Epic Zambia and Malawi

Get ready to dive into the wilderness of the South Luangwa in Zambia, for some phenomenal wildlife encounters and expert guiding. After your safari exploration, we’ll fly you over to Lake Malawi on a light aircraft for an off-grid beach escape. We’ve handpicked some of the most stylish lodges so you can enjoy these wild places with touches of luxury along the way and most importantly, extraordinary experiences that will make you the envy of your friends.

South Luangwa & Lake Malawi

12 nights private tour from GBP £7,300 per person

Journey highlights

Offering some of the best walking safaris in Africa, the South Luangwa National Park is home to stylish bush camps right in the heart of the action.
Stay in a stylish lodge with views of a floodplain, which attracts a plethora of wildlife. Game viewing will be effortless as you watch elephants from the serenity of the infinity pool.
Feel the palpable tranquillity of Lake Malawi as you meander around the coastline on a sunset or sunrise cruise on a traditional wooden dhow boat.
There is something for everyone in Lake Malawi – whether it’s a chilled-out beach escape you desire, or adrenaline filled activities, we’ve got you covered.
Epic itinerary:Our Epic Journeys offer unforgettable cutting-edge hotels, experiences and restaurants with a focus on design, fashion and innovation

Our tailor made journeys include:

Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
Private international airport transfers in destination
Your own private, English-speaking local guides
Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
Entrance to must-see local sites
Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

Zambia and Malawi have a moderate to sub-tropical climate with three distinct seasons. This itinerary is designed to fall within one of Zambia's most beautiful seasons - the lush, green and warm time at the end of the rains, before the bush starts to dry up. The weather will be warm and balmy with clear skies and sunshine, and cooler evenings and mornings. A perfect time for lovely game viewing and relaxing on the beach in the heat of the day.

Itinerary

Fly to Lusaka

Day 1-5

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Your adventure starts with an overnight flight to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, before catching a light aircraft to the South Luangwa. This enchanting wilderness with the great meandering Luangwa River running through is a haven for wildlife. You’ll arrive at Kafunta River Lodge which has a spectacular location at the edge of the floodplain and when you’re not out in the park, you can while away the hours in the infinity pool with an ice-cold beer in hand, or in the natural hot tub, watching elephants ambling by. The lodge also has a photographic hide in front of the floodplain, so you can discreetly capture those enviable wildlife shots without any distractions. Be sure to book yourself into the Fig Tree spa and enjoy a massage whilst you listen to the sounds of the wild. During your 4 nights here, you will totally fall in love with this untouched wilderness as you enjoy a number of immersive activities. Let your excitement wander as you venture out on an open game vehicle, whilst your guide points out of the tracks of lions and wild dog. Feel the thrill of being in a leopard’s presence as she gazes out at you from a high branch of an acacia tree. Enjoy a gin and tonic at a scenic sundowner spot and as darkness unfolds, listen to the sounds of the bush as you spot the nocturnal species.

Accommodation: Kafunta River Lodge ( 4 nights )

Day 5-8

South Luangwa National Park, Luangwa Valley, Zambia

Next you will make your way to another remote corner of this pristine wilderness for a 3-night stay at Island bush camp. This is a true authentic bush camp experience with only five bush chalets set high on wooden platforms that look out over the river, a perfect location to observe the hippos and to listen out for the sounds of the bush.
To really get your heart racing, head out on a walking safari, the main activity on offer at Island Bush Camp, and feel every one of your senses awaken as you track animals on foot, led by an expert guide. Being on foot in the bush in the vicinity of Africa’s most impressive wild animals is a truly exhilarating experience.

Accommodation: Island Bush Camp ( 3 nights )

Day 8-13

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi awaits you. After your exploration in the South Luangwa you’ll hop on a light aircraft flight into Malawi before being transferred to Lake Malawi. Your beach retreat is Pumalani Lodge, nestled in the lush hills amongst forest and rocky outcrops. Settle into your villa and unwind with a revitalising drink on your private deck, overlooking the glistening crystal-clear water. After an afternoon of unwinding in the infinity pool and enjoying beach walks, perhaps visiting the local village and learning about their local traditions, you can head out on a sunset cruise. Drift around the coastline on a traditional wooden dhow boat and enjoy the serenity of the lake with a glass of wine in hand and delicious snacks. Ask your captain to take some photos of this special occasion in the golden hour sun.
Your time at Pumulani can be as relaxed or as energetic as you wish. Meander around the coastline on kayak and see what catches your eye in the crystalline water. If you are a water fanatic, ask us about booking you a boat out to secluded spots where you can plunge into the water and snorkel or dive amongst tropical fish. For adrenaline junkies you can even water ski and go fun tubing. Or you can simply sink into tranquillity on the beach with your favourite book, making the occasional trip to the beach bar for a cocktail, which is just a few metres away.

Accommodation: Pumulani ( 5 nights )

Fly home

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 020 3468 1971 to start planning your holiday.

Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)

Departing	Price from^* Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers. Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type. Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.	Deposit from ^*	Enquire
April 2025	GBP £7,700	GBP £1,100	plan your trip
May 2025	GBP £7,700	GBP £1,100	plan your trip
June 2025	GBP £7,700	GBP £1,100	plan your trip
July 2025	GBP £8,000	GBP £1,200	plan your trip
August 2025	GBP £8,000	GBP £1,200	plan your trip
September 2025	GBP £8,000	GBP £1,200	plan your trip
October 2025	GBP £8,000	GBP £1,200	plan your trip
November 2025	GBP £7,300	GBP £1,100	plan your trip

April 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,700
Deposit from*
GBP £1,100
May 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,700
Deposit from*
GBP £1,100
June 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,700
Deposit from*
GBP £1,100
July 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,000
Deposit from*
GBP £1,200
August 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,000
Deposit from*
GBP £1,200
September 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,000
Deposit from*
GBP £1,200
October 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,000
Deposit from*
GBP £1,200
November 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,300
Deposit from*
GBP £1,100
plan your trip