WHAT WE WILL SEE

Malawi, magnificent South. A trip for those who want to explore tourist and pristine areas, with an incredible biodiversity, in southern Malawi, to understand nature and the people, with special and unique photographic opportunities.

A unique destination, the Majete Wildlife Reserve, in the Shire Valley, is a success story in restocking a reserve: present are all the big five; lions, leopards, blacks rhinos, elephants and buffalos, as well as sable antelope, zebras, eland and Lichestein’s heartebeest. We will venture into the mid of the park even at night for safaris in search of predators.

Following the Shire Valley, still new panoramic views and forests we enter in Liwonde National Park, perhaps the most famous park in Malawi, of which you cannot be disappointed by the boat safaris: we define it as “truly unmissable”. Elephants swimming a few meters away from the boat, hippos grub, crocodiles, impalas drinking from the river and troops of monkeys who engage in daily grooming: the birdlife is truly amazing, also present are the black rhinos within the Sanctuary, a place in which they are well protected.

At the foot of Mount Mulanje is Mulanje Forest Reserve, the site listed for the title of World Heritage Site, the highest mountain in southern Africa, which boasts a 650km2 forest and many species of animals and plants unique in the world, the mountain that Malawians consider magic to the wealth of legends and stories that populate the collective imagination. Under Mount Mulanje we will see the rolling hills covered by pure white and green tea: walking through the immense spaces of the plantations we meet the workers in the tea plantations and people hiking  the mountain.

We will dive into the rich cultural heritage of Malawi in Chamare museum at Mua, the oldest and original operational mission in Malawi, where we will see the largest collection in the world of the Gule Wamkulu masks, secret ceremony of the ethnic Chewa Heritage  and Tradition.

And then, on the banks of the third biggest lake in Africa, in the region of Monkey Bay, the Lake Malawi National Park, compared to bio-diversity of the Galapagos, is one of the largest water reserves in the world, by the clear waters and white sands it is estimated that the endemic fish that inhabit the waters, cichlids, are around 1000 species. A part from that, between the poignant beauty of its landscapes, the people of Malawi are hospitable and incredibly friendly. The kilometers of pristine beaches of golden sand,  will be  amazing as we mingle with  the fishermen and the villages of the lake.

DURATION: 11 days. Possibility of extensions on the shores of Lake Malawi or in Mulanje, at the foot of the magic mountain.

 

THE JOURNEY: MALAWI, MAGNIFICENT SOUTH

In the far magnificent south of Malawi, blooms a park that has an incredible story: Majete Wildlife Reserve boasts the famous Big Five: buffalo, lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Proclaimed in 1955, it is located in the Lower Shire Valley, at the bottom of the Rift Valley. 700 km2 of nature, between forests of miombo, the famous tree, and riverine vegetation. The Majete is an incredibly beautiful reserve, but also one of those success stories that we would more often hear and tell. Thanks to an agreement between public and private, the Government of Malawi and the African Parks, the involvement of local communities without whom this would not be possible, dozens of species have been reintroduced in massive quantities. We speak of 2550 animals including elephants (Loxodonta africana), blacks rhinos (Diceros bicornis), African cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer), eland (Tragelaphus oryx), sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), nyala (Tragelaphus angasii), Lichtesteins hartebeest (Alcelaphus bucelaphus), impala (Aepyceros melampus), zebras (Equus quagga) and warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus). Also present are mammals such as kudu, reedbuck, silvicapre, suni and bushpigs. Among the large carnivores present are hyenas, leopards and lions, often spotted next to Thawale lodge. Not only nature, Majete is also an example for the awareness and respect that has been created between the communities living around Majete for sustainable tourism. In less than 10 years, workers have gone from 12 to 150, all permanent, made from micro enterprise projects, environmental information and education. No doubt the park is now famous here in Malawi and beyond as an example of conservation success.

We arrange the day and night safaris, one of the most delightful and fascinating experiences that you can do in Majete. It is one of the few areas in Africa where it is allowed to do this activity.

In Liwonde National Park, which needs no introduction: it is certainly the most famous park in Malawi and in the interior, along the Shire River, abound many elephants and antelopes such as Lichtenstein’s hartebeest (Alcelaphus lichtensteini) and sable antelope (Hippotragus niger,) buffalo , zebras, hyenas, warthogs, baboons, hippos and crocodiles; hundreds of species of birds inhabit the park which is a real ornithological paradise. The vegetation is very diverse, ranging from forests of mopane, the palm trees, the grassland, the acacias, while the hills dominate the forests of miombo. For this reason Liwonde is the only place in Malawi, where the inseparable Lilian’s Lovebird (Agapornis lilianae) nests. The park is also recognised internationally as an Important Bird Area ( IBA ) with significant populations of rare or endangered species.

