This itinerary is set to become justifiably popular as the safari enjoys the very best of Zambia and Malawi at a relaxed pace.
Flying directly into Busanga Plains after a night in Lusaka at the stylish boutique hotel, Latitude 15° your wilderness guides will meet you and take you to magnificent Shumba Camp in the heart of the plains. Depending on the time of the season you will transfer either by canoe or vehicle, as the grasslands dry out as the season progresses. Much of the wildlife returns from the surrounding miombo forest to the grasslands by July each year. This vast, wild area is grazed by many thousands of red lechwe and puku as well as by zebra, wildebeest and good sized herds of roan antelope. Sable antelope can also be found in small herds.
Around 180 - 200 elephants also have inhabit the area en masse, an awesome sight. With at least three nights here and with favourable weather late season visitors can enjoy an early morning balloon safari flight over this prime wilderness area, celebrating in the traditional way with champagne on landing.
We are so inspired by Shumba and the nature that the Busanga Plains hold that we highly recommend 4 nights in this little visited region.
Passing back through Lusaka airport you reach the magnificent Lower Zambezi National Park. Here, squeezed between the hills and the broad Zambezi River our choice safari camp has to be the owner run and award winning Chiawa Camp. This small tented camp lies right beside a broad sweep of water with spacious rooms and a lovely double height lounge and bar area. Guiding is first class here and some lovely surprises are kept in store. The professionalism and attention to detail is first class. Wildlife will not disappoint either but safari activities here tend to be far more relaxed than in the other reserves in Zambia.
Your final location on this safari before heading to Kaya Mawa for some deserved relaxation is South Luangwa National Park, renowned for its big cats and wild dogs. There is much other wildlife here too, that ensures the park is the most popular in Zambia. Kaingo Camp has some beautiful cottages overlooking the Luangwa River and offers discerning guests a fine safari experience. The camp is set in a rich and varied area of the park with bush country, grasslands, riverine forest and ebony groves close by and this diversity contrasts nicely with the habitats of Busanga Plains and the Lower Zambezi. There are other great choices of luxury lodge towards the southern sectors of the park too.
Leaving Mfuwe you will pass through Lilongwe airport to enter Malawi before an hour flight in a light aircraft to Likoma Island. On the southern side of this interesting small island is the delightful boutique resort of Kaya Mawa. This beachside retreat on the sweep of sand lapped by the freshwaters of Lake Malawi is the perfect antidote to the long days on safari. Diving, snorkelling, paddle boards and dinghies are just some of the activities for those who cannot unwind totally and the clear waters are full of colourful cichlid fish. Fabulous food and barefoot luxury of individually styled cottages round out this safari in style.
For larger groups travelling together then we can book Ndomo House on Likoma Island and book out some of the camps in the national parks for exclusive use.
