Tour in Malawi and Zambia african wilderness

WHAT WE WILL SEE

Tour in Zambia and Malawi african wilderness. A trip between Malawi and Zambia, to immerse ourselves in nature and peoples.

In South Luangwa National Park, the heart of a charming ecosystem that boasts antelopes, zebras, buffalo, elephants and an abundance of predators: lions, jackals, hyenas, cheetahs, small herds of wild dogs now endangered, and not least and relatively easy to spot, the leopard. Here you can also visit the park during the night hours, when some predators such as leopards and lions are most active and also we expect the “walking safari”: here, in fact, was born the tradition of walking safaris.

At Zomba, on the Zomba Plateau, an area of​1800 meters boasting a forest of considerable size and many species of animals and plants unique to the world; Then we will pass on the gentle hills covered by pure white and green tea. Walking through the immense spaces of the plantations we meet the tea workers.

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

A tour away from tourism, between the poignant beauty of its landscapes, Malawi and its people is an incredibly hospitable and friendly country. The kilometers of pristine beaches of golden sand, that cannot be compared to our Italian coasts, and to the meeting with the fishermen and the villages of the lake.

DURATION

11 days. Possibility to extend the trip on Mulanje Mountain for an hike or trekking or lake  Malawi.

GUIDES

Drivers and professional guides are selected on the field during our many travels and have distinguished themselves for their high training, experience and reliability. They are local guides we have carefully chosen following an idea of ​​sustainability of travel and social commitment, to ensure the traveler the most profound experiences that generate benefits for local communities. If required,  an Italian speaking guide join you.

MEANS OF TRANSPORT

All distances will be covered by means of 4 × 4 Toyota Land Cruiser or Land Rover or similar or any vehicle we considered adeguate.

ACCOMMODATION

In the capital, Lilongwe, we will spend one night in a nice lodge, situated in a green area in the city, near the airport, with restaurant inside.

The nights at the South Luangwa National Park on the banks of the Luangwa River, in a position of absolute beauty in the lodge equipped with showers, toilets and restaurant; hippos, giraffes and groups of elephants often visit the camp. At Dedza spend the night in hotel rooms in a pleasant building with a restaurant. At Zomba we will spend one night in the former residence of Sir Harry Johnston, very pleasant and now state property; with the restaurant  attached.

At Senga Bay we weill spend a night in a pleasant lodge equipped with a restaurant. In Mulanje we will spend the night in ancient colonial mansion, dated 1912, nestled in the oldest plantations  of Malawi, where AfricaWildTruck lodge is based.

The lodge rooms are intended, unless otherwise requested, in double or sometimes triple; They could be replaced for technical-organizational problems without distorting the original plan. To get the list of lodge and camping write to us!

 

More info on Tour in Malawi and Zambia african wilderness

 

DAY 1 Lilongwe, Malawi

Arrival in Lilongwe, Malawi, welcoming and warm country: its people have a warm and hospitable heart that in no other country in Africa we have ever heard. Away 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. Meeting with the staff of Africa Wild Truck and transfer to the lodge located in a nice area in the city. Dinner at the lodge. Bed and Breakfast

Day 2 lilongwe - south luangwa national park

Traveling to Zambia and arrival at the South Luangwa national park, crossing a buffer zone surrounded by villages where there will be meetings with the people. Packed lunch included. Afternoon to watch the animals from the amazing location of the camp. Overnight at the lodge on the banks of the Luangwa River. Often they observe hippos, elephants and giraffes cross the river. Full board

 

Day 3 south luangwa national park

The rich diversity of habitats will be immediately apparent in our first morning safari and during the evening hours, when it is easier to spot nocturnal animals: Inside the South Luangwa National Park in search of lions, leopards, hyenas, genets, civets, nightjar ... Overnight in the lodge on the banks of the Luangwa River. Full board

Day 4 south luangwa national park

Early morning game drive or, alternatively, the possibility to participate in a "walking safari" accompanied by an armed ranger and a professional guide, to return to the base camp on the river bank, through a wild and pleasant area. night safari in the afternoon. Overnight in lodge along the Luangwa River. Full board

Day 5 south luangwa - dedza

We head back to Malawi along the road that leads to Dedza, passing on the border with Mozambique; in this small village is a factory of colorful ceramics that we will stop to visit. Overnight in the hotel room. Bed and Breakfast

Day 6  DEDZA - mua - zomba

Departure to Mua, the oldest and original operational mission in Malawi. The centre was established with the support of the Ngoni tribe in 1902, at the request of two French White Fathers who gave birth to a center of culture and art and the Museum of KuNgoni Chamare preserving the rich cultural heritage of Malawi. We will move from Mua to Zomba, a city that was the first capital of Malawi, or as it was called at the time, 'the land of the Lake', Nyasaland. Harry Hamilton Johnston was an energetic man with a difficult character in 1891, aged only 32, he became Commissioner General of Nyasaland; we can say that thanks to him the country completely changed the face: roads, administrative centers, the first hospital and schools were constructed. Zomba was chosen by Johnston as the capital of the colony above all for its beauty that the same Johnston called superb. The surrounding Zomba Plateau is an area of ​​1800 meters boasting a forest of considerable size and many species of animals and plants unique to the world; the atmosphere of the ancient capital is still preserved in some historical buildings such as the old residence of Johnston, the hotel where we will stay. Bed and Breakfast

Day 7 zomba-TEA PLANTATIONS - MULANJE

Few kilometers separates us from 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 plantation. Overnight stay in the ancient colonial house, now Africa Wild Truck eco-lodge. Full board

Day 8 TEA PLANTATIONS - MULANJE

We will spend an entire day wandering 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. The first tea plantations in Africa were introduced in the late nineteenth century precisely in this area of ​​Malawi. Spend the night. Full board

Day 9 TEA PLANTATIONS - MULANJE FOREST RESERVE

We will dedicate this day to visit Likhubula falls, a very nice spot inside Mulanje forest reserve. Spend the night. at Africa Wild Truck eco - lodge. Full board

Day 10 TEA PLANTATIONS - LAKE MALAWI

From plantations en route to Senga bay, the bay where we will find a relaxing afternoon of fish eagles and fishing villagers with their canoes on the waters of the third largest lake in 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. Bed and Breakfast

Day 11 SENGA BAY - INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT KAMUZU lilongwe

Return to Lilongwe passing the fertile highlands of the Rift Valley between the villages and markets. Transfer to the airport for your international flight back home.

*[Write us for Accommodation and lodge list]

ATTENDANCE FEE: ask info at info@africawildtruck.com

incluse VAT 16,5%, Tourism Levy 1%

PARTECIPANTS: MINIMUM 2, PRIVATE SAFARI

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
  • using insecticide to get rid of possible mosquitos
  • after sunset, when mosquitos are more active, avoiding leaving parts of the body uncovered, wearing light-colored 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)

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. In Zambia, at the border, at the cost of 50Usd.  Write us for more informations

CLOTHING

comfortable 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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