Cycling
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New: Cycling to the highlights of Malawi (15 days) 6-15
guests
Highlights
Cycling
through massive granite peaks on the Vipha Plateau
Swimming in the warm waters
of Lake Malawi
Visit the colourful market
in Nkatha Bay
Game viewing by bike on
animal tracks in the Nyika National Park
On rough jeep tracks along
the feet of 3000m high Mount Mulanje
Spectacular round trip by
bike on Zomba Plateau
Game viewing by boat and
open safari vehicle in Liwonde National Park
(B = Breakfast, L
= Lunch, D = Dinner) (km = kilometer,
am = altitude meters)
Days
1 & 2
Arrival in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. After being greeted by the
tour guides we drive through hilly farmland to the Viphya Plateau. We
are accommodated for two nights at the Luwawa Forest Lodge. The cycling
route takes us on nature trails through the indigenous Brachystegia forest
to the 2121 m high Nkalapia inselberg with its beautiful panoramic views
of the surrounding countryside. (60 km, dirt roads/forest tracks)
Days 3 & 4
Today we leave the plateau and cycle along beautiful roads downhill to
Lake Malawi. The vegetation becomes more lush and tropical. We pass simple
villages and tapioca fields and are a real attraction to the village children.
The next two nights we spend at the Makuzi Beach Lodge. The warm lake
with it’s multitude of tropical freshwater which is perfect for
swimming and snorkeling. (75 km, dirt roads/forest tracks/tar) Our stay
at the lake is flexible: we can cycle alongside the lake, go swimming,
snorkeling, diving or kayaking or simply relax on the beach. (40 km, tar)
Day
5 & 6
The hilly, traffic-free road runs along the steep coast and through rubber
tree plantations to the tranquil harbour town of Nkatha Bay. We stroll
through the colourful market and enjoy the African hustle and bustle (47
km, tar). We leave the lake by vehicle and drive via Mzuzu to Nykia National
Park, at an altitude of approx. 2300 m. We spend the next two nights in
chalets at Chelinda Camp in the National Park. By bike we explore the
solitude of the highlands, passing herds of zebra, bushbuck and eland.
(50 km, game trails/dirt roads)
Day 7
Today’s cycle route takes us from the plateau in a long descent
via Chakaka and the wild Henga Valley to the Livingstonia Mission. Along
endless serpentines back to the lake we arrive at Mkondowe. We continue
by vehicle to the comfortable Sunbird Hotel in Mzuzu. (80 km, game trails/dirt
roads/tar)
Day
8
In a back-up bus we travel over the Viphya Plateau back to Lilongwe. An
approx. one-hour flight takes us to Blantyre, the commercial centre of
the country. We are accommodated at Mount Soche Hotel with its beautiful
tropical gardens.
Days 9 & 10
We leave the lively, leafy city by bike. The good asphalt roads gradually
ascend to the Mulanje Mountains and later wind through tea plantations.
At a tea farm we learn more about this enterprise. At the foot of the
3000 m high Mulanje Mountains we spend two nights at the simple Likhubulu
Lodge. (85 km, dirt roads/tar). There are many beautiful hiking trails
in the forested gorges of the mountain with opportunities for swimming
in natural rock pools.
Day 11
Depending on the condition of the roads we cycle directly alongside the
mountain to Fort Lister Gap. A steep ascent takes us to the market town
of Phalombe. We travel by vehicle on dirt roads to Limbe and by a tar
road on to Zomba, where we are accommodated in the Sunbird Kuchawe Lodge
situated beautifully at the edge of the Zomba Plateau. (60 km, dirt roads)
Day
12
In the morning we cycle a circular route on the thickly forested Zomba
Plateau. The bird life is just as impressive as the views of the Malawian
lowlands. The afternoon can be used for a short hike or relaxing at the
pool. (40 km, dirt roads)
Day 13
Today we cycle via Zomba mostly downhill to the Shire River. Alongside
the densely populated streets are very interesting craft markets. In Liwonde
we swap the bikes for a boat. On the wide Shire River we pass palm groves
en route to Mvubu Camp. Here there are numerous crocodiles and hippopotamus
and also elephants. For the next two nights we are accommodated in furnished
safari tents and/or thatched chalets. (65 km, tar)
Day 14
Today we go game viewing by foot with an armed ranger who teaches us a
bit about tracking. In the afternoon we do a safari in open Landrovers.
Besides the “Big 5“, elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo,
we can also see various antelope such as reedbok or oribi.
Day 15
After breakfast a boat takes us back to Liwonde and the journey continues
to the capital city of Lilongwe where this cycling tour in the warm heart
of Africa comes to an end.
Travel
Information:
From Lilongwe we offer extensions to the pristine and animal-rich
South Luangwa National Park in neighbouring Zambia as well as visits
to the Victoria Falls and the Chobe National Park in Botswana. We
will gladly help with advice and bookings. Malawi is a poor country,
the condition of the roads and the standard of accommodation can
vary despite thorough research. This trip takes us through the real
Africa; our guests should be flexible and patient and if perhaps
things do not work out as planned the hospitality and laughter of
the inhabitants more than makes up for it. The climate during the
period of travel is dry, the daytime temperatures fluctuate between
18 and 28 °C and nights between 5 and 18 °C. A malaria prophylactic
is recommended. A medium level of fitness is a requirement for the
trip.
Included: qualified
English-speaking tour guide all
accommodation in double rooms with shower/toilet as above incl. breakfast
(1-3*) transport
of bikes on trailer permanent
back-up all
entrance fees all
transfers & travel in minibus
Excluded: flights
to and from Malawi gratuity
Giant
mountain bikes We offer Giant Mountain Bikes with 27 gears, front shocks, water-bottle
holder and a small carrier for an additional charge on loan.
Book this tour
If our fixed departure doesn't
suit you, don't despair! Contact
us for exclusive itineraries for small groups or individual travelers,
we will be happy to put together a special tour for you.
Days
1 & 2
Day
5 & 6
Day
8
Day
12
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