15 Night South Luangwa & North Malawi - Luxury

Back in the 1950’s Norman Carr pioneered walking safaris in Zambia. His aim was to track big game on foot in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, one of Africa’s last havens of un-spoilt wilderness and home to some of the continent’s greatest concentrations of game. Norman like to say "to view the bush from a vehicle is simply to be an observer, but to get out on foot was to become a part of your surroundings." Over 60 years on, at Norman Carr Safaris we are still walking....we are still passionate about sharing the thrill of tracking lions on foot through early morning mists, the delight in learning something new on every activity and the adventure of walking from camp to camp the original safari way. Walking safaris are immersive, sensual and peaceful. In Zambia, an armed wildlife ranger or "scout" leads each walking group, followed by the trained walking guide. In other countries, the walking guide is armed and leads the group alone. Having a walk led by two wildlife experts was conceived by Norman and our 60 year track record of safety speaks to the effectiveness of this approach.

While certainly vehicle safaris allow one to cover more ground and see a greater volume of game in a 3-4 hour safari, it is only on a walking safari where all your senses are heightened and you can see, hear, smell and feel the bush. You begin to understand the interconnectedness of the flora and the fauna, how each small part plays an important role in the greater ecosystem. Small mysteries of the bush are unlocked and explored; tracks are investigated; and the wide variety of animal poo becomes an unexpected and fascinated learning experience! And while generally speaking, walks are more focused on the little things in the bush, tracking big game on foot is not uncommon and always thrilling.

Driving safaris are all conducted in open 4X4 vehicles (Land Cruiser or Land Rover) with either two or three 'rows' of seats. At Chinzombo, Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli and Mchenja we generally have 4, with no more than 6, people on a vehicle ensuring everyone has a 'window' seat.

Night drives are generally an extension of your afternoon game drive or walking safari. As the sun begins to set we stop to watch the day come to a close and as dusk falls set off to explore as the nocturnal animals start to emerge.

The best chance of seeing genets, civets, elephant shrew, porcupine and the fierce honey-badger is after sunset and the large predators, with the exception of wild dog, are most active at night. Night time birding can be very rewarding with nightjars, owls great and small, dikkop, bat hawk and coursers are all abundant.

The Africa night sky is simply magnificent and it’s worth coming all this way just to experience its vastness and splendour. The Milky Way seems 100 times brighter in the Luangwa Valley where there is no light pollution. We’re watched over by the Southern Cross, Orion and Scorpio amongst an infinite number of others and memories of sitting in awed silence listening to the distant call of lions, cicadas and a million tree frogs under the crescent of an African moon will live with you forever.

Once regarded as the time in the safari calendar to be avoided by less adventurous operators, the 'Secret' Season months of January through March are now heralded by those lucky enough to experience them, as the highlight of the year.

Norman Carr Safaris has always been open all year round and is the only Zambian safari operator to open a true Bush Camp in the Luangwa at this time of year. Kakuli opens around the 20th January and closes again in early April. We gain access to camp by boat and activities are either on foot or by boat. A few days at Kakuli combines very well with the game drives and prolific wildlife on offer in the areas around Kapani Lodge and Chinzombo.

During these Secret Season safaris the bush is in its fullest flush of growth, rivers and lagoons are brimming and boating safaris take you eye to eye with hippos and crocs. The air is clear and excellent for photography; you will find magnificent skyscapes and sunsets with the occasional dramatic tropical downpour.

A wealth of migratory birds in breeding song and plumage make the bush a wonderful place to explore at this time of year. It is a time of plenty so there is no shortage of wildlife; the Secret Season months are usually the best for seeing wild dogs in the South Luangwa.

Our local professional therapists offer you unique treatments with fresh homemade products.
All products used in the treatments are developed and mixed by the therapists using healing herbal plants and natural ingredients found in the local bush land and Mfuwe produce farms.

