MALAWI  MAGIC

Lilongweto Lilongwe 10 Days MalawiZambia 

The Magic of Malawi is found in the friendliness of its people, undiscovered national parks and peaceful, rural scenery. Enjoy the irresistible beauty of Malawi’s vast, crystal clear lake and spectacular golden sunsets. Combine this with Zambia’s remarkable wildlife, in a pristine wilderness setting, and you have all the ingredients necessary for an amazing African experience.

DAYS 1 - 2: SENGA BAYLilongwe, the capital city of Malawi, offers a distinct contrast between the hustle and bustle of the old town and new, gleaming modern buildings in spacious, garden-like settings. Departing Lilongwe we travel east to the shores of Lake Malawi. The lake’s blue tranquil waters cover one fifth of the country and provide wonderful canoeing and exciting snorkelling. Our destination is Senga Bay, a small town with a beautiful beach and some of the best curios in Malawi, at the country’s biggest craft market. 

DAYS 3 – 4: CAPE MACLEAR From Senga Bay we make our way to Cape Maclear, where we enjoy a two night stop. Most of the area and the waters of the lake itself are part of the Lake Malawi National Park. Malawi has a well deserved reputation for the friendliness of its people. Wherever you go you will receive a welcome which is unsurpassed. There are a wide variety of options* available – stroll through the village of Chembe, walk up the mountain slopes, snorkel in the warm lake waters and hand-feed tropical fish. Take a boat cruise, watch fish eagles soar and relax on the golden beach, in anticipation of one of Malawi’s famous lake sunsets.

DAYS 5: ZOMBA PLATEAU  Reaching the cool forested plateau of Zomba in the southern part of the country, you will be awed by the contrast in surroundings. Formerly the capital of Malawi and still a university town, Zomba was settled by the British as a respite from the heat of the low lying plains. The village is situated beneath the table-like Zomba Plateau with its sheer scarp-like edges, vast forests, waterfalls and lakes. The area offers a pleasant variety of short walks through woodland, beside clear running streams and across open grassland. We visit the colourful, local market with its mix of witchdoctors, tin smiths and second hand clothes, found amongst freshly picked fruit and vegetable stalls.

DAY 6: CHIPATA Crossing the border into Zambia, we overnight in Chipata which acts as the gateway town to South Luangwa. You will notice an unexpected amount of ornate mosques due to the town’s large Indian community. Chitenje, the traditional Zambian cloth wraparounds, which are for sale in the market make a multi-colored display. Our departure tomorrow morning will be an early one in order to cover the rather slow and bumpy access road to South Luangwa National Park.

DAYS 7 – 9: SOUTH LUANGWASouth Luangwa National park stands out as one of Africa's great parks. With an abundance of animals, 40 large mammal species and 400 bird species, it is the park in Africa where you are most likely to encounter leopard. With its beautiful oxbow lagoons, stunning scenery and sheer variety of animals, this park promises to hold a place in your heart for a long time to come. In the river and adjoining pools, hippos and crocodiles can be seen in great numbers and it is not uncommon for elephant to wander through our camp at night. Our game drives are taken in open safari vehicles. You may also take the option* of enhancing your wildlife experience with a night drive, searching for nocturnal animals by spotlight.

DAY 10: LILONGWE          Our driving day brings us back to Lilongwe. Having experienced the beauty of Lake Malawi, the inland sea which gives the country its particular character and the wildlife of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, this tour ensures that you truly experience the warm heart of Africa.                                                                                                                                                * Optional, at own expense.