Hyena Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Hyena Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Victoria Falls Airport
Avani Victoria Falls
Colourful and vibrant in design, the Avani Victoria Falls is within strolling distance of the Falls themselves. It’s this location that is the most compelling reason to stay here. Not only is there direct access to the Falls from the hotel’s grounds, but the entry fee is included for guests – so you can visit as many times as you like during your stay.
Colourful and vibrant in design, the Avani Victoria Falls is within strolling distance of the Falls themselves. It’s this location that is the most compelling reason to stay here. Not only is there direct access to the Falls from the hotel’s grounds, but the entry fee is included for guests – so you can visit as many times as you like during your stay.
The hotel’s sprawling grounds come with a further surprise, too, for they fall within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. So don’t be surprised to see zebra or antelope grazing as you wander over to breakfast, or giraffe craning above as you explore one of the hotel’s nature trails.
Making the most of the grounds, every room has a view, either from a balcony or direct from its own french windows, the closely cropped grass in vivid contrast to the bold oranges and geometric designs of the interiors.
As for the buildings, their terracotta walls, castellated roofline, narrow windows and reed-covered terraces wouldn’t be out of place in Morocco, exuding a warmth that is offset by cool interiors.
"a lovely hotel"
FRfromAustraliaArrived 3 Jun 2023, 1 night
A huge swimming pool plays its part in keeping things cool, too, as do refreshing drinks from the outside bar. With a choice of cafés and restaurants within the complex, and a proper activity centre, it’s a winning combination. See our full report on Avani Victoria Falls
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Livingstone to South Luangwa by road & air
Leaving the Avani mid morning, you'll fly from Livingstone to the South Luangwa, changing planes half way in Lusaka. A Nkwali guide will meet you with an open-topped 4WD for the drive towards the Luangwa River, arriving at the small, riverside camp after a total of 5–6 hours.
Nkwali
To look out over the Luangwa River from Nkwali’s open-fronted chalets is to feel at one with the bush. It’s a oneness that is enhanced by the mature mahogany, ebony and sausage trees whose shade shelters the little camp.
To look out over the Luangwa River from Nkwali’s open-fronted chalets is to feel at one with the bush. It’s a oneness that is enhanced by the mature mahogany, ebony and sausage trees whose shade shelters the little camp.
High ceilings and flagstone floors in the six stone-and-thatch chalets help to keep them cool, too, while en-suite bathrooms with open-air double showers emphasise the connection with the environment – in total privacy, of course.
The theme continues in the open-sided “chitenge”, where comfortable chairs and a small bar merge with a wooden deck over the river. Delicious meals are served here, or in the thatched dining area, close to the camp’s waterhole, while loungers around the small pool offer yet more options for relaxation – or watching the birds.
While it’s the natural world that underpins the camp’s ambience, its location, a relatively short drive from the small airport, makes it exceptionally accessible – even during the “emerald” season when most camps in the South Luangwa are closed.
" Excellent food, excellent organisation and absolutely professionally run."
Miss S fromLondonArrived 9 Sep 2024, 2 nights
Nkwali’s other trump card is a private pontoon across the river into the national park, where you’ll seek out wildlife with expert guides on 4WD game drives and short walking safaris. See our full report on Nkwali
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Game drive from Nkwali to Nsefu
Today's journey between camps is an activity in itself: a leisurely game drive, complete with refreshments, taking 2–4 hours, depending on wildlife spotted along the way. Typically the route shadows the eastern side of the Luangwa River, on informal tracks through a rural area of smallholdings and occasional villages.
Nsefu
This laid-back camp, steeped in South Luangwa history, has quality guiding and dining in a beautiful riverside setting. Nsefu was opened in 1951, the first camp in the South Luangwa and the brainchild of the renowned conservationist and guide, Norman Carr. Norman pioneered walking safaris here to benefit conservation and communities long before responsible tourism became a buzzword.
This laid-back camp, steeped in South Luangwa history, has quality guiding and dining in a beautiful riverside setting. Nsefu was opened in 1951, the first camp in the South Luangwa and the brainchild of the renowned conservationist and guide, Norman Carr. Norman pioneered walking safaris here to benefit conservation and communities long before responsible tourism became a buzzword.
In the intervening years, the camp has preserved its history in its unique and unassuming charm. The bar and lounge have old black-and-white photos of Carr's safari days, and the six small rondavels, unique in the Valley, retain their original characteristics with the addition of small terraces that look out towards the Luangwa River.
Nsefu's dining room was gobbled up as the river changed course, so they now offer “nomadic dining” depending on the season – under the stars, under the shade of trees, or even a private dinner for two on top of a huge dormant termite mound – far more romantic than it sounds!
The camp's location, within the Nsefu Sector, features superb wildlife, and the camp itself provides some fantastic sightings in the dry season, with huge herds of buffalo and elephants meandering across the river. Pukus seem to be ever-present, quietly eating the crimson petals of the camp's mature sausage trees, and birds continually dip into the camp waterhole
"a much quieter place"
jonahfromlondonArrived 24 Oct 2024, 3 nights
Nsefu’s laid-back charm continues to entice guest back time and time again. See our full report on Nsefu
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
South Luangwa to Likoma by 4WD & light aircraft
After a final 4WD transfer through the South Luangwa to Mfuwe, board a light aircraft for Lilongwe in Malawi, where you'll change planes for Likoma Island – and the next leg of your adventure. On arrival, a short drive to Kaya Mawa completes an interest-packed journey of around 4–5 hours.
Kaya Mawa
Kaya Mawa is a beautiful lodge, a perfect example of barefoot luxury. But it’s much more than that… It’s the kind of place where you just melt effortlessly into your surroundings and never really want to leave. Whether you’re enjoying all the various water sports like kayaking, diving and kite surfing, indulging in a spa treatment overlooking the lake or just chilling on the beach with the lovely lodge Labrador, Keira, it has a fabulous relaxing vibe.
Kaya Mawa is a beautiful lodge, a perfect example of barefoot luxury. But it’s much more than that… It’s the kind of place where you just melt effortlessly into your surroundings and never really want to leave. Whether you’re enjoying all the various water sports like kayaking, diving and kite surfing, indulging in a spa treatment overlooking the lake or just chilling on the beach with the lovely lodge Labrador, Keira, it has a fabulous relaxing vibe.
The gorgeous rooms are designed for lingering, each one unique and quirky, built into the rocks with whitewashed or exposed stone walls, or directly on the beach and made of eucalyptus poles.
The bar, lounge and dining area reflect the local character, with old dhows as sofas and plenty of bright blue and coral upholstery. The food here has won many awards and it’s hardly surprising – every meal seems to make the taste buds sing.
"A delightful place to relax at the end of a safari holiday."
Mr & Mrs AfromSurreyArrived 12 Oct 2019, 3 nights
If you do one activity, visit the nearby Katundu artisan workshop, which provides many of the artworks and soft furnishings in the lodge and was set up by its former owner to empower local women. Kaya Mawa also works closely with local people here in healthcare, education and conservation of the lake. See our full report on Kaya Mawa
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Likoma to Lilongwe by 4WD & light aircraft
During the 10–15-minute drive from Kaya Mawa to the small airport, enjoy your last rural views of Likoma Island before boarding your light aircraft for Lilongwe. The flight of about an hour takes you south-west over Lake Malawi, landing in time for you to make your onward connections.
Ends: Lilongwe International Airport
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Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.