There is nothing quite like exploring the wild lands of the African bush on foot. To see wildlife from a safari vehicle is one thing but to be face to face (from a safe distance) with nature’s greatest beasts is another, and there is nothing quite like it.
On our Rivers, Rainbows and Lakes tour you will spend 7 days walking between three South Luangwa bush camps. Commencing at Luangwa River Camp, after you will walk to Nkwali, where you will stay 2 nights and finally Nsefu. Each day you will have the opportunity to embark on a walking safari and explore South Luangwa.
After walking for 7 days you may need to rest your legs and your feet. What better way to do this than to spend 3 days on a picturesque island? Blue Zebra Island is approximately 20 minutes by boat from Salima. Here you will spend the final 3 days of your trip. It is a beautiful place to relax and recuperate after an active few days. However, if you want to stay active, you can kayak or snorkel or partake on island walks to see the ancient baobab tree and picturesque sunsets.
Located on the banks of the Luangwa River under an ancient ebony tree lies the Luangwa River Lodge. The lodge itself is elevated on wooden decks affording great views to the park and river and has a swimming pool sunk into the deck on two levels with a waterfall. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery and view the passing wildlife.
You can enjoy game drives and walking safaris ranging from half day excursions to full day activities with a bush lunch to allow access into different areas of the national park. The park is accessed by crossing the Luangwa River either by boat when the waters are high or by 4WDs in dryer season.
The area surrounding Nkwali is superb game viewing country, with a beautiful area of ebony woodland and open grasslands. There are driving loops in this area and often as much can be seen behind camp as in the park – including leopard, lion and occasionally wild dog.
Activities are entirely chosen by the guests and tailored to their requirements. Guests have the option of a walk or a game drive. The drives include morning, afternoon and night drives. An all-day drive, with a picnic lunch, is also available. The walks are led by very knowledgeable guides and escorted by armed National Park scouts. The standard of the guiding is outstanding. Guests can also visit the local village of Kwaza and interact with the villagers and learn about their way of life.
Nsefu is certainly one of the better-known camps in the Luangwa and with exceptional guiding standards, you cannot be let down. The setting is stunning – the views are absolutely beautiful (up there with the very best in the park) and the lodge has a great old-fashioned character.
The view of the river is superb and includes a terraced area where game grazes during the day. The bar and sitting room, tucked in beside a huge extinct termite mound, overlooks a waterhole that is very productive for the game, especially leopard at night. All this can be seen from the comfortable armchairs of the close by sitting area.
Dive into crystal clear waters, revealing astonishing marine life at Blue Zebra Island Lodge on Nankoma Island, part of the Marelli Island archipelago in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Malawi National Park. Be transported to natural tranquillity, waking up to the cries of the African Fish Eagle, Malawi’s national bird, and exploring the 875 types of rainbow coloured Cichlid fish in the lake.
Guests are free to chill at the infinity pool, kayak around the islands or enjoy a game of volleyball as part of the full board package. The lodge also offers free use of snorkeling equipment to view the unique colourful fish that inhabit every inch of the coastline. The more adventurous can take advantage of other water sports including wakeboarding, skiing and SCUBA diving.
All good things must come to an end… It is time to return to Lilongwe International Aiport for your onward journey.
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