Family Bush & Beach Safari

Welcome to Zambia! You will be met upon arrival at Lusaka’s International Airport and assisted with the check-in for the light aircraft flight out to Lower Zambezi National Park. You will be met at the airstrip by your private guide and exclusive safari vehicle and head to Chongwe River House to unpack and relax for the next three days. As guests at the house a private vehicle, boat, canoes, guide and armed scout for walking safaris are completely at your disposal. All activities and times are tailor made to suit you so you can choose to do as much or as little as you like, when you like. Game drives, river safaris, canoeing, walking and, of course, fishing, are also offered. And for those interested in the rich cultural heritage of the area, community visits can be arranged. Many guests are happy to spend the day chilling on the deck. The chances are you will see elephant wandering around the grounds or crossing the river. Impala, kudu and many other species come to the water to drink. If you sit long enough, all Africa will come to you.

Zambia’s Lower Zambezi is renowned throughout Africa for its magnificent herds of wild elephant, exceptional predator viewing and of course the Zambezi River. As the Zambezi flows east, close to the Zambezi escarpment, the land between the two forms the Lower Zambezi National Park. The 4000 sq km park was only declared in 1983 and tourism started some seven years later. This area is known for large bull elephants, buffalo herds, excellent lion viewing and the elusive leopard along with the ubiquitous impala and other antelope species. As in all riverine areas, the birding is also excellent. What really makes this area is unique is the Zambezi River, which is 1.7 kilometers wide where it meets the Chongwe. This wide, clear river is dotted with sandy islands with reed beds – the perfect feeding grounds for elephant, buffalo, various species of antelope and exceptional bird life. So boating or canoeing quietly past there islands makes for excellent game viewing.

Arrive in Lusaka, Zambia’s capitol city, where you will be met and assisted to the light aircraft transfer to Mfuwe. Upon arrival, meet your guide and head through Mfuwe village and into the park to Luangwa Safari House. As in Lower Zambezi, your private house comes with exclusive use of a safari vehicle as well your own private ranger and tracker, chef and staff and your schedule is entirely flexible!

South Luangwa’s history dates back over 30 years and is where the concept of walking safaris originated. This national park lies along the Luangwa River and is home to some of Africa’s largest concentrations of wildlife. The lifeblood of the park is the mighty Luangwa River which is one of the most pristine river ecosystems in Africa. The vegetation of the park is predominately dry woodland interspersed with floodplain grasslands, coupled with the dominating Luangwa River and its many languid oxbow lakes. Unique and varied animal species are found here, from large herds of elephant and buffalo to impala and puku. Dominant predators include lion and leopard. The wide variety of antelope species seen include common waterbuck and reedbuck, bushbuck, kudu, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sable and roan. Unique to the area are Thornicroft’s giraffe as well as the Cookson’s wildebeest, both sub-species found nowhere else in the world. A healthy hippo population dots the riverbanks and the lagoon in front of camp. The birding is equally diverse, with regular sightings of Saddle-billed Stork, Lilian’s Lovebird, African Skimmer and even Bat Hawk.

Bid your safari guide farewell at the Mfuwe airstrip and board the light aircraft flight to Lilongwe, Malawi, where you will clear customs and then be assisted to the short light aircraft transfer to Pumulani Beach Lodge. Situated on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula on the Southern end of Lake Malawi you can find Pumulani subtly nestled in the lush hills amongst the trees and craggy outcrops. You can relax on the white sandy beach or enjoy an elevated view of the lake from the stylish infinity pool. For those seeking some activity we offer water skiing, sailing, kayaking, walks in the hills, sunset cruises on our hand built dhow and snorkeling and diving. Under water activities never fail to amaze as the diversity of fish life is very surprising and experts say that this lake is home to more native fish species than any other in the world!

Sadly on day 11 it’s time to depart. Enjoy one last morning on the beach before it’s time to return to the airstrip for the short light aircraft flight back to Lilongwe to meet your departing flights for home. Breakfast included.