Adventure Trip Zambia & Malawi

The group meets at 4 pm at the lodge in Lusaka, Zambia.

After the tour briefing, you enjoy dinner together at the lodge in the evening (at your own expense). A warm welcome to your Zambia and Malawi round trip!

A long drive takes you through Zambia's gently rolling hills covered in miombo woodland, down into the lowland savannah of the Zambezi Valley to the lodge on the banks of the Kafue River.

As a major tributary of the Zambezi, it is the largest and longest river flowing entirely within Zambia. You stay right on its bank and enjoy the sunset from the raised viewing deck.

You paddle by canoe down the mighty Zambezi, home of the mythical tribal god Nyami Nyami, gliding past small river villages and impressive scenery.

You spend the night on Elephant Bones Island – a wild campsite in the heart of unspoilt Zambia. The next morning you continue your canoe safari, crossing an area that is home to elephants, hippos and many other wild animals. You are then picked up by a motorboat and taken back to the lodge. The wild camping experience is sure to be an exciting highlight of your Zambia and Malawi round trip.

Please note: wild camping has no permanent facilities. Sunway provides water, food and the necessary camping equipment, which the group carries together in the canoes. Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow from home. A simple bush toilet is available. Please make sure no rubbish is left behind and that your stay leaves no trace at all.

You drive north to the capital, Lusaka, where the group stocks up on supplies in the lively shops and markets.

In the afternoon you continue along the Great East Road, past small villages and roadside markets, until you reach the small town of Petauke at sunset.

You drive down into the “valley” of South Luangwa National Park, a remote region and one of Africa's best wildlife reserves, home to elephants, hippos, lions and leopards.

Your lodge is located on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking the national park – you can often watch elephants or hippos from the pool.

You explore the national park on bush walks and game drives, including a night drive with spotlights to discover nocturnal animals. In the green season (December–April), walks may be cancelled, in which case additional safaris are offered.

On the last afternoon you have time to relax at camp or for another bush walk, game drive or a village visit (at your own expense).

You cross the border into Malawi at Chipata and drive to the capital, Lilongwe, to restock supplies.

The afternoon is free for you to explore the city or visit the markets before driving on to your lodge on the outskirts.

You visit one of the famous tea plantations in the Thyolo region before driving on to your lodge in Mulanje. The bare rock faces of Mount Mulanje rise to almost 3,002 m, towering over everything in the surrounding area and influencing the local weather, making them an important water source for almost every river in southern Malawi.

Geologically formed around 130 million years ago, the massif was first seen by Europeans in 1859 by David Livingstone, though archaeological finds show human activity since the Stone Age. On a day hike you explore the slopes with their streams, waterfalls and imposing peaks.

Ancient baobab trees and tall palms form the backdrop to this impressive reserve in southern Malawi. Liwonde covers 548 km² of the upper Shire River plains and valley slopes and is home to Malawi's largest remaining elephant population as well as the critically endangered black rhino.

In the morning you explore the grassland and woodland in a safari truck in search of leopards, elephants, hippos, antelope and the rare Lilian's lovebirds.

The Shire River flows along the western boundary, and you set off on a river safari to watch hippos, crocodiles, elephants and other animals at the water.

Lake Malawi, the “jewel of Malawi”, is one of the lakes of the Great Rift Valley. You drive to Lake Malawi National Park and cross by boat to the remote, tropical Nankoma Island near Senga Bay. The relaxing part of your Zambia and Malawi round trip begins!

The lodge on the island is an idyllic paradise where you can explore the island by kayak and with snorkelling gear and snorkel with the colourful, endemic cichlids.

Wake up to birdsong on your very own paradise island. Start the day on the beach sunbathing and relaxing, or paddle a kayak around the island. In between, the colourful fish underwater invite you on fascinating snorkelling adventures.

You take the ferry back to the mainland, climb back on your truck and drive back to Lilongwe – sun-tanned, relaxed and ready to return to everyday life. Your Zambia and Malawi round trip ends at around 11 am at Lilongwe airport.

Breakfast