WHAT WE WILL SEE

Mozambique and Malawi sea safari history. Sea safaris and history between Mozambique and Malawi. A diverse and complete tour.  Ocean environment of the coast, from tea plantations, to the warm welcome of Malawi, safaris in Majete Wildlife Reserve in the Shire Valley, a success story of restocking and conservation. Present in Majete 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 enter the mid of the  park even at night for safaris in search of predators.

Then to Ilha de Moçambique Island World Heritage Site, a jewel of tradition and culture that can not be missed on a trip to Mozambique. The meeting with the local people in Malawi  and Mozambique, remain in our hearts for their simplicity in the joy of living: places still untouched and little tourist immersed in nature, animals, villages, markets, a journey through two countries so unique and so unforgettable.

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 mantle 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 after leaf.

Ilha de Moçambique, a small island a World Heritage Site, rich in culture, traditions and contradictions that make it really fascinating. And the island from which Mozambique as a country derives its name and was the first capital city; we’ll tell you about the history of this country that we love and know deeply.

Behind the Quirimbas National Park we will hung on for a few days on one of the most beautiful beaches of Mozambique on the Indian Ocean: the coasts amaze us for their beauty and tranquility.

DURATION: 12 days. Possibility of extensions to the Quirimbas islands or on the coast of the Indian Ocean.

TRAVEL – Expedition 117 – Mozambique and Malawi sea safari history.

“From a distance this Ilha seem small but is big.

It has a long history from its inhabitants about its monuments. It is not possible for us to tell you everything we know. Ilha has others who likewise want to tell you.If you want to hear the whole story you will stay for a while in Ilha. So you will be shown the way that you have not seen. “

folk song free verse Nelson Saute and Antonio Sopa adapted from Mozambique, Gouache Francesca, Stefano and Gianni Pesarelli Bauce, Ed. Polaris”.

The northern Mozambique, rural and quiet, away from the bustle of the capital Maputo. The main ethnic group, the Macua and their deep traditions that are handed down from generation to generation.

The island of Mozambique, Ilha de Moçambique, is not just a mere island, but an island that gave its name to the entire country: Mozambique. As well as being a World Heritage Site on paper, it was the first capital of Mozambique; There are many stories to tell on the two island cores; the Stone City, built by the Portuguese and Macuti City, with typical thatched roofs. The rich Mozambican history passes through this island. The majesty of the fortress, palaces, squares, churches, take us back to Europe, but the African sun reminds us that the other side of the hemisphere, in Ilha, you live in this time and in this space is not mythical .The pristine beaches in the north of Mozambique, the palm trees and the intense colors of the Indian Ocean and the typical sleepy rhythms of the swahili culture. We will be close to the Quirimbas National Park, remembered for its high biodiversity and for the views of the most beautiful beaches on the East African Coast. The terrestrial vegetation is a mosaic of coastal forest and river, mangroves, bamboo, acacia forests and mixed miombo, palm trees and dry vegetation providing refuge to several species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds.

In Malawi, welcoming and warm country: its people have a warm and hospitable heart that in no other country in Africa we have ever heard. In the far south of Malawi blossoms a park that has an incredible story: Majete wildlife reserve boasts the famous Big Five: buffalos, 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 popular 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 in massive quantities have been re-introduced. 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), Lichtestein’s hartebeest (Alcelaphus bucelaphus), impala (Aepyceros melampus), zebras (Equus quagga) and warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus). Present are also mammals such as kudu, reedbuck, silvicapre, suni and bushpigs. Among the large carnivores present, are hyenas, leopards, lions, often spotted next to Thawale lodge. Not only nature. Majete is an example also 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 up of micro enterprise projects, environmental information and education. No doubt the park is now famous here in Malawi as an example of success.

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

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 mantle 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. Markets and villages are the perfect setting with their colors, their scents and the joy and the traditional hospitality of local people. The major African cities with their amazing rhythms and contrasts, the colonial architecture and the magical atmosphere as the sun prepares the evening show of the sunset.

Away from tourism, away from the beaten circuits, 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

Always lodge accommodation. The nights in Majete Wildlife Reserve in the magnificent Thawale lodge in the heart of the park, winner of numerous awards such as eco-lodge. A Mulanje accommodation exclusive to us reserved in ancient colonial house, where AfricaWildTruck is based within a historic garden in the tea plantations. In Nampula overnight in simple, well-run hotel; Ilha de Mozambique overnight in recently rehabilitated palace overlooking one of the island’s historic squares. In Pemba three nights in beautiful eco-lodge in the south of one of the best beaches in the country.

