Livingstone's Africa - Zambia & Malawi Explorer
Livingstone's Africa - Zambia & Malawi Explorer
Livingstone's Africa - Zambia & Malawi Explorer
16 Days Starting in Lusaka, Zambia and ending in Lilongwe, Malawi
Visiting: Lusaka, Kafue River, Lower Zambezi River, Lower Zambezi National Park, South Luangwa National Park, Lilongwe, Mulanje, Liwonde Game Reserve, Lake Malawi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZML
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Camping, Safari Tours, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating journey with the "Livingstone's Africa - Zambia & Malawi Explorer" tour, designed for adventure enthusiasts. Paddle along the majestic Lower Zambezi River, camp on a wild island, and experience the thrill of game walks and drives in South Luangwa National Park, home to the Big 5. Discover the pristine beaches and vibrant underwater life of Lake Malawi, and hike through the stunning Mulanje Massif. Explore Malawi's famous tea plantations and enjoy a river cruise safari in Liwonde Game Reserve. With a mix of comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and camping, this tour offers an authentic and unforgettable African adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Lusaka
Location: Lusaka
Accommodation Name: lodge chalet
The group will meet in Lusaka, in Zambia, at 16:00 at the lodge. This evening, after the tour briefing, we have a group dinner at the lodge (at your own expense). Overnight lodge chalet.
NB: Breakfast and Lunch are not included; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).
Day 2 : Kafue River (170 Kms; 3.5 Hrs)
Location: Kafue River
Accommodation Name: lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A long drive takes us across the rolling Miombo forested hills of southern Zambia and down into the Zambezi Valley lowlands to our lodge on the banks of the Kafue River. Being a major tributary to the Zambezi River it is the largest and longest river lying entirely within Zambia. We overnight on its banks and enjoy the sunset from the elevated deck. Overnight lodge. Approx driving distance/time: 170 kms; 3.5 hrs.
NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal in lodge restaurant).
Day 3 : Lower Zambezi Canoeing
Location: Lower Zambezi River
Accommodation Name: wild camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We paddle down the mighty Zambezi River, home of the tribal mythical god – Nyami Nyami, canoeing past local riverside villages and magnificent scenery. We camp wild on an island in the heart of untamed Africa.
NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Day 4 : Lower Zambezi Canoeing
Location: Lower Zambezi National Park
Accommodation Name: lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we continue our canoe safari through an area teaming with elephants, hippos and other wildlife. We will be collected by a motorboat, and transferred back up river to our lodge.
NB: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal in lodge restaurant).
Day 5 : Lusaka And The Great East Road (570 Kms; 9.5 Hrs)
Location: Lusaka
Accommodation Name: lodge chalet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We head north to Lusaka where we stock up on supplies in the bustling shops and markets of the Zambian capital. Taking the Great East Road we drive this afternoon until sunset. Overnight lodge chalet. Approx driving distance/time: 570 kms; 9.5 hrs.
NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Day 6 : South Luangwa National Park (310 Kms; 5.5 Hrs)
Location: South Luangwa National Park
Accommodation Name: lodge chalet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Make our way down into “the valley” of the South Luangwa National Park. This remote region is one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries where hippo, elephants, lion and leopard abound. Our lodge, on the banks of the Luangwa River, overlooks the national park. We will explore the area on a game walk and open 4WD game drives; one at night with spotlights to see nocturnal animals. (In the green season, Dec – Apr, walks may not be possible in which case we’ll do extra game drives). Overnight lodge chalet. Approx driving distance/time: 310 kms; 5.5 hrs.
NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal in lodge restaurant).
Day 9 : Lilongwe (370 Kms; 6.5 Hrs)
Location: Lilongwe
Accommodation Name: guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We cross the border at Chipata into Malawi and make our way to the capital Lilongwe where we stock up on supplies. The afternoon is free to wander the town or explore the markets. Overnight guesthouse. Approx driving distance/time: 370 kms; 6.5 hrs (excludes border formalities).
NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal in local restaurant).
Day 10 : Mulanje Massif (360 Kms; 6.5 Hrs)
Location: Mulanje
Accommodation Name: lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We tour one of Malawi's famous tea plantations in the Thyolo region before making our way to our lodge in Mulanje. Mount Mulanje's bare rock flanks tower to a height of 3002m, dwarfing all that surrounds it, and influencing cloud patterns and rainfall in the area. This makes it an important water source, and as such is the watershed for almost every river in the area. David Livingstone was the first European to see this imposing geological feature, however it has been home to humans since the Stone Age. We will take a day walk on the slopes of the massif for a closer look at the streams, waterfalls and towering peaks. Overnight lodge. Approx driving distance/time: 360 kms; 6.5 hrs.
Day 10: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal in lodge restaurant).
Day 11: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal in lodge restaurant).
Day 12 : Liwonde Game Reserve (220 Kms; 5.5 Hrs)
Location: Liwonde Game Reserve
Accommodation Name: camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ancient baobab trees and lofty palms provide the backdrop for this magnificent southern Malawi reserve. Covering a large area of the upper Shire River plains and the surrounding slopes, the reserve is home to Malawi's largest remaining elephant population and the critically endangered black rhino. In the morning we’ll explore the grassland and woodland habitats in search of leopards, elephants, antelopes and rare Lilian’s lovebirds in our safari truck. The River Shire flows along its western border, allowing us to enjoy a river cruise safari in search of elephants, hippos, crocodiles or any other game coming down to quench their thirst in the late
afternoon. Overnight camping. Approx driving distance/time: 220 kms; 5.5 hrs.
