Sixteen Days

 Liwonde National Park • Lake Malawi • Cape Mc Clear National Park • South Luangwa National Park

Exotic Treks And SITA's new Close Encounters safari takes you to the undiscovered regions of Africa… In Malawi we stay in the prime wildlife area of Liwonde National Park where the variety of habitats supports an incredible diversity of plant, animal and bird life. You will enjoy safe swimming in the clear waters of one of Africa's largest freshwater lakes—Lake Malawi. Then on to the true “wild Africa”—Zambia. Experts have pronounced the South Luangwa National Park to have the finest game viewing opportunities in all of Africa. This is where the “walking safari” was pioneered. Walking in the African bush is one of the best ways to get a real feel for the land and the wildlife. We spend 5 nights on the walking trail, exploring the park at a slow pace, as you encounter animals, birds, insects and the flora along the way. Accommodations are in comfortable bush camps and ending with a night at the luxurious Mfuwe Lodge.

Day 1: Thu Depart North America Your exciting safari to Malawi and Zambia in Southern Africa begins tonight as you board a British Airways flight for London.

Day 2: Fri London / Lilongwe Arrive in London today and enjoy time to relax and freshen up before connecting with your evening flight to Lilongwe. A day room is provided for you at a nearby AIRPORT HOTEL.

Malawi Day 3: Sat Lilongwe / Liwonde National Park Morning arrive Lilongwe and connect with the flight to Liwonde National Park. Liwonde incorporates the Shire River as well as quiet backwaters and lagoons, marshes, open savanna, woodlands and hills, creating home to a great diversity of plant, animal and bird life. MVUU WILDERNESS LODGE is discreetly tucked away into thick vegetation. L, D

Day 4: Sun Liwonde National Park Explore the park by boat, on walks and on day and night game drives in open vehicles. Boat trips in stable handmade wooden boats are the highlight and offer the best opportunities for seeing the park’s large herds of elephant. Night boat trips are a specialty, where with the help of spotlights we are able to encounter the huge crocodiles of the Shire up close, as well as look for two of the park’s special birds, the White-backed Night Heron and Pel’s Fishing Owl. Walks with qualified scouts are another recommended activity, as the wildlife in the park includes large breeding herds of elephants, plenty of hippo and crocodile, sable antelope, impala, reedbuck, oribi, leopard and serval. B, L, D

Day 5: Mon Liwonde / Lake Malawi Today we drive to the southern shores of Lake Malawi, passing through traditional Malawi farming and fishing villages. We will have the opportunity to stop and visit one of the villages en route. Afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the lake. CLUB MAKAKOLA. B, L, D

Day 6: Tue Lake Malawi—Cape Mc Clear National Park Full day excursion to Cape Mc Clear National Park including a sailing trip to Mombo Island for lunch and snorkeling. CLUB MAKAKOLA. B, L, D

Day 7: Wed Lake Malawi / Lilongwe / Mfuwe / South Luangwa National Park Drive to Lilongwe. Fly to Mfuwe. Arrive and transfer to the lodge in the South Luangwa National Park. The Luangwa Valley supports one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife to be found anywhere in the world. The Luangwa River, which meanders down the middle of this valley, is the lifeblood of the wildlife. It is a dynamic river, which constantly changes its course as it winds through the flood plain. Enjoy an afternoon/evening game drive. MFUWE LODGE. B, L, D

Day 8: Thu South Luangwa Walking Safari We start our walking safari with a drive to CHAMILANDU BUSH CAMP, set in splendid isolation overlooking the Luangwa River and the rugged Nchindence range of hills bordering the Valley. Arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon walk. Walking trails here afford the chance to become a part of nature, a participant rather than a spectator. To walk amongst Africa’s big and small game in an untamed area, with the security of an expert naturalist and armed guard dramatically heightens the senses and creates exciting experiences not possible in a vehicle. After dinner enjoy a spotlight game drive. B, L, D

Day 9: Fri South Luangwa Walking Safari Chamilandu Bush Camp offers wonderful opportunities to enjoy Luangwa’s remarkable beauty and impressive diversity of game. A typical day will include a pre-breakfast game drive, breakfast, a mid-morning walk, lunch, mid-day at leisure, an afternoon walk, dinner and night game drive. B, L, D

Day 10: Sat South Luangwa Walking Safari After breakfast, we head out to CHENDENI TRAILS CAMP. The walk will typically take about 3 hours (depending on game sightings). Arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon walk and an evening game drive. Chindeni nestles on the apex of a permanent oxbow lagoon, offset by the magnificent Nchindeni Hills. B, L, D

Day 11: Sun South Luangwa Walking Safari Spend the day on walks and game drives. The quality of the guiding, the low guest to guide ration, the thoughtful care and the personal attention to details will make your stay at Chindeni really memorable. B, L, D

Day 12: Mon South Luangwa Walking Safari Morning walk to BILIMUNGWE TRAILS CAMP, the last camp on the trail. A living tapestry of grassy savanna, spreading thorn trees, riverine bush, hills and tall gallery forest, attracts a wonderful variety of game. Here you will discover each of your senses, as you open up to the bush in all it’s moods and variations. B, L, D

Day 13: Tue South Luangwa National Park The walking safari ends to today and we drive back to MFUWE LODGE. Enjoy one more afternoon of game viewing in the South Luangwa National Park B, L, D

Day 14: Wed South Luangwe / Mfuwe / Lusaka Return to Mfuwe and fly to Lusaka. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Lusaka, capitol of Zambia. LILAYI LODGE. B, L, D

Day 15: Thu Lusaka / London Day at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. B, L

Day 16: Fri Arrive North America Arrive home today, eager to share the excitement of your African