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Zambia · Malawi · Zimbabwe
The Zambia-Malawi Explorer
Victoria Falls, the Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa, Lake Malawi and Mt Mulanje: run in either direction.
Fifteen days between Zambia and Malawi, two neighbouring countries that share deep cultural ties and a run of standout parks and landscapes between them. Victoria Falls and the Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa's painted dogs and leopard country, Lake Malawi at Senga Bay, the granite dome of Mt Mulanje, and the floodplains of Liwonde. Run northbound from Livingstone to Lilongwe, or southbound from Lilongwe to Livingstone: same stops, same nights, your choice of direction.
Why this route
Two countries, one continuous corridor.
The Zambia-Malawi Explorer links two countries most travellers never think to combine: Victoria Falls and the Lower Zambezi's canoeing, South Luangwa's painted dogs and leopard country, the granite dome of Mt Mulanje, Liwonde's floodplains, and Lake Malawi at Senga Bay. It runs as one corridor either way: northbound from Livingstone to Lilongwe, or southbound from Lilongwe to Livingstone. Doctor has driven every section of this road in both directions.
Highlights
Victoria Falls
Lower Zambezi Canoeing
South Luangwa National Park
Senga Bay, Lake Malawi
Mt Mulanje Hike
Liwonde National Park
Your Zambia-Malawi safari, at a glance
Victoria Falls. Lower Zambezi. South Luangwa. Lake Malawi. Mt Mulanje. Liwonde.
A 15-day route between Zambia and Malawi, run northbound or southbound: river camps, safari parks, a mountain hike, and a lake finish, your choice of direction.
Trip at a glance
The practical details before you start planning.
Dates
Contact for dates
Duration
15 Days
Route
Livingstone ↔ Lilongwe
Group size
4–12 travellers · Ages 18+
Style
Camping & Glamping
Best for
Water & river lovers · Hikers · Wildlife lovers
Price
$3,250per person
Inclusions
- All overland transport and accommodation, including pre- and post-tour nights
- All national park and conservation fees, safari drives and guided walks
- Meals as marked in the day-by-day itinerary
- Northbound or southbound departure, your choice
- Two-country border logistics handled
Not included
- International flights
- Visas, insurance and personal expenses
- Optional adrenaline activities (bungee, rafting, scenic flights)
Day by day
15 days between Zambia and Malawi.
Use the toggle above to switch between the northbound and southbound route: the stops and nights are the same either way.
Pre-Tour Briefing — Livingstone, Zambia
Meet at the starting point, Waterfront Hotel, on the banks of the Zambezi River just above Victoria Falls outside Livingstone. The Meet & Greet takes place in the hotel gardens to prepare everyone for the safari ahead.
Overnight · Waterfront Hotel, Livingstone
Meals · No meals
Full Day — Livingstone
Explore the world-renowned Victoria Falls on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, along with the surrounding markets. The day rounds up with a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi, returning to the lodge after dark.
Overnight · Waterfront Hotel or similar
Meals · B
Livingstone → Lower Zambezi
Leave the falls behind, tracing the Zambian countryside into the interior before turning southwest and descending into the Lower Zambezi valley for two nights at a riverside camp.
Overnight · Gwabi River Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Lower Zambezi
A full day in the valley: canoeing on the Kafue and Zambezi rivers until a river lunch on a sandbank island, closing with a relaxed boat cruise back to camp.
Overnight · Gwabi River Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Lower Zambezi → Lusaka
A relaxed departure from the valley, aiming to reach Lusaka by lunchtime and set up camp on the outskirts of the city, a well-appointed spot where zebra and giraffe roam freely.
Overnight · Eureka Camping Park or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Lusaka → Petauke
An early start on the Great East Road to Petauke, crossing the Great Luangwa River and Luangwa Bridge along the way.
Overnight · Chimwemwe Lodge and Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Petauke → South Luangwa National Park
Continue to Chipata, the principal city in the east, for a stop over, then on to South Luangwa National Park for two nights of game viewing.
Overnight · Croc Valley Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — South Luangwa National Park
Safari drives through South Luangwa in search of painted dogs, leopard, and the general game that call the park home.
Overnight · Croc Valley Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
South Luangwa → Senga Bay, Lake Malawi
An early departure through Chipata for last supplies, then across the Zambia-Malawi border and east through Lilongwe's traffic to Senga Bay, a fishing village on Lake Malawi. Two nights of camping here include time with locals, craft markets, and water excursions like snorkelling and fishing.
Overnight · Livingstonia Steps Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Senga Bay, Lake Malawi
A full day on the beach, soaking in the sun and taking part in the excursions on offer.
