Luxury Zambia and Malawi Itinerary

Zambia and Malawi: Safari and Freshwater Beach

A fantastic combination of two very different countries that offer so much. Discover walking safaris or river cruises along the mighty Zambezi in Zambia before relaxing on the sandy shores of Lake Malawi.  

This Zambia and Malawi itinerary features two incredible regions in Zambia, starting with the Lower Zambezi National Park which lies upstream from the powerful Victoria Falls. Here the animals roam free among the unfenced safari camps and elephant herds can number up to 100 strong. Hippo, buffalo, leopard and lion can all be spotted as can well over 400 bird species. The second is South Luangwa, which means “Valley of the Leopard“, where getting out on foot is the best way to experience the astounding scenery and wildlife that lives there. All this before heading to the beach in Malawi.

 

Starting in the Zambia your adventure starts in the Lower Zambezi National Park where you can immerse yourself in safari from the moment you arrive with both day and night safaris. There is also the opportunity to explore the waterways by kayak with a certified guide, pausing for hippos and elephants as you float through majestic scenery. The next stop is the South Luangwa, one of the natural jewels in Zambia’s crown and home to the most varied collections of wildlife on the planet. This 900km2 national park supports large populations of giraffe, elephant and buffalo as well as wild dogs and some incredible birdlife, including the carmine bee-eater.

Then it’s on to Malawi and the shores of the fourth-largest freshwater lake in the world. A sea without the salt, this is the perfect place to relax without having to fly long distance into the Indian Ocean. Here you can relax in an infinity pool, try your hand at a variety of watersports, sail in a dhow or immerse yourself in the local culture with visits to local villages on gentle bicycle rides. Flying home is going to feel like travelling to another planet.

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KEY FACTS
PEAK TIME

June-October

PRICE

From £7,500 $9,750 pp excl. flights

IDEAL LENGTH

13 days

FLIGHT TIME

13 hours from London
21 hours From NYC

CURRENCY

Zambian or Malawian Kwacha

LANGUAGE

English

Where you'll go

Lower Zambezi National Park

Portfolio: Southern Africa in pictures

South Luangwa National Park

Travel to Malawi in South Africa

Lake Malawi

When to go

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  • A
  • M
  • J
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  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

DID YOU KNOW?

African wild dogs only have four toes per foot and can reach speeds in excess of 40mph.

The itinerary

Paddle the Zambezi River

Zambezi River

There is something magical about a paddling safari, seeing things from a different angle and in near silence changes your perspective of the scale of not only the animals you encounter but also the scenery they inhabit. There are also very few places where you can do it like this and with a professional guide you won’t miss a thing whether it is an elephant bathing or a tiny brown-hooded kingfisher.

Head out on a walking safari

Portfolio: Southern Africa in pictures

Zambia has been home to walking safaris since the 1960’s and the South Luangwa is one of the very best places to experience African landscape on foot. With your knowledgeable guide leading the way, you traverse diverse landscapes, from open plains to dense forests. Every step brings new discoveries – from tracking animal footprints to observing intricate insect life. You may encounter herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, or even elusive leopards, all from a thrillingly close distance.

Discover the creatures of the night

Embarking on a night drive safari in Zambia is an exhilarating adventure into the heart of the African wilderness after dusk. Guided by headlights, you enter a realm alive with nocturnal creatures. Lions’ roars, hyenas’ calls, and crickets’ chirps fill the air. In the moonlit savannah, you might spot lions on the hunt or elephants gracefully moving. As the night deepens, encounters with leopards and genets add to the excitement.

Head to the beach on Lake Malawi

Relax on the shores of Lake Malawi, or try your hand a variety of watersports, cycling through local villages or hiking to spectacular viewpoints. Discover an amazing underwater world which is said to have more native fish species than any other lake in the world and keep your eyes open for fish eagles overhead. The perfect spot to take in all that you’ve seen on an amazing journey.

The itinerary

Accommodation

Where to stay

Nothing but the best. On this suggested Zambia and Malawi itinerary these are our handpicked, tried-and-tested choices.

View from the pool at Topas Eco Lodge in Vietnam

Anabezi, The Lower Zambezi

Anabezi offer some of the most magical safari experiences in Zambia, far from the other camps allowing you to explore your own slice of the Lower Zambezi.

Discover one of Africa's most remote safari destinations on the banks of the Zambezi river. Here you are surrounded by the stunning Winterhorn forest and accompanied by incredible guides. With just 12 luxury tented suites you can watch elephants from your private plunge pool, explore on day and night drives and fish in the famous river. Alternatively, you can relax and pamper yourself with in room spa treatments.

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Nkwali Camp, South Luangwa National Park

For over twenty years Nkwali Camp has operated an incredible range of safaris by vehicle, on foot and by day or by night.

Nkwali Camp, nestled on the banks of the Luangwa River in Zambia, offers an authentic safari experience. With only six spacious chalets, each overlooking the river, it provides an intimate and exclusive setting. The camp blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering comfortable accommodations with en-suite facilities. Enjoy thrilling game drives and walking safaris led by experienced guides, encountering a diverse range of wildlife. After adventures, relax in the camp's cozy lounge or take a refreshing dip in the pool, all while soaking in the breathtaking views of the African wilderness.

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Pumulani Lodge, Lake Malawi

Pumulina Lodge overlooking Lake Malawi is the perfect spot in which to either simply relax in luxury or explore a fascinating corner of the country.

Pumulani Lodge, perched on the shores of Lake Malawi, offers a luxurious retreat amidst stunning natural beauty. Its ten spacious villas and two-bedroom family houses provide elegant accommodations with breathtaking views of the lake. Guests can indulge in a variety of water activities, from kayaking to snorkeling, or simply relax on the pristine sandy beach. Explore the surrounding wilderness on guided walks or mountain bike rides, and unwind with sundowners overlooking the vast expanse of Lake Malawi.

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