mvz2102

Hi all!

I will be traveling with two friends on a self drive through Namibia, across the Caprivi, Chobe, and finally ending in Victoria falls. Unfortunately, we need to return the car in Kasane, and have 10 days afterwards in which we are not sure what to do. Any ideas to get us started on our research? We're considering Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi.

Some thoughts:

- We will just be capping of an 18 day self drive, so ideally, our plan should not require another rental. Preferably, a bus itinerary in which we spend a few days at each major destination would be great. We dont mind long rides.
- Also, we will have done Etosha and Chobe, so we're looking for something thst would be different, either in terms of wildlife, terrain, or activities.
- We have flights out of Joburg, so need to end somewhere we can take a reasonably priced flight back to South Africa.
- Generally, we tend to shy away from luxury lodges and prefer self-guided, off the beaten path, non-touristy activities.

Any ideas would be a huge help right now. We're currently in Damaraland and theres not much in the way of travel respurces here

africaforever

Hi if you are ending up in Victoria falls try get hold of a lady called nancy on [email protected] she can put you in touch with a few options that will fit well into your plan or you can get hold of her on [email protected].

good luck. how is damaraland?

mvz2102

Hey all - thanks for the advice! I think we've put together a plan that makes sense if we can get logistics to work. We'd like to spend a few days in South Luongwa NP and then spend the rest of our trip in Malawi.

Had some questions about this:
- the three of us are on quite a budget so we prefer taking a bus from Livingstone to South Luongwa. Whats the easiest way to do this? Judging from past posts it will take 1-1.5 days. We'd leave August 2 or 3.
- would love to do a walking safari through South Luongwa for a few days with very simple accommodations. What's the cheapest option here?
- if we were to spend a few days in Malawi after what's the best destination for us? We want to choose one city with enough stuff to do around it and get a sense for the countrys culture
- lastly, are there cheap flights from Malawi (or reasonably close) back to Joburg so we can hop on our flight home?

luangwablondes

For a walking safari in South Luangwa, try the new camp Zikomo Safari Camp. It's in a remote area with lots of wildlife. No crowds like what you seen around the busy Mfuwe camps. You maybe able to get into one of their reed huts at a good rate.

mvz2102

Thanks for the quick reply luangwablondes, we just emailed Zikomo to get more info.

Also - we are very keen on doing a multi-night walking safari. There are three of us, we have backpacks, and are on quite a budget. Do you know of any guide companies or independent guides that would be willing to take us out into the bush in South Luangwa for two nights? Ideally we'd stay at different (budget) camp sites each night but can also return to the same one if more cost effective.

I know of Robin Pope and one or two other guide companies that do this but they are very expensive and usually supported by mobile. Would love to find an independent guide that can be more affordable.

Thanks so much !
Max

luangwablondes

I believe Zikomo has overnight camping along with their bush walking on an island in the luangwa river. Otherwise the mobile safaris around SLNP can be very expensive, from what I have seen. Around $600+ night.

stokeygirl

Getting from Livingstone to South luangwa will be longer than 1-1.5 days by public transport. You need to get a bus to Lusaka (about 6 hours) then overnight in Lusaka. Then a bus to Chipata- I think this is about 8 hours. Then you will need another overnight in Chipata, then it's about 4 hours by minibus to Mfuwe.

So realistically, it's 3 days travel.