The products are all created and tested by us, and are safe to use on your skin; we guarantee a healthy and purely natural experience. Products are easily absorbed and are beneficial for the health of your body.

Enjoy all the treatments in the privacy of your Villa, surrounded by the sounds of the animals in the distance.

The Nkhotakota Wildife Reserve is home to over 280 species of bird. Classified as an ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International, the region is filled with a spectacular variety.

Take a gentle stroll through the woodlands or embark on a more strenuous mountain hike!

Meet the local Malawian community.

For a different kind of experience take a guided excursion to the meet the local community.

Camp under a star-lit sky.

Tongole offers its guests one-night or two-night fly camping trips within the Nkhotakota reserve.

Relax by the river...

Enjoy superb fly fishing and freshwater fishing the whole year round on the banks of the beautiful Bua River.

Explore by river.

The Tongole eco-lodge sits on the picturesque banks of the Bua River. Drift along the river on a relaxing canoe safari and enjoy a true wilderness.

Explore the reserve on foot, on water or on a relaxing drive.

This has to be one of the most exhilarating hikes in Africa and is open to groups of between 4 and 8. The Livingstonia Trail is by far the most popular hiking trail on Malawi’s unique Nyika Plateau, its route running from Chelinda in the heart of the plateau to the famous Livingstonia Mission on the Khondowe plateau on the eastern edge of the plateau overlooking Lake Malawi. The Livingstonia Trail is a two-night/three-day hike comprising approximately six hours walking per day.

The first day traverses the high plateau grasslands as far as the Phata Stream where camp is made.
The second day is a steep descent through the Mwenembwe Forest to the boundary of the Nyika National Park at Chakaka Village. The third day is along the steep sided North Rumphi valley through Malawian villages where the people eke out an existence from the steep slopes. There is a final ascent to Livingstonia and accommodation either at the Stone House (built in 1903 by Robert Laws, the founder of the mission) or at Lukwe Camp overlooking the Manchewe Falls, the highest waterfalls in Malawi.

This is a real ‘wild’ camping experience staying in spectacular campsite settings. Accommodation is in trails camps that are situated near rivers; each site has sturdy small tents of approximately 2.2 metres by 1.7 metres wide and 1.2 metres high and eco-friendly latrine services (long drops) and bucket showers provided with water heated over the fire. Drinking water is available throughout the trip from the mountain streams. Three wholesome meals per day are provided; the exact menu will depend on time of year and personal preferences.

*Price available on request

Mountain biking on Nyika National Park is an exhilirating way to explore the montane grasslands, get close up to wildlife and take in some of the parks stunning scenery. A range of mountain bike trails have been created to suit all levels of fitness. More information regarding individual trails (distance, duration, elevation etc) can be found under the 'documentation' tab of the Chelinda Lodge i Brochure.

Nyika National Park contains over 400 species of bird, and and acts as an important refuge for range restricted species such as Black-lored and Churring cisticolas, Chapin’s Apalis, Blue Swallow, Jackson’s Pipit, Scarlet-tufted Sunbird, Yellow-browed Seedeater and Montane Widowbird. Nyika is also home to a number of endemic subspecies, such as Red-winged Francolin , Baglafecht Weaver and Rufous-naped Lark. Although a multitude of incredible bird species can be found in Nyika all year round, early summer (October and November), when the plateau is still fairly dry at the end of winter, is probably the best time for birding, as breeding activity is at its peak in the forests and grasslands and there is an influx of migratory species.

Nyika National Park is home to a wealth of animal species and a game drive with one of our experienced and knowledgeable guides will allow you to see and learn about the incredible diversity of wildlife that inhabit this incredible region of Malawi. During the day you will be able to get close to large herds of various antelope species across the rolling grasslands such as eland, roan and zebra, while also stopping at patches of forest and water sources to marvel at the incredible bird-life. During the evening, game drives offer guests the chance to view many of Nyika's more nocturnal species such as leopard, serval and hyena.

