WHAT WE WILL SEE

Malawi Zambia Wild north. A trip to the highlands of the Rift Valley, between Malawi and Zambia, in comfort. Few  countries have unknown and forgotten regions. In Malawi it is the north. This region is dominated by Viphya highlands, where lies the Viphya Forest Reserve, the unique scenery of the Nyika National Park, a pearl set between 2000 and 2600 meters above sea level, a national park with one of the most spectacular scenery and unusual landscape in Central Africa. The Nyika Plateau forming the wall of the Great Rift Valley and the flood plains of Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve, including buffalos, elephants and hippos, to 1000 m above sea level, an area of ​​swamps and plains and the beautiful Lake Malawi. The lake is the third  largest in Africa,  with clear waters like those of a sea that is home to about 550 species of fish. In Zambia, the incredible South Luangwa National Park, to experience the thrill of being close to nature during the walking safaris and also entering the mid of the park even at night with the jeep. A park with an abundance of predators: lions, jackals, hyenas, cheetahs, small herds of wild dogs now endangered and, not least, relatively easy to spot, the leopard. The park is also home to two large rare endemic species: the Thornicroft giraffe and Cookson wildebeest. The meeting with the local people, especially in Malawi, will remain in the heart for their great simplicity in the joy of life: unspoilt and little tourist sites immersed in a natural wild, animals, villages, markets, a journey spanning two nations  that are  so unique and so unforgettable.

DURATION: 13 days. Possibilities to extend your trip to the beautiful beaches of Malawi Lake.

 

THE TRIP – Malawi Zambia wild north

The Nyika national park, a pearl set between 2000 and 2600 meters above sea level, with one of the most spectacular scenery and unusual landscape in Central Africa; between hills and gentle slopes that stretch as far as the eye, some evergreen forest is a remnant of the immense rainforest that once covered Central Africa. Meetings with zebras, eland, roan antelope, cervicapre, klipspringer, jackals and hyenas are common; though harder to spot because of their shy nature, there is also a health  population of leopards. The Viphya Forest Reserve is a very green area, rich in  Brachystegia at 1650m and is malaria free. Here we can both get in touch with the Malawian culture, sit down to enjoy the sunset or the singing of hundreds of birds that inhabit the area or participate in one of trekking adventures starting from Viphya … soon we will fall in love with this corner of Malawi. This paradise offers incredible sightings both for birds (nectarines such as the double collar sunbird, eagles, vultures, herons and egrets are easy to spot). For mammals (hyenas can often be heard, while baboons, vervet monkeys, bushbuck, duiker are easy to spot. Leopards inhabits the area, along with owls, porcupines and mongooses.

We will spend a couple of days on the banks of the third largest lake in Africa, Lake Malawi, defined as “the most beautiful lake in the world” by many in the tourism sector magazines, one of the largest water reserves in the world; it is estimated that the endemic fish that inhabit the waters, Cichlids, are around 1000 species, colorful and very easy to approach. Very far from the idea that one has of the lake as a real inland sea, 365 km long and 52km wide hence also called the “Calendar lake”.

The days in Zambia will instead be spent in close contact with nature: the South Luangwa National Park is the heart of a beautiful ecosystem that boasts antelopes, zebras, buffalos, elephants and an abundance of predators: lions, jackals, hyenas, cheetahs, small herds of wild dogs now endangered and, not least, relatively easy to spot, the leopard. The park also hosts two rare endemic subspecies: the Thornicroft giraffe and Cookson wildebeest

A true paradise from the ornithological point of view with more than 700 species of birds. The park is famous for leopards: this solitary feline, though, it is difficult to spot, but during the night safari we will have more possibilities. Lions and hyenas are easy to spot.

Malawi is indeed a warm and welcoming country: its people have a warm and hospitable heart that in no other country in Africa we have ever heard. Away from tourism, despite the poignant beauty of its landscape, its hospitable and incredibly friendly people, the kilometers of pristine beaches of golden sand, Malawi is a country not yet discovered by tourism and this makes it even more fascinating.

