South Luangwa Liwonde National ParkIlha de Mozambique Gorongosa National ParkVilanculos
Embarking adventure seekers holiday. Starting in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, visitors can witness a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and leopards. Moving on to Liwonde National Park in Malawi, guests can experience the unique beauty of the Shire River and spot hippos, crocodiles, and rare bird species. The journey continues to Ilha de Mozambique, an island off the coast of Mozambique, offering a rich cultural experience with its Portuguese colonial architecture and pristine beaches. Next stop is Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique’s flagship wildlife reserve, where visitors can observe lions, elephants, and buffalo in their natural habitat. Finally, the safari concludes in Vilanculos, Mozambique, a coastal town known for its stunning coral reefs and opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Waterbased Activities
Great fishing opportunities
Daily safaris
Amazing Leopard and Cheetah spotting
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
21
Nights
Price Guide
$TBC pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Lusaka
Day 2-5
South Luangwa National Park
Catch your flight to Mfuwe where you will be met and transferred to the first stop on your grand tour, South Luangwa National Park. Kafunta River Lodge will be your home for the next 4 nights of your tour. Situated in a stunning part of the park, Kafunta enjoy fantastic game viewing in and around the camp.
This lodge offers comfortable safari chalets that allow the fresh afternoon breeze to cool you during your siesta, as well as fully kitted en suite bathrooms and a stunning infinity pool in the main lodge area. Don’t forget to book a treatment at their bush spa!
Day 5-8
Liwonde National Park
Today you will be transferred back to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Lilongwe, Malawi where your Crafted Africa guide will be waiting for you to transfer you to the fabulous Liwonde National Park.
Positioned right on the edge of the mighty Shire River is Mvuu Lodge, your home for the next 3 nights. Experience the spectacular wildlife and birdlife of this park while enjoying the superb service and meals that go hand in hand with Mvuu. Spend your mornings and evenings on game drives, boat safaris or walking safaris to spot lion, cheetah, wild dog, elephant, black rhino, hippo, buffalo, sable, bush pigs and more.
Day 8-9
Ilha de Mozambique
Today after waking up in the wilderness, you will be transferred back to Lilongwe International Airport for your next adventure, Mozambique. You will catch your flight to Nampula International Airport where you will be met and transferred to Villa Sands in Ilha de Mozambique. You will stay here for 1 night of your tour.
Located on the beach and within the vibrant little town of Ilha de Mozambique, there’s plenty to see and do here. Learn about the history of this island and explore the major slave trade bases from a time gone-by. Ilha de Mozambique is also a UNESCO world heritage site and you can enjoy some great beach and ocean time here before your next stop.
Day 9-12
Nuarro
Today you will be transferred up north to Nuarro Lodge. This will be your home for the next 3 nights. Known for it’s gorgeous coastline, the area of Nuarro boasts white sandy beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters. The scuba diving is fantastic here so if you’re PADI certified, be sure to take a trip to the nearby dive sites to see what underwater creatures you can find, the lodge also offers night diving, fluorescent dives and shipwreck dives. The best time of year for diving here is April-December.
You can also see the marine life without venturing into the water – stay nice and dry on their whale watching boat to go and see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Other activities to fill your day include mountain biking, bird watching, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle-boarding, beach picnics, village tours and winding down in their in-house spa.
Day 12-13
Beira
Today you will be transferred back to Nampula Airport to catch your flight to Beira. You will overnight at the Tivoli Beira Hotel before your next destination. Situated in the centre of Beira city, the hotel is clean and comfortable and here you can enjoy fantastic local cuisine, and fresh sea food. Try out the Mozambican peri peri chicken or freshly caught grilled prawns or langoustine, bigger than you’ve ever seen before!
Why not take an evening stroll before dinner along the soft sands of Macuti beach to the Macuti Lighthouse and shipwreck. The lighthouse was built in 1904 and mysteriously abandoned, while the ship (also name Macuti) was once featured on a Mozambique postage stamp and in 1985 was then intentionally run aground t0 serve as a water-breaker for the lighthouse.
Day 13-16
Gorongosa National Park
Today you will be transferred to Gorongosa National Park. Wild Camp will be your home for the next 3 nights.
Rescued from the brink of devastation, Gorongosa National Park is a fantastic conservation success story with it being completely repopulated by big game such as lions, wild dogs and elephants. Enjoy your time in this rustic camp and enjoy the total peace of the wilderness. Completely unspoiled and unpopulated, it feels like you have the park to yourself where even self-drives are not permitted.
Day 16-19
Vilanculos
Your next stop will be on the stunning coastline of southern Mozambique. After your morning game-viewing activity you will be transferred back to the Beira Airport to catch your flight to Vilanculos. Here you will be met and transferred to AsDunas lodge, your home for the next 3 nights of your tour.
Situated in an unspoiled beach paradise, wake up to the sounds of nature and birds chirping, with the Indian Ocean lapping against the shore. The lodge has a range of activity options to suit individuals, couples, families and friends. Take a gentle horse-back ride or explore the underwater world by snorkeling or scuba diving. Work those biceps canoeing or kitesurfing, plus experience the majesty of the humpback whales on a whale watching or deep sea fishing trip!
Day 19-22
Tofo
Today you will be transferred to the last stop on your tour Tofo, where you will stay at Baia Sonambula for your last 3 nights. Enjoy the vibrant town of Tofo while basking in the peace and quiet of the lodge. Spend your days exploring the markets and trying new beach bars and restaurants to sample the fresh local cuisine and outstanding seafood.
