Zambian Rivers and Lake Malawi Safari Adventure

Camp: Chiawa Camp

Upon your morning arrival in Lusaka on your international flight, embark on a brief air transfer to Lower Zambezi National Park. It is a short game drive from Jeki airstrip to reach Chiawa Camp, the country's premier family-run safari camp.

Chiawa Camp exemplifies a solid commitment to sustainability while offering laid-back luxury. The safari tents feature spacious four-poster beds and expansive decks with inviting shallow plunge pools. After settling in, indulge in an afternoon of relaxation within the comforts of your tent. Later, embark on a captivating sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. You can savor a cocktail while observing herds of elephants quenching their thirst along the riverbanks—the perfect conclusion to your first day on safari.

Start the next day before sunrise with a hearty breakfast, gearing up for your chosen safari experience. The Lower Zambezi offers everything to adventurous wildlife lovers. It's the ultimate destination for canoeing enthusiasts, allowing them to paddle down the river with skilled guides. This unique approach allows for up-close encounters with elephants and other wildlife. In addition to water activities, the park also offers game drives and walking safaris. Here you can see vast herds of elephants and buffalo, as well as predators like lions, leopards, and wild dogs.

Immerse yourself in this incredible wilderness for two full days. Consider reserving the Chiawa Star Bed, a high perch overlooking the Zambezi River, for a remarkable finale to your stay here.

Camp: Time + Tide Luwi

Embark on an early-morning flight north to South Luangwa National Park. Upon reaching Mfuwe Airport, take a scenic two-hour drive deep into the heart of the park. Nestled beneath towering mahogany trees along a dry riverbed lies Time + Tide Luwi Camp, an exquisite yet understated tented camp in a secluded area. With only four tents for guests, it's a serene oasis where encounters with other visitors are rare.

This seclusion makes it our preferred base for immersive walking safaris in South Luangwa. You can witness elephants on foot and take photos of hippos in the nearby oxbow lake. The area also boasts a high likelihood of spotting leopards. Known as the "Valley of the Leopard," the Luangwa Valley holds one of Africa's densest populations of these big cats. Game drives are available at the camp, and the expertise of Zambian guides grants you the freedom to leave the vehicle to follow lions and other wildlife as you encounter tracks.

Luwi Camp exudes a rustic charm, complemented by stylish decor. Here, you can enjoy the simple pleasure of a cold bucket shower and a cozy bed on a steamy Zambian afternoon. Following two nights in the camp, consider spending your last evening sleeping out among the wilderness and stars before saying goodbye the following day.

Hotel: Kaya Mawa

Following breakfast, embark on a concluding game drive as you return to Mfuwe Airport. From there, catch a flight to Lilongwe, the capital of neighboring Malawi. Once you clear customs, board your charter flight to Likoma Island, located in the northern part of Lake Malawi.

The crystal-clear lake teems with fish and is the backdrop to a uniquely luxurious beach retreat, Kaya Mawa. Indulge in four days of tranquility on the island, where you can unwind beneath the ancient baobab trees lining the serene white sand beach.

At Kaya Mawa, your days are brimming with various water-based activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and fishing. The absence of elephants or hippos in Lake Malawi ensures you can swim freely without worry. For a more relaxed experience, you can unwind at the spa or simply soak up the beach vibes. We recommend taking time for a self-guided bike tour of the island. It's a great way to learn more about the island's history and engage with the warm-hearted locals.

Take a morning charter flight back to Lilongwe. Proceed to Lusaka, Zambia, from Lilongwe, to catch your international flight home.