 Days 1 to 3: Luangwa Valley
On arrival at Lilongwe Airport, you will transfer to your charter aircraft for the 50 minute flight westwards to the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. After landing at Mfuwe, you are driven to the camp of your choice. Camps include Tena Tena, Tafika, Kaingo, Nkwali, Kapani or Lion Camp.
The next three nights are spent enjoying the wildlife of the Luangwa in open 4x4 safari vehicles by day and at night, as well as on walking safaris. All the camps are between four and nine rooms - so they offer personal service and flexibility. Wildlife highlights in the Luangwa include all the big game - Elephants, Lion, Buffalo and in particular, Leopard.
Days 4 and 5: Liwonde National Park - Mvuu
We transfer back to Mfuwe for the charter flight to Malawi, and then fly onto Liwonde National Park, one of the most scenic and diverse game parks around. The park straddles the Shire River, the main drainage outlet for Lake Malawi. The attractive riverine forest, dominated by palm, is home to some of the best wildlife in the region - huge Crocodiles, countless pods of Hippo, Sable, Elephants and some of the best birding on he continent await visitors to this park.
Accommodation for the next two nights is at Mvuu Lodge - a 10 bedded, comfortable tented camp situated on the banks of the Shire River. Activities centre on wonderful game viewing and birding by boat, in open 4x4 vehicles, night drives and walks
Days 6 and 7: Lake Malawi
From Mvuu we travel by road or by air to the remote Chintheche Inn, situated on the shores of Lake Malawi. The lake here is free of bilharzia and offers safe swimming in the clear waters of one of Africa's largest fresh water lakes. These two nights offer a fascinating contrast to the rest of the safari. Besides the beach and the water-sport activities, guests can visit the neighbouring traditional villages and learn about and enjoy rural African culture, traditions and village life.
Day 8: Safari ends
After breakfast you are flown or driven back to Lilongwe where your safari ends.
SAFARI INFORMATION FOR TRAVEL IN MALAWI AND ZAMBIA
Luggage
As laundry services are available throughout your safari either free or at a minimal charge, and as you have no need to bring any formal wear, we recommend you keep your luggage down to the basics. Long-sleeve shirts are essential as they are good to keep the mosquitoes at bay. We have a strict 12kg limit on luggage which does include camera equipment. For ease of packing we insist on a soft carry-all bag of the following maximum dimensions: 80 cm long by 35 cm wide. NO SUITCASES CAN BE ACCEPTED ON THIS TRIP. (A clothing list is attached for your information) (see also LAUNDRY).
Health
There are three basic health matters that require care and attention. We are obviously not medical practitioners and the following are only recommended guidelines. Please consult your doctor if in doubt.
A) Malaria
Malaria is widespread in Africa and its control has become increasingly complex. Both chloroquine resistant and normal strains of malaria are prevalent. Malaria is transmitted by some female Anopholes mosquitoes which are active in the early evening and throughout the night - usually when one is sleeping or sitting around campfires in the evening. Malaria is not a serious problem if people are sensible and take basic precautions. Please check with your doctor or travel agent prior to your departure for any changes in health regulations. Click here for more information
B) Water
In Central Africa please treat ALL water as undrinkable and you will be safe. Although water maybe safe to drink everywhere (it is free from bacteria) it may have a high mineral content generally magnesium, which acts like "Milk of Magnesia", and can therefore cause stomach upsets. The one problem with travelling in the tropics is dehydration in the heat. It is generally recommended that one drink at least 2-3 litres of water per day to prevent dehydration - this excludes beers and coffee.
C) Bilharzia
Bilharzia is a disease which is common in most large bodies of water in the southern half of Africa. Lake Malawi has always had bilharzia, but only in certain parts of the lake. It can only exist in areas of the lake where there is minimal wave action, and thus is not likely to be present at Chintheche or Livingstonia Beach where wave action is virtually ever present. In the unlikely event of bilharzia being contracted, it is easily diagnosed by a simple blood test and easily and effectively treated with biltracide.
D) Tsetse Flies
Tsetse flies are large day-time feeding flies. They prefer shady conditions and are attracted to movement, carbon dioxide and lactic acid secretions. We advise that you wear light coloured lightweight clothing. Avoid deep blue and black, as tsetse are attracted to these colours, to lessen the chance of being bitten by these flies. The species occurring in Luangwa and Liwonde is not know to transmit sleeping sickness.
Weather Conditions
The weather at Nyika (applicable to the LEOPARD SAFARI) is very unpredictable and even the dry season can be cool, wet and misty. We suggest, therefore, that clients bring along LIGHT rain gear. The camps that we use in the Luangwa only operate from June through to the end of October. Temperatures range from warm to very hot towards the end of the season, but it is unlikely that it will rain. For travel in the months of NOV - MAY, it is important to note that heavy rain may be expected. This however is a wonderful time to experience how lust the African bush can become.
Walking
We will walk where possible ( Not during the months NOV - JULY) but it will be determined by the local area regulations and the regulations of the country. We cannot guarantee walking on any safaris, but we will endeavour to wherever we are able, passenger willing. Walking is, however, at your own risk as it can take you close to dangerous wild animals. We are accompanied by an armed National Park scout where necessary.
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