Tofo in particular enjoys extraordinary numbers of humpback whales each year from July to September. Breaching and splashing around in the Indian Ocean right off the beach, you can watch these magnificent beasts from your private deck, or get in the water and see them up close on a scuba dive or snorkel with one of the local professional dive operators.
You will be transferred back to Vilanculos Airport for your flight back home.
Day 22
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $TBC per person
When to travel
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
For most people, the dry (winter) season is most attractive (i.e. April/May to October/November). The chance of rain is slim, daytime temperatures are generally pleasant (in the 20s Celsius), and the low vegetation and limited availability of water mean that game viewing is at its best. However, some of the best bird watching can be had from November to April, and the orchids of Nyika are best seen from December to March/April.
Malawi’s temperatures are moderated by altitude. In the hottest month (usually November) maximum temperatures will be around 30°C. In the coldest month (probably July) maximum temperatures will be in the low 20’s. On the uplands (e.g. Zomba, Nyika and Viphya) it can be quite cold at night. The hottest area, all year, is that at the lowest altitude – the Lower Shire Valley. Rainfall is scarce in the dry season, and even in the so-called wet season, the rains are usually short-lived storms, as is typical of the tropics, and at no time does the climate severely inhibit the traveller. Around the country, rainfall varies, with the highlands causing the highest figures.
January in Malawi marks the rainy season, so it is advisable to pack rain gear and be prepared for occasional showers. The lush green landscapes and blooming flowers add to the scenic beauty of Malawi during this time. Travellers can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife safaris, and exploring the stunning Lake Malawi.
Malawi enjoys warm temperatures during this month, with average highs ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The region experiences minimal rainfall during February, creating dry and sunny conditions. Travellers can expect clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it perfect for exploring the country's stunning landscapes and wildlife reserves.
With temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, visitors can enjoy comfortable days and cool evenings. March falls within the rainy season in Malawi, so travellers should expect occasional showers and thunderstorms. However, these rainfall events are usually short-lived and do not significantly impact travel plans. It is advisable to pack light clothing, including shorts and T-shirts, as well as a light rain jacket or umbrella for any unexpected rainfall.
The days are mostly sunny, providing ample outdoor exploration and sightseeing opportunities. However, it is advisable to carry a light jacket or sweater for the evenings, as temperatures can drop slightly. April is also a relatively dry month, with minimal rainfall, allowing visitors to enjoy their outdoor activities fully. Whether you plan to visit the stunning Lake Malawi, explore the national parks, or immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, April offers favourable weather conditions for a memorable trip to Malawi.
The weather in Malawi during May is generally warm and pleasant, making it a favourable time for travel. With average temperatures ranging from 19 to 25 degrees Celsius, visitors can enjoy mild and comfortable weather during their stay. May marks the end of the rainy season, so while occasional showers are still possible, they are less frequent compared to earlier months. Travellers can expect to see green landscapes and blooming flora, adding to the beauty of the country.
Malawi experiences good travel weather in June. As the country transitions from autumn to winter, the temperatures are relatively mild, ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The weather is generally dry, with little to no rainfall during this time. The skies are often clear, allowing for beautiful vistas and pleasant outdoor activities.
While the days can be pleasant and sunny, the nights tend to be colder. The average daytime temperature ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. However, it is advisable to carry a light jacket or sweater for the evenings and early mornings when temperatures can drop to around 10 degrees Celsius. July is generally a dry month in Malawi, with minimal rainfall, allowing travellers to explore beautiful landscapes and national parks without interruption.
The weather in Malawi during the month of August can be quite enjoyable for travellers. August falls within the dry season, which means that rainfall is minimal. Travellers can expect warm and sunny days, with temperatures ranging from around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The evenings may be slightly cooler, so it is advisable to bring a light jacket or sweater.
In September, the travel weather in Malawi is characterized by mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. As the country transitions from the dry season to the start of the rainy season, the weather becomes more pleasant and comfortable for travellers. During this time, temperatures range from around 16 to 26 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal time to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural attractions that Malawi has to offer. It is important to note that while the chances of rain increase, precipitation levels are usually lower compared to the following months.
In October, Malawi experiences transitional weather as it moves from the dry season to the start of the rainy season. The weather in Malawi during this time is generally warm and pleasant, with temperatures averaging around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, it is important to note that rainfall increases gradually throughout the month, especially in the southern and central regions of the country. Travellers visiting Malawi in October should be prepared for occasional showers and thunderstorms. It is advisable to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella to be prepared for any sudden changes in weather.
Malawi experiences a transition from dry to wet season in November, making it an interesting time to travel. The weather in Malawi during November is characterized by increasing rainfall and rising temperatures. The average temperature ranges between 22°C and 32°C, creating a warm and humid climate. The northern regions tend to receive more rainfall compared to the southern parts of the country. It is important to note that the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Therefore, travellers should be prepared for varying weather conditions and pack accordingly.
The average temperature ranges from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius, offering pleasant conditions for sightseeing, wildlife safaris, and enjoying the country's stunning landscapes. Rainfall is generally low during this time, ensuring clear skies and optimal visibility for capturing memorable photographs. However, it is advisable to pack some light layers as temperatures can drop slightly during the evenings.
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add on holiday options to this Vietnam itinerary, for example a great add-on option is a trip to the Victoria Falls, which are located just a short distance from South Luangwa National Park. This breathtaking natural wonder is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Africa, and it’s easy to see why. You can take a guided tour of the falls, go bungee jumping, or even take a helicopter ride to get a bird’s-eye view of the area.
Another great add-on holiday option is a visit to Lake Malawi, which is located just a few hours’ drive from Liwonde National Park. This beautiful lake is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, and it’s also a great place to relax and soak up the sun..
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