Boasting nothing short of phenomenal, Africa embodies a truly free-spirited and unspoilt atmosphere that incorporates the most unique cultures, history, wildlife and landscapes. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of countries are those that have yet to be discovered and left in extraordinary pristine conditions - and that is the reason why Zambia and Malawi are a favorite for Safari Enthusiasts wishing to experience another side to Africa. From cheetahs to black rhinos in Liwonde National Park, to leopards, lions, and elephants at Majete Wildlife Reserve, this journey is absolutely unreal.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Travel where others have yet to discover - Zambia and Malawi offer the most pristine and untouched abundance of wildlife and nature
- Explore Thyolo by bike and pass through farmlands and plantations of the immaculately kept tea and coffee estates
- Walking safaris that bring you into close encounters with elephants, hippos and even lions!
- Game drives led by experienced trackers and guides
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Blantyre - Majete
- Day 2: Majete Wildlife Reserve
- Day 3: Majete - Liwonde
- Day 4-5: Liwonde NP
- Day 6: Liwonde - Lilongwe
- Day 7: Lilongwe - South Luangwa National Park
- Day 8: South Luangwa National Park
- Day 9: Transfer between camps in South Luangwa
- Day 10: South Luangwa National Park
- Day 11: Transfer between camps in South Luangwa
- Day 12: Fly from Mfuwe to Lusaka
Tailor Made Suggestions
- Don't miss out on a visit to the incredible Lake Malawi or Kaya Mawa with our 5-day extension tours.
- Tick one of the seven world wonders off your Bucket List with an unforgettable visit to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
- Complete your perfect African adventure with the iconic Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1 - 3 - Blantyre: 3 Day Mkulumadzi Lodge Safari
Airport to hotel
At the Blantyre airport you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to your accommodation.
3 Day Mkulumadzi Lodge Safari
Majete Wildlife Reserve is one of the outstanding success stories of African conservation. Located in the south of Malawi, Majete is an area of 70,000 hectares, part of Africa's Great Rift Valley. Located on the banks of the Shire River, Mkulumadzi Lodge has 8 stunning chalets where you can relax and fall under the spell of the sights & sounds of the river, in the heart of Majete Wildlife Reserve.
Your stay includes: all meals, local brand drinks, twice daily game drives, and park fees.
Arrival Day
On arrival at the lodge you will get settled into your room and enjoy lunch (arrival time permitting). The views over the river from the lodge are spectacular so take some time to get settled in to your accommodation and sit and watch the wildlife from your private balcony. Head out on your first game drive in the reserve this afternoon before returning to the lodge for a delicious dinner under the stars.
Dinner included.
Game Viewing Activites
Enjoy a full day on safari in the Majete Wildlife Reserve.
GAME DRIVES: Staff are ready to take you on exciting game drives each morning. Longer excursions are also offered with a packed breakfast or lunch, perfect for exploring the far reaches of Majete.
VIEWING HIDES: From the seclusion of a comfortable hide overlooking a waterhole guests can experience the thrill of watching animals coming to drink. An excellent photographic opportunity with buffalo, elephant, black rhino, sable antelope and eland all regular visitors to the waterhole.
STAR BED: Spend the night on our exclusive raised star-deck gazing at the twinkling galaxies above us, far from the bright lights of the city. A truly unique and unforgettable experience the star-deck can host a maximum of two people. The cosy set-up includes a double bed with cotton linen, bedside tables, a canopy mosquito net, lanterns and seating, perfect for sharing with someone special in the midst of a truly wild and stunning natural paradise. Available from May to October, and needs to be pre-booked.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: A visit to a nearby village and community centre offers guests a chance to experience Malawi outside of Majete, to understand local culture and to share people’s experiences of living alongside a wildlife reserve.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Departure Day
Depending on your departure time, you may have the chance to head out on one final early morning game drive in the reserve before breakfast at the lodge and check out.
Breakfast included.
Day 3 - 6 - Majete: 4 Day Mvuu Lodge Stay
Majete to Liwonde NP
Your driver will pick you up at advised time and drive you to your next accommodation in Liwonde NP.
4 Day Mvuu Lodge Stay
Mvuu Lodge Arrival Day
Arrive at Mvuu Lodge today and get settled in to your accommodation. You will be assigned a guide for the duration of your stay who will take you through what you can expect over the next few days.
Dinner included.
Mvuu Lodge Activities
During your stay at Mvuu Lodge you will head out on 2 activities daily with your guide.
River safaris:
Superb river cruises take in the languid Shire River, providing the perfect opportunity to get close to hippo pods, bathing elephant, crocodile and colourful birdlife.
Nature walks:
Enjoy getting closer to the flora and fauna in the park away from the confines of a safari vehicle on a nature walk with an experienced guide. Closed shoes and safari coloured clothing required to be worn. The age limit for guided walks and trails is 16 years.
Game drives:
Named after Chief Liwonde who championed its protection, the park harbours very diverse landscapes. Travel through these in one of our well maintained open sided 4×4 vehicles in search of equally diverse wildlife.
Night drives:
Enjoy a sundowner at an idyllic spot in the bush before heading out in the dark in search of the varied nocturnal wildlife that makes it home in the park.
Shire River Trail:
The Shire River trail is a three-day trek across the park that gives guests the chance to truly immerse themselves in nature. Price available on request.
Birding:
Liwonde National Park offers some of the best birding in Malawi. Specials include brown-breasted barbet, Böhm's bee-eater, African skimmer and Livingstone's flycatcher to mention just a few.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Mvuu Lodge Departure Day
Following your final breakfast at Mvuu Lodge you will be transferred out.
Breakfast included.
