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FROM US$7,680-US$10,320

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: Summary

Hyena Safari in a nutshell

Spend 12-days taking in three of southern Africa's most recognisable highlights. Stand at the edge of eternity at Victoria Falls, just a short walk from your hotel in Livingstone, or take afternoon tea watching the "smoke that thunders" rise just metres from your table. When you're not exploring the falls or enjoying one of the many activities on offer, the Avani is a great place to relax and perhaps indulge in a spa treatment.

From Livingstone you'll fly to Zambia's premier wildlife destination, the South Luangwa National Park. Combining two camps run by the same excellent company you can expect the same high service and guiding standards throughout you time in the park. With five days to explore you have plenty of time to enjoy the park be it on foot or in a vehicle. The safari begins at Nkwali camp, near the game-rich region of Mfuwe, before moving to the more remote, and comparatively quieter, Nsefu sector. Wherever you are keep an eye out for the parks famous spotted residents on activities amount an abundance of other wildlife.

After early morning starts and wildlife watching in the Luangwa it is time to head to the beach and relax. Take a flight from Mfuwe to Likoma Island (via Lilongwe) followed by a short drive to Kaya Mawa. Located in the north-eastern part of Lake Malawi just 7km from the shores of Mozambique, this is a truly remarkable spot and Kaya Mawa is one of the best, and relaxing lodges in Malawi. Spend your days relaxing on golden beaches, exploring the lake's cool waters with a snorkel or kayak or discovering this unique island's history and culture. We can’t think of a better place to unwind after a safari.

At a glance

Starts: Victoria Falls Airport
2 nights Avani Victoria Falls - Livingstone & Victoria Falls, Zambia Bed & Breakfast
2 nights Nkwali - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Full Board
3 nights Nsefu - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Full Board
4 nights Kaya Mawa - Likoma Island, Malawi Full Board
Ends: Lilongwe International Airport

Avani Victoria Falls

Days 1-3

The closest hotel to the Victoria Falls, the sprawling Avani is both colourful and informal in style. It was opened in 2001 as the Zambezi Sun, and now known as the Avani Victoria Falls Resort, it's a sprawling hotel built to an unusual but fun design, and is just a few minutes' walk from one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

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Nkwali

Days 3-5

Built on the banks of the Luangwa River, Nkwali Camp sits in the shade of tall mahogany, ebony and sausage trees. Owned and run by Robin Pope Safaris it is well-situated a relatively short drive from Mfuwe Airport, overlooking South Luangwa National Park.

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Nsefu

Days 5-8

On a wide bend of the Luangwa River, Nsefu Camp lies in the remote and game-rich Nsefu Sector of the South Luangwa. The national park's oldest camp, it was originally built in the 1950s, and retains a reputation as a high-quality camp with a strong focus on guiding. It is run by Robin Pope Safaris, and lies a meandering few hours' game drive from the main RPS base at Nkwali.

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Kaya Mawa

Days 8-12

Beside the implausibly clear waters of Lake Malawi, Kaya Mawa's rooms are widely spread around a golden beach and the two headlands that bound it. It has been designed imaginatively, with many rooms fitted carefully into the rocky headlands and having direct access to the lake.

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Avani Victoria Falls

Avani Victoria Falls

Livingstone & Victoria Falls, Zambia

Nkwali

Nkwali

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Nsefu

Nsefu

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Kaya Mawa

Kaya Mawa

Likoma Island, Malawi

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Hyena Safari.

  • Explore the awe inspiring Victoria Falls
  • Enjoy walking & boating safaris in the South Luangwa
  • Relax on the sandy beaches of Likoma Island
  • Seek out the Luangwa Valley's famous leopard
  • Visit one of Africa's largest cathedrals from Kaya Mawa

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Hyena Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

  • Elephant encounter

  • Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

  • Helicopter

  • Kayaking

  • Microlight

  • Mountain biking

  • Night drive

  • Scuba-diving

  • Self-guided walking

  • Snorkelling

  • Watersports

  • White-water rafting

About image

Key species to see on the Hyena Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Hyena Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Elephant

100% chance

Giraffe

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Lion

97% chance

Leopard

97% chance

Spotted Hyena

97% chance

Buffalo

96% chance

Wild dog

82% chance

Wildebeest

46% chance

White Rhino

21% chance

Eland

20% chance

Roan antelope

11% chance

Sable antelope

10% chance

Aardvark

4% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

Side-trips whilst on this holiday

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Hyena Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


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
95% (8 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.

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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% (4 reviews)

Let us help you customise your trip

All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.


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Other ideas for Zambia trips

Look at these ideas in Zambia: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.


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Boehm's Zebra Safari

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Defassa Waterbuck Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

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Vervet Monkey Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
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Explore the world-class wildlife of Zambia’s South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks in considerable luxury, guided by experts from two sister camps renowned for their excellent level of care.

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Giraffe Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
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Purple Roller Safari

8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

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Robin Pope Walking Safari

7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
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Read more about the Robin Pope Walking Safari

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