McClelland Zambia & Malawi

Twice daily guests have the option to join the game drives into South Luangwa National Park. Safari vehicles are equipped with a shade roof and have 3 rows with a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle. During the peak season (April to October) game drives access the park directly at Kafunta's pontoon.

The afternoon game drive stops for sundowners and continue into a night drive using spotlights, to find smaller nocturnal animals or predators on the hunt.

South Luangwa is the birthplace of walking safaris. Bush walks bring another dimension to a safari, focusing on smaller things, birds and flora while observing animals in the distance. Bush walks are not strenuous, but can take place over rugged terrain, lasting usually 3 to 4 hours.

Qualified walking guides and escort scout are a must. Unfortunately children under the age of 12 are not authorised to participate.

The hide is set up right under the dining deck and is facing the floodplains and lagoon where many waterbirds including fish eagles and saddle-billed storks are often seen, along with elephants and giraffes.

Kafunta Safaris highly recommend a visit to the village of Mfuwe where Project Luangwa has a visitor center where one can learn about the many projects benefiting local education and communities, there is also a café and a craftshop . It is also possible to organise a side trip to the Mulberry Mongoose jewellery workshop and to the iconic Tribal Textiles factory and shop and its Artisan market. In Central Mfuwe there is also the Conservation South Luangwa visitor center to learn more about conservation efforts.

Great for younger visitors is the Chipembele Wildlife Educational Center only 20 minutes away from Kafunta River Lodge.

Kafunta River Lodge features a small intimate spa with an array of relaxing treatments performed by an on-site therapist. Enjoying the infinity pool, the natural hot tub and booking a massage at the spa are a perfect way to spend the midday hours between game viewing activities. There is also a small gym with a selection of equipment and treadmills/bikes.

The protected waters of Lake Malawi National Park bring kayaking within reach of anyone, irrespective of fitness or experience. The two-person kayaks are large and stable, and the guides are local residents with an intimate knowledge of the area. Guests with a sense of adventure have the option of kayaking out to Mumbo Island from reception on the beach at Cape Maclear. Guides are available on request.

Lake Malawi supports over 2 000 species of freshwater fish – a greater variety than any other lake on Earth. Snorkelling through the islands calm, warm and crystal-clear waters, where the colourful Cichlid fish, coupled with the massive granite boulders that make up much of the underwater terrain, make for a truly remarkable and unusual snorkeling experience. The island’s only mammals - the Spotted-neck Otter - are remarkably tame and sometimes join guests for a swim or snorkel! All equipment is provided.

Experience an underwater world of giant granite boulders and hundreds of multi-coloured freshwater tropical fish! Lake Malawi is a great place to Scuba dive, ideally suited to beginners or those who prefer relaxed diving with no dangers. Mumbo is a PADI registered resort, offering beginner, advanced and specialty courses, as well as gear hire and casual dives. At additional cost (includes equipment hire).

Five different nature trails weave their way through the massive granite boulders that constitute the island. The island is heavily wooded, hosting baobab (Adansonia digitata) and several species of Ficus, Sterculia, Khaya, Albizia and Brachystegia. A map is provided in every tent and extras are available at the bar. There are no poisonous snakes or dangerous animals on Mumbo, so you can walk anywhere with confidence and are rewarded by magnificent views. Our guide will take a guided walk every morning at 9:30 on request.

Of course no visit to Mumbo Island is complete without taking the opportunity to just relax and unwind. The sense of peace and tranquility, provided by the islands location, makes it the perfect place to simply lie back and take in the breathtaking scenery of Lake Malawi. Whether it be swinging in the hammock on your private deck overlooking the lake; reading a book in the comfy shaded lounge deck; or learning to play the local game of bawo, Mumbo Island is a place where you can experience total relaxation.

This trail which covers an approximate distance of 30km over the course of two and a half days, offers many interesting features and sights and hikers can expect to see a variety of the park’s resident species. The distance may vary depending on game movements and local conditions. The terrain is occasionally challenging and as this is essentially a bush walk, it will involve constant stopping to learn about tracks, habitats, birds and wildlife.

*Price available on request

These game drives are a great way to explore Liwonde National Park and experience its diverse selection of habitats and wildlife. During the day visit the sanctuary and the surrounding area to see sable, kudu, eland, zebra, waterbuck, impala, warthog, rhino and elephant. Enjoy 'sundowners' on the banks of the beautiful Shire River while watching kingfishers diving for fish, before embarking on a night drive to discover hyaena, owls, civets, genets, and various species of mongoose.

Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Shire River while on one of Central African Wilderness Safaris’ river cruises. Intimate encounters with elephant are a hallmark of this fantastic experience which enables you to get very close to these huge, majestic animals. Sip sundowners while listening to the snorts and bellows emanating from the many hippo pods scattered along the banks of the river, before witnessing striking sunsets over the river.

Get closer to the wildlife of Liwonde National Park with a visit to Mvuu's water level wildlife hide. Watch as a variety of antelope, elephants and other species come to the waterhole to drink, just meters in front of you.

This activity is subject to availability.

Take a boat across the river, jump on a bike, and cycle 30 minutes to Nanthomba School. Experience first hand the pressures faced by both local people and Liwondes fragile ecosystems, as you cycle through villages situated along the parks boundaries. Once at Nanthomba School be inspired by the teachers and students of this incredible community project, and learn how NGO's such as HELP Malawi and Children in the Wilderness are helping to transform local communities and alleviate poverty by providing quality education to the children of rural Malawi.

This activity is subject to availability.
*Price is available on request.

Discover the intricate relationships between animals and their habitats with a guided bush walk. Find out more about insects and other smaller inhabitants of the park, while learning about trees and plants, their medicinal properties and how they are used by local communities. This walk enables you to venture off the beaten track and observe Liwonde’s diversity of wildlife with minimal disturbances.

Liwonde National Park offers some of the best birding in Malawi. With over 400 species of bird listed within the park, Liwonde is a birders paradise, with an incredible variety of migrants arriving during rainy season. Specials include Brown-breasted Barbet, Böhm's Bee-eater, African skimmer and Livingstone's fly-catcher.

Birding is incorporated into the daily game activities.

Game drives are a great way to explore the Majete wilderness

There are several fantastic viewing hides in the park that are strategically placed by a water hole which are fantastic to spend some time at

Spend a night under the stars and get ready to immerse yourself in the African wilderness. Our star deck is a truly memorable experience