Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi Safari
Days 1, 2 and 3 - Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park
On your arrival at Victoria Falls, you will be met and assisted with your onward flight to Hwange National Park, renowned for having the largest population of elephants in Africa. From the airstrip, you will be transferred to the stunning Somalisa Camp, situated in its own private concession in the heart of the Hwange National Park. Somalisa prides itself on its exceptional, up-close elephant experience from its elephant pool. Located right in front of the main deck is a pool that attracts herds of elephants that come and drink the fresh water before going to the waterhole to throw mud over themselves. With the assistance of the guides you can sit on the edge of the deck only a few meters away from the elephants as they drink, a real privilege to be that close to these huge animals and be completely safe.
Somalisa prides itself on having the best guides in Zimbabwe and your days are spent with them on morning and afternoon game drives as well as walking safaris. Hwange National Park is home to huge herds of elephants, buffalo, impala, and giraffes as well as lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs. Leopards are residents, but due to the large prides of lions, they tend to be shyer.
Days 4 and 5 - Victoria Falls
From Somalisa get a short flight back to Victoria Falls for the next 2 nights. There is so much to do in Vic Falls and so it is best to plan activities ahead of time. Some highlights would be a scenic helicopter flight of Angels over the falls, a sunset river cruise on the upper Zambezi River, and for the more adventurous there is white water rafting, bungee jumping, ziplining, and microlight flights. Going to see the falls is best done in the early morning before the crowds of tourists arrive for their quick tour. This is also the best light condition for photos of the mighty Victoria Falls.
Days 6, 7 and 8 - South Luangwa National Park
From Victoria Falls you head across the bridge that spans the gorge between Zimbabwe and Zambia. After clearing customs and immigration you head to Livingstone Airport for your flight to Mfuwe, via Lusaka. From Mfuwe it is a 45-minute drive to the South Luangwa National Park, renowned for its incredible leopard sightings. Spend 3 nights exploring the South Luangwa National Park on morning, afternoon, and night game drives as well as walking safaris. The park is actually renowned for its walking safaris with highly experienced guides. A walking safari doesn’t have to be about covering huge distances, it is often more about the smaller aspects of the African bush that you generally miss when you are in a game drive vehicle. Learn about insects, birds, spiders, tracks, trees, and the medicinal uses of the plants. The park is home to large herds of elephants and buffalo, puku, leopards, lions, wild dogs and so much more.
Days 9, 10, 11 and 12 - Kaya Mawa, Lake Malawi
After the excitement of your safari in Zimbabwe and Zambia, you head back to Mfuwe and get a short flight across to Lilongwe in time for a short flight across Lake Malawi to Kaya Mawa. The perfect place to relax after your safari. Spend your days relaxing at the lodge’s beach, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, kayaking around the island and bays, and snorkeling in search of the famous cyclids. Cyclids are colorful freshwater fish that live in Lake Malawi (and other African great lakes) and are famous for building nests in the sand or even swallowing their young as a form of protection against predators.
After your 4 nights of relaxing on the shores of Lake Malawi, you head back to Lilongwe and get a flight back home
