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. 15 DAY / 14 NIGHT:THE GREAT MALAWI JOURNEY - DISCOVERER EXPLORATION .....  prices on request

From the unique highlands of the Nyika Plateau to the peaceful tranquility of Lake Malawi; from the cultural and historical highlights of the one-time capital at Zomba to the prolific wildlife of Mvuu, this Exploration displays the essence of the “friendly heart of Africa.” Along with these outstanding attractions, this experience is enhanced by local guides with tremendous local knowledge. An exceptional aspect of a Malawi safari is the “journey between” – along the road, guests gain an authentic insight into the land: the friendly people, superb scenery, and there is always something of interest to stop off and see.

Day 1              Arrive Lilongwe
On arrival you will be met by To Africa Tours and Safaris and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2              Viphya Mountain Range
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.
Luwawa Forest Lodge,

Day 3 & 4       Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve
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. Lake Kazuni Safari Camp,

Day 5, 6 & 7               Nyika National Park
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, cozy 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!). Chelinda Lodge,

Day 8 & 9                   Lake Malawi
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. Chinteche Inn,

Day  10 & 11  Kayak Africa, Domwe or Mumbo Island
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.

This is a great experience, enjoying a little more action than the traditional beach holiday.

Day 12: Zomba mountain range
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. Ku Chawe Inn,

Days 13, 14 & 15: Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde National Park
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. Mvuu Wilderness Lodge

Day 16 Safari ends - Lilongwe
Early morning road transfer to Lilongwe where our safari ends.

PRICES UPON REQUEST

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EXTEND YOUR SAFARI ADVENTURE TO:

Zanzibar or Victoria Falls or Mombasa and Lamu Islands or Seychelles Islands

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