South Luangwa, Victoria Falls & Lake Malawi safari

Lodges visited: Chundukwa River Lodge, Nkonzi Camp, Burley House Guest House, Blue Zebra Island Lodge

Includes:

• All airport meet and greets and transfers

• Flights:

  • Johannesburg to Livingstone

  • Livingstone to Mfuwe (via Lusaka)

  • Mfuwe to Lilongwe (via Lusaka)

  • Lilongwe to Johannesburg

• Return boat transfers to Nankoma island

• Accommodation

  • 3 nights at Chundukwa River Lodge

  • 4 nights at Nkonzi Camp

  • 1 night at Burley House in Deluxe room

  • 3 nights at Blue Zebra

• All meals and all local drinks

• Activities

  • Chundukwa (1 x in-house activity per day): Victoria Falls day trip, horse ride, am or pm river cruises on Zambezi, lunchtime floating picnic

  • Nkonzi: All safari activities including guided safari walks, trekking animals and 1 x full-day game drive

  • Blue Zebra: Non-motorised activities - offshore snorkelling, kayaking, nature trails, lawn games, pool table, darts, swimming pool,
    *complimentary sunset cruise around the Marelli islands, including a local drink for a 'sundowner'

• All park entrance and conservation levies + all community levies

• 24/7 office support

Excludes:

• International and domestic flights

• Visas

• Imported beverages

• Excess baggage charges

• Travel and medical insurance

• Tips and gratuities

• Any items of a personal nature

• Activities not specified in the itinerary

• Lunch on day 8

• Drinks at Burley House

• Motorised activities (wake-boarding, water-skiing, tubing), boat trips and spa treatments while at Blue Zebra

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed and escorted to Chundukwa River Lodge, a serene, owner-run haven on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, just 25km from Livingstone and Victoria Falls.

Activities

While Chundukwa River Lodge is perfect for relaxation, exciting activities are offered to enhance your stay. One activity is included per day from the following options:

• Victoria Falls day trip: Explore Victoria Falls and Livingstone at your own pace with a private vehicle and driver.

• Horse riding (1h30): Enjoy guided trails suitable for all skill levels.

• Sunrise or sunset cruise (1h30-2hrs): Experience the serene beauty of the Zambezi River, spotting wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.

• Zambezi lunchtime floating picnic (2hrs): Delight in a unique dining experience on the water.

• Guided bush walk (1hr): Explore local flora and fauna with an expert guide.

• Mountain bike tour (1h30): Navigate scenic trails with a knowledgeable guide.

• Village and school visit (2h): Support local communities by visiting nearby villages and schools.

Relax and dine

The restaurant and pool deck are situated just above the Zambezi River, providing a serene atmosphere. Savour exceptional cuisine at your own table, either under thatch or beneath the stars. The dishes emphasize fresh, healthy ingredients, many sourced from the onsite organic veggie garden. Chundukwa supports ethical farmers and local suppliers for meat and produce.

Botanical bliss

Take a stroll through the gardens, an indigenous oasis home to a diverse array of plant and bird life, as well as elusive Cape clawless otters. Find a bench to read, sketch, meditate, or simply relax. The lovingly tended veggie gardens, buzzing with bees and insects, produce an abundant selection of fruits, vegetables, and herbs for the kitchen.

Enjoy 3 nights at Chundukwa River Lodge on a fully inclusive basis

After a relaxing morning, and perhaps one last activity on the Zambezi River, it's time to pack up your belongings and bid farewell to Chundukwa. You will be transferred to Livingstone for your afternoon flight to Mfuwe (via Lusaka)

Your South Luangwa safari will begin late afternoon with a hearty welcome at Zambia’s Mfuwe Airport, from where you who will be escorted to Nkonzi Camp. Settle in at the camp after being provided with a short safety briefing. Relax on the deck and soak up the energy of South Luangwa.

A welcoming fire, drinks, hot showers, and a delicious dinner await. As you kick back to rest, the calls of lions, hyenas, scops and Pel’s fishing owls will lull you to sleep.

Note that the days' activities might shuffle around depending on game sightings and preferences.

Overnight at Nkonzi Camp

This day in paradise begins around the campfire, with the dawn chorus in full swing to herald another beautiful morning on safari. After coffee and a light breakfast, the safari vehicle will arrive to whisk you off on your first morning game drive. This is an enchanting time to spend in the bush as wildlife is at its most active in the cool of the day, and the soft morning light saturates every colour.

