11 Days Zambia Safari & Malawi Beach

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Itinerary
Location

From South Luangwa National Park, in Zambia, to the perfect tranquillity of Liwonde National Park and finally ending on the natural shores of Lake Malawi. South Luangwa National Park, which indicates the end of the Great Rift African Valley, is one of the last natural wilderness areas and possibly the most beautiful wildlife reserve in Africa. Covering an area of over 9000 sq. Km. The wandering Luangwa River runs. The Oxbow, woodland, and plains of the valley gathering large concentrations of the game which include elephants, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippos and over 450 bird’s species.

Dominated by Lake Malawi space, the third largest lake in Africa, the surrounding countryside is lovely with breathtaking scenery that includes plateaus rocky outcrops, high mountains, and views across what is regarded as Africa’s most beautiful lake. Malawi is identified as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” and as people, are extremely friendly and welcoming. There are many market scenes, roadside stalls, cottage industries that a visitor can visit. With both the landscape and the culture Malawi is a great country to drive in.

Valid: July from October

Highlights

South Luangwa: Game drives day and night & Walking Safari
Kuthengo: walking game drives the day with night and seasonal boating safaris.
Pumulani: birding, kayaking, boating, scuba diving, snorkelling, water-skiing, fun-tubing, sunset cruises, sailing, fishing, picnic tours plus village tour.

Places Covered: South Luangwa National Park - Zambia, Liwonde National Park & Lake Malawi - Malawi

About

What's included

What's not included

Food and Accommodation

Day 1 – 4: Nkwali Camp – South Luangwa National Park

Many places claim to be "among the remaining wilderness areas" or "one of the last wildlife sanctuaries"; South Luangwa National Park lives up to both and more. The Luangwa Valley is vast, remote and home to both people and a truly impressive variety of games.

The South Luangwa Park is 9050 sq. kilometres; with the river, its tributaries and the riverine strips being the focus of the wildlife viewing. There are diverse habitats, from huge ox bow lagoons of varying stages of maturity, woodlands, ebony groves, grassland and thickets, that host a great variety of wildlife. The birdlife is also excellent with over 450 species to be seen.

Nkwali is located on the banks of the Luangwa on a magnificent meander in the river overlooking the National Park where leopards roam along the bank and can often be spotted from camp. Situated on Robin Pope Safaris’ private land outside the park there is a private game viewing area behind camp as well as exclusive access into the park either by boat or across the pontoon.

The six chalets with bamboo woven walls and thatch roofs offer a rustic luxury opening up to magnificent views of the river as well as open-air en-suite bathrooms.

Nkwali offers understated elegance, seclusion and superb service.

Day 4 – 7: Kuthengo Camp, Liwonde National Park

Located on a large open plain stretching towards the Shire River in Liwonde National Park, you will find Kuthengo Camp nestled among Fever trees and Baobabs. With resident fish eagles nesting in these Baobabs, you will be woken to ‘Africa’s voice’ calling as you rise in this wild and natural paradise. Our four spacious and modern safari tents are all en-suite, each with a bathtub and an outdoor shower. Cool off in our plunge pool in the hotter months and enjoy the view from there.

With all the usual comforts of a Robin Pope Safaris camp, Kuthengo maintains a rustic charm, complemented by stunning views which are best appreciated from your private deck with a cold sundowner in hand, admiring the herds of waterbuck that frequent the camp area, milling about in the evening glow.

The unspoiled Liwonde National Park promises an ultimate retreat where you can experience the many activities on offer with complete privacy; from adventurous game drives, breath-taking walking safaris or tranquil boat cruises along the grand Shire River, there is something for everyone.

Day 7 – 11: Pumulani Lodge, Lake Malawi

Situated on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula on the Southern end of Lake Malawi you can find Pumulani subtly nestled in the lush hills amongst the trees and craggy outcrops. The ten villas provide the ultimate in space, design, comfort and privacy.

David Livingstone famously named Lake Malawi “The Lake of Stars” and for good reason, during the day the light dances across the deep blue water and once the sun has set the stars to twinkle brightly both in the sky but also on the lake as the fishermen light up their hurricane lamps for their night on the lake.

Guests can relax on the sandy beach or enjoy an elevated view of the lake from the stylish infinity pool. For those seeking some activity, we offer waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, walks in the hills, sunset cruises on our hand-built dhow and snorkelling and diving. Underwater activities never fail to amaze as the diversity of fish life is very surprising and experts say that this lake is home to more native fish species than any other in the world.

Pumulani offers the perfect mix for a memorable holiday. Enjoy being active or simply relax in the beautiful and tranquil scenery.

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1:Arrive /Flight to Mfuwe in South Luangwa NP

Arriving at Lusaka International Airport, met by our representative who will have a name board with your names, then help you connect to your flight to Mfuwe, South Luangwa. The trip is on average one hour, At Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will join you and take you by vehicle to Nkwali Camp, through picturesque scenes of villages, bush and agriculture.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a scrumptious lunch followed by rest before going off to the park for your primary game activity which you may decide to extend into a night drive or you will decide to relax should you arrive late.
Day 2-3: Nkwali Camp- South Luangwa National Park

Getting up before dawn so then you are in the park right in time for the excellent dawn light the camp ideally has access to the park across the river, so it takes only a few swift minutes. You’ll maximize your time in the park has many subjects to photograph from the very big to the very small.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, you can take time to relax, reading a good book or just lounge and experience your environment. With a delightful cup of tea or coffee and delicious cake, going back to the park to find even with more activities in the afternoon and evening, returning to camp for dinner.
Day 4:Transfer to Kuthengo Camp – Liwonde NP

After breakfast you will be taken to Kuthengo Camp, driven to Mfuwe airport for a short flight to Lilongwe which is only one hour long. When you arrive at Lilongwe International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Robin Pope Safaris Agent and then you will be transferred by road to Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park (4 hours).

Liwonde is estimated to be one of the top birding regions in Southern Africa. Offering some of the most spectacular game viewing, beautiful riverine environment and varied bird watching you could wish to find. The Shire River floodplains, much enjoyed by the healthy community of Elephants in this park. They are best observed when your boat safari on the Shire River, one of the several highlights of a visit to Kuthengo Camp. According to your entry time in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking over the Shire River, in the afternoon, you can have afternoon tea with an evening game drive.
Day 5-6: Kuthengo Camp, Liwonde National Park

Travel the Shire River and lagoons an outstanding opportunity for viewing elephants, birdlife hippo and crocodiles. Birding is rewarding specialities include Lillian’s lovebird, brown-breasted barbet, osprey, palm nut vulture. Pel’s fishing owl, and Livingstone’s flycatcher.

Also possible is a viewing hide on a tributary of the Shire River and even some new visits to the surrounding rural communities and schools.
Day 7: Transfer to Pumulani Lodge, Lake Malawi

Transportation to Pumulani after breakfast, through a spectacular drive north of around 2.5 hours reaching the Nankumba Peninsula of Lake Malawi. This is recognized as one of the most beautiful shores of the Lake and borders Lake Malawi, National Park. This Park was established to preserve the cichlid fish different to the area, and in 1984 the park was distinguished as a World Heritage Site. Pumulani is mainly located on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula, encompassed by the national park. Ten villas are disseminated around the hillside and are different in shape and designed.

Each has a large bedroom, bathroom, and popular sitting area with front sliding doors that open onto the floor raised above the ground giving the best views. Our exclusive beach setting is perfect for those who swim in the clear blue waters of the lake and soak up the sun. For those who prefer to dive there is an infinity pool near the vital dining area with great views over the lake and another infinity pool on the beach. For those seeking activity we provide various water sports activities like snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and fun tube ride all engine-powered activities are prohibited.
Day 8-10: Pumulani Lodge, Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is the world’s premier ecologically different lake. The crystal-clear waters are home to at least a thousand species of fish, including hundreds of species of colourful cichlids. We offer individual diving courses at the best diving spots near one of the islands.

For those who are drawn to the real Malawian village life, we offer guided tours through the local villages. Malawians are famous for being one of the friendliest people in Africa you will have the opportunity to experience this for yourself. You can also relax in the beautiful and peaceful scenery or can enjoy the numerous other activities.
Day 11: Departure

On the last day of your stay with Pumulani. You will be transported by road back to Lilongwe in time for your onward connection.