There will be stops in the villages, in the markets where we often stop to buy the excellent fruits!  If you want you can extend the trip to the beautiful beaches of Lake Malawi.

 

STAFF

Staff is made by professional guides trained by Malawi Tourism sector. WHO WE ARE 

MEANS OF TRANSPORT

All distances will be covered with one or more means Toyota or Land Rover or similar off-road 4 × 4. A further provision, in the case of nights camping: mattresses, refrigerator, food, field kitchen, 12/220 V. current to recharge the batteries, two-way VHF, GPS, notebook to download digital photos and movies, satellite phone (cost 5 euro / min), first aid kit and a good travel library, with our guides to travel with.

 

ACCOMMODATION

In Lilongwe we will spend the nights in a nice lodge with restaurant and swimming pool. The nights at the South Luangwa National Park on the banks of the Luangwa River, in an absolutely beautiful position on the pitch fixed tented; hippos, giraffes and groups of elephants visit the area. At Makuzi beach two nights in exciting lodge overlooking Lake Malawi. To Nyika National Park in a memorable lodge for its location overlooking the Nyika Plateau, one of the most beautiful lands of Africa. At night  the zebras visit the camp, as well as many species of antelope. Lodge in Senga Bay on Lake Malawi, absolutely beautiful location overlooking the lake. At Mzuzu in the city’s historic hotel in the countryside. On Viphya plateau still lodge in the forest surrounded by green located among hundreds of species of birds. The rooms in the lodge / chalet / hotel, is intended, unless otherwise requested, in double or, in rare cases, triple; They could be replaced for technical-organizational problems without distorting the original plan The facilities have been carefully chosen following an idea of ​​land conservation and sustainability of travel, preferring  positions in close contact with nature. For a list of the lodge / camping , please write to us!

A SAFARI GUIDE

The numerous game drives (English definition that describes the excursion in 4 × 4 organized for the sighting of animals), will take place in the daytime and at night with the jeep. It is not required to have special preparation except the desire to get up at dawn and patience required in search of animals. Note that Safari will be held during the coolest hours of the day (sunrise and sunset), when animals are easier to spot. Being self-driven, however, we may decide to stop  on a scene for as long as possible, always following the rules of the park. The safaris are conducted on open jeeps equipped for the safari.

Photographers during the safari will always be permitted to bring their own camera equipment. The guides will aim to position the vehicle in the best position, where security  and safety permits. Inside the park the jeep will NOT communicate by radio with each other, to avoid the crowd on an animal and thus preserve the peace.

Then the vehicle must be in the right place at the right time to see what you want; we prefer that a sanctuary of nature such as the South Luangwa National Park preserve this spirit of adventure that so characterizes it.

Important information: in the parks or in the camps, will be made to sign a disclaimer of responsibility required to access given the nature of the place.

DAY 1 LILONGWE, MALAWI

Check-in in Lilongwe, Malawi, welcoming and warm country. Its people have a warm and hospitable heart that in no other country in Africa we have ever heard. Away from tourism, despite the poignant beauty of its landscape, its hospitable and incredibly friendly people, the kilometers of pristine beaches of golden sand, Malawi is a country not yet discovered by tourism and this makes it even more fascinating. Meeting with the staff of Africa Wild Truck and transfer to the lodge located in a pleasant and green area in the city. Half board.

DAY 2 LILONGWE - SOUTH LUANGWA N.P.

Traveling to Zambia and arrival at the South Luangwa National Park, crossing a buffer zone surrounded by villages. In the afternoon  watch the animals from the amazing location of the field, and the first night safari in search of all those nocturnal predators such as lions, hyenas and leopards, with the possibility of course spotting elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and other wild animals. Overnight at the lodge on the banks of the Luangwa River. Often they observe hippos, elephants and giraffes cross the river. Full board.

DAY 3 SOUTH LUANGWA N.P.

The rich diversity of habitats will be immediately apparent in our first morning safari and during the night drive, 4x4 safaris during the evening hours, when it is easier to spot nocturnal animals: deep in the South Luangwa National Park in search of lions, leopards , hyenas, genets, civets, nightjar ... in this park you can spot the rare wild dog, they are unfortunately endangered. Overnight at the lodge on the banks of the Luangwa River. Full board.

