Overview
Combining two amazing natural jewels, Dzalanyama Forest Reserve in Malawi and South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, a great 6-day Malawi & Zambia Safari
From Lilongwe, head to the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, a stretch of steep hills with stunning trees and escarpments. Keeping a look out for antelopes, hyenas, and even leopards as well as its plethora of wildlife, we explore this picturesque Malawian wilderness area by foot and by car.
The second stage of this reasonably priced private lodge safari brings you to the untamed South Luangwa National Park in the untainted Luangwa Valley. On morning and afternoon and evening game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, discover South Luangwa Park, home of over 40 animal species and 650 bird species.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Lilongwe to Dzalanyama Forest – Malawi
- Day 2: Dzalanyama Forest – Malawi
- Day 3: South Luangwa Valley – Zambia
- Day 4 & 5: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
- Day 6: Lilongwe – Malawi
Itinerary
Your guide will collect you from your pre-tour accommodation in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi, where this Malawi & Zambia Safari departs.
We travel southwest from Lilongwe for approximately one and a half hours to reach the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve. At this location, we lodge in a lodge that offers a view of the forest and a stream. Upon our arrival at our forest retreat, we indulge in afternoon tea and enjoy the tranquility of the enchanting forest environment. This afternoon, you are at liberty to stroll through the forest, observing the diverse avian species that inhabit the area. Dzalanyama is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting an extraordinary variety of species. The tranquil forest lodge serves this evening's supper.
Meals were comprised of: Supper
Accommodation at Dzalanyama Forest Lodge, Malawi
The Brachystegia trees, which are the most prevalent indigenous trees in the forest, are the setting for the Dzalanyama lodge. The Makata Stream and the adjacent forest are visible from the wooden buildings and deck. The lodge is situated in close proximity to a picturesque waterfall and natural pools, which are popular among a diverse array of birds and butterflies. Guests are encouraged to take a refreshing plunge.
The forest lodge is an exceptional hideaway from which to relish the seclusion of the surrounding forest, hike, and observe birds. Baboons and duikers, as well as leopards, sable antelope, and hyenas, have been observed from the lodge.
The entire second day is reserved for the exploration of the Dzalanyama Forest region.
Look for the profusion of birds and the occasional small antelope as you walk or hike through the forest. Alternatively, you may rent a bicycle and traverse the forests by cycling. Visit the adjacent waterfall, take a refreshing dip in one of the crystal-clear mountain streams, and spend some time in the tranquility of the natural environment. Explore the village life of Malawi by visiting Kachere Village. Gain insight into the culture of the locals by observing them as they go about their daily lives. Meet some of the welcoming locals.
Return to the lodge for a day of relaxation and delectable meals. The delightful lodge in Dzalanyama Forest is where we spend an additional night during our Malawi & Zambia Safari.
Meals were comprised of: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Breakfast is served at the forest lodge on the third day of this Malawi & Zambia Safari prior to our departure from Dzalanyama Forest. Subsequently, we travel from Malawi to the Luangwa Valley in Zambia. Before connecting with the primary route to Mchinji, we travel along lesser-known roads to the Zambian frontier. The community of Mchinji is situated in the western region of central Malawi, on the Mchinji Hills and rolling grasslands.
After completing the border formalities, we proceed into Zambia and proceed to the South Luangwa Valley. Our destination is the Mfuwe section of South Luangwa National Park, which is renowned for its elephant population and is abundant with wildlife. We pause for a picnic lunch along the way before reaching our inaugural Zambia safari lodge in South Luangwa National Park this afternoon.
You are free to relax at the safari lodge and take in the natural surroundings for the remainder of the afternoon. The lodge is situated within the national park, on the banks of the Luangwa River. The untainted African wilderness is the perfect location for an authentic wildlife safari experience. Relax on the deck with a view of the forest or take a nap in your cozy chalet after swimming in one of the two swimming pools. Indulge in a bistro-style a la carte dinner in the expansive dining area or the courtyard and gardens this evening.
Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner comprised the meals.
Accommodation at South Luangwa Lodge, Zambia
The South Luangwa lodge, which is situated within South Luangwa National Park, is situated along the Luangwa River and is utilized during this Malawi & Zambia Safari. The lodge takes pride in providing affordable luxury accommodations of exceptional quality, providing guests with a genuine African bush experience in both comfort and elegance.
Six en-suite chalets are located in three distinct structures at the safari lodge. A downstairs double room with an en-suite toilet and an upstairs twin or triple room with its own private bathroom are located in each building. Two chalet rooms in each building share a kitchen area that includes a fridge and complimentary tea and coffee facilities. The stone buildings are constructed with thatch roofing to ensure that visitors remain cool in the African heat. The chalets are all well-ventilated and capacious, featuring high ceilings, fans, and high-quality furnishings.
A reference library, a spacious restaurant, two swimming pools, and the main lodge area (which is equipped with WiFi) are among the lodge's amenities. Additionally, the lodge boasts an outdoor boma area, wooden viewing platforms, and outdoor dining and seating areas in the courtyard and gardens.
The subsequent two days of our Malawi & Zambia Safari are reserved for game viewing in South Luangwa National Park. In South Luangwa Park, our safari days commence with an early morning wake-up call to enjoy a light snack, coffee, and tea before we embark on our journey through the Zambian wilderness.
In order to guarantee the most exceptional wildlife experience in this unspoiled wilderness area, the game excursions in South Luangwa Park, Zambia's premier wilderness area, are conducted in specially modified, open 4x4 safari vehicles. Depending on our fate with wildlife sightings in Luangwa Park, we return to the safari lodge in time for a delectable brunch (early lunch).
Before our afternoon-to-night game drive, you have the opportunity to unwind, swim, and recover after lunch. South Luangwa Park is distinguished by its exceptional night wildlife viewing drives, which are included in the safari price. During nighttime excursions, a potent spotlight is employed to observe nocturnal animals that are foraging in the bush. We return to the lodge for a relaxed evening after our rewarding game excursions in this pristine wilderness area of Zambia. After a delectable dinner, unwind by the fireside and unwind at the lodge.
South Luangwa is regarded as the originator of African walking safaris, and it is possible to reserve an optional walking safari during the appropriate season. The safari lodge employs fully-qualified guides who are experienced and competent professionals to conduct all game viewing activities.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Same as Day 4
Awaken to the untamed Zambian forest and savor a final breakfast at the lodge situated adjacent to the Luangwa River. Then, it is time to remove our belongings and depart Zambia and South Luangwa National Park.
We reenter Malawi and return to Lilongwe, the starting point of our Malawi & Zambia Safari. We pause for a picnic supper along the way and arrive in Lilongwe in the mid-afternoon. Your guide will transport you to your post-tour accommodation in Lilongwe, marking the conclusion of this reasonably priced Dzalanyama Forest & South Luangwa Park Safari.
Meals were comprised of: Breakfast and picnic lunch
Transfer Vehicles for Malawi and Zambia Tours: Please be advised that the transfer vehicle utilized for this safari is contingent upon the size of your tour group.