Livingstone's Africa Zambia & Malawi Explorer

Join Lusaka

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 Pioneer Camp.NB: Breakfast and Lunch are not included; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Kafue River (505 kms; 8 hrs)

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. Overnight lodge. Approx driving distance/time: 505 kms; 8 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).

Lower Zambezi Canoeing

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.

Lower Zambezi Canoeing

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).

Lusaka and the Great East Road (570 kms; 9.5 hrs)

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. 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.

South Luangwa National Park (330 kms; 5 hrs)

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 tented camp. Approx driving distance/time: 330 kms; 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).

Kuti Wildlife Reserve (390 kms; 6.5 hrs)

We cross the border at Chipata into Malawi and make our way to the capital Lilongwe where we stock up on supplies, before heading to Kuti Wildlife Reserve. This reserve is home to a wide selection of big mammal species including giraffe, wildebeest and zebra. The sable herds are the pride and joy of Kuti, flourishing in this environment and reaching over 100 individuals. Overnight chalet (2 twin bedrooms with 1 shared bathroom). Approx driving distance/time: 390 kms; 6.5 hrs (excludes border formalities).NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Mulanje Massif (350 kms; 5.5 hrs)

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 walk on the slopes of the massif for a closer look at the stream, waterfalls and towering peaks. Overnight lodge. Approx driving distance/time: 350 kms; 5.5 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).

Liwonde Game Reserve (190 kms; 3 hrs)

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. The River Shire flows along its western border, allowing us to enjoy a boat safari as well as a game drive in our tour vehicle in search of leopards, elephants, hippos, antelope and the rare Lilian's Lovebird. Overnight camping. Approx driving distance/time: 190 kms; 3 hrs.NOTE: On arrival, it may be possible to upgrade into the lodge - this is subject to availability. We do not book lodge rooms because it would add excessively to the overall price of the tour. 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.

Lake Malawi (160 kms; 3 hrs)

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.NB: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

To Lilongwe, trip concludes on arrival (260 kms; 4 hrs)

Leaving the shores of Lake Malawi we return to Lilongwe; trip concludes on arrival. Please note: we can do a free drop off at Lilongwe Airport at around 11:00am so you can book your flight out for the last day of the tour. Approx driving distance/time: 260 kms; 4 hrs.NB: Breakfast will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.