Sunset in Matema, on the shores of Lake Nyasa/Malawi
6-Day Southern Highlands Adventure
Day 1
It’s a reasonable start today, as we head for the park in the morning to get you the maximum amount of time in the park.
Morning: We’ll pick you up at the airport or your hotel around 9am, before setting off to Ruaha.
It’s about a 2.5 hour drive to the park. We’ll arrive at the Ruaha gate around 12pm and complete check-in formalities there.
After entering the park, we’ll do a late morning game drive enroute to our accommodation for the night. Lunch will be at your accommodation.
Afternoon: After lunch, you’ll head back out for another half-day game drive (approx. 4 hours). As the sun sets, you’ll head back to camp.
You’ll have dinner back at camp, before retiring to your lodgings for the night.
Included Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Day 2
Today is an opportunity to roam across Ruaha’s vast expanses.
Morning: After breakfast, you’ll head out for a full day game drive across the park. With a packed lunch, you can roam much further from camp than you could if you had to return for lunch. Your guide will take you deep into the park, helping you to see less commonly seen species of animals.
You’ll enjoy your packed lunch at one of the many picnic sites scattered throughout the park.
Afternoon: You’ll continue your game drive late into the afternoon, before heading back to camp for dinner and rest.
Included Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 3
You’ll get a chance to see Ruaha in a new light today.
Morning: It’s an early start, as you leave camp at 630a on foot for a walking safari. This early morning walk, accompanied by armed rangers, will give you the chance to really experience the park on a more intimate level. After your walking safari, you’ll head back to camp for a hearty breakfast and a rest until lunch.
Afternoon: You’ll have a late lunch before heading out on a final evening game drive to see Ruaha’s glory one more time.
With the setting sun behind you, you’ll return to camp for dinner and a good night’s rest!
Included Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
It’s a long drive today, but you’ll get to truly see the Southern Highlands as they transition from the hills of Iringa, to the mountains around Mbeya, to the low-lying plain near Lake Nyasa.
Morning: You’ll eat breakfast in camp before setting out for Matema. On the way, you’ll stop for lunch and an opportunity stretch your legs.
Afternoon: Arriving in Matema in the late afternoon, you’ll have the chance to watch the sun set to the west, while going for a evening swim.
Dinner will again be at your lodgings in Matema.
Included Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 4
Matema is a beautiful lakeside village where many people get around using dugout canoes built out of thick tree trunks. You’ll get a chance to experience one today, if you so choose!
Morning: You have a choice of activities this morning. Your guide can take you on a dugout canoe to the local village of Ikombe, known for it’s unique hand-crafted pottery. Alternatively, you can hike to a waterfall in the Livingstone Mountains, a hidden gem tucked away outside of Matema.
Afternoon: Matema gets hot in the afternoons. After you return from your morning activities, it’s pumzika time! (Pumzika = realaxation in Swahili) You can swim in the lake, enjoy the beach, read in the shade, or take a nap.
All meals today will be eaten at your camp.
Included Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 5
On your last day, you’ll head north again, for the end of your trip in either Iringa or Mbeya.
Morning: After breakfast, it’s time to depart Matema for your departure destination. Lunch will be served on the way. We can drop you in Mbeya, at the airport or a hotel, or return you to Iringa. If you choose Mbeya, we’ll arrive around midday. We’ll make it to Iringa about 6 hours later, in the early evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
Day 6
Accommodation Options
We offer a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Below are examples of the accommodation we’ll use on our safari. Please keep in mind that availability of each option can vary by season and trip. Feel free to contact us for further details!
Budget Camping Safari
Ruaha: TANAPA Bandas
Matema: CRA Matema Campsite
Mid-Range Lodge Safari
Ruaha: Ruaha River Lodge/Mwagusi Safari Camp
Matema: Matema Lake Shore Resort
Luxury Lodge Safari
Ruaha: Ikuka Safari Camp/Jongomero Safari Camp
Matema: Blue Canoe Resort
Package Details
Included:
Park fees, Transport in an open roofed 4×4, A Professional English-speaking driver/guide, guide allowances, 1 Lt of water per person per day during safari, Accommodation on sharing basis, Meals as per itinerary, Taxes
Excluded:
Beverages, Alcoholic drinks, Personal items/souvenirs, Tips, Bank charges, Medical evacuation insurance and/or Travel insurance