Lake of Stars 2015
Mid-Range – Malawi and South Luangwa
Your Trip Itinerary
Itinerary Outline
Day
Date
Area
Accommodation
Board Basis
1-2
13th - 14th Sept
Lilongwe
Kumbali Lodge
Bed and
breakfast
2-5
14th - 17th Sept
South Luangwa
Wildlife Camp
Full Board
5-7
17th - 19th Sept
Nankoma
Island
Blue Zebra Lodge
Full Board
Activities
The Kumbali
cultural village,
Drinks
Game Drives
(Morning and Night),
Drinks
Non- motorized
water activities
Drinks
7-9
19th - 21st Sept
Zomba
Sunbird Ku Chawe
Hotel
Full Board
9 - 11
21st - 23rd Sept
Mulanje
Lujeri Lodge
Full Board
11 - 13
23rd - 25th Sept
Liwonde
Mvuu Camp
Full Board
13 - 16
25th - 28th Sept
Mangochi
Makokola Retreat
Full Board
16
28th Sept
Scenic walks on the
plateau, Drinks
Scenic walks on the
tea plantation.
Drinks
Game drives and
walking safaris
Drinks
Swimming, kayaking
Boat cruise, Drinks
Driving back to Lilongwe International Airport for your flight back home
Distance Chart
Day
Date
Hours to drive
To
Destination
1
13th Sept
33 Km / 50 Minute Drive
Lilongwe International Airport
Kumbali, Lilongwe
2
14th Sept
300 Km / 6 Hours Drive
Kumbali, Lilongwe
South Luangwa
5
17th Sept
430 Km / 7 Hours Drive
South Luangwa
Senga Bay, Salima
7
19th Sept
270 Km / 4 Hours Drive
Senga Bay, Salima
Zomba Plateau
9
21st Sept
140 Km / 2 Hours Drive
Zomba Plateau
Lujeri, Mulanje
11
23rd Sept
212 Km / 4 Hours Drive
Lujeri, Mulanje
Liwonde National Park
13
25th Sept
83 Km / 2 Hours Drive
Liwonde National Park
Mangochi
16
28th Sept
250 Km / 4 Hours Drive
Mangochi
Lilongwe International Airport
25th, 26th & 27th September 2015 all roads lead to Mangochi in the Warm Heart of
Africa, Malawi, for the most anticipated music festival in Southern Africa, Lake of
Stars!
Lake of stars, a crowd pulling festival held annually on the shores of Lake Malawi since 2004.
Artists from all over the world have graced the Lake of Stars stages…
Day 1 - 2 (13th -14th September 2015): Kumbali Country Lodge, Lilongwe
Welcome to Malawi! Upon arrival at the Lilongwe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your
guide. After greetings we will start driving towards Lilongwe. Your accommodation for the night will
be at the tranquil and luxurious Kumbali Country Lodge.
The Lodge is a private lodge, situated on a 650 hectare forest reserve and dairy farm land. Only 10
minutes from the capital city, Lilongwe, along a quiet traffic-free road. The accommodation is stylish,
relaxed and informal; it is much more than just another Lilongwe hotel.
Day 2 - 5 (14th - 17th September 2015): Wildlife Camp, South Luangwa
Today after breakfast, it is now time to head to South Luangwa National Park. Your guide will pick you
from Kumbali Country Lodge and start driving towards Mchinji border. Crossing the border at Mchinji,
we will drive straight to Wildlife Camp in the South Luangwa National Park.
Wildlife Camp is a safari camp on the banks of the Luangwa National park Zambia. The guests are
provided with an affordable front – row seat to one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. At the
camp there is rustic en-suite chalets, a secluded en-suite tented camp, a bush camp for overnight
walking safari and a stunning campsite, all situated on the banks of the Luangwa.
Day 5 - 7 (17th -19th September 2015): Blue Zebra Lodge, Nankoma Island
After these few days tracking the incredible Zambian Wildlife, it is time to head back to Malawi. We
will go via the Tribal Textile and then later proceed to Salima. Our night will be spent at the Blue
Zebra Lodge. It is situated in the Lake Malawi National Park on Nankoma Island which forms part of
Marelli Island Archipelago.
