Luxury Bush and Beach Safari
Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Safari Overview
A perfect and luxurious combination of bush and beach safaris
This 10-night itinerary is an upscale version of our traditional Bush & Beach Holiday package, with an exciting combination of a wildlife safari in the acclaimed South Luangwa National Park in Zambia with a relaxing beach holiday on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi at the luxurious and heavenly Kaya Mawa Island Lodge.
- Combine Zambia and Malawi in one itinerary
- Spend 7 days on safari with game drives and bush walks, followed by 3 days at the beach
- Exceptional wildlife experience in South Luangwa
- Unwind on the splendid beaches of Lake Malawi
- Inclusive of domestic and regional flights, all meals, and standard drinks (except at Kaya Mawa)
Kafunta River Lodge – South Luangwa
Kafunta River Lodge is set on the floodplains of the Luangwa River overlooking the South Luangwa National Park. Our classic safari lodge offers guests stylish comfort and excellent dining, with the best view in the valley. The 8 private chalets and 2 luxury suites are overlooking the game-rich plain. We offer game drives, night drives, and walking safaris as well as visits to Mfuwe-based and community-focused artisan shops.
*Note: the order of the itinerary may change depending on availability. Inquire for low-season itineraries.
Three Rivers Camp – South Luangwa
Three Rivers Camp is the latest addition to Kafunta Safaris’ portfolio of safari lodges and bush camps in South Luangwa National Park. The camp features 5 beautifully decorated tents, each with its own star bed platform directly connected to the tent. Sleep in or out, it is your choice! Daily activities include bush walks and game drives in unspoiled wilderness.
Note: Alternatively, inquire about staying at Island Bush Camp instead
Kafunta River Lodge – South Luangwa
Return to Kafunta River Lodge for two more nights, experiencing more exceptional wildlife game-viewing before continuing your journey to Malawi.
Kaya Mawa Island Lodge – Likoma Island, Malawi
This gorgeous boutique lodge sits on the sandy beaches of the remote Likoma Island in the middle of Lake Malawi. The 11 Houses and Rooms blend in the sandy dunes or rocky outcrops of this hidden paradise. Keep yourself busy with the many watersports on offer, indulge with a spa treatment overlooking the lake, or simply chill on the beach sipping an exotic cocktail.
A game drive allows you to get closer to the game in a safe way. Expect to find lions, leopards, elephants and much more on your safari. Lodges offer morning and afternoon/night drives with the chance to see the wildlife as it is the most active. For those looking for a birding experience, safari guides can tailor the drive to your interest.
Game drives are available at Kafunta River Lodge and Three Rivers Camp
If you’re looking for a real African experience there’s nothing quite the same as walking out into the African bush on foot. Experienced safari guides and rangers keep you safe while you enter the natural habitat of some of the biggest mammals in the world.
Walking safaris are also the perfect opportunity to focus on the smaller things. Your guide is likely to point out footprints of lions that walked through the day before or the calls of monkeys in the distance.
Walking safaris are available at Kafunta River Lodge and Island Bush Camp.
Kafunta River Lodge has a photographic hide tucked under the main deck, overlooking the waterhole. Ideal for photographers wanting to take a relaxed approach to get close to the wildlife. This one is perfect for photographing waterbirds, sleepy hippos, and elephants splashing.
A unique experience in this safari will be your option to sleep under the stars at Three Rivers Camp. Spend a night on the plush beds, surrounded only by the sights and sounds of the African Bush.
On Likoma Island you will have a choice of many watersports such as snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Non-inclusive water-based activities are also available such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, and PADI-diving.
Lake Malawi is famous for its wide variety of freshwater fish, and Kaya Mawa Island Lodge offers catch & release fishing trips at an extra charge.
Kafunta River Lodge has a splendid infinity pool where you can relax in the afternoon, or take a dip in the adjoining natural hot spring tub. Swimming is of course available in the Malawian turquoise waters at Kaya Mawa Island Lodge.
A new activity is now available at Kaya Mawa Island Lodge: a sightseeing tour of the island with a solar-powered electric mountain bike. Great for bird watching and checking out the friendly local life on the island. This activity comes at an extra charge.