The rooms in the lodge / chalet / hotel, is intended, unless otherwise requested, in double or, in rare cases, triple; 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 write to us!

THE PERIOD/SEASON

Temperatures depend largely on the season, from the latitudes and altitudes. On the right is a table indicative of average temperatures in the different seasons. The hottest month is November, the coolest month is June / July. The dry season is from April / May to November. The wet season runs from December to March / April, during this time you can see the parks in their green splendor; some babies of mammals are born in this period as well as many birds cross the mating season, changing plumage and courting females. We recommend both seasons, both in fact have a special charm. August is ONE MONTH DRY, IDEAL FOR NORTH OF MOZAMBIQUE!

Contact us for more information on the current season, they are not all the same each year!

ROADS

We will cover approx 2000 km, 300 of which are dirty road to move into the parks and the rest of good tar road.

A SAFARI GUIDE

The numerous game drives (English definition that describes the excursion in 4 × 4 organized for the sighting of animals), will take place in the daytime and at night with the jeep. It is not required to take special preparation except the desire to get up at dawn and patience required in search of animals. Note that Safari will be held during the coolest hours of the day (sunrise and sunset), when animals are easier to spot. Being self-driven, however, we may decide to stop  on a scene for as long as possible, always following the rules of the park. The safaris are conducted in open jeeps equipped for the safari.

The boat safari on the Shire River in Majete Wildlife Reserve is an exciting experience in the warm heart of Africa. Here the boat safari is not to be missed. Besides us, there will be a further professional guide who will accompany us for the duration of the safari to better enjoy the close contact with nature. The experience is very interesting especially for close point of view that you can enjoy boating; observe animals during their daily activity on the banks of the river is really a privilege for photography enthusiasts!

Photographers during the safari will always be permitted to bring their own camera equipment. The guides will aim first of all to put the vehicle in the best position, where  safety and security permits. Inside the park the jeep will NOT communicate by radio with each other, to avoid the crowd on an animal and thus preserve the peace.

Then the vehicle must be in the right place at the right time to see what you want; we prefer that a sanctuary of nature as the Majete Wildlife Reserve preserve this spirit of adventure that so characterizes it.

Important information: in the parks or in the camps, will be made to sign a disclaimer of responsibility required to access given the nature of the place.

DAY 1 PEMBA AIRPORT - MECUFI BEACH MOZAMBIQUE 04 SEPTEMBER 2016. Pemba is located in the north of Mozambique and is overlooking one of the largest bays in the world (the third) after those of Sydney in Australia and Guanabara in Brazil. In addition to having a history of Portuguese rule - when it was founded, in 1857, was called Porto Amelia in honor of the queen, now it boasts wonderful beaches like the one that we frequent. It can just do a simple search on Goggle to realize the wonder of the beaches of Mecufi. The sea is turquoise and golden beaches frame the picturesque and animated district. We'll move to the south, about thirty kilometers on the white beaches of Mecufi, where we will arrive in the afternoon: the colors of the sea are incredible. Overnight in eco-lodge on the beach. Full board.

DAY 2 MECUFI 05 SEPTEMBER 2016. A landscape marked by tides and a life without clock, dictated only by the rhythms of nature. And 'all this possible? Here in Pemba it certainly seems so. Overnight stay in eco-lodges, as the previous night. Full board

DAY 3 MECUFI 06 SEPTEMBER 2016. The beautiful beaches will make us relax, we will have the opportunity to see dolphins and swim on deserted beaches, including a flood and the other we can organize a diving output. Overnight stay in eco-lodges, like the previous night. Full board.

DAY 4 MECUFI - ILHA DE MOZAMBIQUE 07 SEPTEMBER 2016. Entry into the city of Ilha de Moçambique, crossing its bridge (3 km) that connects it to the mainland. We will live in contact with the two souls of the city: the macuti city, built with the typical thatched roof, and the stone city, founded by the Portuguese at the beginning of the sixteenth century. Arab influences, the Portuguese African, Indian blend into the culture of the island rich in history and the past that started the Mozambican identity. Overnight at the hotel on the island of Mozambique, in the seventeenth century Palazzo, where we will arrive in the late afternoon. Bed and breakfast

