Robin Pope Safaris - Malawi and Zambia

Day 1 : Stanley Safari Lodge

On arrival at Livingstone International Airport a representative from Stanley Safaris will meet and transfer you to the lodge (20 mins), where you will settle into your accommodation. Stanley Safari Lodge is located on the hills overlooking the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls in a bush location. Accommodation is in 10 uniquely designed chalets that are constructed of teak and local stone and are open fronted or more colonial style brick and tiled rooms which are closed. Each with a private balcony ensuring spectacular views overlooking the Zambezi River and suites has plunge pools.

Day 2 - 3 : Stanley Safari Lodge

There is a wide range of activities on offer in the area that can be booked at the lodge these include trips to see the falls, town museums and markets and sunset cruises. For the more adventurous, Livingstone boasts a whole host of adrenaline filled activities including whitewater rafting, bungee jumping and micro lighting. Or you may just wish to rest in camp and enjoy the spectacular scenery and peaceful atmosphere. The day will end with a relaxed dinner and perhaps drinks in the wine cellar.

Day 4 : Luangwa River Camp

Depending on your flight time you will be transferred by vehicle to Livingstone Airport to connect with your onward flight to Mfuwe, South Luangwa. A guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you at Mfuwe Airport for transfer to Luangwa River Camp, through colourful village life. The ten bedded camp is situated opposite the Luangwa Wafwa (a game rich area of the park) in the Upper Lupande Game Management Area. It offers all the creature comforts of a lodge yet with all the intimacy, tailored activities and flexible mealtimes you come to expect from a bush camp. The camp is unique with its décor of locally crafted and handmade details. The main area is elevated between 1-3 metres on wooden decks affording great views to the park and river. The swimming pool is sunk into the deck, linked by a waterfall.

Seating areas are all elevated and open plan with a bar area as well as a dining and reading area. Depending on your arrival time you may settle in for some lunch, siesta then off on an afternoon activity. There is an option to turn back after sundowners or continue to see what nocturnals you can spot, returning to camp by 8pm.

Day 5 - 6 : Luangwa River Camp

The next couple of days will be spend as you wish - an option is there to take a walking activity or game drive; or even both. For those with a knack for shopping can take a trip to Tribal Textiles for locally printed fabrics which are sewn into various items – perfect for souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. Perhaps a trip to Kawaza Village to experience an authentic Zambian village, interact with the locals and even sample a local meal. Nothing is set in stone; you can discuss your specific interests with your guide.

Day 7 : Pumulani

After an early breakfast, transfer to Mfuwe Airport 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. Then onto your road transfer to Pumulani.

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.

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 pools are on a lower terraced deck and on beach level. 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 are enough activities available to keep guests busy.

Day 8 : Pumulani

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, there is an infinity pool near the central dining area with grand views over the lake, as well as another infinity pool on beach level. 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.

Day 9 - 10 : Pumulani

Your final couple of days at the lodge. 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. OR 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 friendliest people in Africa and during your stay you will have the opportunity to meet them.

Day 11 : Transit

Today you will be transferred back to Lilongwe time for the connecting flight back home.