MALAWI & SOUTH LUANGWA

Day 1
Depart London.

Day 2
Arrive Lilongwe. Originally a small village on the banks of the Lilongwe river, Lilongwe is now a lively and busy city with a population of almost 900,000. Following the arrival of the group flight this morning, we have time to visit the old town with its lively and colourful City Market with its friendly marketers selling everything from car parts to dried locusts! This evening we relax at our camp.

Day 3
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Day 4
Today we travel into the Viphya mountains and Luwawa forest. For two nights we base ourselves in the mountains. We can either relax or there is a wealth of optional activities on offer: abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking or wilderness trekking. The optional wilderness trek takes us on an overnight journey past waterfalls, through the mountainous landscape and down towards Lake Malawi - on this excursion we will spend the night camping in the wilderness. Please see our optional excursion section for further information on available activities here.

Day 5
This morning we stop to shop in Mzuzu, a short scenic drive from Luwawa, before heading slowly down the edge of the Rift Valley towards the lake. Our drive takes us through endless small villages and large rubber plantations. We arrive at Kande Beach, on the shores of Lake Malawi, early afternoon.

Day 6
We spend the whole day by the lake today. There is time to visit the nearby traditional Tonga village, relax on the shores and take advantage of the many water sports on offer.

Day 7
We pass a plethora of fishing villages as we travel to Senga Bay. Following a stop in the small town of Salima and a large colourful craft market, we arrive at Senga Bay. Here, the beautiful shoreline is littered with huge rocks and boulders and is the perfect place to watch the African sunset.

Day 8
A morning's drive south brings us to the vibrant town of Zomba, with its excellent vegetable market. After purchasing some of the local cuisine for dinner, we climb up the edge of the Zomba Plateau. Rising 1800m, the plateau is filled with vast tracts of cedar forest, waterfalls, lakes and streams. There is time in the afternoon to explore on foot. Views from the top are simply stunning, over the plains and, on a clear day, in to Mozambique. This evening sundowners at Kuchawe Inn are a must.

Day 9
Following an optional early morning walk, we descend to the town and head north towards Dezda, the highest town in Malawi. Our route takes us through some spectacular scenery, running parallel to the Mozambique border and with great views down towards the lake. Dezda is also well known for its pottery. We spend the afternoon at the pottery where there is time for an optional tour of the workshop and we also recommend a visit to the café here (we think it has the best cheesecake in Africa!)

Day 10
We return to the capital, Lilongwe before heading towards the Zambian border. Once past the border, there is a short drive to Chipara where we camp for the night.

Day 11
The journey to South Luangwa National Park should be fairly quick, depending on when the road was last graded. On arrival at our camp we settle in to our permanent tented camp. Situated in Zambia's eastern province, the national park is nine thousand square kilometers of pristine wilderness. We take an evening game drive in search of elephant, bushbuck, kudu, giraffe, lion and the elusive leopard.

Day 12
There are over 60 different animal species and over 400 bird species in the park. Today we take morning and afternoon game drives or walks. South Luangwa is well known for its walking safaris, allowing you to get closer to animal tracks and the unique flora of the area. Viewing wildlife on foot is also a unique and exhilarating experience. The middle of the day will be free to relax, visit a local village or tour a local tribal textile workshop.

Day 13
This morning there is final optional game drive or walk before heading back across the border to Lilongwe.

Day 14
Depart Lilongwe.

Day 15
Arrive London.