We have taken three of the best destinations in Malawi and linked them by charter aircraft. The trip runs from Lilongwe to Lilongwe, in a loop, but we are capable of being flexible.
A lot of international guests will arrive on SAA from Johannesburg and these flights sometimes arrive and depart Blantyre. Guests itinerary can easily be adapted to begin/or end in Blantyre although this may mean reversing the trip and substituting a short road transfer for the Mvuu-Blantyre sector of the trip.
On Day 1 if the flights connect we reserve the right to fly to Mzuzu with Air Malawi (one hour in a Cessna Caravan) and proceed form Mzuzu to Chelinda by light aircraft-25 minutes.
Group Size
Aircraft are few and far between in Malawi-the planes always available are a 5 seater 206 and a 5 seater Beechcraft Baron. The operators of these flights are likely to be either Nyika Safaris or Proflite. Please note that the airstrip on Nyika is on 2400 meters-this means that a 206 will only take off with a maximum of 4 guests-should the group be 5 pax then the aircraft will shuttle the group form Nyika to Mzuzu (25 minutes) and then take off with the 5 from Mzuzu to Chintheche (15 minutes). We cannot fly after dark so the latest arrival time of the international flight into Lilongwe needs to be by 1500 -if later then a night at a Lilongwe Hotel can be added - ask for details.
Introduction
Malawi and Zambia are one of Africa's finest combination destinations for the adventure traveller. From Lilongwe we will travel by road or air to the Luangwa Valley (about 6 hours travelling time/1 hour flying time) in Zambia. From the Luangwa we re-enter Malawi and ( for the LEOPARD SAFARI ITINERARY) travel to the Nyika, Lake Malawi. Travel to these out-of-the-way areas can be a rewarding experience ending up in Liwonde National Park, Southern Malawi.
Group Size
Our typical number of guests on a trip is 8 plus staff. However we can run "double trips" with groups of up to 16. All the safaris are sold based on a per person sharing price. If a member of the group wishes to have a guaranteed single room/tent throughout the safari, there will be an additional charge. Single rooms are subject to availability.
Vehicles & Schedules
We use Land rovers on these tours. The going in Malawi and Zambia can be rough and slippery in some sections. We will try to run the safari according to the published schedule. However, if conditions do not permit, we will have to alter the schedule to cater for these conditions. No refunds are due if we are not able to visit an area due to roads being unserviceable etc. Please be flexible in your own outlook. This flexibility and adaptability to local conditions will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the safari. If circumstances dictate, we reserve the right at no extra charge to fly in or out of the Luangwa. SMOKING POLICY: Smoking is not permitted in the vehicle. We will have regular stops which smokers in the group can use as smoke breaks.
Participation and Qualification
This safari will take you through one of Central Africa's prime scenic areas. However, the tourist infrastructure is fairly limited and the facilities available do not allow us to offer a "5 star" accommodated safari. If however, you wish to see Malawi and Zambia at a relaxed and easy-going pace and if you lead a moderately active life and are in good health, then this is your safari. All chores (cooking, washing etc..) are handled by staff, and each safari includes a cook.
What is not Included
The tour fares are fully inclusive as per the itinerary in our brochure. However personal expenditure, drinks, gratuities, park fees and airport departure tax (US$20 cash) are usually excluded. You should carry the balance of your spending money in traveller's cheques or US Dollars cash, or a combination of the two. You may be asked to show bank or exchange receipts. We do not recommend that you travel with large amounts of cash.
Drinks
Beer and soft drinks may be purchased by your guide during the trip. At the end of your trip your guides will calculate how much has been consumed and charge accordingly. At camps, the bar bill will be settled on departure directly by guests. Note the drinks policy well - Chelinda lodge includes drinks but Chintheche and Mvuu do not.
Tips
Tipping is at the sole discretion of the guests and is not compulsory. Tipping should only be done if you have received good service. However, guests often want to know what is appropriate, so we have included a brief guideline to assist you. For Guides we recommend that if the guide has done a good job, then about US$5 per person per day is a recommended tip. For Camp Staff we recommend approximately US$1 per person per day to be divided communally amongst the camp staff at each camp.
Accommodation
In Zambia we may stay at a variety of different camps. All are comfortable and most have en-suite facilities. The camps have been chosen for their unique bush atmosphere and are generally rustic and simply constructed.
For the Leopard Safari
At the Nyika we will be using Chelinda Camp which has cosy chalets with two rooms sharing a bathroom. Mvuu Wilderness Lodge offers supreme luxury in en-suite tents, each with a private viewing platform. Please also note that we are occasionally forced to alter the routing of our safaris if weather and local conditions dictate. There is no refund due if we are forced to alter the routing or the accommodation.
A Typical Day in the Luangwa
The day commences with tea/coffee, and a light breakfast served at around 06h00. We will then take a walk or game drive, returning to camp before the heat of the day. A brunch will then be served. At leisure during the hottest part of the day. Afternoon tea/coffee is served around 16h00 prior to our afternoon walk or drive. This is often combined with an en route sundowner and then return after dark with a spotlight to enable us to show you some of the park's nocturnal species. Supper is served around 20h30, depending on the length of the night drive. There are always plenty of light snacks available on board.
Joining the Safaris
Your guide will meet you at Lilongwe airport if you arrive on the day the safari departs. Please note that we reserve the right to alter the direction and starting point of the safari if circumstances dictate.
