| Duration: | 13 Day(s) - 12 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Classic Tours |
Safari & Sand Tour
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa lying between the Limpopo and Zambezi Rivers and known for its dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife, much of it within parks, reserves and safari areas. The wonders of the landscape are matched by a variety and density of wildlife comparable with the world’s best, and the country has no fewer than four World Heritage Sites, as registered by UNESCO; the famous Victoria Falls, beautiful and bountiful Mana Pools National Park, Matobo Hills and the great medieval African cities of Khami and Great Zimbabwe. Malawi is a landlocked country, running down the end of the Great Rift Valley. Dominated by Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, the surrounding country is exceptionally beautiful with dramatic scenery that includes rocky outcrops, high mountains, plateaus and views across what is considered to be Africa’s most beautiful lake. Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” and as a people the Malawians live up to this name. They are extremely friendly and welcoming. There are many market scenes, road side stalls, cottage industries that a visitor can comfortably visit. With both the scenery and the culture Malawi is a great country to drive in. Zambia is a landlocked independent nation in southern Africa, just a little larger than Spain and Italy
combined. Zambia is unspoiled by mass tourism, and is rich in wildlife, superb forests and meandering rivers. Of course it's also where you can see the world's biggest waterfall, the Victoria Falls, or as we call it Mosi-oa-Tunya - the smoke that thunders, which spans the border to our neighbour, Zimbabwe. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world! The people of Zambia are warm, friendly and proud of their heritage. With a variety of different tribes incorporating different languages, traditions, music and dance, you are guaranteed a cultural experience second to none.
Your arrival at Harare International Airport is the start of this exploration. A Robin Pope Safaris representative and assisted onto your 1.5hr flight to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools where John’s Camp team will meet you. The name ‘Mana’ means ‘four’ in the local Shona language, this applies to the four large pools inland from the Zambezi River. Mana Pools is home to a wide range of mammals and over 350 bird species.
A typical day on safari has guests woken at the crack of dawn for a quick cup of tea or coffee, a bowl of porridge or a muffin. You will head out on either a game walk or drive returning to camp for a late morning brunch. Midday siesta time is spent in camp and afternoon tea is served at 3.30pm. Head out again for an afternoon of game viewing as the day cools. Fishing from the banks of the river is also an option. Sundowners can be enjoyed while out on your afternoon game drive or back in camp. All guests will be back in camp by 6.30pm. Warm bucket showers will be ready on your return. Gather around the campfire to share your stories from the day before enjoying a three-course dinner
Today you are off onto your next stop across the border, Zambia. An early morning will see you on a boat transfer to Chirundu, border formalities then a road transfer to Lusaka, Zambia. On arrival at Lusaka International Airport, you will be met by a Robin Pope Safaris' representative who assist you check in for your flight to Mfuwe, South Luangwa. At Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you for transfer to At Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. On Robin’s private land, and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali is ideally situated for the start of your safari. The six rooms all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms. Depending on your arrival time in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali or if in the afternoon for tea and the afternoon and night game drive.
At dawn breakfast is served around the campfire. The porridge heated on the fire and toast cooked by the coals. The morning walk or drive will leave soon after, entering the park by boat from the camp or by the nearby pontoon. The game in the area is excellent – and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe. A mid-morning break of tea, coffee and cake will be taken at a scenic point on a lagoon or the Luangwa River. Return to camp for lunch around mid-day. After lunch you can cool off in the swimming pool or siesta. Following tea you will go out on an afternoon game drive that continues into the early night giving the chance to see the nocturnal world, returning to camp about 20.00 hrs with dinner generally at 20.30.
After an early breakfast, transfer will be a game drive up North to the Nsefu Sector. The Nsefu Sector has been over the years recognized as a phenomenal area and it still is. Robin Pope Safaris owns the only two camps in this sector of the Park. Nsefu was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties. There are six round rondavels, each room has a clear view of the sweeping bend of the Luangwa River through large windows and from the wooden verandahs. On arrival you will be shown to your rondavel and then lunch will be served followed by a well-deserved siesta before the afternoon and evening game drive.
After breakfast around the camp fire, your safari will continue with another relaxing day at Nsefu, with morning and evening game activities. Depending on time of year an all day picnic drive to the salt pans that will cover different habitats comes highly recommended and is an exceptional day’s safari. Nothing is set in stone and your days will be designed and planned with your bearing your interests in mind. You can mix and match activities to maximize your experience in this game rich and remote area of the Luangwa.
Depending on your flight time we will try and fit in one last activity before you head to Mfuwe Airport (1.5 hours) for the flight to Pumulani, Lake Malawi via Lilongwe. The lodge is set on the Nankumba Peninsula, recognized as one of the most beautiful shores of the Lake and borders Lake Malawi National Park. This Park was established in order to protect the cichlid fish unique to the area. In 1984 the park was designated a World Heritage Site. Pumulani is exclusively situated here with ten villas scattered around the hillside, each individual in shape and style but all have a spacious bedroom, bathroom and extensive sitting area. The front sliding doors open onto the deck – elevated above the ground giving optimal views.
Lake Malawi is the world’s most ecologically diverse lake. Its crystal clear waters are home to more than a thousand species of fish, including hundreds of species of colourful cichlids.We offer special diving courses at the best diving spots near one of the islands or you cool off and take a dive in the swimming pool, there is an infinity pool near the central dining area with grand views over the lake, as well as another infinity pool on beach level. For those who are interested in the real Malawian village life we offer guided walks through one of the local villages. You can also simply relax in the beautiful and tranquil scenery or can enjoy the many other activities
On the final day you will be transferred back to Lilongwe in time for your onward connection.
