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Luangwa and the Lake of Stars

11 Days - Lilongwe - South Luangwa - Lilongwe - Lake Malawi - Lilongwe

Day 1 – Lilongwe - South Luangwa National Park

Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and your adventure can truly begin!  

 

You will make your way to your camp nestled in a remote part of Zambias' South Luangwa National Park.

 

South Luangwa is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, the concentration of animals around the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa.

 

The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life-blood of this park. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation. The ‘walking safari’ originated in this park and is still one of the finest ways to experience Africa’s pristine wilderness first-hand. The changing seasons add to the Park’s richness, ranging from; dry, bare bushveld in the winter, to a lush, green wonderland in the summer months.

 

There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species in South Luangwa National Park. The only notable exception is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction.  With about 400 of Zambia’s 732 species of birds appearing in the Park, including 39 birds of prey and 47 migrant species, there is plenty for the birdwatcher to spot, whatever the season.  Some magnificent trees and plants grow in the Luangwa Valley, including many exotic wild flowers which are sure to keep the botanist happy!  

Accommodation:

Lion Camp

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As the most remote lodge inside Luangwa’s vast national park, Lion Camp opens only during the peak game viewing months from June to October.  

 

Just nine canvas and thatch chalets make up the camp, accommodating a maximum of 18 guests. Built on raised wooden platforms, they are linked to each other and the main area by a raised wooden boardwalk. Each chalet has either a four poster kingsize double bed or twin beds, and a walk-in mosquito net. They are all ensuite with a shower and toilet, and have private decks overlooking the open plain in front.

Days 2 and 3 – South Luangwa National Park

You have two full days to further explore South Luangwa.  

Lion Camp (as Day 1)

Accommodation:

Day 4 – South Luangwa – Lilongwe

Today, you leave the wilderness behind and make your way back towards Lilongwe, en-route to Lake Malawi.

 

As the journey to Lake Malawi is a long one, we break it up with a night in Lilongwe where you can get to know Malawi’s capital and largest city.                                

Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Latitude 13*

Latitude 13*  is a contemporary and exclusive boutique hotel in the heart of Lilongwe, combining a bold style with instinctive personal service. Just nine spacious suites make up the hotel, each individually designed to an incredibly high standard.  All provide Wi-Fi, large bath, rainshowers, flat screens and climate control.

 

The restaurant is undoubtedly one of the finest in Lilongwe. Award nominated Chef Richard Greenhall and Andrew O'Hallaran have created an eclectic menu that transports the diner from Lake Malawi to Asia and the distant Mediterranean. The exceptional wine collection from South Africa complements the culinary journey...

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Day 5 – Lilongwe – Lake Malawi

After breakfast we will head from Lilongwe to Cape Maclear.  Cape Maclear is a small fishing village on the edge of Lake Malawi, and is the perfect spot form which to get your first glimpse of the main attraction.  You can either kayak out to the stunning Mumbo Island or take the boat for a 45 min trip – we thoroughly recommend the kayak!  Mumbo Island is a pristine and deserted tropical island floating on the expansive waters of the Lake Malawi National Park. With a maze of massive underwater boulders, innumerable species of colorful cichlid fish and calm, clear water, the National Park offers what many consider the best freshwater snorkeling and SCUBA diving in the world.

Mumbo Island

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Mumbo Island Camp accommodates a maximum of fourteen guests, features tastefully furnished tents with shaded decks, hammocks, hot bucket showers and eco-toilets, complemented by a dining area with a bar and a watersport gazebo.  The whole camp is built of timber, thatch and canvas, and is perched on high rocks overlooking the water, sitting seamlessly amongst the lush foliage creating an atmosphere of rustic charm.  All of the furnishings in the lodge have been sourced locally or are made in the surrounding villages ensuring that the camp retains a traditional ‘Malawi’ feel.  The island is located with an exclusive concession area which guarantees its privacy.  Mumbo Island Camp, accommodation a maximum of fourteen guests, features tastefully furnished tents with shaded decks, hammocks, hot bucket showers and eco-toilets, complemented by a dining areas with a bar and a watersport gazebo.  The whole camp is built of timber, thatch and canvas, and is perched on high rocks overlooking the water, sitting seamlessly amongst the lush foliage creating an atmosphere of rustic charm.  All of the furnishings in the lodge have been sourced locally or are made in the surrounding villages ensuring that the camp retains a traditional ‘Malawi’ feel.  The island is located within an exclusive concession area which guarantees its privacy.  

Days 6 and 7 – Lake Malawi

Mumbo Island (as Day 5)

Day 8 – Lake Malawi

Accommodation:

Two further days to take things easy and relax, or to explore the underwater world of Lake Malawi.

Accommodation:

Days 9 and 10 – Lake Malawi

Pumulani

After breakfast you will head back toward the charming village of Cape Maclear and onwards to your next lodge.

Pumulani is an exclusive beach lodge situated on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula on the Southern end of Lake Malawi within Lake Malawi National Park.

 

The lodge has ten individually-designed villas spread out along a lush hillside overlooking the lake.  Each villa boasts a large bedroom, a spacious living area and a private deck with lake view. Guests can relax on the sandy beach or in the stylish infinity pool. For those seeking activity, there is waterskiing, sailing, diving, wakeboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing and bird watching. At sunset there are traditional wooden dhow cruises, the perfect way to end the day!

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Pumulani (as Day 8)

Day 11: Lilongwe

Accommodation:

You have two further days to enjoy the Lake; whether its peace and tranquility you are after or active watersports that you crave – it’s all available at Pumulani!

After breakfast you will start to make your way back to Lilongwe International airport for your onwards journey.        

 

© ecoTravel Africa 2011

Contact us to find out more about visiting Malawi

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