DAY 4 SOUTH LUANGWA N.P. - MALAWI, LILONGWE

Cross the border and return to Malawi towards Chitipi, small village on the outskirts of Lilongwe. We will cross a rural Malawi inhabited by the country’s ethnic Chewa, where the language spoken is Chi-Chewa. If we are lucky we will be able to meet the masks of Gule Wamkulu, secret ceremony and dance that is showcased at special moments such as births, traditional festivals and significant moments in the life of man and woman. Overnight at the lodge. Half board

DAY 5 LILONGWE - VIPHYA FOREST RESERVE

Northern direction, after passing the city of Kasungu and the many inselberg, granite rocks that dot the landscape, we will enter in the Forest Reserve of Viphya at 1600 m. Many rivers cut these numerous valleys and this area is one of the few places in Africa that is malaria free, given the cool climate all year round. Night in the brachystegia forest at the lodge. Full board

DAY 6 VIPHYA FOREST RESERVE

A day  within the Forest Reserve where we will organize a short trek in the forest where we will have chance to discover the beauty and the Viphya Plateau views. This paradise offers incredible sightings both for birds (nectarines such as double collard sunbird, eagles, vultures, herons and egrets are easy to spot) and for mammals (hyenas can often be heard, while baboons, vervet monkeys, bushbucks, duikers are easy to spot. Leopards inhabit the area, along with owls, porcupines and mongooses. Overnight as the night before. Full board

DAY 7 VIPHYA FOREST RESERVE - MZUZU

We still head north towards Mzuzu, the main town in the north of Malawi. Mzuzu offers the chance to experience a slice of life in a Malawian city. Quiet and delicious with its  splendid gardens, Mzuzu is vibrant and colorful and the main street is full of with people. An opportunity to get in touch with this important aspect of Malawian life. Overnight in known and popular hotel in the center, surrounded by greenery. Half board

DAY 8 MZUZU - NYIKA NATIONAL PARK
A journey through wild and little tourist views. Arrival at Nyika National Park, beauty set among the 2000 and 2600 meters above sea level, with one of the most spectacular scenery and unusual landscapes in Central Africa. The view that one enjoys from the peak is truly amazing. Overnight in a lodge in an amazing location, one of the most beautiful areas of Africa; the lodge area is, again, malaria free. Full board.

DAY 9 NYIKA NATIONAL PARK
Giornata dedicata al safari nel Nyika national park, più grande e più antico parco A day dedicated to the safari’s in Nyika National Park, the largest and oldest national park in Malawi where recently have been discovered rock paintings dating back to 3000 years ago. With its unique vegetation that grows at 2000 meters above sea level attracts hundreds of species relatively easy to spot in the large free park portions of the forest: among them we see roan antelope, eland, zebra, jackals, hyenas and leopards. Overnight like the night before. Full board.

DAY 10 NYIKA NATIONAL PARK - MAKUZI BEACH
A journey through wild landscapes to arrive on the third largest lake in Africa in a beautiful bay between the fishing villages. geologically important because it is located far south of the Rift Valley, home to about 1,000 species of fish of which more than 350 endemic and about a third of known Cichlids of the entire planet. Its banks offer white beaches and golden sand. Overnight at the lodge on the shores of Lake Malawi. Bed and breakfast

DAY 11 MAKUZI BEACH
Relax in this small remote corner of Malawi, where fishermen ply on the waters of the lake with their small boats. It a fundamental ecosystem for the entire region for its climate control function, of vital freshwater reservoir for the people and for the birds of the region. For those who want, a variety of activities are offered including diving and horseback riding in the forest or on the beach. Overnight as the night before. Bed and breakfast

DAY 12 MAKUZI BEACH - SENGA BAY FOREST RESERVE
Leave Makuzi Beach to reach a place where very impressive landscape that not only amazes us, but also the Senga Bay forest where monkeys and hyrax are easy to spot. Overnight at the lodge overlooking Lake Malawi. Half board

DAY 13 SENGA FOREST RESERVE - LILONGWE
Return to Lilongwe, a few kilometers separate us from the capital and the international airport for the return flight.

