Post on 24-May-2018
transcript
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Welcome to Zambia, Mozambique & Malawi .. 2Map .................................. 412 Top Experiences ........ 6Need to Know ................. 12If You Like ........................ 14Month by Month ............. 16Itineraries ........................ 19Countries at a Glance .... 26
YOUR PLANNING TOOL KIT
Photos, itineraries, lists and suggestions to help you put together your perfect trip
SURVIVAL GUIDE
Health .............................. 364Language ........................ 371Index ................................ 382Map Legend .................... 398
Dr Caroline Evans
While Africa has an impres-sive selection of tropical diseases, it’s more likely you’ll get a bout of diarrhoea or a cold than a more exotic malady. Stay up to date with your vaccinations and take basic preventive measures, and you’ll be unlikely to suc-cumb to any of the serious health hazards.
BEFORE YOU GO » Get a check-up from your
dentist and your doctor if you take any regular medication or have a chronic illness, such as high blood pressure or asthma.
» Organise spare contact lenses and glasses (and take your optical prescription with you).
» Get a rst-aid and medical kit together and arrange necessary vaccinations.» C id i t i ith
and major cities or tourist centres), consider doing a rst-aid course (contact the Red Cross or St John Ambulance) or attending a remote medicine rst-aid course, such as that o ered by the Royal Geographical Society (www.wildernessmedicaltraining.co.uk).
» Carry medications in their original (labelled) containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describ-ing all medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea.
» If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to have a physician’s letter document-ing their medical necessity.
Insurance Find out in advance whether your insurance plan will make payments directly to provid-ers or will reimburse you
where an immediate assessment of your problem is made. Since reverse-charge calls aren’t possible in many parts of the region, contact the insurance com-pany before setting off to confirm how best to contact them in an emergency.
Recommended Vaccinations The World Health Organi-zation (www.who.int/en/) rec-ommends that all travellers be covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio, as well as for hepatitis B, regardless of their destination.
According to the Cent-ers for Disease Control & Prevention (www.cdc.gov), the following vaccinations are recommended for the region: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid, and boosters for tetanus, diph-theria and measles. While a yellow-fever vaccination certificate is not officially required to enter any of the three countries unless you are entering from a yellow-fever infected area, carrying one is advised, and is often requested.
Medical Checklist Carry a medical and first aid kit, to help yourself in the case of minor illness or inju-
Health
Wildlife Zambia’s wildlife- lled plains are legen-dary, from South Luangwa National Park in the southeast to Kafue National Park in the west. With their remoteness, species diversity and ne network of camps, the country’s protected areas o er outstand-ing wildlife watching for those willing to meet the challenge of getting there and around. While Mozambique and Malawi aren’t typically ‘Big Five’ destinations, they do o er rewarding wildlife watching, espe-cially Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park (which is also a prime birding des-tination) and Malawi’s Liwonde National Park, with its hippos and crocs.
Waterfalls Thundering Victoria Falls is one of the con-tinent’s 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 magni cence of the falls are unforgettable.
Landscapes From the mist-covered peaks of Malawi’s Mt Mulanje to the azure sea surround-ing Mozambique’s Bazaruto and Quirim-bas 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.
welcome to Zambia, Mozambique & Malawi
“All you’ve got to do is decide to go and the hardest part is over. So go!”TONY WHEELER, COFOUNDER – LONELY PLANET
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363VITAL PRACTICAL INFORMATION TO
HELP YOU HAVE A SMOOTH TRIP
Itiner-aries
Whether you’ve got six days or 60, these itineraries provide a starting point for the trip of a lifetime. Want more inspiration? Head online to lonelyplanet.com/thorntree to chat with other travellers.
ZAMBIA
MOZAMBIQUE
NAMIBIAZIMBABWE
Siavonga
Monze
Livingstone
Choma
LUSAKA
É
ÉÉ
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KafueNationalPark
Lake Kariba
Victoria Falls
LowerZambeziValley
#_
#•
#•
#•
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Two WeeksWildlife & Waterfalls
This itinerary takes in several of the region’s highlights: wildlife, the majestic Vic-toria Falls and Lake Kariba, one of Africa’s largest artificial lakes. Start in Lusaka, Zambia’s gateway and an amenable place to get acquainted with local life. Once set-tled, head down to Siavonga on sparkling, scenic Lake Kariba and relax on a boat
cruise. From Siavonga, retrace your steps northwest towards Kafue junction, and then head southwest to the small town of Monze, with its attractive nearby campsite.
