BAREFOOT SAFARIS
& Adventure Tours
TRIP DOSSIER
Malawi:
Lodge Safari (LS)
(4 DAYS LAND ONLY)
Issued March 2008
The first
Europeans to arrive in Malawi
were Portuguese explorers who reached the interior from the East Coast of
Africa. However, the most famous visitor was David Livingstone, whose
exploration heralded the arrival of Europeans in a way, which was to change the
nature of the region forever. The establishment of missions to promote the
spread of Christianity and the abolition of slavery soon followed. We tread in
the footsteps of those early pioneers through a land of spectacular scenery,
unparalleled hospitality and unique wildlife. Malawi, lying within the tropics
at the southern end of the Great Rift Valley of Africa, is affectionately
referred to as ‘The warm heart of Africa’; not only is the climate warm, but
Malawians really are among the friendliest people you could hope to meet.
Anyone who enjoys scenic beauty will
find the country richly endowed, from forested reserves, National Parks and
broad highlands to the peaceful shores of Lake Malawi.
Day 1: Fly to Malawi
Day 2: Lilongwe:
Collect at Airport and transfer to Barefoot Safaris Lodge. We arrive at
our lodge and check in. At an elevation of 1000 metres above sea level, Lilongwe lies on the
Central African plateau, to the west of the Great Rift
Valley. Officially named as the new capital of Malawi in 1975,
this landscaped city is an interesting place to explore. This afternoon is free
which offers us the chance to visit the
Cities Nature Sanctuary,
Capital Hill, or the market area or visit a rural village (all optional).
Lodge; 1 night (D)
Day 3: Senga Bay, Lake Malawi
Today we continue in an
Eastern direction towards Lake Malawi. The
lake occupies one fifth of Malawi’s
total landmass, stretching 575 kilometres in length and 85 kilometres at its
widest point. The 23,000 square kilometres of this vast inland sea, is fed by 14
rivers but drained by only one, the Shire. This sluggish river begins its
course to the sea at the lake's southern tip, and odd though it may seem,
accounts for the dispersal of only one per cent of the lake’s volume. The lake
has witnessed bloody massacres between tribes now long disappeared, as well as
the horrific Arab slave trade, which terrorised its inhabitants and resulted in
a large proportion of them converting to Islam. It was even the scene of the
first naval ‘battle’ and British victory of the First World War! The third
largest in Africa, Lake Malawi ranks twelfth
in size in world terms, and are the fourth deepest. One important feature is
the abundance of fish - over 350 endemic species! Senga
Bay is essentially a
large inlet at the eastern end of the peninsula that juts into the lake from
Salima, and provides excellent beaches and crystal-clear water. It’s the
perfect place for a sunset boat cruise (optional). The area is a popular destination for water
sports, such as water-skiing, snorkelling, or windsurfing and is the perfect
retreat for visitors with its sandy beaches, calm waters, rocky coves and a
plethora of tropical fish. We have the opportunity of visiting the only
chichlids fish farm in Malawi
or to participate in the water sports optional.
Hotel; 1 night (B, D)
Day 4: Liwonde National Park
We leave Lake Malawi and we travel via Balaka southwards to Liwonde National Park. We visit the market at Liwonde, then cross
the barrage (Shire River) where most of the electricity in Malawi is
generated. We enter Liwonde National Park
which is the prime National Park in Malawi and do some game viewing on
our way to the camp.
The park includes part of Lake Malombe, the Shire River
and the eastern upper Shire Plain.
Literally thousands of hippo and crocodile live in the river and there
are several hundred elephants in the park, plus a variety of antelope. Black
Rhinoceros has been introduced into the Park. The combination of riverine,
mopane grassland and mixed bushveld ensures that the
birdlife is very varied. We do a game drive and a boat cruise.
Lodge; 1 night (B,L,D)
Day 5: To Lilongwe
We drive or take a boat cruise (optional) out of the Park and head for
the Airport via the Dedza Plateau. End of
Service.
(B)
End of
Safari