DAY 5, 6 ILHA DE MOZAMBIQUE 08, 09 SEPTEMBER 2016. From Mozambique Island derives the name of the entire country; This World Heritage Site was the first capital of Portuguese East Africa. The importance of the island was and still is a lot, so much so that today lies in overcrowded conditions. Here are the schools, markets, labor and people still move from the coast to come and live here, on a 3-km wide strip of land, at its widest point, just 500m. Breathe the scent of the ocean, as lost in a time that seems not to exist. The atmosphere of Ilha hit so many poets and artists who have dedicated their verses. Put simply, we will try to leave soothed by its sleepy rhythms from its lived air. The decadence of its buildings and its rich architecture will be food for thought for better understanding of colonialism phases. Walking along the promenade, admire the fortress, to get lost in its market, hear the muezzin calling to prayer, walk on the beach and watch the peace of the people who live there: the island's own philosophy takes us halfway around the world. Overnight in seventeenth-century colonial house rehabilitated recently. Bed and breakfast

 DAY 7 ilha de mozambique - MOCUBA 10 SEPTEMBER 2016. We will move to the nearby town of Mocuba, a must to proceed towards Malawi. Mocuba offers an incredible insight into the Mozambican life. Hotel accommodation in a quiet area. Half pension

DAY 8 MOCUBA - BORDER - MULANJE, MALAWI 11 SEPTEMBER 2016. Customs formalities for entry into Malawi. Rise early and travel the day to cross the Mozambique. A red soil track will lead us in the steps of the many villages in the dusty town of Alto Molocue; a long day of travel through the fertile highlands of northern Mozambique, the area remembered for the beautiful landscapes typical of the tobacco plantations and the many inselberg that characterize the whole area. Overnight in a quiet, old colonial house, immersed in the tea plantations, based Africa Wild Truck. Full board

DAY 9, 10 ILHA DE MOZAMBIQUE - pemba - MECUFI 12, 13 SEPTEMBER 2016. Walking through the vast spaces of the plantations. We meet the workers of the tea, which patiently collect 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 can enter the magical forest of Mulanje and dedicate this day to a short trek in the forest to the Likhubula waterfall, surrounded by greenery, including chameleons endemic 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": also why the site has been proposed in the list of World Heritage. Then we'll tell some legend 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 to the summit island in the sky. Spectacular scenery will open behind us and finally we will arrive in the afternoon to mere shelter of CCAP, one of the largest, from which we can observe the south-eastern slope of the peak of Chambe, located at 2557 m altitude. Among the activities we can visit the Mulanje market, to discover the daylife Malawian and we can visit the communities living around our base. Overnight in shelter or in old colonial house, like the previous night. Full board.

DAY 11 MULANJE FOREST RESERVE - MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE 14 SEPTEMBER 2016. Cross the Shire River descend from an altitude of 800 m at an altitude of 150, after the city of Blantyre to reach the Lower Shire Valley and the spectacle of Majete wildlife reserve. The hills are like endless expanses and bright green leaves only river space and the nature of the Majete. First safari in the afternoon. Overnight at the lodge, located in the park. Full board.

DAY 12 MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE 15 SEPTEMBER 2016. Introduction to the park. First day safari in the morning, with the possibility of spotting between species 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 they observe timid antelope, baboons, or, if lucky, elusive leopards. Full board.

DAY 13  MAJETE-BLANTYRE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. 16 SEPTEMBER 2016. At 10: 00 about departing from the international airport of Blantyre.

* The current times are estimates calculated on flight plans provided by the airlines by the year 2016. If the route changes could be varied.

QUOTA DI PARTECIPAZIONE: 2780 Usd

incluse VAT 16,5%, Tourism Levy 1%

PARTiCIPANTS: MIN 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 Liwonde national park, and Mount Mulanje Reserve)

  • all overnights in comfort lodges as per 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  and Zambian Visa
  • Single supplement (15%)
  • 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
  • Meals where indicated bed and breakfast
  • any possible personal expense
  • tips
  • anything not expressly specified under "The fee includes"

BOOK!

Contact info@africawildtruck.com to book or to ask informations.

HEALTH

No obligation to vaccination. Write to us to have more information!

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
  • using 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 colors 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)

LUGGAGE

Due to space and cohabitation reasons each person shall have just a big backpack (max 15 kg), with max. dimensions 30x40x50 cm (60 liters) besides a standard small bag with photopraphic equipment.

We recommend that you comply with the dimensions.

CLOTHES LAUNDRY

It will be possible to wash your clothes where we will stop at least for 2 nights

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, while for Mozambique 80 USD.  Write us for more informations

CLOTHING

  • comfortable trekking 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
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