Classic Bush and Beach Safari
Nankoma Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi
Safari Overview
A perfect and affordable combination of bush and beach safaris
This 10-night itinerary is an exciting combination of a wildlife safari in the acclaimed South Luangwa National Park in Zambia with a relaxing beach holiday on a small island in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi, staying at Blue Zebra Island Lodge. If you fancy a more luxurious option, have a look at our Luxury edition of this Bush & Beach package.
- 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 with an affordable beach option in Malawi
- Inclusive of domestic flights, all meals, and standard drinks
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.
Blue Zebra Island Lodge – Nankoma Island, Malawi
This small lodge is nestled on its own exclusive island, Nankoma Island, a short distance away from Lake Malawi’s shore. The 9 cottages or tents are located among the island’s diverse surroundings. Chill out at the infinity pool, unwind at the spa, explore the island on foot, or go around on a kayak. You choose the activities that suit your mood.
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.
At Blue Zebra Island Lodge, you can also go on self-guided tours of the island for some great birdwatching.
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.
At Blue Zebra Island Lodge you will have a choice of a variety of watersports such as snorkeling and kayaking, or boat cruises. Non-inclusive water-based activities are also available such as tubing or banana-boating, wakeboarding, and or waterskiing.
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 Blue Zebra which also feature a full-size infinity pool.
Cultural trips to the local community can be a rewarding experience and something that is easily organised for guests at Kafunta River Lodge.
Indulge in a massage treatment while at Kafunta River Lodge and at Blue Zebra 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 (fares subject to change).
- All road transfers (shared) between the airport and lodges/camps.
- Boat transfers to Nankoma Island.
- Two game-viewing activities per day while in South Luangwa
- Complimentary activities at Blue Zebra: swimming, snorkeling, sunset cruise, kayaking, walking trails, and birding.
- All current park fees/levies/community funds (subject to change)
- All meals
- Standard drinks at all properties
- 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 Blue Zebra: waterskiing, wakeboarding
- Spa treatments
- Premium drinks
- 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.
