Malawi and South Luangwa

Arrive in Lilongwe, Malawi's bustling capital, where we check-in at our lodge.

Once a small village along the banks of the Lilongwe River, Lilongwe became a British colonial administrative centre and then the capital of Malawi in 1975. Today Lilongwe is divided into two distinct areas of the old town and new town with the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre in the middle. The old town is traditionally colourful with busy streets, while the urbanised new town contrasts greatly with tall, modern buildings set in manicured gardens.

This afternoon we'll visit the the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre with our leader through the 4km of forest trails and river paths. This sanctuary, the only one of it's kind in Malawi, is situated across a large stretch of land and offers a natural habitat for some 200 rescued animals, including monkeys, bush pigs and hyena, plus bountiful species of birds. As well as rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, the aim of the centre is to educate the surrounding communities and young generations on the importance of conservation and protection against rife deforestation which troubles Malawi's future.

A welcome meeting will be held this evening before free time for dinner.

This morning, we'll leave the capital and drive to Zomba Plateau via Dedza. This drive will take much of the morning through mountainous landscape.

The Dedza-Kirk Highlands is the name given to the mountain range that forms part of the Great Rift Valley mountains that separate Malawi from Mozambique. As we travel toward Zomba, there should be some opportunities to take photos of this stunning landscape. The southern part of Malawi is littered with inselbergs, or island mountains, which are small granite mountains shooting up from the planes like lone islands.

Later this morning, we'll arrive at Zomba Plateau. With views once described as 'the best in the British Empire', the mountain rises 1800m above the surrounding plains and forms part of the Shire Highlands. The elevation results in a very different eco-system from lower regions with a variety of flora, a number of small flowing streams, waterfalls and breathtaking views over Southern Malawi.

After a picnic lunch, we will leave and travel to our home for tonight on the banks of the Shire River inside Liwonde National Park. Arriving in the late afternoon, we will head straight out on a game drive. The river is the lifeline through the national park, attracting elephant, waterbuck, zebra and a large number of hippo that can be found wallowing in the shallows. The evening will be free to relax in the lodges comfortable surroundings.

This morning we'll have an early breakfast and then explore the national park by boat along the Shire River, Malawi's largest waterway. The river is home to a dense population of half-submerged hippos and the waters also attract over 400 species of bird, elephants, Nile crocodiles and antelopes by the dozen.

We'll return to our lodge for lunch before travelling north, roughly following the river to Cape Maclear Nature Reserve where will be staying in a lodge on the banks of Lake Malawi. Although the drive will take most of the afternoon, the forest scenery and the view on arrival make it worthwhile! Cape Maclear is the name of both the reserve and the fishing village that lies within where the villagers are welcoming and curious. There are long stretches of golden beaches, ample opportunity to watch the daily lives of the local fisherman and and thanks to it's spot on the edge of an African Great Lake, it's a promising spot for an excellent sunset.

The evening will be free to relax and dinner is included this evening in the lodge's restaurant.

Today is free. Spend time soaking up the laid back atmosphere and unique environment of the lake complete with golden sandy beaches! Options include a leisurely visit to a nearby island, various water-based activities or just relax on shore.

After a leisurely start this morning, we head up the lake's coast where we stop off at Mua Mission. The mission is famous for the quality of wood carvings and was established in 1976 by a Canadian missionary Fr. Claude Boucher Chisale who dedicated his life to researching, recording and preserving Malawian culture. It is here that one gains a very deep and profound understanding and insight into the history of Malawi through the Chamare Museum, the Carving Centre and the new Research Centre.

After a picnic lunch, we will continue north along the shores of the lake to Senga Bay. On arrival we'll have time to check-in before going out for the sunset cruise on the lake. Accompanied by the captain on an open-sided boat, we'll travel out on to the lake in hope of seeing the territorial fish eagles and fisherman going about their daily routine before watching the sun go down over Africa's third largest lake.

We'll be spending one night here in a rustic eco-lodge where the beds are comfortable, the phone signal is lacking and nature is just on the other side of the lodge door.

It will be a leisurely start today with a relaxed breakfast before visiting a nearby rice plantation for a guided tour, offering a great insight into daily life in the prominent agriculture industry. We'll return to the lodge for lunch before departing on a long drive to Dzalanyama Forest Reserve. The drive will take around five hours through varied landscapes.

Late this afternoon, we'll arrive at the reserve which has been a protected area since 1922 and forms the natural border between Malawi and Mozambique. We'll have a late afternoon walking tour to orientate ourselves with the area, and hopefully see the indigenous orchids and birdlife.

We'll be staying at Dzalanyama Forest house for two nights where the accommodation overlooks the Makata Steam and is nestled among large Miombo trees. It's a great spot for those interested in birds and the different species can often be heard for miles in the early morning. Indigenous, colourful butterflies are common in the area too, normally seen down the river.

Today will be relaxed as our leader accompanies us on a visit to the local village to meet the locals and learn about their daily life. We'll be shown the traditional process used by the communities to distil local gin (Kachasu), make bread, and taste nsima with pumpkin leaves.

Our leader will also take us to visit the primary school, meet the community leaders and help us to develop an understanding of the challenges faced by small Malawian villages. We'll round it off with a local lunch within the community before a free afternoon to relax and make the most of the slower pace of life.

This morning sees us up early for the drive to the the Zambian border where we shall cross into Zambia before continuing to South Luangwa National Park. We'll have a picnic lunch en-route and should arrive at our safari lodge in the late afternoon and the rest of the day will be free to relax, enjoy a sundowner or perhaps spend an evening around the campfire.

Our premium accommodation in South Luangwa provides a comfortable stay on the banks of the Luangwa River. We'll be staying in chalets with private bathrooms and verandas, based around a small swimming pool, all within the wild and natural setting of the African Bush.

South Luangwa is Zambia's premier park and is widely noted for its large concentrations of game and over 400 bird species! Nestled within the Great Rift Valley, the park covers a vast area over 9,000 sq. km and is bordered on its east side by the meandering Luangwa River. The park encompasses a wealth of habitats, including shaded mopane woodland, riverine forest, thickets, lagoons and grassland providing plenty of variety during morning or afternoon game drives.

The Luangwa River offers a permanent source of water resulting in ample opportunities of spot game. Hippos can be spotted in large numbers wallowing in the river, elephants come to bathe at the water's edge and Cape Buffalo are commonly seen. There is also the chance to see lions, wild dogs and leopards which are the main predators in the region. Binoculars will be key for any trip out, whether to get a better view of a leopard lazing on a tree branch or see the vast variety of birds up close.

Walking safaris are a very popular in this remote area too, and we hope to have the chance to explore on foot during our time here. Accompanied by an experienced park ranger or'scout' and a guide, walking safaris permit us the rare privilege of walking among wild animals in their natural environment, whilst also learning about smaller aspects of the bush. This is a fantastic opportunity to discover and learn about the plant life and animal spoor.

Today and tomorrow's exact itineraries will depend on local conditions and will require flexibility to make the most of our time here but rest-assured during the next two days in South Luangwa we include four half-day activities of either game drives or walking safaris.

South Luangwa is one of the finest parks in Southern Africa and today we'll spend another day in search of wildlife as we continue with our game drives or walking safaris.

Free time between safaris can be enjoyed by the pool, on your veranda or having a relaxed drink in the welcoming bar.

Your African adventure comes to an end today after breakfast.