Wild & Remote Africa Bush to Beach (Kafue, South Luangwa & Malawi) 13D12N

Upon arrival, enjoy a 4.5 hours road transfer from Lusaka Airport to Kafue National Park where you'll then embark on a short boat cruise through islands and granite boulders to your remote river safari lodge. Set on 143 hectares in a private concession and raised above the ground on a picturesque stretch of the Kafue River adjoining the Kafue Park, this oasis makes a perfect home to unwind and simply live in the wild heartbeat of Africa.

This afternoon, spend time to simply absorb your surroundings in this pristine wilderness of the African bush. Relax in your meru-style tented chalets with ensuite bathrooms with an open-air shower and a private deck overlooking the Kafue River. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife they may come to drink. Absorb the river views on the spacious deck complete with cosy seats at the main lounge area as you refresh with a drink from the bar.

This evening, be treated to a gourmet riverside dinner affair boasting locally grown and farmed ingredients. Savour unique flavours of the bush as well as Mediterranean and African classics.

The next few days are yours to do as little or as much as you please. Enjoy a delightful breakfast before creating your own wild exclusive adventures from land to water.

Set in a prime wilderness area on the Kafue River in the Kafue National Park, it boasts one of the best game viewing areas in Zambia as well as Africa. Your lodge offer a true river experience, a river known as one of the best in Africa. Embark on a walking safari for a up close perspective of the bush or venture on a thrilling game drive where large prides of lion as well as leopard and cheetah are the major predators in the park. A birdlife paradise, go bird watching by the river and the wetlands where 500 species have been recorded throughout the park. From sundowner walks to river trails where from the top of one of the large granite boulders give sweeping panoramic views over the wetlands. Your adventures on land are endless here!

For those in pursue of water adventures can embark on river cruise colliding with a variety of birdlife along the way as well as hippos, crocodiles and elephants. Try your luck in fishing where bream, barbel and fresh water pike are prime. For a cultural immersion, visit an authentic African village or school which is supported by the lodge. Immerse in a unique and memorable sleep out at a Tonga-tree basket for a night under the stars close to nature (at additional cost).

In between adventures, simply unwind at the lodge and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this part of a remote African bush.

Savour a delightful breakfast before embarking on a short boat cruise then road transfer to Lusaka Airport. Board your scenic charter flight to Lukuzi Airstrip and into the remote and spectacular South Luangwa National Park. World-renowned for its walking safari, a wildlife haven with some of the most breathtaking and untouched wilderness in Africa. Here, you’ll encounter unforgettable close-up moments with elephants, hippos and lions. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a short transfer to your lodge.

You’ll stay at the rustic and remote Tafika camp located on the east bank of the Luangwa River, ideal for those who enjoy the serenity of the bush. Nestled under a canopy of giant leadwood and sausage trees, savour stunning views of the river with ample opportunity to see elephants crossing, hippos wallowing and kingfishers pursuing their prey. Unwind in the intimacy of just 6 spacious thatched chalets, laze by the river or find a quiet spot to simply enjoy the view. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards and elephants which are a hotspot for this creature at this specific camp.

Come evening, be treated to a three-course dining affair beneath the stars. Tantalise on delicious bush cuisine cooked over a wood fire, warm homemade bread baked with coals in the ground and indulge in the fresh produce from the Tafika vegetable garden.

The next few days is yours to delve into the abundant wildlife and nature of South Luangwa National Park with access to three diverse habitats: the Luangwa riverside, Mutanda plains and the salt pans.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast on the banks of the Luangwa River before embarking on your safari and bush adventures. Venture on a morning game drive with a maximum of just 4 guests in open top vehicles for prime wildlife viewing and photography with a stop for afternoon tea in a scenic area. Alternatively, embark on an unparalleled and pure walking safari in remote areas of the Luangwa Valley. Immerse in an intimate safari experience tracking wild animal on natural wildlife trails through wilderness that is only accessible on foot and untarnished by vehicle tracks. Discover the delights of the bush, from the fascinating insects that live within animal droppings, tiny elephant shrews, delicate wide-eyed antelope to towering giraffe, elephant and huge herds of buffalo with prides of lion in tow. Predators become the prey as you track lion’s prints from the night before to their resting place of that day.

