This 8 day itinerary will incorporate a bush and beach experience with the must-see destinations in Zambia and Malawi including Lilongwe, South Luangwa National Park and Cape Maclear. Choose from a variety of water-sport to land-based activities that will guarantee your encounter with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, and over 300 different species of birds!
Africa
Wet & Wild South Luangwa & Lake Malawi
8 Days, Departs – Daily. Contact for pricing.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit the Kamuzu Academy in Lilongwe
- Walking safaris in the world-renowned wildlife haven - South Luangwa National Park
- Kayak across the picturesque African sunset in Cape Maclear
Example Itinerary - Comfort Package
- Day 1: Arrive Lilongwe
- Day 2: Transfer from Lilongwe to South Luangwa National Park
- Day 3-4: South Luangwa National Park
- Day 5: Transfer from South Luangwa National Park to Lake Malawi
- Day 6-7: Lake Malawi
- Day 8: Departure
*This itinerary is an example of the Comfort Package and may vary slightly for Mid-Range, Superior and Deluxe packages. Please note that guests who choose the Deluxe Package will begin their tour in South Luangwa, followed by a 4-night stay on Likoma Island.
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1 - Lilongwe: Arrival
Arrival
At the Lilongwe airport you will be met by a driver and transferred to your accommodation.
Day 2 - 5 - Lilongwe: 4 Day South Luangwa Stay
Travel to South Luangwa National Park
Following breakfast at your hotel you will head to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia around 5 hours away. Bordering the Luangwa River, the northern and southern areas of Luangwa National Park contain some of the most breathtaking and untouched wilderness in Africa. Upon arrival you will have some time to settle in and have an orientation with your safari guide.
4 Day South Luangwa Stay
Arrival Day
Today you will transfer with your guide from Lilongwe to your accommodation in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, a transfer which will take around 5 hours.
Bordering the Luangwa River, the Northern & Southern areas of Luangwa National Park contain some of the most breathtaking and untouched wilderness in Africa. As a result of this and the parks’ successful anti-poaching campaigns, the area has developed into a world-renowned wildlife haven.
Please note, if you select the Deluxe package you will already be in South Luangwa the night before therefore your transfer time today will be much shorter.
Dinner included.
Lodge Activities
The South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safari, which allows visitors to view elephant, hippo and even lion close-up under the supervision of professional and knowledgeable armed guides.
During your two full days here you will enjoy activities on site from game-viewing, walking safaris, and bird-watching to nearby activities such as cultural visits, hiking, and cultural tours.
Please note, the activities on offer by your lodge will vary depending on where you stay.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Departure Day
Today you will depart South Luangwa National Park. You will be met at your accommodation by your guide and transferred overland back to Malawi where you will be dropped off at your next arrangements.
Breakfast included.
Day 5 - 8 - South Luangwa National Park: 4 Day Lake Malawi Stay
South Luangwa National Park to Lake Malawi (Private)
After breakfast this morning you will be collected from your safari camp and transferred by road to Lake Malawi. En route you will visit Tribal Textiles where they produce unique hand-painted fabrics in the heart of the African bush, empowering the local community. Once you have crossed the Malawi border you will proceed to your accommodation at Cape Maclear.
4 Day Lake Malawi Stay
Lake Malawi Arrival Day
Today you will arrive at your accommodation located on the beautiful Lake Malawi, the jewel of Malawi's tourism industry. This vast body of crystal clear freshwater is fringed by beaches of golden sand, the perfect place for water sport activities or simply relaxing. You will notice that there is no phone signal or WiFi access so take this opportunity to fully disconnect and take it all in.
Please note, some accommodations on Lake Malawi are only accessible by plane therefore your arrival transfer will be by plane.
Dinner included.
Lake Malawi Activities
Lake Malawi is a water sports and activity wonderland. During you days here your accommodation will offer a range of options including boat trips, nature walks, kayaking and much more.
Please note, the activities included in your stay will vary depending on where you stay. Most accommodations include non-motorised sports with motorised sports incurring an additional cost.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Lake Malawi Departure Day
After your final breakfast in paradise you will be met at your accommodation by your guide and transferred overland back to Lilongwe for your departure flight.
Please note, depending on the accommodation that you select at Lake Malawi you may fly back to Lilongwe instead of taking a road transfer.
Breakfast included.
Comfort
Lilongwe, Malawi - Kumbali Country Lodge
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia - Croc Valley Camp
Lake Malawi, Malawi - Kumbali Lake Retreat
Mid-Range
Lilongwe, Malawi - Kumbali Country Lodge
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia - Kafunta River Lodge
Lake Malawi, Malawi - Mumbo Island Camp
Superior
Lilongwe, Malawi - Latitude 13
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia - Chikunto Safari Lodge & Camp
Lake Malawi, Malawi - Pumulani Beach Lodge
Deluxe
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia - Mfuwe Lodge
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia - Zungulila Bushcamp
Likoma Island, Malawi - Kaya Mawa
Whats included?
- Accommodation with private facilities
- Hotel taxes
- Road transfers
- Park entrance fees
- Activities as specified*
- Meals as specified*
- Non-motorised water sports in Lake Malawi
What’s not included?
- Air transportation**
- Passport, visa and immigration fees
- Airport taxes
- Travel protection plan
- Additional hotel nights
- Motorised water sports in Lake Malawi
- Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
- Laundry service
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
*Activities & Meals
- Croc Valley Camp: includes all meals, laundry, park fees, 2 activities per day
- Kumbali Lake Retreat: includes all meals, non-motorised sports
- Kafunta River Lodge: includes all meals, local drinks, laundry, park fees, 2 activities per day
- Mumbo Island: includes all meals and non-motorised sports
- Chikunto: includes all meals, local drinks, laundry, park fees, 2 activities per day
- Pumulani: includes all meals, local drinks, park fees, non-motorised sports
- Zungulila: includes all meals, local drinks, laundry, park fees, 2 activities per day
- Kaya Mawa: includes all meals, non-motorised sports
**Air Transportation
If you select the Deluxe Package the flights: Lusaka - Mfuwe, Mfuwe - Likoma Island and Likoma Island to Lilongwe are included. If you stay at other properties than those in the package then flights will not be included.
Packing Recommendations
- Leightweight clothing for day-time, and warmer clothing for the winter months. Avoid brightly coloured clothing for game viewing.
- Women are advised not to wear too revealing clothing and dresses that are knee-length and longer.
- Swimwear for water-sport activities
- Accessories such as hat, scarf, and jacket, especially if you are climbing Mulanje during winter or planning to go up North
- Avoid dark colours and wear long-sleeves & long trousers to guard against mosquitos and other insects at night
- Insect repellent, sun protection, toiletries, batteries and external chargers
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Africa
From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.
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