Lake Malawi & Zambia Safari in South Luangwa Valley

The capital city of Malawi, Lilongwe, serves as the departure point for this Lake Malawi & Zambia Safari. Your guide will retrieve you from your pre-tour lodging in the capital this morning. As you depart Lilongwe, your guide will transport you to the frontier between Malawi and Zambia, where you will enter Zambia and proceed to the South Luangwa Valley.

Our inaugural lodge is situated in the Mfuwe region of Luangwa Valley, which is abundant in wildlife, within the South Luangwa National Park. We settle into our cozy chalets and unwind at the safari lodge, which offers a stunning view of the Luangwa River, upon our arrival in the mid-afternoon. Settle back and relish the untamed African bush environment by taking a refreshing plunge in one of the swimming pools. This evening, a delectable dinner is provided either in the expansive dining area or outdoors at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Picnic Lunch and Dinner

At the optimal periods of day for game viewing, we venture into the untamed bush: early mornings and late afternoons. Early mornings are optimal for capturing nocturnal predators and early risers who are returning from their prowl. In the late afternoons, animals begin to stir as the midday heat subsides, and as darkness descends, the creatures of the night emerge. After the sun sets, our afternoon game drive transitions into a night drive, which is facilitated by powerful spotlights. This African Safari includes the excep We venture into the untamed forest during the optimal times of day for game viewing: early mornings and late afternoons. The early mornings are the optimal time to capture nocturnal predators and early risers who are returning from their prowl. Animals begin to stir in the late afternoons as the midday heat subsides, and as darkness descends, the creatures of the night emerge. Our afternoon game drive is transformed into a night drive by the use of powerful spotlights after the sun has set. This African Safari includes the exceptional nocturnal game drives that are emblematic of South Luangwa National P South Luangwa National Park is distinguished for its exceptional nocturnal game drives, which are comprised of this African Safari.

The open 4x4 safari vehicles are utilized by the lodge's fully qualified guides to conduct the game excursions. This group of seasoned local guides is delighted to impart their intimate understanding of the Luangwa Valley and its wildlife to you. While in between our morning and afternoon wildlife excursions, we return to the safari lodge to enjoy delectable deli-style meals from the a la carte menu. You will also have the opportunity to unwind at the lodge during the intervals between game excursions. You have the option to rest in your private chalet, visit the reference library, drink up the wilderness from one of the decks, or take a swim.

It is customary to enjoy a relaxed evening at the lodge, where a warm campfire awaits in the boma in close proximity to the river. Take a seat and relish the beauty of this unspoiled wilderness region in Zambia.

In addition, you may participate in guided game excursions during the walking safari season for an additional fee. Africa's walking safaris originated in South Luangwa, which remains renowned for its game treks.

The following meals were provided: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
South Luangwa Lodge Accommodation
As part of this Lake Malawi & Zambia Safari, we will be lodging at a South Luangwa lodge that is situated along the Luangwa River within South Luangwa National Park. Taking pride in the exceptional quality of its affordable luxury accommodations, the lodge provides an authentic African bush experience in style and comfort.

The safari lodge offers six en-suite chalets that are accommodated in three distinct structures. Downstairs, each building features a double room with an en-suite toilet, as well as an upstairs twin or triple room with its own private bathroom. In each building, two chalet rooms share a kitchen area that includes a fridge and complimentary tea and coffee facilities. Guests are meant to remain cool in the African heat, which is why the stone structures are equipped with thatch roofing. All of these chalets are well-ventilated and spacious, featuring high ceilings, fans, and high-quality furnishings.

There are two swimming pools, a reference library, a capacious restaurant, and the main lodge area, which is equipped with WiFi. The courtyard and gardens of the lodge also include outdoor dining and seating areas, wooden viewing platforms, and an outdoor boma area.

Same as Day 2

We will depart Zambia after breakfast this morning, leaving the South Luangwa Valley behind. After crossing back into Malawi, we return to Lilongwe, where we transfer to a smaller vehicle for the two-hour journey to Lake Malawi. Along the journey, a picnic lunch is consumed.

As we arrive at the shores of the expansive Lake Malawi, we embark on a boat to transport us to our retreat, which is situated on a nearby island in the lake. We embark on a picturesque voyage down the Linthipe River and out to the Marelli Island Archipelago of Lake Malawi while on the boat. Located on Nankoma Island in Lake Malawi National Park, our Lake Malawi retreat is a mere three kilometers from the lakeshore.

Our accommodations consist of cozy tented chalets with en-suite toilets that provide a view of the lake. We are charged for dinner, bed, and breakfast.

Picnic lunch, dinner, and breakfast comprised the meals.

You are free to explore Nankoma Island in Lake Malawi on the final full day of this Lake Malawi & Zambia Safari.

Enjoy a diverse array of activities and unwind at the island retreat for the day. The tour fee includes the opportunity to snorkel or kayak around the island. The island can be explored on foot by following the nature trail to the summit and observing birds along the way. In addition, the lodge provides an array of thrilling optional activities (at an additional cost), such as a boat excursion around Nankoma Island to observe cormorant colonies and fish eagles. Additional activities that are available at an additional cost include wakeboarding, windsurfing, and scuba diving. At Lake Malawi, which is renowned for its abundance of brightly-colored Cichlid fish and is home to over 800 kinds of fish, scuba diving is a popular activity.

Dinner, bed, and breakfast are included in the overnight stay at the island retreat.

Meals comprised breakfast and dinner.
Island Accommodations on Lake Malawi
Nankoma Island's lodge is situated directly on the lakefront, offering breathtaking sunset vistas over the water. Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Marelli Archipelago, which includes Nankoma Island. For those who appreciate nature, the island is an ideal destination due to its diverse flora and fauna, as well as its robust avian population.

In unspoiled nature, the lodge boasts eight comfortable tented chalets that provide a view of the lake. There are three menus available each day at the lodge restaurant, all of which include vegetarian options. The bar at the poolside offers a diverse selection of beverages and homemade concoctions that are perfect for enjoying a sundowner over the lake. The lodge amenities consist of an infinity pool, a volleyball court, and numerous secluded lounges that are perfect for unwinding and admiring the breathtaking vistas over the lake. In addition, the lodge provides an extensive selection of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

On day six, we eat breakfast and bid farewell to the stunning Nankoma Island and Lake Malawi. To return to the mainland, take a canoe and transfer to Lilongwe, the starting point of this Lake Malawi & Zambia Safari. We conclude this affordable South Luangwa Valley & Lake Malawi Safari by arriving in the city in good time for your onward journey.

Meal Plan: breakfast