Zambia and Likoma Island

Experience the wonders of Busanga quietly and at a comfortable pace from the seat of an electronic mountain bike, with an experienced guide sharing their knowledge of the bush. Our guides know all Busanga’s secrets, including spots for breath-taking views and great birding opportunities. As you crisscross through this enchanting landscape on two wheels, you will be creating lifelong memories.

Slow down to nature’s pace as your knowledgeable guide and armed scout leads you on a bush walk that immerses you in the natural beauty of Busanga Plains. Our guides are from neighbouring communities and know the secrets of Busanga in every detail. A maximum of six people can go on a walking safari and the minimum age is 14.

Blend into the quiet of nature in our e-Cruiser, which allows you to experience all the sights and sounds of the bush in near silence and with a deep sense of environmental care. Go unnoticed as you watch elephants walking through the mist at dawn, water-loving lechwe jump the streams, and a mother lion feed her little cubs.

Keep your eyes and ears open because you don’t want to miss seeing some of the 470 bird species that call the Busanga Plains home. This includes Africa’s endangered crane species, the colourful saddle-billed stork and a variety of other water birds. It’s always exciting to spot Pel’s fishing owl, which is often found perched in the trees waiting to make its next catch in the stream below.

Game drives are the most successful way to see a good variety of wildlife, both large and small. Visiting more areas, and witnessing the diversity of the Lower Zambezi National Park you can appreciate the unspoiled wilderness of Zambia. A larger area can be covered in a shorter time frame, increasing the chance to find good game. The vehicles also allow those "up close and personal" experiences - our team of professional guides will ensure that it is not too close!

Night drives are the perfect way to experience the nocturnal animals, including the elusive Leopard, Genet, Civet, Porcupine and Giant Eagle Owl. The big cats tend to be more active at night and you may find yourself following lions on the hunt. Other common sightings include Honey Badger, African Wild Cat and even the occassional sighting of the very rare Pangolin.

Your guide will also point out the constellations of the Southern night sky.

The Lower Zambezi is renowned for its spectacular canoeing. As one of the few privileged operators based inside the National Park, we are able to canoe guests down the most stunning section of the Zambezi River, the 14km long "Chifungulu Channel" starts just 100m downstream of the camp.

Led by one of our highly qualified canoe guides, explore the banks of the river, where game can be seen from a totally different perspective - looking UP rather than down! Canoe trips vary in length (from one to seven hours) however a one-hour canoe trip is a great prelude to an evening game drive.

No experience or particular strength is required - it is an effortless drift, as the flow of the Zambezi pushes the canoes downstream. Rather than a work out, this is a time to relax, listen to the sounds of the huge variety of bird-life and admire their sheer beauty. Min. canoeing age is 15 years old.

Scenic boat cruises are a very relaxing way to view the game that comes down to the river to drink and bathe, whilst also taking in the unique water wildlife. Until the Zambezi River is explored by boat, it is impossible to truly appreciate the huge hippopotami pods and crocodile populations. Lucky guests regularly experience the truly memorable sight of elephant crossing the Zambezi, from Mana Pools National Park to the Lower Zambezi National Park. To view the most amazing sunsets in Africa, floating sundowners (Gin and Tonic are de rigueur!) in the middle of the Zambezi is a must! This can also provide a photographic opportunity for that perfect African sunset.

Potato Bush Camp operates scenic boat trips using 6 metre aluminum river cruisers. Designed for river systems, they are the perfect boat for the Zambezi River as sandbanks make navigation on the water very difficult.

Walking is the perfect way to search for the smaller creatures, learn about the trees, the plants and examine the different tracks and signs. Walking Safaris were pioneered in Zambia and remains one of the few areas where this can be truly appreciated and enjoyed.

Led by our professional walking guide and a National Parks Wildlife Officer, walking is carried out in small groups. Taking advantage of the cooler morning temperatures, you will take a game drive from camp to an open area where the walk begins. Beware - not only do you see the smaller things on foot, it is also not uncommon for us to see lion and even the big guys, the elephant! Min. walking age is 15 years old.

The Zambezi River is host to some of the most spectacular fresh water sport fishing in the world with plentiful Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus, Latin for "striped river dog") and Tilapia amongst others. Potato Bush Camp offers both spinning and fly fishing, both strictly catch and release in accordance with the principles of the National Park.

After your morning Wake Up call of 'Knock Knock' at c. 5.00 a.m. (everything is optional!), there is time for a warming / refreshing cup of tea / coffee and home-made biscuits before you leave for c. 6.00 a.m.

Some of the primarily nocturnal predators are still active at this time of the day, so there is an excellent chance of coming across leopard or lion sightings, as well as seeing some of the many antelope and other animals such as the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe as well as some of the many elephant and buffalo.

Your experienced Guide will find an idea scenic spot for another tea / coffee break, before you meandar your way back to the lodge for mid-morning.

After your optional afternoon siesta, it is time for Afternoon Tea and the off for another trip to explore a different section of the amazing South Luangwa National Park, with its range of diverse habitats.
Perhaps this time you will across that pack of Wild Dogs, see a family of Elephants crossing the road right in front of you, or see a pride of lions feasting on a kill made earlier in the day.

Just before the sun sets, it is time to get ready for your Sundowner. An extra special experience at Chikunto Safari Lodge, the various of which will last a lifetime. Needs to be experienced rather than described.

Then it is time for your night game drive, in one of the only places in Africa that allows you to see predators like the lions and leopards in their natural hunting environment.

The Spotter on your vehicle will also give you the opportunity to see other nocturnal animals such as the Civets, Genets and Porcupines.

The South Luangwa National Park is rightly famous for being known as 'The home of the walking safari'.

There is no compulsion to go on a walking safari, but one can be arranged for you during you stay - anything from a 'gentle' 1 1/2 to 2 hours to a more extended experience.

In the company of an armed Scout from the National Park, your experienced Chikunto Guide will fascinate you with details on the local flora and fauna, pointing out and explaining the numerous animal tracks. Amongst other things, you will become an expert on elephant and hippo dung and their contributions to life in The Valley!

Although the larger animals tend to be more wary of people on foot than in a vehicle, you still have a reasonable chance of getting relatively close to some of the larger animals - your safety will always be the number one priority.
Another memory that stay with you forever.

This new 6 metre high platform provides stunning panoramic views out over the South Luangwa National Park, with the river itself and the setting sun directly in front of you.

Upgrading for a night or two the deluxe Stargazing & Sleep out Combination Suite allows you to combine having your own suite with direct private access to, and exclusive use of, the platform. With your own private sun lounger and Day Bed, plus the options of a private Sundowner, private dinner and your sleep out option you will be spoilt for choice on the memory front.

Imagine your private sundowner or dinner on that raised platform / deck, connecting with nature and each other, listening to the sounds of the hippos in the nearby Luangwa River and the noises of the African bush, with the sun slowly setting over the meandering river directly in front of you, stars above you, subtle lighting all around, drink in hand…
then waking the next morning to the dawn chorus and herds of puku or impala beneath you - memories for a lifetime.

Build in time during your visit to relax and to immerse yourself in being out in the bush, away from the stresses of 'normal' life.
Enjoy spending time by, or in, the unique salt-water counter-current swimming pool; lie out on the deck overlooking the waterhole, watching a wide variety of animals that come on a regular basis to quench their thirst; take time to relax in the spacious lounger area - see how many of the birds you can recognise in the voluminous Roberts Bird Guide or just sit at the bar and treat yourself to one of the premium drinks...

Take time to savour some of the delicious dishes that will be served up by the wonderful team in the kitchen.

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.