higher plateau. Overnight Chelinda Camp in chalets overlooking the dam All camp meals provided.

Day 4 – Morning game drive and walk is offered returning to the chalets for lunch. In the afternoon a drive or game walk is on offer. Return to the Chalet for dinner. Overnight Chelinda Camp chalets All meals provided.

Day 5 – A leisurely breakfast, then depart back to Mzuzu and continue down into the rift valley to Chintheche. Drive through the rubber plantations and arrival time at Makuzi Beach is early afternoon. The rest of the day is spent exploring this beautiful part of the coast – walking, meeting villages or simply relaxing on the pure white sands. Overnight Makuzi Beach Lodge on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

Day 6 – A day at leisure on the beach and surrounding area. Optional boat trip to a nearby Island [$10]. Of interest nearby is Old Bandawe which was the temporary home of the Livingstonia mission as the early missionaries were searching for a suitable site. Overnight Makuzi Beach Lodge on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

Day 7 - Continue along the lakeshore southwards and drive to Liwonde National Park. Once entering the park we have a 1hr game drive to the camp. Overnight Mvuu Camp on a Full Board Basis.

Day 8 - Morning and afternoon game drives are undertaken. There is an option to go on a boat safari or night drive [$ 20 p/p]. Overnight Mvuu tented camp all meals included.

Day 9 – Game drive out of Liwonde after breakfast and continue to Zomba. After visiting Zomba market, we drive up the plateau to Ku Chawe Inn ETA around lunchtime. After lunch, we do a forest walk from the hotel. Return for evening dinner and overnight in the comfortable Ku Chawe Inn on Dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Day 10: Early morning walk up to the peak [3hrs] from where the vehicle collects you and continue with a tour of the plateau visiting various viewpoints and areas of interest. Return to the hotel for lunch. Afternoon at leisure or another walk. Overnight Ku Chawe Inn on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Day 11: Morning at leisure then depart to Lilongwe. Our route takes us to Dedza Pottery shop, after visiting here, we continue to Lilongwe to arrive late afternoon. Overnight Lodge on Bed and breakfast basis.

Day 12: - Breakfast then transfer to a scheduled BUDGET Luangwa Valley safari, which departs Lilongwe at 09H00. Continue to Mchinji. [1&1/2 hr drive] Here we complete immigration formalities and continue to Mwami - [the Zambian border]. From the border it is a short drive to Chipata - Zambia's capital of the Eastern Province. Proceed on a dirt road to Luangwa Valley - Mfuwe sector. A picnic lunch is enjoyed en route and ETA at Wildlife Camp [upgrade to THORNICROFT LODGE is possible] is mid afternoon. On arrival we check into our chalets followed by tea and coffee. A gentle walk along the Luangwa River is available for those that wish. Full Board Basis.

Day 13: - Tea, coffee and a light snack follow an early morning wake up call. Our aim is to be on our first game drive by 6.15 am. All game drives are undertaken in specially modified safari vehicles, to optimise 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 lodge at 11 for a scrumptious "brunch". An afternoon rest then we again head out for our afternoon / night drive at around 1600 - returning to the lodge at 2000. Full Board Basis.

Day 14: -Tea, coffee and a light snack follow an early morning wake up call. Out aim is to again depart as early as possible. Drinks and snacks are taken with for your enjoyment whilst in the park. Depending on game sightings, we return to the lodge at 11 for a delicious "brunch". An afternoon rest, swim or visit to one of the local craft stores is followed by tea, coffee and biscuits. We again head out for our afternoon drive at 1600 and return to the lodge at about 1800. Full Board Basis

Day 15: - After a more leisurely start to the morning and a full breakfast, we pack up and depart back to Lilongwe. Departure time is 0900. A picnic lunch is eaten en route and ETA in the city is 1500. A free drop off service is offered in Lilongwe. Breakfast & Lunch

Included: All transport Lilongwe return, all indicated accommodation, meals as indicated, game drives, game walks, park entrance fees IN Malawi ONLY, services of guide.

Excluded: Drinks, visa fees [if applicable], meals as indicated, boat trips & walking safaris in Liwonde [$ 20], Airport Departure tax [$30], Luangwa game park fees [$ 50 p/p].

Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve –Malawi’s best-kept game viewing secret. Aside from the wetlands, the flat terrain supporting mixed Brachystegia and mopane woodland is a haven for elephants, antelope and birds.

Nyika National Park – is Malawi’s largest NP and is vast range of rolling hills with the heart being gently undulating. averaging over 2000m asl. covered in montane grassland and fern heather communities. The range of flora attracts varied selections of wildlife and a major feature of a visit to Nyika is the number of birds you are likely to see [More than 400 species].

Chintheche’s beaches are picture postcard with perfect white sand, jiggered rocky outcrops and remnant rainforests fringing the coastline. Makuzi Lodge is a little piece of paradise, situated near the temporary site of the Livingstonia mission station, set in a secluded and private bay. Friendly and attentive service ensures your stay is comfortable and restful.

Liwonde Park is one of the most atmospheric reserves in Africa, dominated by the palm fringed, crocodile and hippo infested waters of the Shire River. An estimated 900 elephants, some 4000 hippos, 600 sable antelope and recently introduced breeding groups of Zebra, Hartebeest and rhino are resident in the park.

Zomba is a relatively low-lying plateau interrupted by a number of large mountains. Zomba Mountain, the largest is a hikers paradise with plentiful birds, small mammals and offering wonderful views across to Mulanje Mountain and Mozambique. Zomba was the capital of Malawi till 1975 and was the seat of parliament until 1994. Livingstone and John Kirk climbed Zomba peak in 1859 during their Zambezi Expedition.

Luangwa Valley - 9050 sq km of pristine woodland and riverine vegetation plays host to over 40 mammal and 650 bird species. The South Luangwa has been described as the premier park in Africa foremost for the variety of species seen when visiting. A visit to Malawi and Zambia would be totally incomplete without experiencing the sheer magnitude and delight of this unique area.

There is absolutely no problem traveling as a single woman. You are always part of a group and looked after by a qualified Land and Lake Guide throughout the entire trip.

PLEASE NOTE – The above timings, distances and description are an indication only and could change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances, deteriorating road conditions or changes to the itinerary or lodge used.

Land and Lake reserves the right to change the itinerary if this is needed.