Legends and tales inhabit the collective imagery that describes the magic of Mount Mulanje National Forest Reserve, on the border with Mozambique. 3002 meters high, highest mountain in southern Africa, Mulanje in Chewa language literally means “Island in the Sky.” With its 650 km2, has been proposed as a World Heritage Site: it retains an incredible biodiversity. Blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, porcupines, butterflies, chameleons and genets are relatively easy to spot, with the famous and protected Mulanje cedar, (Widdringtonia whytei), among waterfalls and trails that follow one another without end. The view that one enjoys at the foot of the mountain is just spectacular.

The first tea plantations in Africa were introduced in the late nineteenth century precisely in Malawi: the views open up spectacularly in huge and rolling hills covered by a perfect green expanse and tea. Walking through the immense spaces of the plantations we meet the tea workers, who patiently pluck the young leaves at the top of the plants, leaf by leaf, to fill the huge baskets on their backs.

Mua, the oldest and original operational mission in Malawi was born with the support of the Ngoni tribe in 1903, at the request of two French White Fathers who gave birth to a center of culture and art and the Museum of KuNgoni Chamare that preserves the rich heritage culture of Malawi; Here we can admire the collection of masks of Gule Wamkulu, secret ceremony of the ethnic Chewa, largest in the world.

We will move on to the banks of the third largest lake in Africa, to the Lake Malawi National Park, this is a World Heritage Site, one of the world’s largest water reserves, by the clear waters and golden beaches. It is estimated that the endemic fish that inhabit the waters, Cichlids, are around 1000 species. The fishing villages and simple Malawian life, with its rhythms from the lake, here we particularly meet the fishermen of the lake with their fishing canoes  dedicated to following old traditions. The drying of fish is a ritual and a procedure in which they are involved including the older women of the village, while the children and the boys help the fishermen repairing nets. Malawi is indeed a warm and welcoming country: its people have a warm and hospitable heart that in no other country in Africa we have ever heard. Apart from tourism, despite the poignant beauty of its landscape, its hospitable and incredibly friendly people, the kilometers of pristine beaches of golden sand, Malawi is a country not yet discovered by tourism and this makes it even more fascinating.

 

STAFF

Staff is made by professional guides trained by Malawi Tourism sector. WHO WE ARE 

 

MEANS OF TRANSPORT

All distances will be covered with one or more means Toyota or Land Rover or similar off-road 4 × 4. A further provision, in the case of nights camping: mattresses, refrigerator, food, field kitchen, 12/220 V. current to recharge the batteries, two-way VHF, GPS, notebook to download digital photos and movies, satellite phone (cost 5 euro / min), first aid kit and a good travel library, with our guides to travel with.

 

ACCOMMODATION

Three nights in lodge in Majete Wildlife Reserve, immersed in the wild nature of the park. At Mulanje accommodation exclusive  to us set up in ancient colonial house, base of AfricaWildTruck within a historic garden, inside of tea plantations; on Mount Mulanje nights in mountain huts. Subsequent nights are in a nice lodge on Lake Malawi near the Lake Malawi National Park. In Liwonde National Park, Mvuu camp overnight in the incredible lodge overlooking the river where the elephants come to drink. At Mua, night in well-equipped bungalows, property belonging to the White fathers. There can be nights in camping tents organized for you, on request.

The room in the lodge / chalet / hotel, is intended, unless otherwise requested, in double or, in rare cases, triple or quadruple; They could be replaced for technical-organizational problems without distorting the original plan. The facilities have been carefully chosen following an idea of​land conservation and sustainability of travel, preferring  positions in close contact with nature. For a list of the lodge / camping , please write to us!

DAY 1 BLANTYRE CHILEKA AIRPORT - MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE, MALAWI - APRIL 21,2016. Arrival in Blantyre April 21, 2016 around 14:00 with Ethiopian Airlines. The country is welcoming and warm: its people have a warm and hospitable heart that in no other country in Africa we have ever heard. Despite the poignant beauty of its landscape, its hospitable and incredibly friendly people, the kilometers of pristine beaches of golden sand, Malawi is a country not yet discovered by tourism and this makes it even more fascinating. After meeting at the airport, we will move immediately into Majete Wildlife Reserve, to get to the heart of the park and safari. Overnight at the lodge, located in the park overlooking a waterhole where often spotted are elephants and nyala. Full board.

DAY 2 MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE - APRIL 22, 2016. Introduction to the park. First day safari in the morning, with the possibility of spotting species like buffalo, elephants, lions and nyala. Return to camp for lunch. In the afternoon, night safari and return to camp for dinner. Stunning location of the lodge, in the heart of the park. Often you sight shy antelopes, baboons, or, if lucky, elusive leopards. Full board.

