Land & Lake Safaris 2010

6 Day Luangwa - THORNICROFT & Dzalanyama Lodge 

A range of ecosystems and experiences without vast travelling distances.
Simply the best for birwatching and wildlife in the region. 

COST - US$ 1150.00 p/p sharing – Single Supplement US$ 195.00

Duration: 5 Nights / 6 days
Minimum: 2 people guarantee this departure subject to the lodge's availability 

Day 1: - Meet at the Land and Lake Office at 0830 in the morning. [A free collection service is offered to clients in Lilongwe]. Depart Lilongwe at approx 0900 in the transfer bus/vehicle. 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 the Lodge is mid afternoon. On arrival check into your chalets followed by tea and coffee. Dinner is served from 19H30 onwards

Day 2&3: - After a light snack with tea & coffee we depart for a morning drive at 06H00. All game drives are undertaken in open game viewing 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, swim, tea then we again head out for our afternoon/ night drive at around 16H00 - returning to the lodge at 20H00. Evening Dinner.

Day 4: - After breakfast the return transfer vehicle departs at 09H00. Arrival in Lilongwe is mid afternoon, and then it’s a 1 and half transfer time to Dzalanyama. Evening dinner. Overnight Dzalanyama Forest Lodge

Day 5: - After an early cup of tea or coffee and a light snack, we go on an approx. 4 hr walk. The area is renowned for its excellent bird life and at times small antelope are seen. Return to the lodge and enjoy a delicious brunch [eggs, bacon, toast, salads, cold meat etc] after which there is time to relax or swim in the cool mountain stream that flows past the front of the lodge. The afternoon is spent around the waterfalls—a short drive away. We return to the lodge, as it gets dark, using a spotlight to see nocturnal animals and an area speciality the Pennant Winged Nightjar. Evening dinner. Overnight Dzalanyama Forest Lodge.

Day 6: - After breakfast we depart to Lilongwe in time for your return flight or onward journey.

Included: All transport Lilongwe return, 5 nights lodge, meals as indicated, 4 X game drives, walks at Dzalanyama.
Excluded: Drinks, visa fees [if applicable], Luangwa park fees [US $ 50 p/p], and Luangwa game walks.

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.

Thornicroft Lodge. Is set on the banks of the Luangwa River offering accommodation in 10 en suite chalets built from stone, concrete and wood. Each spacious and airy structure has a canvass roof and is designed to allow maximum visibility even when you are in your room. Each room has 2 X three quarter beds and luxurious mattresses and bedding to ensure you the best nights rest possible, whilst being safely tucked inside your large walk in mosquito net. Each chalet has a veranda with a view of the river and the park.

The Dzalanyama Reserve - Dzalanyama is a range of steep sided hills NW - SE direction for 70 km forming a border that runs along the watershed between Malawi and Mozambique. From 1911 it had been part of the Central Angoni Highlands Game Reserve. However, hunting pressure on the Southern side of the reserve [Mozambique] displaced the animals. It was gazetted as a forest reserve in 1922 and in 1930 the area was officially forested. Brachystegias are by far the most dominant kinds of trees with 3 dominant species sometimes entirely covering large areas. Other species found are Msuku (Uapaca) and clumps of Nyowe (Eugenia Cordata). At the highest points and fringing the higher streams there are patches of montane evergreen woodland. In 1977 Pine and Eucalyptus trees were introduced. The reserve is currently 989.35 sq. km's with an altitude of 1100m to 1650m ASL. It is 60 km from Lilongwe

Dzalanyama Forest Lodge is set overlooking the Makata Stream amongst the Brachystegia trees, which attract a wide variety of birds and butterflies. It is the ideal retreat from which to enjoy bird watching, hiking and to simply enjoy the solitude of the surrounding forest. Hyena, leopard and recently a small group of sable antelope have been sighted along with the regular sightings of baboon and duiker.

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. Depending on vehicle allocations, Dzalanyama may be visited prior to the Zambian Safari.

This package does not entitle participants exclusive use of vehicles and guides