Highlights of Malawi and Zambia

Arrive in Livingstone, the Zambian town named after explorer David Livingstone, who first reached Victoria Falls in 1855. Transfer about 25 km (15.5 miles) upstream to a horse ranch on the banks of the Zambezi River.

Settle into a riverside chalet with views over the water and spend two nights at an eco-luxury lodge powered by solar energy and furnished with locally made pieces. Relax by the river and enjoy the peaceful setting as the Zambezi introduces the natural beauty of southern Zambia.

Enjoy a full day at the Zambezi River horse ranch and choose activities that suit the pace of the stay. Ride through the surrounding bush on a guided horseback safari, cruise the river at sunrise or sunset, enjoy a floating picnic, or explore on a guided bush walk. Birdwatching, mountain biking, and a poolside massage offer more ways to spend the day. Arrange optional Victoria Falls day trips, helicopter or microlight flights, or white-water rafting for added adventure.

Check out and transfer to the airport for a series of flights to Zambia’s Lower Zambezi Valley, connecting through Lusaka before landing on a private airstrip. Continue by road to a luxury retreat on a private 200-hectare (494-acre) reserve along 3.5 km (2.2 miles) of the Zambezi River, directly across from Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. Settle into your luxury suite for four nights and take in the river views from this award-winning 5-star retreat.

Spend three full days exploring Lower Zambezi National Park, a vast 4,092 sq km (1,580 sq mile) wilderness where large elephant herds gather along the Zambezi River. Set out on early morning and late afternoon game drives, then track nocturnal wildlife on night drives in search of leopard. Walk through the bush with expert guides, canoe along quiet waterways, or cruise the Zambezi with a sundowner. Try catch-and-release tiger fishing or unwind between activities with a treatment at the bush spa.

Check out and fly back through Lusaka to Mfuwe, the gateway to South Luangwa National Park. From the airport, transfer about two hours to a remote tented camp beside a permanent lagoon, with the Chindeni Hills forming a scenic backdrop. Settle into one of just four spacious tents for two nights, each featuring a private veranda overlooking the water. Watch for hippos, elephants, and abundant birdlife gathering around the lagoon as you settle into this intimate safari camp.

Set out from camp for a guided walking safari and explore the lagoon and surrounding wilderness on foot, tracking wildlife and reading signs of animal activity along the way. Alternatively, take a game drive for broader views of the area or head out after dark on a night drive to spot nocturnal wildlife. Between activities, return to camp and relax on the deck overlooking the lagoon, enjoying the peaceful setting and watching wildlife from camp.

Transfer to Zungulila Bushcamp, set on a bend of the Kapamba River in South Luangwa National Park. Settle into one of four Meru-style safari tents, each opening toward wide plains where large herds of buffalo and elephant gather near the river and natural springs. Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding wilderness on a guided safari or relaxing at camp while watching wildlife from the riverfront. Enjoy two nights at this intimate safari camp, which offers a quiet base for exploring the rich wildlife and remote landscapes of South Luangwa.

Follow your guide on a walking safari through some of South Luangwa National Park’s least-visited wilderness. Track buffalo herds and elephants across the open grassy plains while learning to read animal tracks, signs, and movements on foot. After the walk, return to camp and relax beside the Kapamba River with a sundowner as wildlife moves through the surrounding bush. Spend another night at Zungulila Bushcamp, enjoying its intimate setting and direct connection to the park’s remote wilderness.

Transfer to Mfuwe Airport and board your flight from Zambia to Malawi, arriving on the palm-fringed southern shore of Lake Malawi. Continue to your beachfront retreat and settle into a private chalet surrounded by green gardens overlooking the lake. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the water or enjoying optional activities along the shore. Known for its clear waters and exceptional freshwater biodiversity, Lake Malawi offers a scenic setting for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and other water-based experiences. Stay for four nights at this peaceful lakeside retreat.

Spend three full days enjoying the beaches and clear waters of Lake Malawi at your lakeside retreat. Choose from a range of activities, including a round of golf, sailing, waterskiing, or a relaxing spa treatment. Walk to a nearby fishing village to experience local life and see how communities depend on the lake. Between activities, unwind on the beach, enjoy meals at the al fresco restaurant, or relax with a coffee at the lounge. Stay in your beachfront chalet, surrounded by green gardens and overlooking the lake.

Check out from your lakeside retreat and transfer to the airport for your flight to Lilongwe. Connect with your international departure flight and begin your journey home after exploring the diverse landscapes of Zambia and Malawi. From South Luangwa’s wildlife-rich bush and the Kapamba River to the beaches and clear waters of Lake Malawi, complete a two-country Southern Africa itinerary combining safari, walking adventures, and lakeside relaxation.