Day 6 - Lilongwe: Overnight in Lilongwe
Overnight in Lilongwe
Once you arrive in to Lilongwe you will be dropped off at your hotel where you will spend the evening.
Breakfast included.
Day 7 - 9 - Lilongwe: Lilongwe to South Luangwa National Park (Private) / 3 Day Kafunta River Lodge
Lilongwe to South Luangwa National Park (Private)
After breakfast this morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred by road through the Zambia border and on to South Luangwa National Park. On arrival at your safari camp you will get settled into your room and depending on your arrival time you may have the opportunity to head out on your first afternoon game drive before returning to camp for a delicious dinner.
3 Day Kafunta River Lodge
Kafunta River Lodge Arrival Day
Today you will make your way with your guide to Kafuna River Lodge in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Take some time to get settled in to your accommodation before you are assigned a safari guide for the duration of your stay at Kafunta.
Dinner included.
Kafunta River Lodge Activities
During your stay at Kafunta you will enjoy 2 game activities a day.
Kafunta River Lodge has its own pontoon 5 minutes from the lodge and this adventurous river crossing takes you into the more remote areas of the South Luangwa National Park, giving access to extraordinarily good wildlife encounters. The lodge is also a short game drive from the main gate giving access to the abundant game viewing of the Mfuwe sector. The early morning hours are ideal for a game drive or alternatively a walking safari can be arranged. During your afternoon game drive, stop for sundowners in the bush to fully experience the magnificent African sunsets. You continue with the drive in the dark which allows you to spot nocturnal animals.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Kafunta River Lodge Departure Day
Following your final early morning activity you will be met back at the lodge by your guide who will transfer you back to Malawi.
Breakfast included.
Day 9 - 11 - South Luangwa National Park: Lodge to Lodge / 3 Day Kafunta Three Rivers Camp
Lodge to Lodge
Following breakfast at your accommodation you will head off to your next accommodation located in the bush. This drive can take anywhere between 1.5 hours to 3 hours, depending on the time of year. It is an activity in itself so be sure to look out for any wildlife around.
3 Day Kafunta Three Rivers Camp
Three Rivers Arrival Day
Upon arrival at Three Rivers, take some time to get settled in and prepare for your activities the following day.
Dinner included.
Three Rivers Activities
Three Rivers offers game drives in the South Luangwa National Park along with bush walks around the camp area and down the river banks. Encounter elephants, giraffes, waterbuck, and maybe the relatively rare roan antelope with a chance to also spot lions, leopards or wild dogs. Short night drives are also offered before returning to camp for dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Three Rivers Departure Day
You will depart Kafuna Three Rivers this morning following breakfast and continue on with your travel arrangements.
Breakfast included.
Day 11 - South Luangwa National Park: Lodge to Lodge / Kafunta River Lodge
Lodge to Lodge
Following breakfast at your accommodation you will head off to your next accommodation located in the bush. This drive can take anywhere between 1.5 hours to 3 hours, depending on the time of year. It is an activity in itself so be sure to look out for any wildlife around.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 12 - South Luangwa National Park: Lodge to Mfuwe Airport / Flight: Mfuwe to Lusaka
Lodge to Mfuwe Airport
Following an early breakfast at your lodge you will be transferred back to Mfuwe airport.
Flight: Mfuwe to Lusaka
Board your departure flight today in Mfuwe and fly to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.
Breakfast included.
- Day 1 - 3 - 3 Day Mkulumadzi Lodge Safari
- Day 3 - 6 - 4 Day Mvuu Lodge Stay
- Day 6 - Overnight in Lilongwe
- Day 7 - 9 - Lilongwe to South Luangwa National Park (Private) / 3 Day Kafunta River Lodge
- Day 9 - 11 - Lodge to Lodge / 3 Day Kafunta Three Rivers Camp
- Day 11 - Lodge to Lodge / Kafunta River Lodge
- Day 12 - Lodge to Mfuwe Airport / Flight: Mfuwe to Lusaka
Standard Accommodation
Majete, Malawi - Mkulumadzi Lodge
Liwonde, Malawi - Mvuu Lodge
Lilongwe, Malawi - Kumbali Country Lodge
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia - Kafunta River Lodge
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia - Three Rivers Camp
Whats included?
- Accommodation with private facilities
- Internal flight: Mfuwe - Lusaka
- Hotel taxes
- Services of experienced guide(s)
- Park entrance fees
- Private road Transfers
- Activities as specified*
- Meals as specified*
What’s not included?
- International air transportation
- Passport, visa and immigration fees
- Travel protection plan
- Airport taxes
- Travel protection plan
- Additional hotel nights
- Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages*
- Laundry service
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
*Activities & Meals
- Mvuu Lodge: includes all meals, local drinks, laundry, park fees, 2 activities per day
- Mkulumadzi: includes all meals, local drinks, laundry, park fees, 2 activities per day
- Kumbali Country Lodge: includes breakfast, dinner
- Kafunta River Lodge: includes all meals, local drinks, laundry, park fees, 2 activities per day
- Kafunta 3 Rivers Camp: includes all meals, local drinks, laundry, park fees, 2 activities per day
**This tour package operates from April to November each year. Should you wish to travel between December to March, please contact us for details.
Packing Recommendations
- Lightweight clothing for day-time, and warmer clothing for the winter months. Avoid brightly coloured clothing for game viewing.
- Women are advised not to wear too revealing clothing and dresses that are knee-length and longer.
- Swimwear for water-sport activities
- Accessories such as hat, scarf, and jacket, especially if you are climbing Mulanje during winter or planning to go up North
- Avoid dark colours and wear long-sleeves & long trousers to guard against mosquitos and other insects at night
- Insect repellent, sun protection, toiletries, batteries and external chargers
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Africa
From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.
Downloadable travel guide
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