Valley and Lake ~ 12 Nights in the Shoulder / High Season
Combining: Nkwali Camp, 2 nights; Nsefu or Tena Tena 5 nights; Pumulani, 5 nights
From: Shoulder US$6032; US$Peak 6990
The LUANGWA VALLEY, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It covers an area of over 9000 sq. km. through which the meandering Luangwa River runs. The ox bow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game - including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo - and over 400 species of birds.
LAKE MALAWI – The Nankumba Peninsula in the South end of the Lake is recognised as one of the most beautiful shores of the Lake and borders Lake Malawi National Park. This Park was established in order to protect the cichlid fish unique to the area. In 1984 the park was designated a World Heritage Site.
Day 1 – The flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe is approximately one hour. On arrival at Mfuwe International Airport a guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you. The drive to Nkwali Camp is 1 hour through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. On Robin’s private land, and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali is ideally situated for the start of your safari. The six rooms all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms. Depending on your arrival time in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali or if in the afternoon for tea and the afternoon and night game drive.
NKWALI CAMP overnight
Nkwali Bar
Day 2 – At dawn breakfast is served around the campfire. The porridge heated on the fire and toast cooked by the coals. The morning walk or drive will leave soon after, entering the park by boat from the camp or by road via the main gate. The game in the area is excellent – and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe. A mid morning break of tea, coffee and cake will be taken at a scenic point on a lagoon or the Luangwa River. Return to camp for lunch around mid day. After lunch you can cool off in the swimming pool or siesta. Following tea you will go out on an afternoon game drive that continues into the early night giving the chance to see the nocturnal world, returning to camp about 20.00 hrs with dinner generally at 20.30.
NKWALI CAMP overnight
Lion Sighting in South Luangwa National Park
Day 3 – After an early breakfast, a transfer gamedrive through the park takes you to a crossing point on the Luangwa River. The Nsefu or Tena Tena staff will meet the party, cross the river by boat, and then a 45 minute drive to your camp, gameviewing on route.
Nsefu was the first game camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties The Nsefu Sector was recognised then as a phenomenal area and it still is. Robin Pope Safaris owns the only two camps in this sector of the Park. The camp is on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. There are six round rondavals with luxurious ensuite facilities and each room has a clear view of the river through large windows and from the new wooden verandahs.
Tena Tena is a remote and small camp and enjoys a stunning location on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. A grove of mahogany trees shade the large custom-made tents. From the thatched dining room and bar, guests can watch the elephants, hippo and antelope on the riverbank. Tena has 5 tents, each with a dressing room, open air bathroom and private verandah that overlooks a water hole. Most meals are taken under the shade of a huge Mahogany tree in the centre of the camp. On arrival at your camp you will be shown to your accommodation and then lunch will be served followed by a well deserved siesta before the afternoon and evening game drive.
TENA TENA or NSEFU CAMP overnight
Elephants playing at Nsefu
Day 4, 5 & 6 – Today is a chance to drive or walk through the ebony groves. Or you may decide this is an ideal day depending on the heat and time of year to explore the Nsefu Sector of the National Park possibly with an all day picnic drive to the salt pans that will cover different habitats and is an exceptional day’s safari.
TENA TENA or NSEFU CAMP overnight
Game Viewing from Chalet at Tena Tena
Day 7 – Another relaxing day with morning and evening game activities. Being the last whole day you resume game activities in the morning and evening with the possibility of visiting Kawaza village as an option to meet local people and experience life in a real Zambian village. If you wish to visit then it is best to mention this when booking your holiday or with Robin Pope Safaris on arrival.
TENA TENA or NSEFU CAMP overnight
Day 8 – After breakfast you will transfer to Mfuwe Airport (1.5 hours) for your flight to Lilongwe. The flight time to Lilongwe is approximately 50 minutes. On arrival at Lilongwe’s Kamuzu Airport, you will be met by our staff, who will assist with immigration procedures and the payment of airport taxes. Our representative will then assist with check in for your next flight to Monkey Bay, the closest airstrip to Pumulani. The flight from Lilongwe to Monkey Bay is one hour. On arrival at Monkey Bay you will be met and transferred to Pumulani (approx 20 minutes).
Pumulani is situated on the Westside of the Nankumba Peninsula in the South end of Lake Malawi – romantically called “The Lake of Stars”.
The ten villas are scattered around the hillside and are individual in shape and style but all have a spacious bedroom, bathroom and extensive sitting area. The front sliding doors open onto the deck – elevated above the ground giving optimal views.
Villas at Pumulani
The central dinning and bar area is high above the lake with the most spectacular views and leads onto an expansive deck. The infinity swimming pool is on a lower terraced deck. The lake shore bar offers light snacks as well as refreshments.
Meals will be served in the dining area, on the beach or by arrangement on your private deck.
The stunning setting of the lodge and the unique comfort of the rooms means that many guests choose to make relaxation their main activity, but there is enough activities available to keep guests busy.
PUMULANI overnight
Day 9 – Enjoy the first full day of relaxation at Pumulani. Our remote beach setting is ideal for those who simply want to soak up the sun and swim in the clear blue waters of the lake. Those who prefer to take a dive in the swimming pool, we have a infinity swimming pool near the central dining area with grand views over the lake.
For those seeking activity we offer many watersports activities like snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, wake boarding and fun tube rides (all motorized activities are excluded).
At the end of the day climb aboard our dhow and let our experienced local crewmen take you sailing into the sunset.
PUMULANI overnight
Activities at Pumulani
Day 10 – Today you might want to go on a special picnic tour to one of the islands (not included in the rate). Our boat takes you along the shores of Lake Malawi National park – since 1984 a World Heritage site. On the way you will see many fish eagles and other interesting birds. The water is so clear that you will observe marine life from aboard the boat.
PUMULANI overnight
Underwater view at Pumulani
Day 11 – Lake Malawi is the world’s most ecologically diverse lake. Its crystal clear waters are home to more than a thousand species of fish, including hundreds of species of colourful cichlids. We offer special diving courses at the best diving spots near one of the islands. For those who are interested in the real Malawian village life we offer guided walks through one of the local villages. Malawians are renowned for being amongst the most friendly people in Africa and during your stay you will have the opportunity to meet them.
You can also simply relax in the beautiful and tranquil scenery or can enjoy the many other activities
PUMULANI overnight
Day 12 – Your last day at the lodge. Today you have the opportunity to continue to relax in the beautiful surroundings or play on the lake, or take a walk to the local village for an insight into how village life operates while Malawians explain their traditions and rituals.
PUMULANI overnight
The people and wildlife at Pumulani
Day 13 – On the final day of your Africa vacation package you bid farewell to the lodge. You will be transferred back to Monkey Bay where you will take a light aircraft to Lilongwe time for the connecting flight back home.
Your stay in the Valley:
Includes: full board, all gameviewing, laundry, bar, National Park fees, transfers to/from Mfuwe Airport
Excludes: Visas, Airport Taxes, International Flights.
Your stay in the Pumulani:
Includes: accommodation, meals, local drinks, park fees, laundry, and road transfers to/from airstrip, All non motorized sports
Excludes: Visas, Airport Taxes, International Flights. Motorized sports and scuba diving.