The Warm Heart of Africa - Malawi

15 days, Guided Group, Fixed Departure

Walks Worldwide are proud to announce a unique opportunity for you to join us on a recce trip to central Africa - Malawi. After several years away from this stable yet exciting country we are returning to explore the southern part - with the option to continue to Zambia and Victoria Falls. AT A SPECIALLY DISCOUNTED PRICE.

Malawi offers a unique combination of attractions - Central Africa's highest mountain, vast plateaux, forests, unspoilt game parks and the continent's third largest lake. On this extraordinary adventure we will enjoy first the scenic hills of the Thyolo Mountain Forest Reserve - a haven for birdwatchers. The tea estates here stretch to the foot of Mount Mulanje, which at 3000 metres, dwarfs all that surrounds it. Several days spent trekking between comfortable mountain huts allow you to experience its vegetation changes, peaks, valleys, sheer rock faces and refreshing waterfalls. From here we travel to another walking mecca, the Zomba Plateau, a giant slab of a mountain with views described as 'the best in the British Empire'. A couple of days are then spent spotting the Big Five in the country's pre-eminent National Park, Liwonde.

This compact park offers superb game-viewing - by 4WD, on foot, AND by boat with none of the crowds associated with other African parks. Last but not least, no visit would be complete without some R&R at the world's first freshwater National Park, Lake Malawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Swimming, snorkelling, diving, kayaking etc.....are all on offer before we return to Lilongwe. For those who wish to experience two of Africa's finest offerings - Zambia's South Luangwa National Park and Victoria Falls, various extensions are available.

Accompanied by a Walks Worldwide guide throughout and with most meals and entrance fees included, this is a unique opportunity to recce a country on the cusp of a tourism explosion. Where else can you experience such a diverse scenic kaleidoscope in such a compact area?

Days 1 & 2 Outbound

Fly to Lilongwe and transfer via Blantyre to the Thyolo Tea Estate.

Days 3 & 4 Trekking in Thyolo

Acclimatisation walks in the stunning Thyolo mountain scenery and tour of the tea estate & factory

Days 5 to 7 Hiking on the Mulanje Massif

Depart for the Mulanje Massif. Take a warm up hike to Dziwe-Lankhalamba rock pools and falls returning to your lodge before sunset. The following day you will embark on your mountain trek ascending to Chisepho Valley up the Chapaluka path. The route offers scenic views of the Likhubula and Thuchira Gorges. The overnight hut at Chisepho is newly built and beautifully positioned. The next morning you ascend Sapitwa (3002 metres). This is the highest point in Central Africa north of the Drakensberg and the views are superb from this height. In the afternoon you trek on to your overnight forest hut in the Tuchila basin. Enjoy the sunset at Elephant Head viewpoint.

Day 8 Zomba Plateau

Descend to Tinyade Estate. Transfer by vehicle back to your forest lodge for lunch and a shower. Depart for Zomba, the former capital, set with the dramatic backdrop of the magnificent plateau looming behind.

Days 9 & 10 Liwonde National Park

Morning tour of Zomba Plateau then proceed to Liwonde National Park. Liwonde is the most popular of the country's parks and the River Shire enhances the game-viewing. Elephants, lions, hippos, leopards and Black Rhino can all be spotted here. Enjoy an evening safari. The next day take an early morning game safari by boat / walk and a further evening game drive.

Days 11 & 12 Lake Malawi

After a final safari, drive to Cape Maclear on Lake Malawi. Here, sheltered harbours and islands provide a haven for numerous tropical fish providing a kaleidoscope display. The next day you can explore the Cape Maclear area. Optional activities are available such as scuba diving, boat trips, kayaking, snorkelling, waterskiing, village tours or just lazing in the sun.

Days 13 to 15 Homeward

Drive back to Lilongwe. Enroute visit the Mua Mission cultural museum and craft workshop. The next day transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back home.

OR - Zambia Safari Extension

Day 14 Luangwa Valley

The South Luangwa has been described as the premier park in Africa for the variety of species. A visit to Malawi and Zambia would be totally incomplete without experiencing the sheer magnitude and delight of this unique area. Depart Lilongwe for the Zambian border. From the border it is a short drive to Chipata where you proceed on a dirt road to Luangwa Valley. On arrival you can take a gentle walk along the Luangwa River.

Days 15 and 16

An early morning wake up call! The aim is to be on the first game drive by 6.15 am. Game drives are done in open safari vehicles to optimise your experience. Depending on game sightings, you return to the lodge for a scrumptious brunch. An afternoon rest then you again head out for your afternoon drive. After dinner you will embark on a night drive - Luangwa is renowned for the night drives and this is INCLUDED in your safari.

Days 17-19

Depart back to Lilongwe via a popular tribal textile craft workshop. Overnight at Lilongwe then transfer for your overnight flight back to the UK.

OR - Victoria Falls Extension

Day 14 Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls needs no introduction - as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, it is perhaps the most visited site in Southern Africa and hence leisure facilities and opportunities abound. The sight of millions of litres of water gushing into a huge chasm creating the famous "smoke that thunders" is a sight that has inspired and enthralled millions. Depart Lilongwe for the Zambian border. From here you drive to Lusaka.

Day 15

Continue over the Kafue River to Livingstone and Victoria Falls. Check into your waterfront complex. Stunning Zambezi sunsets can be enjoyed from here. Spend the remainder of the afternoon viewing the falls and following the numerous trails in the area.

Day 16

Experience the numerous optional activities that have established this area as the "Adrenaline Capital of Africa" - white water rafting, jet boating, canoeing, river boarding, micro lighting, helicopter flips, bungi-jumping as well as river cruises, game drives, a visit to Livingstone museum, cultural village tours, horseback and elephant safaris and day trips to Chobe Game park in Botswana are all available.

Days 17-19

A free morning before departing back to Lusaka. The next day transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.