Trip Inspiration

14 Days: Zambian Bush + Malawi Beach

Thrilling safari & beach relaxation

Journey through Zambia's game-rich areas and thrill in seeing beautiful wildlife in its natural environment! Your heart will likely feel an immediate connection to these magnificent creatures, while the sounds, sights and scents will remind you that you aren't dreaming - even though it may feel like it! Enjoy these unforgettable encounters before heading to Malawi's Likoma Island. Water activities, relaxation and opportunities for pampering abound at this lovely island paradise!

Trip Highlights

Locations

1 overnight in Johannesburg at the InterContinental
2 nights near Victoria Falls at Thorntree River Lodge
3 nights along the Zambezi River at Chiawa Camp
3 nights in the game-rich South Luangwa National Park at Puku Ridge Lodge
4 nights on the beaches of Likoma Island in Lake Malawi at Kaya Mawa

Activities

Encounter stunning wildlife on morning and night game drives, by boat and on bush walks
View the magical African sky on a sunset river cruise
Visit magnificent Victoria Falls for an up close tour
Try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding, kite surfing or snorkeling in Lake Malawi
Relax on the breathtaking beaches of Likoma Island

What does “Trip Inspiration” mean?

At Travel Beyond, we believe your trip should be designed just for you, not for the masses. Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client, offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. The itinerary below was planned for a past client, but we’re sharing it for travel inspiration and as an example of what a trip to Zambia and Malawi might look like. To further paint the picture, take a look at the accompanying video! Let us know when we can design a trip just for you!

Day 1

Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa

Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will be escorted to the InterContinental Hotel, located just across the street from airport. Enjoy your evening at leisure.

InterContinental HotelMeals: N/A

Day 2

Johannesburg, South Africa to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia

Today after breakfast, you will be escorted back to the Johannesburg Airport for your flight to Livingstone, Zambia. Upon arrival in Livingstone you will be met for your transfer to Thorntree River Lodge where you will spend two nights.

Thorntree River Lodge is situated in Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, just a short distance from Livingstone and the famous Victoria Falls. Overlooking the glorious Zambezi river, your lodge is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink on the deck as you watch an exquisite African sunset.

Thorntree River LodgeMeals: Breakfast / Dinner

View Gallery

Day 3

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Today you will visit Africa’s iconic Victoria Falls. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and are a must see! Visit this spectacle from the Zambian side of the river and experience the thrill of standing on Knife’s Edge Bridge while the water cascades in front of you.

Being located on the mighty Zambezi River means that Thorntree River Lodge is ideal for sunset cruises. This afternoon you will embark on the section of river flowing past the lodge. It is quiet and picturesque as you take in the breathtaking sunsets from the river.

Thorntree River LodgeMeals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to Lower Zambezi National Park

This morning after an early game activity and brunch, you will be transferred to the Livingstone Airport for your shared light aircraft flight to Chiawa Camp, where you will stay for three nights, including all meals and activities.

Chiawa Camp offers a truly authentic safari experience, where the focus is on the bush, the wildlife, and you. The camp’s setting offers spectacular views over the Zambezi River and its resident wildlife. Indulge in Chiawa’s variety of activities, wonderful cuisine and top notch service for the experience of a lifetime!

Chiawa CampMeals: Breakfast / Dinner

View Gallery

Days 5-6

Lower Zambezi National Park

On safari! Enjoy your days in camp with twice-daily game activities.

Chiawa Camp is home to an impressive variety of wildlife that can be viewed during game drives, bush walks, canoeing and boat cruises. Evident throughout every aspect of the camp is a strong conservation ethos, a commitment to community, award-winning guiding, and renowned service. Enjoy your time at Chiawa!

Chiawa CampMeals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7

Lower Zambezi National Park to South Luangwa National Park

This morning after an early game activity and brunch, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to South Luangwa National Park. Upon arrival you will be met by a lodge representative and transferred to Puku Ridge where you will spend three nights, including all meals, game drives and walking safaris. This afternoon, meet your guide and the other guests for an afternoon game drive.

Puku RidgeMeals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

View Gallery

Days 8-9

South Luangwa National Park

On safari! Enjoy your days in camp with twice-daily game activities. Walking safaris and night drives are available and add to the adventure!

Puku Ridge Camp is in a remote part of the national park and overlooks a lagoon that attracts wildlife from around the area. You are likely to see elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, wild dogs, zebras, buffalo, hippos and more. Many of these will be easily spotted from camp, as you lounge on your balcony or eat dinner.

Puku RidgeMeals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia to Likoma Island, Malawi

This morning you will transfer to the nearby airstrip for your shared light aircraft flights to Likoma Island, Malawi. Upon arrival, you will be met by a lodge representative and transfered to Kaya Mawa. Accommodations will be reserved for four nights, including all meals.

Kaya MawaMeals: Breakfast / Dinner

View Gallery

Days 11-13

Likoma Island

Enjoy three days at leisure, enjoying the wide variety of activities offered at Kaya Mawa!

It won’t take you long to realize that there is nowhere else on earth quite like the beautiful island resort of Kaya Mawa. Hidden away on Likoma Island on Lake Malawi, your time on the island will transport you into a world of simple pleasures: beach, sun, water and more!

Embraced by the warmth and hospitality of the enchanting Malawian staff, you will love the resort’s timeless luxury and the best of modern conveniences. The island has hundreds of giant baobab trees and a number of glorious sandy beaches and rocky coves to explore.

Relaxation is king, but your days can be filled with everything from stand-up-paddle boarding, kayaking, kite surfing, waterskiing, sailing or quad-biking. The resort also has a full PADI dive school for new divers. Your local neighbors are known for their friendliness, and even a simple stroll around the island is a wonderful experience. As the sun goes down on another perfect day, enjoy a massage at the spa and have the last of your cares soothed away!

Kaya MawaMeals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner