Zambia & Malawi – A Perfect Combination

I’ve just returned from a whirlwind two-week journey through Zambia and Malawi, two destinations that are often overlooked when planning an African safari. I’m pleased to say that both countries exceeded my expectations and complemented each other beautifully.

   

While the national parks here may not have the same density of wildlife as places like South Africa or Tanzania, the quality of sightings was truly exceptional. Some were among the best I’ve ever experienced. It’s worth noting that we travelled during the dry season and spent a fair amount of time inspecting lodges, which meant fewer game drives. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — being a travel agent isn’t always as glamorous as it sounds!

With popular safari destinations becoming increasingly expensive, Zambia and Malawi offer a more affordable alternative without compromising on the experience. While not inexpensive, they provide excellent value, especially considering the rising park fees across Africa. These fees play a vital role in conservation, helping protect these incredible ecosystems for future generations.

Here are some insights from my recent trip:

Safari Planning Tips

Shoulder Seasons: Travelling during shoulder seasons can be more cost-effective, but be prepared for harsher weather. Parks can change dramatically with the seasons. In the wet season, they become lush and green with flowing rivers. In the dry season, they turn dusty and arid, with wildlife gathering around waterholes and shaded areas like winterthorn forests. Predators also have an easier time hunting as prey weakens, making for dramatic sightings.

Slow Travel: Don’t rush through parks. Many are vast and diverse, and spending more time in different areas allows for a deeper appreciation of the terrain, wildlife, and rhythm of the bush. Two nights in a large park is rarely enough — often a four-night stay split between two different lodges in different areas is a better approach.

Beyond the Big Five: Not all parks have the full Big Five, with rhinos often missing. But don’t let that deter you, as the Big Five is a legacy of hunting days. Give me a cheetah over a buffalo any day! Mix up your lodges and parks to enjoy a richer, more varied experience.

   

Malawi & Zambia Safari Highlights

On my trip, we explored several regions, starting with the Lower Zambezi National Park, a stunning park along the Zambezi River opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools. It’s a fantastic alternative to both Mana Pools and the Okavango Delta, offering similar experiences at a fraction of the cost.

From there, we headed to South Luangwa National Park, followed by a few relaxing nights on Lake Malawi, and wrapped up with a visit to Liwonde National Park, a hidden gem in Malawi.

Here are just a few of the incredible sightings we had:

Lower Zambezi NP: Wild dogs playing in a waterhole before hunting warthogs — I now have a newfound respect for warthogs. A leopard strolling along the shoreline. Elephants charging a large lion pride. A porcupine digging near our tent.

South Luangwa NP: This park is known as Leopard Alley and didn’t disappoint as we enjoyed several sightings, including leopards mating in a tree and a leopard dragging an impala up a tree before being joined by her cub. We also saw roan antelope and the season’s first impala babies in this park.

Liwonde NP: Liwonde is known as a birdwatcher’s paradise, and here we saw the elusive Pel’s fishing owl, often considered a holy grail sighting for twitchers. The park surprised us with dramatic landscapes of candelabra cactus, scenic waterholes, and mountain backdrops. We also had fantastic encounters with lion, cheetah, and wild dog, plus eland and sable antelope. The park also has a very healthy population of Black Rhino — we saw their tracks but didn’t catch a glimpse, unfortunately.

It’s also worth noting that there are some animals which can’t be seen in certain parks. These are the notable exceptions in each park I visited based on my memory and not by any means an exhaustive list:

• Lower Zambezi NP: No giraffe, cheetah, rhino, or wildebeest.
• South Luangwa NP: No rhino or cheetah.
• Liwonde NP: No giraffe or wildebeest. Leopard sightings are rare near the camps, though they do exist in small numbers.

Of course, it’s not all about the big animals. Walking safaris offer a chance to appreciate the smaller wonders – plants, insects, animal tracks, and dung. These experiences deepen your connection to the bush in a way that game drives alone cannot.

If you’re planning a similar experience, this Zambia and Malawi itinerary is a great place to start, or explore our Southern Explorer – Bush to Beach journey for a mix of safari and relaxation.

   

Lake Malawi – A Refreshing Contrast

Lake Malawi is a vast, shimmering expanse that holds five percent of the world’s freshwater. From the air, it’s a breathtaking sight — blue water stretching endlessly. It’s perfect for snorkelling, diving, or simply unwinding on its idyllic islands, which are free of crocodiles and hippos unlike some of the rivers that feed into it.

I stayed at two lodges on Lake Malawi. Kaya Mawa on Likoma Island was lovely and unique, but my favourite was Mumbo Island Camp near Cape Maclear. With rustic bungalows tucked among the shoreline forest, it’s ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, walking, or simply relaxing. Compost toilets might not be for everyone, but there were no mosquitoes during my stay. There’s no WiFi either, but you can get a local SIM or eSIM if, like me, you’re not quite ready for a digital detox. We’re blessed with amazing beaches in Australia, but safaris can be intense, and Mumbo was a true paradise.

   

Final Thoughts

I was lucky to travel with great company, and as always, an African safari delivers unforgettable sunrises, sunsets, and campfire stories — funny, moving, and everything in between. Many laughs, a few tears, and yet another truly special African adventure.

For more insights, check out Matt McMillan’s Zambia and Malawi blog, explore our Malawi tours, or browse our Zambia tours to start planning your own unforgettable journey through Africa.