The Wild Safari Circuit

Welcome to Malawi! Arrive at Kamuzu International Airport, where a representative welcomes travelers and begins a scenic road transfer to Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s top wildlife destinations known for river safaris, elephants, hippos, and rich birdlife along the Shire River. The trip covers approximately 6 hours through rural landscapes and local villages before reaching the park boundary.

At Charlie Charlie Point, a representative meets travelers and assists with a short 10-minute boat transfer across the river. The boat ride offers wildlife viewing, with hippos surfacing nearby, elephants along the banks, and abundant bird species in the wetland environment.

Stay at Mvuu Camp, a riverside safari camp set within Liwonde National Park. The camp features comfortable bush chalets overlooking the river and wilderness, offering a true safari experience in a protected wildlife area. A 3-night stay begins, combining boat safaris, game drives, and close-up wildlife encounters in one of Malawi’s most important conservation parks. The camp features stone and canvas chalets, a waterhole for game viewing, a boma dining area, and shaded spaces under baobab trees.

Begin the Malawi safari in the “Warm Heart of Africa” at Liwonde National Park, a leading conservation success managed by African Parks. Once heavily poached, the park is now a protected wilderness known for strong wildlife recovery, rich biodiversity, and the Shire River ecosystem.

Activities are easy to enjoy and give a real feel of the safari. Take a boat trip on the Shire River to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife up close. Go on game drives to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and black rhino, or join a morning bush walk for a closer look at nature. Spend time in the underground and treetop hides for eye-level wildlife views, then enjoy sundowner drives and simple bush dinners. Visits to local communities, plus a curio shop and small learning center, add more to the Liwonde experience.

Depart Liwonde National Park and travel by road for approximately 3 hours to the shores of Lake Malawi, known as the “Lake of Stars” for its clear waters and scenic shoreline. From the mainland, continue with a 45-minute boat transfer across calm, turquoise waters toward a remote island setting.

Arrive at Mumbo Island Camp, a private island retreat set within Lake Malawi National Park. This eco-lodge offers a true castaway experience with simple, open-air chalets positioned above the lake, designed to catch natural breezes and uninterrupted views.

Spend the stay unwinding in a quiet, off-grid environment with no Wi-Fi or electricity, surrounded by white sandy beaches and clear waters rich in cichlid fish. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or relaxing in hammocks under open skies. Evenings are spent under the stars, with the sounds of nature and fish eagles completing a peaceful Lake Malawi island experience. 

Spend the day at the camp. Experience activities that are relaxed and flexible. Swim in warm, clear water, snorkel in fish-filled bays, or kayak around the island to explore small coves. Walk easy forest trails or just relax on the beach, in a hammock, or in the lounge. Simple games and the local game of bawo add to the laid-back feel.

Kayaks and snorkelling gear are available to rent, while guided kayak trips and sunset cruises can be arranged on the island. Scuba diving is also available with advance booking. With a small number of rustic chalets and eco-friendly features, Mumbo offers an easy, back-to-basics island stay.

After breakfast, depart Lake Malawi and travel by road for approximately 4.5 hours to Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital and main travel hub. The scenic drive passes through rural landscapes and local villages, offering a glimpse of daily life as you transition between safari regions.

Arrive at Crafted Africa Guest House, a comfortable city stay designed for rest and convenience. The guest house offers a relaxed setting with essential amenities, making it an ideal stopover between destinations.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, recharge, and prepare for the next stage of your safari. This overnight stay provides a smooth break in travel before continuing to South Luangwa, one of Zambia’s top wildlife destinations.

Make your way after breakfast and continue by road transfer for about 6 hours into Zambia, heading toward South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations. The drive crosses rural landscapes and border points, shifting into classic safari terrain as the Luangwa Valley comes into view.

Arrive at Kafunta River Lodge, set on the edge of the Luangwa floodplains with wide river views and active wildlife right around camp. The lodge offers comfortable rooms, open dining areas, and a relaxed safari setting that blends easily with nature.

South Luangwa, known as the “Valley of the Leopard,” is famous for strong predator sightings and high wildlife density. Expect regular encounters with leopards, lions, wild dogs, and hyenas, along with giraffe, zebra, kudu, puku, and over 450 bird species, including the rare Thornicroft’s giraffe found only in this region.

Spend 2 full days at this lodge and stay at comfortable safari chalets with river views, open-air dining areas, and a swimming pool overlooking the plains. The lodge offers a relaxed base where wildlife is often seen passing through camp, including elephants, giraffes, and antelope.

Fill the days with morning and afternoon game drives across South Luangwa, searching for lions, leopards, wild dogs, and hyenas. Join guided walking safaris for a closer bush experience with expert guides, or enjoy birdwatching with more than 450 recorded species in the park. Between activities, return to lodge life, enjoy fresh meals, and unwind while watching wildlife along the river, making Kafunta River Lodge a complete safari base.

Fly from Mfuwe on a scenic bush flight to Royal Airstrip, where a lodge team member meets travelers and transfers them to Royal Zambezi Lodge in Lower Zambezi National Park. This region is known for its river landscapes, strong wildlife presence, and views across to Mana Pools.

Settle into a luxury lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River. Suites feature private decks, plunge pools, and open river views. The lodge includes a restaurant, bar, infinity pool, outdoor lounge, and an award-winning bush spa, offering a high-comfort stay in a wild setting where elephants and hippos often pass through.

Days are active or relaxed. Head out on game drives, walking safaris, canoe trips, and boat cruises to explore the park’s wildlife, including elephants, hippos, leopards, and birdlife. Try tiger fishing, join guided hikes, or visit local communities and conservation projects. Between activities, enjoy spa treatments, riverside views, and full lodge services, making this a complete Lower Zambezi safari experience.

Transfer from the Lower Zambezi with a 1.5-hour sunrise boat trip to Gwambe, followed by a short road transfer across the Chirundu border into Zimbabwe. Continue through Chinudzi Gate and drive into Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO-listed wilderness known for remote landscapes and strong walking safari experiences. The trip combines river and road travel, offering varied scenery and a true cross-border safari transition.

Arrive at Kavinga Safari Camp, a small camp set on a cliff overlooking a busy waterhole. With only a handful of elevated tents, the camp offers a quiet and private stay with wide views across the valley and regular wildlife activity right below.

During the stay, focus on close wildlife encounters. Spend time in the camp’s photographic hide for eye-level views of elephants, predators, and birdlife. Head out on guided walking safaris and game drives to explore the surrounding area. Mana Pools offers a raw and less crowded safari setting, making Kavinga a strong base for an immersive Zimbabwe safari experience.

Fly from Ruckomechi Airstrip to Victoria Falls Airport, where a lodge representative meets travelers and provides a short road transfer to Nkosi Guest Lodge. This marks the final stop of the trip in Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most iconic natural attractions.

Settle into Nkosi Guest Lodge, a modern retreat located just 3.5 km from the Falls. The lodge offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and quiet garden surroundings, providing a relaxed base close to the main sights and activities.

Explore Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Smoke That Thunders,” where powerful cascades drop into a deep gorge. Visit key viewpoints, browse local markets, or choose optional activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or a Zambezi sunset cruise. The stay balances light adventure with time to relax before departure.

Depart Nkosi Guest Lodge and transfer by road to Victoria Falls International Airport for the onward flight. The short transfer offers a final glimpse of the surrounding landscapes before arrival at the airport.