It offers 8 exclusive tented en suite chalets each overlooking the lake with some of crystal clear
waters. The chalets are set in an unspoiled environment and guests are surrounded by nature and
luxury. Guests are free to chill at the infinity pool, Kayak around the islands or enjoy a game of
volleyball as part of the board package. The lodge also offers free use of snorkelling equipment to view
the unique colourful fish that inhabit every inch of the coastline.
Day 7 - 9 (19th - 21st September 2015): Sunbird Ku Chawe Hotel, Zomba Plateau
After breakfast we will start heading to Zomba Plateau, where we will stay two nights at the lovely
Kuchawe Inn. The drive to Zomba is only about 2hrs so we will arrive in time for lunch.
Rising 1800 meter, Zomba is a beautiful location to go biking, horse riding or just relaxing and
enjoying pleasant walks through forest, beside streams or across open grassland. Due to the higher
altitude the plateau often feels pleasantly cool compared to other parts of the country. At Zomba
Plateau you will also have the chance to see many different birds.
Day 9 - 11 (21st - 23rd September 2015): Lujeri Lodge, Mulanje Mountains
Enjoy your last morning at the Zomba Plateau. After breakfast, we will start driving to Mulanje. In
Mulanje, your accommodation will be at the Lujeri Lodge.
Lujeri Lodge is today’s accommodation and is located at the bottom of the mountains. The lodge is a
converted old style colonial house and is a fantastic spot, with really nice and friendly staff.
After spending some time in the car you might want to take a short walk to the Blue Lagoon natural
pools unless you fancy more the lodge traditional pool! Or why not going for a walk to the rolling hills
of immaculately cultivated, emerald green plantations?
Day 11 - 13 (23rd - 25th September 2015): Mvuu Camp, Liwonde National Park
After breakfast we will depart for Mvuu Camp in the Liwonde National Park.
Mvuu Camp overlooks a broad stretch of the Shire River (pronounced Shiree), with a profusion of
hippos, crocodiles and the amazing birdlife of the Liwonde National Park. An impressive thatched
dining and lounge area is situated nearby, offering a magnificent vista of the Shire River. Dinners are
sometimes held under the stars in a specially constructed boma. Activities at Mvuu Camp revolve
around boating trips on the Shire River and game drives (morning and afternoon/evening). Nature
walks and bike rides are also incredibly popular.
Day 13 - 16 (25th - 28th September 2015): Makokola Retreat, Mangochi
After breakfast, we will head to the peaceful Makokola Retreat where you will spend the night. Distance
to cycle is about 45km.
Brilliantly green gardens reveal spacious beach villas and rooms perched along the shores of Southern
Lake Malawi. Makokola provides gracious service in an unmatched experience in Malawi.
This showpiece property captures the essence of African design, culture and tradition. While staying at
Makokola, fill every moment with a sense of natural connection in the wonderful retreat.
This whole package would not be complete without the main attraction now would it?
The Lake of Stars festival on the beach has a number of amazing acts lined up this year and promises
to be a highlight of your trip with activities ranging from colorful performances of music, dances and
poetry. Beaches of Lake Malawi is a perfect place for an exhilarating festival such as this, with its
spectacular views overlooking the lake, making for great starry vibrant nights on the lovely fine sand.
Day 16 (28th September 2015): Lilongwe International Airport
Sadly all good things must come to an end, today it is time to journey on home. Your guide will
transfer you back to Lilongwe. We hope you will take fantastic memories of your vacation back with
you and return to Africa soon!
Price per person: USD 3,500
Included:
-
All meals
All accommodations
Park fees
Game drives and Non-motorized water sports
Guides
All road and boat transfers
Ticket to Lake of Stars Festival
Not Included:
-
Drinks
Motorized water sports
Personal Items in nature
Zambian visa $ 50
Yellow fever certificates
Please note: Full Board accommodation will include breakfast, lunch and dinner.