Retreat back at camp where a delicious buffet lunch awaits and spend time unwinding. Visit the elephant hide or the seasonal carmine bee-eater hide at leisure or review your flora and fauna lists at the library. Indulge in afternoon tea of freshly baked cakes before an afternoon and evening game drive. Be treated to sundowner drinks and snacks along the way in the middle of the bush before continuing your wildlife search with spotlight viewing after dark to see nocturnal animals in action. Alternatively, for those in pursue of more adventure can embark on a unique cycling safari that can be combined with a cultural visit to a local village before enjoying an evening game drive.

Savour a delightful breakfast before your short transfer to Lukuzi Airstrip and board your 1hr scenic charter flight to the off beaten Shoebill Camp. Tucked away in the pristine Bangweulu wetlands, translating to where the water meets the sky, immerse in the most extraordinary and important wetlands in all of Africa.

Unwind in your comfortable tents with ensuite facilities and solar power for a true back to basics safari experience. Relax at camp and whisk away to a peaceful spot amongst nature and simply savour the tranquility or read away in the lounge area and review your flora and fauna lists.

Savour pre-dinner sundowner drinks and delicious snacks by the bar before tantalising on a three-course meal under a starry night sky.

Enjoy a serene breakfast before delving deep into the wetlands. A birdlife paradise, today you will unearth a hidden corner of Africa with an incredible diversity of water birds and plains birds, including the most unusual and rarest, the Shoebill, are found here.

Start your morning adventure with a walking safari or game drive, keeping your eyes peeled for the impressive herds of Black Lechwe antelope (endemic to Bangweulu) the wetlands. Other mammal highlights include sitatunga, buffalo, tsessebe, hyena, buffalo, side striped jackal, and the recently reintroduced cheetah. Alternatively, embark on a unique canoe ride on a traditional makoro. Navigate a whole new world where the water meets the sky. Enjoy close up views of a variety of water fowl, thick reeds, boastful lilies and even the elusive Shoebill where prime season for shoebill spotting is late May to August. Sit back and enjoy the serene canoe cruise with your binoculars and bird lists as you spot and photograph an array of birdlife while an experienced canoeist steers.

Retire back at camp where a delicious buffet lunch of bush cuisine awaits. Spend time unwinding with a siesta or whisk away in the comfort of the lounge and savour in the tranquil views. Alternatively, immerse in a community visit with the seasonal fishermen of the region or visit the nearby Shoebill Chick Rearing program (although viewing Shoebill there is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the African Parks representative).

Be treated to afternoon tea of delicious baked cakes before more afternoon adventures. Venture on a 2.3-3 hours evening walking safari returning before sunset or embark on an evening game drive with a sundowners stop in the middle of the wetlands before continuing with a spotlight after dark for nocturnal animals in action.

Return back at camp for another hearty three course dining affair beneath the stars.

Indulge in breakfast before being transferred to Mfuwe Airport on a 1hr chartered flight. From Mfuwe Airport you'll board another two flights to the pristine island paradise of Likoma Island via Lilongwe. Upon arrival, be met by your representative and enjoy a scenic drive to your boutique island lodge, your home for the next 4 nights.

You’ll stay at Kaya Mawa, nestled on the sandy beaches amongst the rocks. Unwind in your ensuite beach facing room. Laze in serene and secret decks for sunbathing, relax at the white sand beach or spend time in the courtyard savouring in the serenity.

Come evening, indulge in a delicious dinner overlooking the lake as you tantalise on fresh local cuisine.

The next few days are yours to do as little or as much as you please.

Fill your days with complimentary activities offered at the resort. Embark on water experiences and delve deep into the wonders of Lake Malawi, one of the world’s deepest lakes and its freshwater teems with aquatic life, including 400 species of colourful cichlid fish, many which are endemic. See it on a stand-up paddle, kayak, canoe or simply swim and snorkel this underwater paradise. Take out the boat for some gentle cruising, sunset boat trips and water-skiing. For the bird lovers, go bird watching out into the forest, home to over 100 different bird species, including huge colonies of white-breasted cormorants, black-shouldered and yellow-billed kites, and four types of kingfishers.

Alternatively, explore the island on bikes and visit inhabited fishing communities, the Katundu community workshop and meet local artisans to St. Peter’s Cathedral that was built to be used as the missionary headquarters in 1880. As the sun goes down, indulge in a massage at the spa (at additional cost) nestled in the rocks of the lake.

Savour one last island breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible African adventure before your transfer to the airport where you’ll board a 1hr flight to Lilongwe Airport for your onward travel.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.