Day 12: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Day 13: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Day 14 : Lake Malawi (160 Kms; 3 Hrs)
Location: Lake Malawi
Accommodation Name: lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Malawi is the jewel in the crown of Malawi and one of the Great Rift Valley lakes. We will take a boat ride on the lake to the secluded Mumbo Island near Cape Maclear. The rustic lodge is an idyllic paradise with kayaks and snorkelling gear available to explore the island and view the endemic cichlids, a type of fish abundant in Lake Malawi. Overnight lodge. Approx driving distance/time: 160 kms; 3 hrs.
Note - On Mumbo Island, two of the rooms share a bathroom – rooms will be allocated by the guides. The lodge has 7 rooms (some reed & some canvas; all with thatch roof), so depending on group size and make up, this may affect single supplement options. There is no electricity on the island, so charge your camera or devices before departing to Mumbo Island.
NB: Breakfast & Dinner will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.
Day 15 : Lake Malawi And Lilongwe (270 Kms; 4.5 Hrs)
Location: Lilongwe
Accommodation Name: guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up to the sound of the birds on your own paradise island. Roll out of bed and head down to the beach to soak a morning of sun and relaxation or take a kayak for a paddle around the island. Stop to snorkel and be amazed by the sheer variety of colour fish. Later we catch the ferry back to mainland where we climb back onto our truck and return to Lilongwe. Overnight guesthouse. Approx driving distance/time: 270 kms; 4.5 hrs.
NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal in local restaurant).
Day 16 : In Lilongwe, Trip Concludes
Location: Lilongwe
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes at 8;00am after breakfast.
NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge.
What's Included
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Meals
15 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 5 dinners are included.
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Accommodation
12 nights in guest houses, chalets and tented lodges on a twinshare basis.
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Camping
3 nights limited participation camping on a twinshare tent basis.
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Camping Equipment
Group camping equipment including tent and mattress (sleeping bag and pillow not included).
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Local Guide
English speaking local guide.
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Transport
Private transport in custom built 4wd safari vehicle.
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Activities
Game drives and excursions as listed in itinerary.
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Fees
National park fees and site entrance fees as listed in itinerary.
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Local Cash Payment
Local cash payment of US$300 payable to tour leader on day 1.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights and airport taxes are not included.
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Transfers
Airport arrival and departure transfers are not included.
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Meals Not Mentioned
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Drinks
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks are not included.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature (i.
e laundry, phone calls, tips, etc) are not included. -
Visas
Visas are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance (compulsory) is not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and equipment hire (e.
g.
, kayak hire & snorkelling gear at Lake Malawi) are not included.
Accommodation
12 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse. Camping - for 2 nights in Liwonde we stay at a designated campsite - the facilities are at best basic but generally clean. Wild camping - for 1 night while canoeing on the Zambezi River we camp wild on an Island in the middle of the river. Lodges/Chalets - for 12 nights of the trip we stay in chalets, tented lodges and guest houses, with en suite facilities. At Lake Malawi, 2 of the tented rooms share a bathroom – rooms will be allocated by guides.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (it can be very cold on early morning activities), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.
Grading
Although there is no commitment to extended walking on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on the active’. We therefore advise that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. There is no shortage of advantages of packing as much into your time in Southern Africa as possible. The fitter you are the more this will enhance your experience.
Wildlife
The wilderness areas of Africa are populated by large numbers of wild and potentially dangerous animals. The trip aims to view these animals in their natural habitat, uncontrolled by fences. Your experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times. Please be aware that all safari travel, including vehicle safaris in the proximity of wild animals is never entirely without risk. By travelling into wild areas in search of wild animals, all participants accept that they are choosing an adventure that includes an element of risk and this is an inherent aspect of the enjoyment of this style of travel.
Mode of Transport
Private transport in custom built 4wd safari vehicle. We will also use canoes for the Lower Zambezi River and a motorboat for transfers. Additionally, a ferry will be used to reach Mumbo Island on Lake Malawi.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 12 nights in guest houses, chalets, and tented lodges on a twin-share basis, 2 nights of camping at a designated campsite in Liwonde, and 1 night of wild camping on an island in the Zambezi River. The lodges and chalets generally have en suite facilities, but at Lake Malawi, 2 of the tented rooms share a bathroom.
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour?
Activities include canoeing on the Lower Zambezi River, game walks and drives in South Luangwa National Park, snorkeling and enjoying the beaches of Lake Malawi, hiking in the Mulanje Massif, and a river cruise safari in Liwonde Game Reserve.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs include a local cash payment of US$300 payable to the tour leader on day 1, international flights and airport taxes, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks, personal items (e.g., laundry, phone calls, tips), visas, travel insurance (compulsory), and optional activities and equipment hire (e.g., kayak hire and snorkeling gear at Lake Malawi).
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What is the policy on room requests for double beds?
Twin-bedded rooms are very common, and double beds are either not available or limited in numbers. Double beds can be requested upon arrival at each accommodation, but there is no guarantee.
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What safety measures are in place for viewing wildlife?
Your experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times. However, please be aware that all safari travel, including vehicle safaris in the proximity of wild animals, is never entirely without risk. By participating, you accept that there is an element of risk involved.
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Is there any physical preparation required for this tour?
While there is no commitment to extended walking, it is advised to complete some physical training before the trip to enhance your experience. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the activities.
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What should I carry in my daypack?
In your daypack, you should carry extra warm clothing, a rain jacket, a water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, and 5 dinners. Meals will be prepared by the tour leaders, and some meals will be at your own expense, particularly dinners at local restaurants or lodge restaurants.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.