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The Great Malawian Journey
Summary of Itinerary
Days 1
Drive to Luwawa Forest Lodge, Viphya Mountain Range
Days 2 & 3
Drive to Lake Kazuni Safari Camp, Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve
Days 4, 5 & 6
Cross-country to Chelinda Lodge, Nyika National Park
Days 7 & 8
Transfer by road to Chintheche Inn, northern shores of Lake Malawi
Days 9 & 10
Transfer to Mumbo or Domwe Island, Lake Malawi for Kayak Africa
Days 11
Drive to Ku Chawe Inn, Zomba Plateau
Days 12, 13 & 14
Cross-country to Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde National Park
Days 15
Cross-country to Lilongwe
Malawian Safaris
The Great Malawian Journey
14 nights / 15 days
Combination Wilderness lodges, guesthouses and small, intimate inns in private concession areas and national parks, forest reserves in Malawi.
This safari is one of the best ways to explore Malawi's finest wildlife viewing areas and wilderness biomes, whilst being able to interact with the friendliest people in all of Africa, the Malawians.
The style of accommodation varies throughout the safari, from small, intimate guesthouses in forest reserves, to more typical "meru" tents, to stone and thatch chalets in National Parks. At each location, resident guides are used, ensuring the very best in local knowledge and expertise.
Malawi boasts one of the highest biodiversity counts in Africa, and this safari encapsulates its true spirit. By travelling by vehicle, one has a very personal insight into the land and its wonderfully warm people. Over the years, it has become apparent that this last-mentioned aspect of a Malawi safari is a true highlight.
Exclusive experience
Some areas in which we travel are private concessions. All camps and lodges are private and for the use of Discoverer Exploration travellers only. Some areas are not open for public access; hence our safaris make best use of this privacy where possible.
Guides
The entire safari is guided and hosted by professionally trained guides in their respective areas of expertise, who share their in-depth local knowledge to present a seamless safari from beginning to end. A driver-guide is used throughout the safari.
This safari reveals the diversity and beauty of Malawi through its scenery and wildlife, also combining an impressive variety of water-based activities on one of the world's most beautiful freshwater lakes, Lake Malawi.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Rates Include:
Game drives and activities as per itinerary
Non-alcoholic drinks
Breakfast, lunch & dinner throughout the tour.
Game or Park entrance fees and permits
Radio communication where communication lines are not available
Accommodation specified as per itinerary
Qualified professional guide
Single/double dome safari tents and safari ablution facilities.
Transport provided by tour company
Rates Exclude:
Visas and visa fees required
laundry
Anti-malarial and vaccinations
Any items bought prior and during the tour for personal use
Insurance for the full duration of the tour
Airport Tax, Departure Tax and / or Government Tax
Flight costs for specific routing
Gratuities/tips & porterage for tour guide and staff
Optional additional excursions to be paid whilst on tour - Surcharge of 10%
Itinerary
Day 1: Luwawa Forest Lodge, Viphya Mountain Range [ L, D]
Early morning start to the safari. We drive northwards from the capital city, Lilongwe, through the Kasungu area. After Kasungu Town the landscape changes from Brachystegia (Miombo) woodland to rolling open hills as we steadily climb in altitude. Arrive in time for lunch at Luwawa Forest Lodge, a delightful lodge situated on a clearing in one of the largest forested areas in central Africa at 1300m above sea level. The scenery is spectacular and the air crisp and clear. Afternoon walking along streams within the forest gives us opportunities looking for one of southern Africa's rarest and most sought-after birds, the African Broadbill. For the more adventurous, mountain biking can be arranged. Dinner is served at the lodge around a warm, comforting log fire.
Day 2 & 3: Lake Kazuni Safari Camp, Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve [B, L, D]
After an early breakfast, we continue northwards and the landscape changes dramatically as we near Rumphi. The massif of the Nyika looms ahead, and as we near the Zambian border, the altitude dips somewhat. Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve is one of Malawi's best-kept secrets. It boasts a mosaic of landscapes and biomes and is about 1000 km2 in size. Highlights are the varied types of biomes, from Brachystegia and mopane woodland to large rivers which feed the Kazuni Swamp. During the dry season there are large herds of elephant and buffalo, impala, kudu, puku and warthog. Hippos are always present in the lake, and lion and leopard are occasionally seen.
Birding, particularly at the end of the dry season and during the early rains, is exceptional with many waterfowl species that are not easily seen elsewhere on this safari. Activities include game drives (day) as well as walks.
Day 4, 5 & 6: Chelinda Lodge, Nyika National Park [B, L, D]
We head north-east on one of the most dramatic drives in central Africa. Leaving the dry and low-lying Vwaza marsh behind we move steadily up in altitude to where the Brachystegia gives way to heath and, at around lunchtime, to true rolling grasslands. We have reached the famed Nyika Plateau and check in to the warm, cosy Chelinda Lodge. This lodge is situated in the middle of the high grasslands (around 2100m above sea level) and experiences a pleasantly cool climate (jumpers and jackets a must!).
