South Luangwa & Lake Malawi Adventure

Zambia & Malawi

19 Days – Guided 4×4 Adventure = Wildlife, Wilderness & Lakeside Exploration

Tour Dates

26 July – 13 August 2026

Duration

19 Days

Group Size

Max 7 Vehicles

Price

R37,500 per person sharing

A Journey Through Zambia & Malawi

This 19-day guided 4×4 adventure takes you from Botswana through Zambia and into Malawi, combining some of Southern Africa’s most rewarding experiences into one unforgettable expedition.

Starting in Kasane, we cross into Zambia and make our way through Livingstone and Lusaka before heading east towards South Luangwa National Park. Here, the pace changes as we spend several days exploring the park on morning and afternoon game drives, immersing ourselves in the wildlife and wilderness of one of Zambia’s great safari destinations.

From South Luangwa, we continue into Malawi and travel to Cape Maclear on the shores of Lake Malawi. Four nights beside the lake give us time to slow down, enjoy the beautiful setting and make the most of the activities available in the area.

The journey then loops back through Zambia, returning to Livingstone for a leisure day with the opportunity to experience Victoria Falls and a Zambezi River cruise before crossing back into Botswana.

With approximately 5,000 km covered, this is more than a safari — it is a true overland adventure, combining wildlife, scenic travel, camping, great destinations and the camaraderie of travelling together.

Highlights of South Luangwa & Lake Malawi

Walking safaris with armed scouts

High leopard & predator density

Luangwa River Boat Safaris

freshwater beach relaxation

Snorkeling

Lakeside sunset views

Tour Information

South Luangwa National Park

The heart of the wildlife experience on this adventure is South Luangwa National Park. We spend three nights in the South Luangwa area, with dedicated time for morning and afternoon game drives exploring the park.

This is where the adventure shifts from long-distance travel to classic safari. Days are spent out in the park, following the wildlife, exploring the river and surrounding wilderness, and making the most of the opportunity to experience South Luangwa at a relaxed safari pace.

With several game drives included in the journey, South Luangwa gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the bush rather than simply passing through.

Lake Malawi – Cape Maclear

After the wildlife and wilderness of South Luangwa, the journey takes a completely different turn as we cross into Malawi and head for Cape Maclear on the shores of Lake Malawi.

We spend four nights at Lake Malawi, creating space in the itinerary to relax, explore and enjoy the lake at your own pace. A variety of activities are available, making this a welcome change of rhythm after several days of safari and long-distance travel.

Lake Malawi is the perfect counterpoint to South Luangwa — swapping game drives and wilderness for clear water, lakeside surroundings and time to simply enjoy being there.

Victoria Falls & The Zambezi

Before the adventure comes to an end, we return to Livingstone for a leisure day. There is time to experience Victoria Falls and enjoy a Zambezi River cruise before we make our way back into Botswana.

Included

Excluded

Tour Details at a Glance

TOUR DATES

26 July – 13 August 2026

Duration

19 Days

Group Size

Max 7 Vehicles

Vehicles Required

4x4 Required - off-road trailer friendly

South Luangwa & Lake Malawi Tour – FAQ

August sits right in the heart of the dry season, when South Luangwa’s game viewing is at its peak – wildlife concentrates along the shrinking river as the bush dries out, and the walking safari and night drive season is in full swing. Days are warm and clear rather than the scorching heat of late October, and Lake Malawi is calm and comfortable for swimming and snorkelling. This tour is timed to catch both destinations at their best.

Yes – South Luangwa has one of the highest leopard densities of any park in Africa, and optional night drives make it one of the most reliable places on the continent to see one. The Luangwa River itself also supports huge concentrations of hippo and crocodile, so river-adjacent game viewing is exceptional throughout the dry season.
Lake Malawi is the third-largest lake in Africa and home to more fish species than any other lake on Earth, most famously its colourful cichlids. Snorkelling here feels closer to a coral reef than a freshwater lake, and a section of the lake is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the dust of South Luangwa, it’s a complete change of pace – clear water, sandy beaches and long sunset evenings.
Yes. Both South Luangwa’s game viewing tracks and the wilderness routes on route to Lake Malawi require a high-clearance 4×4. Off-road trailers are welcome, and the convoy is fully guided throughout.

Any high-clearance 4×4 is suitable. Off-road trailers are welcome. We recommend vehicles with a rooftop tent or suitable camping setup.

Is This Tour for You?

This trip suits travellers who want a classic South Luangwa safari – exceptional leopard and predator sightings across wide open bush and along the Luangwa River – combined with proper downtime on the shores of Lake Malawi. It’s a tour of contrasts: bush by day, lake sunsets by evening.

Ready to Explore South Luangwa & Lake Malawi?

Join us for 19 days of wildlife, wilderness, lakeside adventure and unforgettable roads through Zambia and Malawi.