Overnight · Livingstonia Steps Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Senga Bay → Mt Mulanje
Say goodbye to the shores of Lake Malawi and head south through several villages and towns to Blantyre, Malawi's second-largest city, before the granite dome of Mt Mulanje comes into view near camp.
Overnight · Mulanje Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Mt Mulanje
Hike Mt Mulanje, often called the "island in the sky", a newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with waterfalls and diverse endemic flora. Local guides lead the way, stopping at viewpoints and natural springs before returning to camp in the late afternoon.
Overnight · Mulanje Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Mt Mulanje → Liwonde National Park
Leave the mountain behind for Liwonde National Park, a landscape of floodplains and woodland teeming with wildlife. Two nights follow here on safari.
Overnight · Liwonde Safari Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Liwonde National Park
A day of safari drives through Liwonde in search of the wildlife that calls the park home.
Overnight · Liwonde Safari Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Liwonde National Park → Lilongwe
The last drive of the tour, departing late morning for the base just outside Lilongwe, a scenic run through roadside villages to a camp nestled among the tree groves southwest of the capital. The evening is reserved for final goodbyes over dinner.
Overnight · Barefoot Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Lilongwe — Tour Ends
Tour ends today after breakfast.
Meals · B
B BREAKFAST · L LUNCH · D DINNER
Entry requirementsShow
Passport recommendation
For all POA Safaris trips we recommend travelling with a passport valid for at least 6 months after your trip and containing at least 4 blank pages. Longer multi-country itineraries may need more.
KAZA UniVisa
Zambia and Zimbabwe issue a joint UniVisa covering both countries for US$50, valid 30 days with multiple entries between them. Day trips into Botswana through Kazungula do not invalidate it. Available to eligible nationalities at selected entry points, so confirm it covers your passport and your border before relying on it.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory on every POA Safaris tour, in every country we travel through. See our cancellation policy for what your cover needs to include.
Zambia
Visa-free for many nationalities- Visa
- Depends on nationality. Many are visa-exempt; others can obtain a visa on arrival or an eVisa.EU, UK and US passports: Usually visa-free.
- Typical fee
- Free for many nationalities. Fees apply if you need a visa; the published rates are inconsistent, so check on application.
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months from entry.
- Blank pages
- At least 3 blank pages.
- Yellow fever
- Required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country.
- Good to know
- Arrivals by air should hold a return ticket.
Malawi
Visa required for many nationalities, with VOA and eVisa options- Visa
- Depends on nationality. Some are visa-exempt, some can obtain a Visa on Arrival, and others need prior authorisation.EU, UK and US passports: Visa usually required, with Visa on Arrival or eVisa options.
- Typical fee
- From US$75 single entry.
- Yellow fever
- Required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country.
- Good to know
- Visa on Arrival is limited to eligible Category Two nationals.
Zimbabwe
Visa-free, Visa on Arrival or advance visa depending on nationality- Visa
- Depends on nationality. Some are visa-free, many can obtain a Visa on Arrival, and others must arrange a visa in advance.EU, UK and US passports: Usually a Visa on Arrival.
- Typical fee
- From US$30 single entry. Some nationalities pay more, for example US$55 on a British passport.
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months from arrival.
- Yellow fever
- Required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country.
Other vaccinations and malaria
Yellow fever is the only vaccination that can affect entry. Anything else is a health question, and what you need depends on your own vaccination history and where you grew up. See your doctor or a travel clinic a few weeks before you leave, as some courses need more than one dose.
Most of these routes pass through malaria areas. Antimalarial tablets usually have to be started before you arrive, so arrange them at home. Pharmacies in the region do sell them over the counter if you lose yours. Repellent, covered arms after dark and the bed net matter as much as the tablets.
Take your route with you to the appointment, as malaria advice varies by area within a country and not only by country. The CDC publishes yellow fever and malaria guidance country by country. See the CDC guidance.
Entry requirements for every country we travel through
Visa fees are indicative, vary by nationality and are subject to change. Visa, vaccination and entry requirements depend on your nationality, travel history and itinerary, and may change without notice. This is a general guide only. Always verify the latest requirements with the relevant immigration authority or embassy before you travel. Last updated: September 2026.
Free download
The full itinerary, as a PDF
- Day-by-day route and accommodation
- Map, dates and pricing
- What's included and what isn't
Yours to keep and to forward to whoever you are travelling with.
The Zambia-Malawi Explorer
Ask about the Zambia-Malawi Explorer departure
Send your group size and questions. Doctor will confirm available dates, spaces, and walk you through the northbound and southbound options.
Check availability on WhatsApp15 days · Zambia & Malawi · Northbound or southbound · 4–12 travellers
40% deposit secures your place · 40% 30 days before departure · 20% USD cash at the Welcome Meeting · Runs with 4+ travellers, or full refund · Travel insurance compulsory
Full cancellation policy →