There is much to do in Nyika National Park (Malawi's largest). Game drives are successful, with highland game abounding -
it is possible to see mixed herds of over 200 eland, zebra, reedbuck and roan antelope. Leopards are also fairly common, and peculiarly diurnal because of the cool climate. Elephants are also sometimes encountered. Birding is exceptional with over 400 species recorded. Walking in the afro-montane forest remnants is a must, where specials such as Fulleborn's Black Boubou, and Bar-tailed Trogon and blue monkeys can be seen. During the early summer months Nyika boasts one of Africa's best orchid viewing opportunities. Horse riding, fishing and overnight camping in the remote corners of this extraordinary reserve are also available.
Day 7 & 8: Chinteche Inn, Lake Malawi [B, L, D]
We now move back down the Nyika Plateau. The destination for the next three days is clearly in sight, but nearly 1700m below - it is the shimmering blue of Lake Malawi. Descending the massif, we stop over at the northern region's capital, Mzuzu and view tropical rainforest remnants, rubber plantations and spectacular scenery as we near the lake. We arrive at Chinteche Inn, situated on a private, pristine white sandy beach with the Viphya Mountains and rainforest as backdrop.
The inn is situated in one of the Lake's best and most tranquil settings. Activities include relaxing at the lake, guided walks, snorkelling, canoeing and village visits. For the more adventurous, a full range of water activities are offered, including nearby scuba diving (at extra cost).
Day 9 & 10: Kayak Africa, Domwe or Mumbo Island [B, L, D]
We depart Chinteche for one of the most spectacular day transits, driving around 350km southwards along the eastern lakeshore and surrounding countryside. We drive through the Nkotakota Game Reserve and visit Mua Mission, one of Malawi's finest handcraft skills development schools. After lunch we drive eastwards through beautiful countryside on the southern edge of Lake Malawi.
Accommodation is on one of two Islands off Cape Maclear - namely Kayak Africa's Domwe and Mumbo. Each consists of 5 tents on raised platforms with incredible views of Lake Malawi. The tented bedrooms offer tasteful furnishing and whilst not en-suite, nearby "enviroloos" and al fresco bucket showers ensure every comfort is provided.
Located at the tip of the Cape Maclear Peninsula this company operates kayak safaris around the glorious islands of this part of the lake. Guests paddle themselves in state-of-the-art sea-going klepper kayaks, supported by a motorised wooden fishing boat. All kayaking is done on a leisurely basis and cold drinks are taken on board the kayaks.
This is a great experience, enjoying a little more action than the traditional beach holiday.
Day 11: Ku Chawe Inn, Zomba mountain range [B, L, D]
We leave Kayak Africa and drive southwards to the Zomba mountain massif. Zomba was the former colonial capital of Malawi and retains some of its former architecture. This juxtaposed with one of the best local markets in Malawi make for a fascinating visit. Behind the town, the plateau rises to over 2000m and we wind our way up this massive mountain. The air becomes cooler as we enter plantations and rainforest remnants and we near our final destination, Ku Chawe Inn. The inn boasts incredible views, and is a short distance away from clear-running streams and a trout farm.
Days 12, 13 & 14: Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde National Park [B, L, D]
Leaving after a leisurely breakfast and possibly a last visit to the market, we travel northwards to arrive at Mvuu Wilderness Lodge in time for an afternoon activity.
Liwonde National Park is Malawi's premier wildlife viewing destination. A wide variety of mammals occurs in the reserve and it also boasts an astonishing biodiversity of birdlife. On a three-night stay in this reserve, the record has been 300 bird species! The centre stage of the reserve is the Shire River, the only river that flows out of Lake Malawi. A myriad of species make the river their focus and it is on this river where one is able to take part in unusual, but hugely productive game
viewing. Mvuu boasts "game boats" constructed locally out of Mulanje cedar wood. These comfortable boats enable game to be viewed in the heat of the day, when animals emerge out of the bush to drink at the river's edge. They also allow for exciting night boat trips to find rarely seen animals such as civet, large spotted genet, large grey mongoose, White-backed Night-heron and Pel's Fishing Owl. Game drives and walks as well as visits to a hide overlooking the river are also offered.
Large mammals occurring in Liwonde include sable, roan, kudu, large herds of elephant, buffalo, large numbers of crocodile (reputedly the largest in central Africa) and hippo. Bird specials further inland include Bohm's Bee-eater, Brown-breasted Barbet and Livingstone's Flycatcher.
Day 15: Safari ends - Lilongwe [B]
Early morning road transfer to Lilongwe where our safari ends.
Extra information
Limitations
Luggage allowance - 12 kg per person
Maximum group size - 8 persons
Minimum age - 12 years
Maximum age - 70 years
Flashlights/ torches
Please ensure that a minimum 2-D cell flashlight is brought on safari, with spare batteries. Head lamps are also useful. Flashlights are not supplied.
Camera battery charging facilities
Please note that a 12V cigarette lighter adaptor will be required (that is compatible with camera make) on this safari for charging batteries while on game drive or transfer drives. 110/ 240V outlets are available at the permanent lodges; however Linyanti Discoverer and Ketumetse Trails Camp only have 12V electricity.
Dietary requirements and special occasions: Due to remote locality of Discoverer camps, please ensure that full dietary requirements and special occasions are advised at the time of your booking confirmation.
