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Day 1: Luwawa Forest Lodge, 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.
Day 2 & 3:
Lake Kazuni Safari Camp, 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.
Day 4, 5 &
6: Chelinda Lodge, 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, cosy 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!).
Day 7 & 8:
Chinteche Inn, 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.
Day 9 & 10:
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 11: Ku Chawe
Inn, 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.
Days 12, 13 &
14: 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.
Day 15 Safari
ends - Lilongwe
Early morning road transfer to Lilongwe where our safari ends.
Detailed itinerary for print - The
Great Malawi Journey
NOTE: PRIVATE ITINERARIES FOR TAILOR-MADE
TRIPS FOR SMALL GROUPS CAN BE ARRANGED.
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