The next stop is the historic town of Livingstone, gateway to thundering Victoria Falls, which have spray that can be seen from 50km away. Among the many diversions: serene canoe trips on top of the falls or rafting along the churning Zambezi down below. Once you have had a chance to appreciate the falls’ magnificence, retrace your steps to the busy market town of Choma, and from there travel northwest to Kafue National Park, with excellent birding and abundant wildlife, especially on the grasslands of the Busanga Plains. Spend as much time here as possible before returning to Lusaka. With another week, you could include a detour to the lovely, wildlife-filled Lower Zambezi Valley.
19
Lower Zambezi National Park (Zambia)
3 Floating down one of Africa’s great rivers – Zimbabwe’s sandy banks on one side,
Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park (p 63 ) on the other – can be a mesmerising experi-ence. It’s 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 eeing a predator and erce tiger sh tempt anglers. Whether going by canoe or motorised boat, you’ll be hypnotised by the languidly owing river and pastel-hued sunsets.
South Luangwa National Park (Zambia)
4 On a walking safari, stroll through the bush single le with a ri e-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 lled with munching grazers and im-merse yourself in the magni cent wildness that is South Luangwa National Park (p 52 ).
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z Lake of Stars International
Music Festival (Malawi) One of the region’s largest spectacles, this three-day music festival features live acts from around Africa and from the UK. It’s held in various places on the lake shore, with proceeds benefit-ting charity. See www.lakeofstars.org.
November November marks the end of the dry season and the start of the hottest weather before the rains arrive. With the start of the rains come muddy roads, as well as calving season for many animals.
December Along the coast, changing winds have brought calmer seas. Whale shark sightings tend to be particularly good now, during the height of
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I SBN 978 -1 -74179 -722 -0
9 781741 797220
99625
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zambia-mozambique-malawi-2-cover.indd 2zambia-mozambique-malawi-2-cover.indd 2 15/03/2013 3:10:39 PM15/03/2013 3:10:39 PM
©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd
THIS EDITION WRITTEN AND RESEARCHED BY
Mary Fitzpatrick Michael Grosberg, Trent Holden,
Kate Morgan, Nick Ray, Richard Waters
Victoria Fallsp127 Mozambique
p143
Malawip265
p31Zambia
YOUR COMPLETE DESTINATION GUIDE
In-depth reviews, detailed listings and insider tips
ON THE ROAD
PAGE
28
Look out for these icons:
Our author’s top recommendation A green or
sustainable option No payment required
Every listing is recommended by our authors, and their favourite places are listed first.
ZAMBIA . . . . . . . . . . . . 31LUSAKA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
EASTERN ZAMBIA . . . . . . . . 50The Great East Road: From Lusaka to Chipata . . 50Chipata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51South Luangwa National Park . . . . . . . . . . . .52North Luangwa National Park . . . . . . . . . . . 60
SOUTHERN ZAMBIA . . . . . . 62Chirundu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62Lower Zambezi Valley . . . . 63Lake Kariba . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67Choma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70Nkanga River Conservation Area . . . . . . . . 71Lochinvar National Park & Around . . . 71
WESTERN ZAMBIA . . . . . . . . 72Kafue National Park . . . . . . .73Kaoma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78Mongu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78Liuwa Plain National Park . . . . . . . . . . . 80Senanga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81Sioma & Ngonye Falls . . . . .82Sesheke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82Sioma Ngwezi National Park . . . . . . . . . . . 83
THE COPPERBELT . . . . . . . . 83Kabwe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83Kapiri Mposhi . . . . . . . . . . . 83Ndola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84Kitwe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86Chingola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage . . . . . . .87NORTHERN ZAMBIA . . . . . . 88Mkushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Serenje . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Kasanka National Park . . . . 91Bangweulu Wetlands . . . . . .93Samfya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94Mutinondo Wilderness . . . 94Mpika . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95Shiwa Ng’andu . . . . . . . . . . 96Kasama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98Mbala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99Kalambo Falls . . . . . . . . . . 100Mpulungu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100Nsumbu National Park . . . 101UNDERSTAND ZAMBIA . . . 103Zambia Today . . . . . . . . . . .103History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104Zambian Way of Life . . . . .107Environment . . . . . . . . . . . .108SURVIVAL GUIDE . . . . . . . . 113Directory A–Z . . . . . . . . . . . 113Getting There & Away . . . .120Getting Around . . . . . . . . . .123
VICTORIA FALLS . . . 127ZAMBIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132Livingstone & Around . . . .132ZIMBABWE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138Victoria Falls . . . . . . . . . . . .138
MOZAMBIQUE . . . . . 143MAPUTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145AROUND MAPUTO . . . . . .162
Catembe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162Inhaca Island . . . . . . . . . . . .162Marracuene & Macaneta Beach . . . . . . . . .164North of Marracuene . . . . .164SOUTHERN MOZAMBIQUE . . . . . . . . . . 164Ponta d’Ouro & Ponta Malongane . . . . . . . .165Maputo Special Reserve . . 167Namaacha . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168Bilene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168Limpopo National Park . . .169XaiXai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170Quissico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172Závora Beach . . . . . . . . . . . 172Lindela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173Inhambane . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173Tofo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176Tofinho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178Barra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178Maxixe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179Massinga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180Morrungulo . . . . . . . . . . . . .180Pomene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180Vilankulo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181Bazaruto Archipelago . . . .186Inhassoro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188CENTRAL MOZAMBIQUE . . . . . . . . . . 188Beira . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189Chimoio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195Manica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198Penha Longa . . . . . . . . . . . .199Chimanimani Mountains . . 200Tete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201
On the Road
See the Index for a full list of destinations covered in this book.