DAY 3 MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE - 23 April 2016. The rich diversity of habitats will be immediately apparent in our third safari and during the afternoon drive. The banks of the Shire River are an ideal environment for hippos and crocodiles, while in the forests of marula elephants find their perfect habitat. Among the animals sighted within the reserve are lions, leopards, genets, civets, nightjar ... and all the big five. The  African Parks Conservation was founded and built by Nelson Mandela and operates in several African states. Overnight at the lodge. Full board.

DAY 4 MAJETE WILDLIFE - MULANJE FOREST  RESERVE - April 24, 2016. We will cross the Shire river and will climb to 800m altitude after the city of Blantyre to reach the massive Mulanje and the spectacle of the tea plantations. The hills are like endless expanses and bright green leaves with only the red space of the labyrinthine routes through the plantations. Overnight in old colonial house, set in the plantations. Full board.

DAY 5 MULANJE MOUNTAIN FOREST RESERVE - April 25, 2016.  Walking through the vast spaces of the plantations. We meet the tea workers who patiently  pluck the young leaves at the top of the plants, leaf by leaf, to fill the huge baskets on their backs. The first tea plantations in Africa were introduced in the late nineteenth century precisely in this area of ​​Malawi. We then enter the magical forest of Mulanje and dedicate this day to a trek in the forest to the Likhubula waterfall, surrounded by greenery, including endemic chameleons and unique plants such as the famous cedar of Mulanje, a protected species. Legends and stories are part of Malawian culture that describes the Mulanje mountain, "Island in the Sky": The site has been proposed in the list of World Heritage Sites. Then we will be told some legends from those who have always lived under this mountain spread over 650 km2, which with its 3002 meters is the highest in the southern tip of Africa. For those who wish, you can reach the CCAP hut, (5/6 hour) with a hiking that takes us on top of the island in the sky. Spectacular scenery will open behind us and finally we will arrive in the afternoon to simple shelter of CCAP, one of the largest, from which we can observe the south-eastern slope of the peak of Chambe, located at 2557m altitude. Overnight in mountain huts or in old colonial house, like the previous night. Full board.

DAY 6 MULANJE - LAKE MALAWI, MONKEY BAY AREA - April 26, 2016.   From Mulanje traveling to Monkey Bay, Mangochi and Lake Malawi, headed to a bay where we will find a relaxing afternoon of fishing eagles and fishing villages with their canoes defy the third largest lake of 'Africa, one of the largest water reserves in the world; it is estimated that the endemic fish that inhabit the waters, Cichlids, are around 1000 species. Overnight at the lodge on the lake. Half board

DAY 7 LAKE MALAWI, MONKEY BAY AREA - April 27, 2016.  The fishing villagers are many, and in the morning it is easy to meet them in their canoes while returning from a night of fishing. Lake Malawi in this area is close to the Lake Malawi National Park: a real sea and provides livelihood to all villages settled on the banks of the lake. From here we can organize a boat trip to the island of Boadzulu, the lake Malawi National Park where we will be able to fully enjoy the wonder and the transparency of the lake. Women dry out the fish and preparing the stalls for sale. We will spend the day on Lake Malawi, in the villages and to devote to the knowledge of the people’s business. Overnight at the lodge on the lake. Half board

DAY 8 LAKE MALAWI - LIWONDE NATIONAL PARK - April 28, 2016. In the morning, wake up at sunrise and after breakfast we will reach the banks of the Shire River, where we will enter the Liwonde National Park and we will organize the famous boat safari to better spot and photograph the wildlife of the park: many elephants, hippos and crocodiles! The boats are motorized and will come accompanied by a guide who will maneuver the boat and, in addition to our presence, we will be adding a safari guide. The chances of sighting elephants are unique and often swim in front of us, across the river in search of food. In the afternoon, the second boat safari increases the chances of more sightings. Accommodation in the middle of the park, in one of the most beautiful lodge / Malawi courts, overlooking the Shire River. Full board

DAY 9 LIWONDE NATIONAL PARK - MUA  April 29, 2016. A few kilometers separate us from Mua, the oldest and original operational mission in Malawi. It was born with the support of the Ngoni tribe in 1903, at the request of two French White Fathers, an order which was born in Algeria. Father Boucher, anthropologist and missionary, started a center of culture and art, at Kungoni ( meaning “Waterfall”, because it sits near a waterfall) and the Museum of Chamare, named after Chapmartin, French father who founded the school of carpentry, still appreciated around the area today. At Mua they preserve the rich cultural heritage of Malawi and have collected about 400 of the 10,000 (yes, we wrote well, ten thousand!) Masks of the Gule Wamkulu, secret ceremony of the majority Malawian ethnic group: the Chewa. Since a few years ago the Gule Wamkulu became a World Heritage Site, protected by UNESCO. Overnight in bungalows equipped at the mission. Bed and breakfast

DAY 10 MUA - CHILEKA  AIRPORT, BLANTYRE -  April 30, 2016

Return to Blantyre through the fertile highlands of the Rift Valley; Transfer to airport for international departure flight.