Cultural trips to the local community can be a rewarding experience and something that is easily organised for guests at Kafunta River Lodge and at Kaya Mawa Island Lodge.
Indulge in a massage treatment while at Kafunta River Lodge and at Kaya Mawa Island Lodge, and unwind to the soundtrack of the African bush or the lapping waves.
Note: Spa treatments come at an extra charge.
Inclusions
- Domestic and regional flights Lusaka-Mfuwe-Lilongwe-Likoma-Lilongwe (fares subject to change).
- All road transfers (shared) between the airport and lodges/camps.
- Two game-viewing activities per day while in South Luangwa
- Complimentary activities at Kaya Mawa: swimming, snorkeling, sailing, picnic lunch, kayaking, paddle boarding, and birding.
- All current park fees/levies/community funds (subject to change)
- All meals
- Standard drinks at Kafunta River Lodge and Three Rivers Camp
- Complimentary laundry
- VAT and service charges
Exclusions
- International flights. Attention services start in Lusaka (Zambia) and end in Lilongwe (Malawi)
- Visa
- Non-inclusive activities at Kaya Mawa: waterskiing, wakeboarding, PADI diving, fishing, e-bike
- Spa treatments
- All drinks at Kaya Mawa Island Lodge. Premium drinks at Kafunta River Lodge and Three Rivers Camp
- Expenses of personal nature
- Additional services outside of this itinerary
We are a safari operator in South Luangwa Zambia, with three properties: Kafunta River Lodge, Three Rivers Camp, Island Bush Camp. We also design attractive itineraries to allow you a one-stop shop to book your ideal vacation in Zambia, but we are not a travel agent.
No, this is your own arrangement at your preferred date based on availability. Activities are shared with other guests in camp. We can also tailor-make an itinerary to better suit your interests.
Yes, we can tailor-make a large variety of itineraries to include other camps or parks that you would prefer. Drop us an email and we’ll be happy to help.
Sadly, we are not able to book international flights for you. We’re happy to include the domestic flights although you may also choose to book these directly with your international ticket and we will then deduct this from the overall package rate.
No, activities are shared with other guests at the lodges and camp. But if you prefer to have more control over your activities, inquire with us and we will check the availability of private guides at each location, and what the additional cost will be.
Yes of course. Zambia is very safe, and there is no problem travelling alone or if you are a female traveler. A single supplement will however apply.
While in South Luangwa you can expect to see lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes as well as the endemic Thornicroft Giraffe and the exceptional plains game such as pukus, impalas, kudus, zebras, etc. Wild dogs are also very common with one of the largest populations in Zambia. Oh, we almost forgot hippos!
The pristine waters of Lake Malawi are home to an incredible diversity of life with over 1000 species of fish!
This itinerary is at its best between June and October, the peak of the safari season in Zambia. June and July will be the coolest months and the bush will be thicker but still green. August and September will warm up significantly and the bush will start to dry out. October is the hottest month, the bush and waterholes are very dry and animals concentrate along the river banks. It is also possible to travel in April and May or later in November (the itinerary will be different) which are considered the shoulder months.
Read our blog for more information about the best time to visit Zambia.
Inquire if you want to travel outside those dates.
Loads! This itinerary includes the very best park in Zambia for wildlife encounters, and the extension to Lake Malawi will give you a choice of relaxing activities or numerous water-based sports to enjoy the clear waters of the lake.
Why book with Kafunta Safaris
20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE SAFARI INDUSTRY
We are a safari operator in South Luangwa (Zambia) with three properties: Kafunta River Lodge, Island Bush Camp and Three Rivers Camp.
Apart from operating these safari properties for over 20 years, we also help our guests design their dream holidays in Zambia by suggesting the most attractive itineraries according to their interests and budget.
We know the country in and out, we understand the logistics and we’ve experienced most of the lodges and camps ourselves too. Most of all, we’re passionate about Zambia, and we love nothing more than helping you get the most out of this beautiful country. Whether it is booking our camps only or including domestic flights and other properties in other Zambian parks, we’re here for you.