'Catch and release' fishing is available in any of the three dams situated close to Chelinda. These areas offer the perfect location to enjoy the peace and tranquility of Nyika National Park, while trying to catch some of the many Rainbow Trout that can be found within the dams. Rods are available for hire and licenses can be purchased at additional cost.

The Sangwala Trail is a three-day trek that spans across 43kms of lush montane grasslands and woodlands. “Sangwala,” the name of the trail is derived from a combination of the names of the two overnight camps – Sangule & Zungwala.

On the first day of the trail, the hike starts from Chelinda Camp or Lodge and follows the road to Dam 3 from where the trail cuts southwest to Sangule, which is the first overnight camp. On day two, the trail follows the road until Lake Kaulime, from where it descends to the Zungwala River, which is site for the overnight camp. Covering a total distance of 15kms, day two, much like day one, may pose a few ups and downs but is not too taxing. The third and final day is the most strenuous as well as the most adventurous part of the trail and involves a steep ascent from Zungwala to the western edge of the airstrip. Three streams are crossed during this sector of the trail.

There are many interesting features and sights on this trail and hikers can expect to see antelopes such as Roan, Eland, Reedbuck Bushbuck and Duiker. Zebras, warthogs & many species of birds could also be seen and if very lucky there is even a chance of seeing leopard, serval, porcupine and honey badgers.

The Sangwala trail is fully catered with three substantial meals per day with snacks and water etc, available between meals. Tents, sleeping bags, ground mattresses and all camping equipment are provided. A hot water shower and eco (long drop) toilet are set up at each overnight camp. Guests are only required to carry a small day bag with them of personal items such as sun cream, medicines, cameras, binoculars, reference books and note pads. Guests should remember to bring strong hiking boots, a wide brimmed hat, suitable wet and cold weather clothing and any personal items.

*Price available on request

Kaya Mawa is partnered with Likoma Island Divers, a recognised PADI Resort. We have two in-house dive instructors who can cater for any skill levels and teach a full range of PADI courses, ensuring everybody can enjoy an underwater adventure during your stay. The centre is
able to teach courses all the way from a 3-­hour discovery dive to Dive Master.

Likoma Island, surrounded by the pristine waters of Lake Malawi, is widely regarded as having the best diving on the Lake, both in terms of the diversity of fish species and their sheer abundance. With some of the best fresh water diving in the world and some 11 recognised dive sites nearby.

For the adventurous, why not experience the stunning Lake Malawi by boat and try your hand at water skiing and wake boarding, or for the younger ones, knee boarding and ringo.

We have skis that fit ages 5+ and a trained instructor on hand to give handy tips and pointers to ensure you will be on your feet (or knees) in no time.

Enjoy the island from the water, taking a local dhow boat to visit some of the best snorkelling spots and into town to visit the cathedral built in 1905. Make a day of it with a packed picnic and your favourite drinks, or set off for a sunset fishing cruise.

Explore the tranquility of Lake Malawi by kayak or stand up paddle board. Paddle to the neighbouring beaches or one of the smaller islands and admire the Mozambican coastline. Pack your snorkelling gear and enjoy some of Lake Malawi's 1000 species of fish, many endemic to the lake, more than all the freshwater species in Europe and North America combined.

Explore Likoma Island by E Bike making the excursion around the island not only silent but eco friendly as well. Visit the cathedral built in 1905, Katundu textiles workshop, the majestic valley of the baobabs and some of the eleven local villages. The warmth of the locals will make you feel right at home on Likoma.

A much more leisurely way to take the island, led by a guide you will be shown all the sights of Likoma without working up a sweat.

Single and double sailing boats are available for both the experienced and novice. Kaya Mawa offers three Lasers and one Laser 2 for our guests to enjoy, either sailing solo or with our instructor. Take a quick lesson with our expert instructors before sailing off into the majestic waters of Lake Malawi.