Malawi and Zambia: Bush and Beach

Malawi, Zambia

Discover one of Africa's best-kept secrets

Now is time to discover one of Africa’s best-kept secrets – Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. You’ll be surprised and thrilled with undulating mountains and stunning lake shores. Since Malawi has been overlooked as a mainstream destination, you will find hidden gems at every turn. Exhale at ease in a nation renowned as one of the safest and most welcoming in Africa.

Combine remote bush and freshwater beach experiences, moving from Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, then to rural Malawi, and finish up on the shores of the second largest freshwater lake in the world—Lake Malawi, the ‘Lake of Stars.’

Suggested Length: 10 days/9 nights
Starts from: $9-10,000 per person

"Our trip to South Africa, Malawi and Zambia was simply amazing. We really experienced what Africa is all about. For our girls, who are still relatively young, an experience like this can and likely is life changing. Overall the trip was everything we could have dreamed and doing this together as a family made it that much more special."

Sophie Beraznik and family
Malawi

Highlights

Enjoy walking safaris in the South Luangwa National Park, an immersive and eco-friendly way to seek out the area's diverse wildlife.
Experience unparalleled personalized service and attention to detail at the intimate Nkwali Safari Camp.
Connect with local culture through village tours, cooking classes, and supporting the local school.
Encounter an abundance of wildlife in their natural environment, including lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes.
Keep your eyes peeled for elusive big cats while at Nsefu Camp or Tena Tena, where undisturbed wildlife viewing is guaranteed.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - 2

NKWALI

Arrive into Lilongwe and transfer to a small plane for a 45 minute flight over the border into Zambia. Your personal safari guide will meet you from the airstrip and transfer you to your first lodge. Located right on the river’s edge, your camp offers magnificent views across the National Park, and the wildlife viewing is incredible! The next two days will be spent exploring the area on foot (walking safaris) and in 4 x 4 game drive vehicles, with a siesta each day around the camp pool or in your open-fronted room where wildlife can be spotted grazing just in front of your veranda. Each evening dinner is served in the lagoon-facing restaurant, and guests are treated to stories of the bush around the camp fire.

Overnight Nkwali

Day 3 - 4

NSEFU CAMP OR TENA TENA

Head into the wilds of South Luangwa, and enjoy two nights at either of two camps, Tena Tena or Nsefu. Undisturbed wildlife viewing is guaranteed in this remote sector of the park, and guests are often treated to big cat sightings during their safari! Walking safaris are ideal in this part of the park, and you will be given the option each day to drive, walk, or combine the two. Wildlife in South Luangwa includes lion, leopard, elephant, zebra, giraffe, antelope, and if you are very lucky, wild dog!

Overnight Nsefu Camp or Tena Tena

Day 5 - 6

NTCHISI FOREST LODGE

Take the short flight back to Malawi, and meet up with your Malawian guide who will take you a few hours north into the rural central district. Spend the next two days immersed in local culture. The stunning landscape of Ntchisi is steeped in culture, and you are welcome to explore the surrounding villages, take part in a local cooking class, help at the local school, or learn more about the area from a village guide. Each day, return to your lodge for an evening under candlelight with a roaring open log fire.

Overnight Ntchisi Forest Lodge

Day 7 - 9

KAYA MAWA

End your cross-border adventure on the islands of Lake Malawi. Reached by small plane, Likoma Island is truly outstanding and offers a wonderful mix of rest and relaxation, as well as the option to take part in water sports and explore this historic island. En-suite chalet style rooms offer incredible views across Lake Malawi and are designed with romance and barefoot luxury in mind! A final meal on the beach at Likoma is the perfect way to finish this incredible itinerary full of wildlife, culture, and the idyllic beaches of Lake Malawi.

Overnight Kaya Mawa