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FROM US$9,490-US$11,910

Hyena Safari

Mix relaxation and adventure on a safari combining the South Luangwa with Victoria Falls and the beaches of Lake Malawi. These three locations are among the most iconic in southern Africa.

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.


Day 1

Starts: Victoria Falls Airport

Avani Victoria Falls
Days 1-3

Avani Victoria Falls

2 nights
Bed & BreakfastLivingstone & Victoria Falls, Zambia

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.

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.

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"

FRfromAustralia

Arrived 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

85%
234 reviews of Avani Victoria Falls by travellers since August 2007

Activities

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Canoeing

Cultural excursion

Elephant encounter

Fishing

Helicopter

Kayaking

Microlight

White-water rafting

Day 3

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
Days 3-5

Nkwali

2 nights
Full BoardSouth Luangwa National Park, Zambia

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.

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.

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 fromLondon

Arrived 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

96%
254 reviews of Nkwali by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Day 5

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
Days 5-8

Nsefu

3 nights
Full BoardSouth Luangwa National Park, Zambia

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.

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.

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"

jonahfromlondon

Arrived 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

98%
205 reviews of Nsefu by travellers since August 2007

Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Day 8

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
Days 8-12

Kaya Mawa

4 nights
Full BoardLikoma Island, Malawi

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

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 AfromSurrey

Arrived 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

96%
27 reviews of Kaya Mawa by travellers since August 2007

Activities

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Kayaking

Mountain biking

Scuba-diving

Self-guided walking

Snorkelling

Watersports

Day 12

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.

Day 12

Ends: Lilongwe International Airport

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Experiences you can add to this trip.

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.


Tribal Textiles Tour

Tribal Textiles Tour

One - two hours

Visit the Tribal Textiles workshop, where hand-painted textiles are produced by more than a hundred local people. The workshop is close to Mfuwe Airport, so is ideally placed for a stop en route to/from the South Luangwa. With products ranging from cushion covers to bags and T-shirts, it's a great place for souvenir shopping while at the same time supporting the local community.

More about Tribal Textiles Tour
Rhino Walk

Rhino Walk

Around four hours - mornings only

Spend an unforgettable morning on a walking safari tracking Mosi-oa-Tunya’s small population of white rhino, with a strong chance of being able to approach these endangered creatures on foot.

More about Rhino Walk
93% (3 reviews)
The Elephant Café

The Elephant Café

Approximately four hours

Visiting The Elephant Café is a great combination of a magical elephant encounter and fine dining. Spend time getting to know the elephants, some of them rescued from the wild many years ago, and others born into the herd. Then sit down and enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the Zambezi.

More about The Elephant Café
80% (2 reviews)
Chobe Day Trip

Chobe Day Trip

Full day - typically around 11 hours

For a top safari experience while visiting the Victoria Falls, don’t miss a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Easily reachable from Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Chobe boasts some of the best wildlife densities in southern Africa, with exceptional numbers of elephant drawn by the permanent waters of the Chobe River.

More about Chobe Day Trip
Microlight Flight

Microlight Flight

15 or 30 minutes

For pure exhilaration, it's hard to find something better than flying in a microlight, swooping through the spray that crashes up and off the Victoria Falls, with rainbows shimmering below. If you don't like heights, then this isn't for you! For those looking for a different way to see the Falls, the microlight flights offer a stunning birds eye view of this spectacular natural wonder.

More about Microlight Flight
100% (1 reviews)
Kawaza Village Visit

Kawaza Village Visit

Two to three hours

Just outside Zambia's South Luangwa National Park lies a normal, working rural African village which is open and welcoming to visitors to the Luangwa valley. There is nothing artificial or contrived about Kawaza Village, and it offers a rare opportunity to experience and appreciate Kunda culture, and meet local Zambians.

More about Kawaza Village Visit
100% (1 reviews)
Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool

Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool

Three hours

Victoria Falls is one of the world's natural wonders, and a huge attraction for many visitors to southern Africa. We're often asked if the waterfall is best viewed from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side, but we think the best way to experience the full majesty of the falls is from the middle with a visit to Livingstone Island.

More about Livingstone Island
96% (9 reviews)
Fishing on the Zambezi River

Fishing on the Zambezi River

Three hours or Seven hours

Many people head to Livingstone not just to see the Victoria Falls, but also to relax after an international flight or a busy safari, and a perfect way to do this is with a fishing trip on the calmer sections of the Zambezi River above the falls, drifting with the current, casting your line, and keeping an eye out for wildlife on the banks.

More about Fishing
80% (1 reviews)
Helicopter Flight - Zambia

Helicopter Flight - Zambia

12 or 25 minute flights

Witnessing the power of the Victoria Falls from the ground is a stunning sight, but to see the world’s largest waterfall from the air is a very different experience! A helicopter flight over the Falls is truly incredible, and a worthy addition to your time in Livingstone.

More about Helicopter Flight
100% (7 reviews)
Royal Livingstone Express

Royal Livingstone Express

Four hours approx.

The Royal Livingstone Express is a lovingly restored steam train. Guests steam along the original Rhodesian railway line onto the stunning Victoria Falls Bridge. From here guests can marvel at the falls and the Batoka Gorge before enjoying 5-courses of fine dining.

More about Royal Livingstone Express
87% (3 reviews)
Historical Bridge Tour

Historical Bridge Tour

Two hours - AM & PM departures

A feat of engineering the Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes' vision to link the Cape to Cairo. With an expert guide and the appropriate safety equipment you'll not only discover the wonders of this Victorian marvel but also gain a unique perspective of the Victoria Falls themselves.

More about Bridge Tour
Guided tour of Victoria Falls

Guided tour of Victoria Falls

Two hours - AM & PM departures

One of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls has to be seen to be believed. Why not take an expertly guided trip to learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of one of Africa's most spectacular sites?

More about Tour of the Falls
100% (5 reviews)

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