28/12/2011

Traveler in Africa: from Zambia to Malawi

The magic of a sunset lighting up the wilderness, the fragrance of dried grasses, the crackling of a campfire, and much, much more. This is what Traveler in Africa offers you during a voyage through the wonders of the bush.

In the heart of southern Africa, Zambia is one of those places that deserves much more than just a quick getaway. The tour on offer here is an excellent opportunity to take the time to take your time. The better to dream, to take in the fragrances, the light, the ambiance. From the Lusaka airport after a Wilderness Air flight, the helicopter flies over the Busunga flood plain in the northernmost end of the Kafue Park. A herd of elephants, gently rolling hills your voyage is beginning! You head to Shumba Camp, unless you prefer Kapinga Camp. With their tents, these two lodges seem right out of the film Out of Africa. Your days are very serene, composed of safaris, guided walks, brunches and romantic dinners. Ideally, you should stay here at least three nights. For total immersion and the chance to see the legendary Big Five animals. Of course, you will have to get up at 5:30 am and take off in a 4×4 on dusty dirt roads. But what an unforgettable sensation when you spot a lion or a rhinoceros! The same is true for a guided walk with a ranger. In the bush, your feet pounding this wild earth, your adrenaline gradually starts pumping. Four hours later, you savour the delicious return to the lodge. Now is the time to take full advantage of your luxurious tent and let your imagination run wild, before heading back out if you feel up to it for another safari after a break.

When one by one the stars begin lighting up the night sky, you will feel one with nature. Here, as well as further south, in the Lower Zambezi Park. Set on the banks of the Zambezi River, the Chongwe River Camp offers, among other possibilities, two waterside suites which are perfect for observing the animals which come to drink as well as ideal for slipping off in a canoe. You can actually go down the river amongst the elephants and hippopotami…!

A transfer flight and 40 minutes of 4×4 later, and now Luangwa Park welcomes you. At Luangwa River Camp, in the south, rooms are in warm, earthy tones of beige and khaki. Africa’s heart is beating wildly with each elephant’s trumpet, every lion’s roar. No more worries about time passing, set your internal clock to the rhythm of the bush. Imperceptibly, until this journey takes you to yet another destination, Malawi, for a holiday within your holiday. After 9 nights in Zambia watching animals, now you head to Lilongwe, the capital. An hour’s flight, a short ride and suddenly on the horizon is Monkey Bay, the Nankumba and Pumulani Lodge.

You are on the shores of Lake Malawi, the fifth largest lake in the world in terms of volume. With its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, this lake is the perfect place to recharge your batteries, providing a delicious breather in your travels. Here you can watch multi-coloured fish, try sail boarding or cast off the anchor in a traditional wooden boat for a candlelit dinner… before sleeping sweetly and soundly in a suite flawlessly integrated in the wilderness. Inside, the batiks are hand-painted. Outside, hills ripple in a range of greens. Zambia/Malawi, two complementary destinations that have been carefully preserved. The African dream wins you over, and you will take it home with you in your luggage.

Combined Zambia / Malawi
15 days 12 nights, from 8,500 euros/person. This price includes international flights (Paris, London, Johannesburg, London, Paris) in economy class on a regularly scheduled flight, domestic flights on Wilderness Air and Proflight Zambia, airport taxes, visa fees, activities, park entry fees, lodging with full board, an English-speaking guide and transfers in 4×4.
Information and reservations: Traveler in Africa on +331 42 36 19 10 or www.travelerinafrica.fr