* The current times are estimates calculated on flight plans provided by the airlines by the year 2015. If the route changes then this could be varied.

 

EXTENSIONS

  • Lake Malawi beaches, adventure or relaxation
  • Indian Ocean wonderful sea
  • Hidden Ntchisi Forest
  • Mulanje forest, behind AfricaWildTruck

ATTENDANCE FEE: 2790 USD
incluse VAT 16,5%, Tourism Levy 1% e tasse 30%
PARTECIPANTS: MINIMUM 6, MAX 14

DISCOUNTS
The following discounts are possible:

  • Discount of 40Usd per day if you decide to camp
  • family discounts: for children and young boys/girls under 12 years
  • 100Usd for travelers who already took part at least in a travel with AFRICA WILD TRUCK (minum base of 4 persons)
  • groups discount
  • Discounts are subject to variations and can't be combined together.

THE FEE INCLUDES

  • English speaking guides authorized by Minister of Tourism
  • all transports, to and from the airport, road taxes
  • all game drives activities, all national parks entry fees(in Majete wildlife reserve 4 game drives, in Mount Mulanje Reserve and in Lake Malawi national park and Liwonde national park 2 boat safari or game drives)
  • all overnights in lodge as to program - no camping (see page 3)
  • all meals as per full board indication
  • 50 US dollars that AWT entirely donates to AROUND AWT (see page 11)
  • VAT (16,5%),  TOURISM LEVY (1%) and government taxes.

THE FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • flights
  • Malawi Visa
  • Single supplement (40 Usd per night)
  • Euroassistance/Globy or similar travel insurance (cancellation, luggage, health insurance highly advisable – it is possible to stipulate it with the above cited agency or online – write to us, we will help you to find the best solution!)
  • drinks different from water
  • optional excursions not mentioned
  • Meals where indicated bed and breakfast
  • any possible personal expense
  • tips
  • anything not expressely specified under "The fee includes"

HEALTH

No obligation to vaccination. We recommend these vaccines:

  • tetanus
  • typhoid fever
  • hepatitis A and B

Concerning malaria, disease transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito, its prevention is accomplished, first of all, with a mechanic prevention i.e. avoiding getting stung, following these rules:
sleeping under mosquito tents
useìing insecticide to get rid of possible mosquitos
after sunset, when mosquitos are more active, avoiding leaving parts of the body uncovered, wearing light-coloured long trousers and long-sleeve shirts, because dark colours attract mosquitos and spraying parts of the body uncovered with Autan Extreme
For the use of any possible antimalarial drugs we suggest that you consult your Public Health Service; health norms change very rapidly.

TRAVEL MEDICAL KIT

We suggest that you take with you a small supply of these medicines:

  • analgesics/fever reducers: acetylsalicylic acid and nimesulide
  • antibiotics like ciproxin or amoxicillin or clavulanic acid
  • antimalarials: anyway carry with you 2 packs of Lariam for emergency cases
  • antidiarrheals: loperamide or kaolin in case of symptoms (to use only if really necessary!)
  • rehydration salts: in case of fluid leaks
  • against car or air sickness: a pack of pills or chewing-gums
  • antihistamines: in case of allergic reactions
  • scissors, tweezers and thermometer
  • suntan cream
  • insecticides (like Autan Extreme)

Required documents and Visa

It is necessary to have a passport valid for at least 6 months after departure date with at least two free pages; for the entry in Malawi the Visa is obtainable under 75 Usd payment. Write us for more informations

 

CLOTHING

  • comfortable trekking walking shoes
  • technical sandals
  • easy to dry slippers for the shower
  • windbreaker
  • k-way
  • sweatshirt/pile
  • cotton/linen long trousers
  • cotton/linen long sleeve shirts
  • cotton T-shirts
  • bathing suit
  • panty
  • belly pack for passport
  • sunglasses
  • cap

OTHER

  • towel
  • binoculars
  • head torch-light
  • water bottle
  • camera/videocamera/spare batteries!!
  • passport photocopy and 2 passport photos
  • any other mountain trekking that you might need
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