*[Write us for Accommodation and lodge list]

QUOTA DI PARTECIPAZIONE: 3750 Usd

incluse VAT 16,5%, Tourism Levy 1%

PARTiCIPANTS: MIN 4, MAX 9

DISCOUNTS

The following discounts are possible:

  • Discount of 50Usd per day if you decide to camp
  • family discounts: for children and young boys/girls under 12 years
  • 100Usd for travelers who already took part at least in a travel with AFRICA WILD TRUCK (minum base of 4 persons)
  • groups discount

Discounts are subject to variations and can't be combined together.

THE FEE INCLUDES

  • English speaking guides authorized by Minister of Tourism
  • all transports, to and from the airport, road taxes
  • all game drives activities, all national parks entry fees

(in S. Luangwa national park, and Nyika national park)

  • all overnights in comfort lodges as per program - no camping (see page 3)
  • all meals as per full board indication
  • 50 US dollars that AWT entirely donates to AROUND AWT (see page 11)
  • VAT (16,5%),  TOURISM LEVY (1%) and government taxes.

 

THE FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • flights
  • Malawi  and Zambian Visa
  • Supplemento camera singola (15%)
  • Euroassistance/Globy or similar travel insurance (cancellation, luggage, health insurance highly advisable – it is possible to stipulate it with the above cited agency or online – write to us, we will help you to find the best solution!)
  • drinks
  • Meals where indicated bed and breakfast
  • any possible personal expense
  • tips
  • anything not expressely specified under "The fee includes"

BOOK!

Contact info@africawildtruck.com to book or to ask informations.

HEALTH

No obligation to vaccination. Write to us to have more information! Note that on

Nyika (above 2000 m) is malaria free.

We recommend these vaccines:

  • tetanus
  • typhoid fever
  • hepatitis A and B

Concerning malaria, disease transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito, its prevention is accomplished, first of all, with a mechanic prevention i.e. avoiding getting stung, following these rules:

  • sleeping under mosquito tents
  • useìing insecticide to get rid of possible mosquitos
  • after sunset, when mosquitos are more active, avoiding leaving parts of the body uncovered, wearing light-coloured long trousers and long-sleeve shirts, because dark colours attract mosquitos and spraying parts of the body uncovered with Autan Extreme

For the use of any possible antimalarial drugs we suggest that you consult your Public Health Service; health norms change very rapidly.

TRAVEL MEDICAL KIT

We suggest that you take with you a small supply of these medicines:

  • analgesics/fever reducers: acetylsalicylic acid and nimesulide
  • antibiotics like ciproxin or amoxicillin or clavulanic acid
  • antimalarials: anyway carry with you 2 packs of Lariam for emergency cases
  • antidiarrheals: loperamide or kaolin in case of symptoms (to use only if really necessary!)
  • rehydration salts: in case of fluid leaks
  • against car or air sickness: a pack of pills or chewing-gums
  • antihistamines: in case of allergic reactions
  • scissors, tweezers and thermometer
  • suntan cream
  • insecticides (like Autan Extreme)

Required documents and Visa

It is necessary to have a passport valid for at least 6 months after departure date with at least two free pages; for the entry in Malawi the Visa is obtainable under 75 Usd payment. Write us for more informations

 

CLOTHING

  • comfortable trekking shoes
  • technical sandals
  • easy to dry slippers for the shower
  • windbreaker
  • k-way
  • sweatshirt/pile
  • cotton/linen long trousers
  • cotton/linen long sleeve shirts
  • cotton T-shirts
  • bathing suit
  • panty
  • belly pack for passport
  • sunglasses
  • cap

OTHER

  • towel
  • binoculars
  • head torch-light
  • water bottle
  • camera/videocamera/spare batteries!!
  • passport photocopy and 2 passport photos
  • energy bars may be useful
  • any other mountain trekking that you might need
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