Zambia, Mozambique & Malawi Travel Guide

E-reader devices vary in their ability to show our maps. To get the most out of the maps in this guide, use the zoom function on your device. Or, visit http://media.lonelyplanet.com/ebookmaps and grab a PDF download or print out all the maps in this guide.

Zambias wildlife and waterfalls, Malawis lake and mountains, Mozambiques islands and beaches. Each country has its own personality. Focus on exploring one, or sample a bit of all three.

Elephants in South Luangwa National Park (), Zambia
JUERGEN RITTERBACH / GETTY IMAGES

Zambias wildlife-filled plains are legendary, from South Luangwa National Park in the southeast to Kafue National Park in the west. With their remoteness, species diversity and fine network of camps, the countrys protected areas offer outstanding wildlife watching for those willing to meet the challenge of getting there and around. While Mozambique and Malawi arent typically Big Five destinations, they do offer rewarding wildlife watching, especially Mozambiques Gorongosa National Park (which is also a prime birding destination) and Malawis Liwonde National Park, with its hippos and crocs.

Thundering Victoria Falls is one of the continents iconic images, the Seventh Natural Wonder of the World and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Whether you raft the rapids or stand on the spray-misted sidelines, the wildness, power and magnificence of the falls are unforgettable.

From the mist-covered peaks of Malawis Mt Mulanje to the azure sea surrounding Mozambiques Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos, and the tracts of bush bordering the Zambezi River in southern Zambia, the diverse landscapes of these countries will captivate you at every turn.

A dhow in the Bazaruto Archipelago (), Mozambique
ARIADNE VAN ZANDBERGEN / GETTY IMAGES

Mozambiques curvy coastline is one of Africas longest and most alluring, from the windswept dunes of Ponta dOuro to the languid archipelagos and palm-fringed beaches of the far north. There are countless islands, including magical Mozambique Island and enchanting Ibo. The countrys history and culture are tied to the sea, and most visitors spend their time along the coast, travelling from one wonderful beach or island to the next. Inland, the golden sands of Lake Malawi, with their backdrop of lush mountains rising up from the lakeshore, are a firm fixture in southern African travel itineraries.

Wherever you go, immerse yourself in the everyday beauty, realities and vibrancy of African life and take advantage of opportunities for community-based tourism. In English-speaking Zambia and Malawi, local culture is often readily accessible. In Mozambique, Maputos excellent dance, theatre and cultural scenes provide a good jumping-off point. In the end, it will be encounters with Zambians, Mozambicans and Malawians that will make your visit to the region so memorable.

Victoria Falls (Zambia)

The mighty Victoria Falls () offers many viewpoints, but none so gut-wrenching as from the aptly named Devils Pool. Adrenaline fiends can take the precarious walk out, literally across the top of the falls, to this natural infinity pool. Test your nerve by leaping in where the water will carry you to the edge, only to be stopped by the natural barrier on the lip of this sheer and massive curtain of water. Lap it up while peeking over the edge for the ultimate birds-eye view.

Devils Pool (), Victoria Falls
YVETTE CARDOZO / GETTY IMAGES

Mozambique Island (Mozambique)

There are no crowds and few vehicles, but Mozambique Island () is hardly silent. Echoes of its past mix with the squawking of chickens, the sounds of children playing and the calls of the muezzin to remind you that the island is still very much alive. Wander along cobbled streets, past graceful praas rimmed by once-grand churches and stately colonial-era buildings. This Unesco World Heritage site, with its time-warp atmosphere and backdrop of turquoise seas, is a Mozambique highlight, and is not to be missed.

Fort of So Sebastio (), Mozambique
OLIVER STREWE / GETTY IMAGES

Lower Zambezi National Park (Zambia)

Floating down one of Africas great rivers Zimbabwes sandy banks on one side, Zambias Lower Zambezi National Park () on the other can be a mesmerising experience. Its a front-row seat to a menagerie: pods of hippos surface with warning calls, crocodiles scuttle through grass, elephants slosh their way between islands, the odd impala churns through the water fleeing a predator and fierce tigerfish tempt anglers. Whether going by canoe or motorised boat, youll be hypnotised by the languidly flowing river and pastel-hued sunsets.

JOHN WARBURTON-LEE / GETTY IMAGES

South Luangwa National Park (Zambia)

On a walking safari, stroll through the bush single file with a rifle-carrying scout in the lead. No engine sounds break the music of the bush, and no barriers stand between you and the wildlife. Listen to animals scurrying in the underbrush as you focus on the little things, such as traditional medicinal uses of local plants or tracking animal dung spoor. Pause in the shade of an acacia tree, gaze over the wide plains filled with munching grazers and immerse yourself in the magnificent wildness that is South Luangwa National Park ().

IAN CUMMING / GETTY IMAGES

Liwonde National Park (Malawi)

Set in dry savannah and woodland, this small reserve () punches way above its weight with staggering populations of elephants (500), hippos (1900) and almost two thousand crocs. Stay in the beguilingly romantic Mvuu Camp beside the Shire River, listening to passing elephants and snuffling hippos as you fall asleep in your cosy cabana. Then get up early and enjoy a dawn walk and boat ride past some very territorial hippos. Bring out your inner Indiana Jones.