Sophie Beraznik and family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN LILONGWE, MALAWI
Upon arrival in Lilongwe International Airport, you will be met by our representative and local guide who will assist with your private transfer to your accommodation for the evening.
Check in to Kumbali Country Lodge, a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of urban Lilongwe. Set along the banks of the Lilongwe River, attentive staff will ensure that you are well attended to as you spend the evening at leisure enjoying your first African sunset, gin & tonic in hand.
For those who want to get out and explore, nearby attractions include the Lilongwe Wildlife Center, the Kumbali Cultural Center, and the Chongoni Rock Art Area which features over 127 sites of ancient rock art.
Overnight Kumbali Country Lodge
Day 2
CULTURAL VILLAGE IMMERSION
Transfer in a private vehicle to the south of Malawi, near Liwonde National Park to your new accommodation.
Njobvu Cultural Village, a cooperative started by members of several villages in the area in 2002 to generate income and to educate local people of the importance of conserving Liwonde’s resources for tourism. Locally run and operated, this unique camp is an important source of revenue for the community; a percentage of each stay also contributes to a nursery school and an elderly village.
Upon arrival, have lunch followed by a village walk to learn about local customs and lifestyles. This evening, enjoy energized traditional dances!
Overnight Njobvu Cultural Village
Day 3 - 4
Liwonde National Park
This morning, head to Mvuu Lodge, located inside Liwonde National Park. Set at the southern tip of Lake Malombe in southern Malawi, Liwonde is arguably Malawi’s most sought-after park. Malawi’s main river, the Shire, carves the park’s western boundary and is the reserve’s lifeblood, drawing prolific wildlife and extraordinary birdlife to the area. The river provides an interesting alterative to the traditional safari, allowing camps to offer canoeing and boating safaris that are fantastic for viewing hippo and elephant.
Mvuu Lodge overlooks a tranquil lagoon just off of the Shire River. The main deck offers a captivating bird’s eye view of the wildlife below. Mvuu means “hippo” in Tonga, and is certainly fitting for this area, which boasts enormous pods of these water-loving mammals.
Days at Mvuu Lodge are spent searching for game on drives in the morning and evenings, where expert local guides will help you track game and introduce you to the narratives of the bush. The heat of the day is spent back at camp, luxuriating in the pool and enjoying the spectacular views.
Overnight Mvuu Lodge
Day 5 - 6
CAPE MACLEAR
Wake up early this morning for breakfast and a morning game drive before departing for Cape Maclear and Mumbo Island, a short boat ride through Lake Malawi’s crystal-clear waters. En route, stop to visit an important water project in the village of Cape Maclear to learn about efforts to bring clean water to local villagers and farms.
Lake Malawi is home to innumerable species of cichlid fish and offers some of the best fresh water scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. Mumbo Island lies 10km northwest of Cape Maclear and boasts just five secluded chalets perched high above the water and nestled in lush vegetation.
Guests at Mumbo Island Camp can enjoy a variety of activities ranging from lazing in a hammock to snorkeling, diving, swimming, kayaking, walking, and bird watching. We also recommend boating or paddling to explore the granitic islands of the lake nearby.
Overnight Mumbo Island Camp
Day 7 - 8
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
Travel via boat back to the mainland to Cape Maclear where your guide will be waiting to escort you to South Luangwa National Park. Bordering the Luangwa River, the northern and southern Luangwa National Parks contain some of the most breathtaking and untouched wilderness in Africa. As a result of this and the parks’ successful anti-poaching campaigns, the area has developed into a world-renowned wildlife haven.
South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safaris, which allows visitors to view elephant, hippo and even lion close-up under the supervision of professional and knowledgeable armed guides.
During your time here, stay at Kafunta River Lodge, a family owned and operated establishment that has been grounded in South Luangwa for over 20 years. This small, 10 room lodge is located on the floodplains of the Luangwa River giving it close proximity to the myriad of wildlife species that gather on the river banks to drink. Enjoy game drives, bush walks, and cultural tours during your stay.
Overnight Kafunta River Lodge
Day 9 - 10
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
Today, head to another camp located in South Luangwa National Park. Three Rivers Camp is situated at the confluence of the Luangwa, Luzangazi, and Kapamba Rivers. This area, about 2-hours south of Kafunta River Lodge features open lagoons and teems with wildlife.
Large herds of elephant and buffalo, giraffe, and wild dog are all common sightings. This is also one of the only lodges for miles, offering a uniquely secluded safari experience in the real African bush.
Three Rivers Camp has five sophisticated tents, each that feature a raised sleeping platform. Guests are welcome to spend a night sleeping in the open, underneath the starry African sky.
During your stay in South Luangwa National Park, take the opportunity to stop and learn about important grassroots projects helping to combat poaching while simultaneously create sustainable employment opportunities for local people!
Overnight Three Rivers Camp
Day 11
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
Head back north from Three Rivers Camp to Kafunta Lodge, where you will spend one night before heading home tomorrow.
Spend your evening at leisure, embarking on a final game drive to search for wildlife you may have missed, enjoying a final sundowner cocktail as the sun slips below the horizon line, or sitting around a fire as the night sky lights up with stars.
Overnight Kafunta River Lodge
Day 12
Departure
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Today, your guide will assist with your transfer to the Mfuwe airport for your departure flight home.
