 Day 1: Chelinda Lodge, Nyika National Park
On arrival at Lilongwe International Airport you will be met and assisted with immigration formalities before joining your charter aircraft for the flight to Chelinda Lodge, Nyika National Park. The flight takes about 90 minutes and you will fly north along the spine of Malawi-over the Viphya Mountains, and then onto the Nyika Plateau. Usually, with clear skies you will get good views of Lake Malawi off to your east.
Nyika National Park is scenically Malawi's most spectacular wild area and is worthy of a visit as much for the scenery as for the wildlife. It boasts an incredible mixture of scenery and landscapes - pristine brachystegia woodland, mature montane forest patches, crystal clear running streams and miles and miles of open rolling grassland. Being situated at a mean height of over 2,000 meters guarantees a permanently temperate climate which is of particular contrast to the lakeshore areas of Malawi. Days can be spent walking, game driving and relaxing at the lodge There are also horse riding opportunities for keen riders. Game that can be spotted includes Burchell's Zebra, Roan Antelope, common Reedbuck, Eland, Bushbuck, Warthog, Leopard, Hyena, Side-Striped Jackal and Serval. Birdlife is prolific, and specials' include Churring and Mountain Cisticolas, Red-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Fulleborn's Black Bou-bou, Bar-tailed Trogon, Mountain Nightjar and several species of Bulbul which occur deep in the canopy of the forests.
With panoramic views over the rolling grasslands of the plateau, Chelinda Lodge has one of the most magnificent settings in Africa. Sixteen guests can be accommodated in eight individual en-suite log cabins, each with its own log fire. The log cabins surround the main dining area and are connected by raised wooden walkways.The lodge offers a fully inclusive stay of all meals, accommodation and activities of game drives by day and night, walks, and mountain biking. Horse riding and trout fishing are available at extra cost. Park fees and drinks are also included.
Days 2 and 3: At Chelinda
Your exact daily routine will be tailor made to suit your requirements and interests but on offer are excellent guided walks and game drives by day and by night .
Day 4: Chintheche Inn, Lake Malawi
After breakfast you will board the aircraft for your scenic flight to Chintheche Inn. The flight takes about 40 minutes, the last 10 being along the shores of the lake with wonderful views across into Mozambique.
The Inn is situated on Lake Malawi's northern shores and offers en-suite rooms for a maximum of 20. Each room overlooks a white sandy beach which offers excellent swimming and interesting beach walks. The Inn has an excellent reputation for fine cuisine and offers a full bar. Snorkelling, swimming and boating opportunities are available and local excursions can easily be arranged - bird watching, diving at Nkhata Bay, points of local interest and cultural safaris. There is also a recently built swimming pool for those who prefer with a 180-degree view of the lake. All meals and non motorized watersports are included in the tariff and motorized watersports and local excursions are available at a small extra charge payable locally.
Day 5: At Chintheche Inn
Free day at your discretion
Day 6: Mvuu Wilderness Lodge, Liwonde National Park
Today you will fly from Chintheche to Mvuu-this is a truly wonderful flight that follows the shores of Lake Malawi for much of the way and takes about one and three quarter hours. You will fly over the scenic Cape Maclear Peninsula, and the Port of Monkey Bay and see hundreds of idyllic fishing villages that have existed unchanged for hundreds of years. As you approach Liwonde National Park you fly along the Shire River, and may well see herds of elephant and sable on the floodplains as you descend to land at Mvuu.
Mvuu Wilderness Lodge is situated in the heart of Liwonde National Park on the banks of a quiet lagoon flowing off the Shire River. The lodge offers comfortable tented accommodation in spacious "Hemingway"-styled safari tents, with own en-suite facilities for a maximum of 10 guests. Each tent has its own private viewing platform and is discreetly hidden between the thick undergrowth bordering the lagoon. The lodge has a swimming pool, sun deck and al fresco dining platform overlooking the river and lagoon. Your stay on is on a full board basis, including the game activities which center around game drives by day and by night in open vehicles, walks and boat safaris, a unique activity at Mvuu. We explore the Shire River and lagoons - an excellent opportunity for sightings of elephants, hippo, crocodile and bird life. Birding is rewarding - specialities include Lillian's lovebird, brown breasted barbet, osprey, palmnut vulture, Pel's fishing owl and Livingstone's flycatcher.
Also available is a viewing hide on a tributary of the Shire River and also some interesting visits, by local bicycle, to the local school and surrounding rural communities. Included in your stay are all meals, game activities, park fees, and laundry. Drinks are extra and can be settled on departure.
Day 7: Mvuu Wilderness Lodge
Free day at your discretion
Day 8
Today a 45 minute flight west over the mountains of the Great African Rift will take you back to Lilongwe for your flight out.
SAFARI INFORMATION FOR TRAVEL IN MALAWI AND ZAMBIA
Very Important For All Flights to Malawi
As the flights can be heavily booked, please ensure you check in early so there is no chance you will be "bumped off" the flight. Please check in at least 90 minutes before the published departure time. ALSO please ensure that your onward flight arrangements are confirmed within 72 hours prior to departure. Your guide will take care of this usually on your
arrival at the airport.
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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