Brunch will be served on your return to Nkonzi Camp, and the early afternoon is then yours to enjoy at your leisure. Once the midday heat has subsided, it will be time to leave Nkonzi Camp for a game drive. Your first night safari will kick off just after 16h30. After enjoying sundowners en route, you will drive through the enigmatic African dusk, watching closely for nocturnal species such as honey badgers and African civets, while the Milky Way gradually comes to life above you.

Overnight at Nkonzi Camp

After breakfast, you might embark on a walking safari, during which you will learn more about the unique South Luangwa flora, including some of the traditional and medicinal uses of some plants found in the valley.

This afternoon could lend the chance to combine some walking and driving. You will jump into the game viewer and drive into a different area to take the opportunity to explore different habitats on foot. Then, return to the vehicle to enjoy sundowners. The drive home will take the form of a night drive, offering another chance to catch up with some fascinating nocturnal creatures before arriving in camp at around 19h30 for dinner.

Overnight at Nkonzi Camp

This will be a remarkable day, as you will head deep into the remote northerly sections of South Luangwa National Park on a full-day game drive. As you will be accompanied by an expert guide, you will also have the fantastic opportunity to combine a driving and walking safari. Note that the days' activities might shuffle around depending on game sightings and preferences.

Whether your guide leads you on foot from the vehicle to take a closer look at a lion kill, or you find yourself walking alongside a group of giraffes or examining a colourful beetle, the freedom that this day allows for exploring South Luangwa is unrivalled. The journey will also take you through atmospheric ebony groves and lagoons in search of eland and Cookson’s wildebeest.

In the late afternoon, wind your way back to Nkonzi Camp, arriving in time for a sundown drink and freshening up before a barbeque dinner under the stars. This will be a long but hugely rewarding day, and you will quite likely fancy an early night after all the excitement!

Enjoy your last night at Nkonzi Camp

After breakfast, it will be time for a morning game drive transfer to Mfuwe Airport to take your flight to Lilongwe (via Lusaka). Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our concierge and taken the rest of the way to Burley House.

Nestled in the quiet and leafy suburbs of Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital city, Burley House offers a tranquil retreat. This cosy guesthouse features comfortable and spacious accommodation with garden views, a communal terrace, a restaurant, an old-fashioned pub-style bar, and a small gym. This is an ideal spot for travellers seeking a homely and peaceful stay, perfect for solo travellers, couples, families, and groups.

Rest and relax overnight at Burley House in a deluxe room

After a relaxing morning at Burley House, with a leisurely wake-up and breakfast, it will be time to pack up and get ready for the next leg en route to your island escape. Your transfer driver will meet you at 09h30 and take you the rest of the way to the boat station. From here, you will meet a boat transfer that will take you to Blue Zebra Island Lodge, Nankoma Island.

Activities on offer during your Blue Zebra stay:

• Nature trails and wildlife: Explore the island’s wild paths and discover the elusive duiker and bushbuck amidst towering baobab and fig trees. The trails offer a chance to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in nature.

• Birdwatching: Nankoma Island is a haven for birds and home to a high concentration of African fish eagles and other spectacular migratory birds, including the African pitta.

• Kayaking: Paddle through coves and along the coast, observing bird life, fish, and the occasional otter. The breathtaking views of Lake Malawi enhance this adventurous experience.

• Snorkelling: Dive into the underwater world of Lake Malawi with offshore snorkelling or book a trip to Nakantenga Island for a unique aquatic adventure.

• Watersports: Tubing, banana boating, wakeboarding, and water skiing are available for thrill-seekers. Book these activities at the lodge reception.

• Boat cruises: Experience the iconic Lake Malawi sunset with a scenic cruise. Enjoy a Malawi gin & tonic or your preferred sundowner as the sun dips below the horizon.

• Wellness spa: Relax at the Island Spa, situated under an ancient fig tree by the water’s edge. Enjoy a range of massage therapies, manicures, and pedicures.

• Yoga: Join a scheduled yoga weekend or bring your mat for self-practice. The peaceful and picturesque setting is perfect for restorative immersion in nature.

• Pool bar and dining: Unwind at the infinity pool with stunning views over Lake Malawi. Enjoy refreshing cocktails at the Fig Tree Bar and savour the daily inclusive menu at Bee-Eater Restaurant, offering full breakfasts, two-course lunchs, and three-course dinners.

• Marelli islands: Sunset cruise around the Marelli islands, including a local drink for a sundowner

Spend 3 nights at Blue Zebra in the executive Kingfisher chalet

After a relaxed morning, you will be taken to the boat station for your transfer back to the mainland (departure at 11h00).

Your transfer driver will be waiting to meet you and take you back to Lilongwe Airport to catch your onward flight.