Through the landscapes of South-Central Africa, between wildlife safaris and encounters with local cultures
Malawi and Zambia offer an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. Travelling through these countries means experiencing nature in some of its most varied and fascinating forms, while also coming into contact with cultures and traditions that remain deeply authentic.
12 days in Malawi and Zambia
To discover the natural and cultural heritage of south-central Africa, we offer a 12 day journey through Malawi and Zambia.
The tour begins at the Africa Wild Truck base, from where we will explore the foothills of the Mulanje Massif. Local villages and markets, tea plantations, short forest walks and natural attractions such as the Mbiya Pools and Likhubula Falls will introduce you to this remarkable region. It will also be an opportunity to learn more about the social responsibility projects that we support.
Leaving Mulanje behind, we continue towards Liwonde National Park, which stretches along the Shire River. The presence of this waterway creates a rich and varied ecosystem that supports an abundance of wildlife. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for game drives, offering opportunities to spot large predators such as lions and cheetahs. During a boat safari on the Shire River, you may encounter hippopotamuses, crocodiles, elephants, monkey families and impalas gathering along the riverbanks. Liwonde is also recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and is renowned for its exceptional birdlife.
From the banks of the Shire, we travel to the white and golden beaches of Lake Malawi. Its crystal-clear waters are home to more than 1,000 species of tropical fish, many of them cichlids, creating an extraordinary biodiversity hotspot that can be explored while snorkelling. During your stay on the lake, you will also have the opportunity to visit traditional fishing villages and observe local fishermen setting out in their canoes.
The final stop in Malawi is Lilongwe before crossing into Zambia and reaching the last destination of the journey: South Luangwa National Park. Here we will enjoy both daytime and night game drives. During the dry season, you may also experience a walking safari, an activity pioneered in this very park by Norman Carr. South Luangwa protects an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including more than 60 mammal species, predators such as lions and hyenas, rare packs of African Wild Dog, large herbivores including zebras, buffalo, elephants and numerous antelope species. The park is also famous for its exceptionally high leopard density and for two endemic species: Thornicroft’s Giraffe and Cookson’s Wildebeest.
Throughout the journey, in Malawi e Zambia, accommodation is provided at the Africa Wild Truck Lodge & Camp and in carefully selected lodges overlooking the Shire River, Lake Malawi and the wilderness of South Luangwa.
Should you wish to extend your journey, several options are available. You may continue to the Victoria Falls, or arrive earlier in Mulanje to allow extra time for an excursion on Mount Mulanje, deeply rooted in Malawian culture and tradition.
Travel details
Best time to travel
This itinerary operates throughout the year. We particularly recommend travelling between May and November/December to enjoy the dry season, when wildlife viewing opportunities are generally at their best.
Duration
12 full days, excluding international flights. Extensions are available.
Price
From €3,690 per person, based on 8 participants. Prices may vary depending on the number of travellers. Reduced rates are available for children.
Attractions
Blantyre | Mount Mulanje Forest Reserve | Liwonde National Park | Lake Malawi | Lilongwe | South Luangwa National Park
Tailor your Africa journey
You can add extra stops to one of our itineraries or ask us to create a completely tailor-made journey. We will be delighted to help you plan your ideal trip.
Travel Area
Included activities
Safari game drives in 4×4
Discover more: Safari game drives in 4×4
Boat safari
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Night safari
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Village tours
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Market tours
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Community Projects
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Local shopping
Discover more: Local shopping
Trekking
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Optional activities
Walking safari
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City tours
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Cultural tour
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Tea tasting
Discover more: Tea tasting
Snorkeling
Discover more: Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Discover more: Scuba diving
Hiking
Discover more: Hiking
Additional information
Things to know
Entry requirements
To enter Malawi and Zambia, you will need a passport with at least two blank pages and a minimum of six months’ validity remaining. Visa requirements vary according to nationality and may change over time. We recommend consulting official travel advice before departure.
Food and drinks
Local cuisine
Malawi’s culinary specialities include fresh fish from Lake Malawi. Chambo (tilapia) is considered the lake’s signature dish. Trout can also be found in the streams of the Zomba, Mulanje and Nyika highlands.Nsima, made from white maize, is commonly served with vegetables and occasionally with meat or fish. Malawi is also known for its excellent local beers and its growing reputation for gin production. Zambian cuisine offers a variety of traditional dishes. Nshima, a maize-based staple food, is commonly served with meat, vegetables or fish. Other popular dishes include Ifisashi, vegetables cooked in a peanut sauce, and Biltong, dried cured meat.
Hygiene and safety
The accommodation and restaurants we select maintain high standards of hygiene. For additional peace of mind, we recommend:
- Drinking water and beverages only from sealed containers or those supplied by your lodge.
- Using bottled or lodge-supplied water when brushing your teeth.
- Avoiding ice in drinks.
- Avoiding uncooked vegetables and seafood.
Currency and payments
Malawi
Currency: Malawi Kwacha
Zambia
Currency: Zambian Kwacha
Electronic payments and cash withdrawal facilities may be limited in remote and rural areas. For further information, please consult our travel preparation guide.
Health information
Vaccination requirements vary according to nationality and country of origin. For up-to-date health information and malaria prevention advice, we recommend consulting official travel health resources before departure.
What to bring
Luggage
We recommend travelling light and limiting luggage to approximately 16–18 kg.
Soft bags are strongly preferred over hard-shell or semi-rigid suitcases.
Clothing
Comfortable, breathable clothing is recommended, with lightweight garments for daytime temperatures and layers for cooler evenings or higher elevations. Comfortable walking shoes, ideally hiking shoes, are recommended, together with sandals for relaxing at your accommodation.
Essential equipment
We recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle and binoculars. Remember to carry all travel documents required for entry into Malawi and Mozambique, as well as a photocopy of your passport.
Medication
Pharmacies are generally only available in larger towns, so we recommend bringing a small supply of any medication you may require.
A detailed packing list, including clothing, equipment and medical recommendations, is available in our travel preparation guide.
Price information
Price includes
- All transfers as specified in the itinerary, including airport transfers and road taxes
- All safaris and excursions included in the programme: 5 safaris in South Luangwa National Park, 4 safaris in Liwonde National Park, scheduled excursions as described in the itinerary
- All accommodation as specified, based on double occupancy
- Meals where indicated on a full-board basis
- 1% Community Levy
- Applicable taxes
Price excludes
- International flights and any domestic flights
- Malawi and Zambia visas (where applicable)
- Travel insurance (medical, cancellation and baggage cover)
- National park entry fees
- Single room supplement
- Optional and recommended activities
- Drinks
- Meals not specifically mentioned
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Any item not expressly listed under “Price Includes”
Pricing information
Park fees and local levies may be subject to change without notice.
Please note that this itinerary is intended as a starting point and can be fully tailored to your preferences.
The final price will therefore be recalculated at the time of booking, taking into account any modifications to the itinerary, alternative accommodation choices and any supplier price updates.
Interested in this itinerary?
Complete the form with your enquiry and we will contact you as soon as possible to help plan your next journey.