Cahora Bassa Dam & Songo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204Zumbo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205Sena & Mutarara . . . . . . . 205Caia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206Marromeu . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206Quelimane . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206Pebane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209Gilé National Reserve . . . .210Mocuba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210Milange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210Gurúè & Mt Namúli . . . . . .210Alto Molócuè . . . . . . . . . . . .212
NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE . . . . . . . . . . 212Nampula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213Angoche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217Mozambique Island (Ilha de Moçambique) . . . .218Nacala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225Cuamba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226Mandimba . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227Lichinga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227Lake Niassa (Lake Malawi) . . . . . . . . . . 229Niassa Reserve . . . . . . . . . .231Montepuez. . . . . . . . . . . . . 233Pemba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233Quirimbas Archipelago . . . . . . . . . . . . 239Macomia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243Chai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243Pangane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244Mueda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244Moçimboa da Praia . . . . . 245Palma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
UNDERSTAND MOZAMBIQUE . . . . . . . . . . . . 247Mozambique Today . . . . . .247History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247Mozambique Way of Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249Mozambique’s Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250The Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251Mozambique’s Natural Environment . . . . .251SURVIVAL GUIDE . . . . . . . . 252Directory A–Z . . . . . . . . . . 252Getting There & Away . . . 258Getting Around . . . . . . . . . 262
MALAWI . . . . . . . . . . .265LILONGWE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268AROUND LILONGWE . . . . 279Dzalanyama Forest Reserve . . . . . . . . . 279Dedza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279Ntchisi Forest Reserve . . . . . . . . . 280NORTHERN MALAWI . . . . . 281Karonga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281Chitimba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281Livingstonia . . . . . . . . . . . . 283Rumphi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284Nyika National Park . . . . . . . . . . 285Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve . . . . . . . . 288Mzuzu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289Nkhata Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . .291Chintheche Strip . . . . . . . 295Likoma Island . . . . . . . . . . 297
Chizumulu Island . . . . . . . 298
CENTRAL MALAWI . . . . . . .299Viphya Plateau . . . . . . . . . 299Nkhotakota . . . . . . . . . . . . 300South of Nkhotakota . . . . 302Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve . . . . . . . . 302Salima . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304Senga Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305Mua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307Monkey Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . 308Cape Maclear . . . . . . . . . . 309Monkey Bay to Mangochi . . 314Mangochi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .315
SOUTHERN MALAWI . . . . . 316Liwonde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .316Liwonde National Park . . . . . . . . . . .318Zomba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320Zomba Plateau . . . . . . . . . .321Blantyre & Limbe . . . . . . . 324Mulanje . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333Mt Mulanje . . . . . . . . . . . . 334Lower Shire . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
UNDERSTAND MALAWI . . 342Malawi Today . . . . . . . . . . . 342History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344Malawi Way of Life . . . . . . 347The Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348Malawi’s Natural Environment . . . . 349
SURVIVAL GUIDE . . . . . . . . 352Directory A–Z . . . . . . . . . . 352Getting There & Away . . . 358Getting Around . . . . . . . . . 360
Kafue
Riv
er
River
Zam
bezi
River
Limpopo
Olifants
River
Molo
po R
iver
Okavango River
Mwenda
Kawambwa
Mporokoso
Chingola
Mansa
NdolaKitwe
Kafue
Kariba
Namwala
Kalomo
Kabwe
Mumbwa
ChirunduMonze
Pemba
LUSAKA
LubunguKapiri Mposhi
Serenje
Benwa
Mwinilunga
Zambezi
Kaoma
KatimaMulilo
Senanga
Mongu
Solwezi
Hwange
Bulawayo
Polokwane
Serowe
Masvingo
Messina
PRETORIALobatse City
Sun
JohannesburgMBABANE
(Pietersburg)
Kasane
Orapa
Rundu
Grootfontein
VryburgKeetmanshoop
GABORONE
VictoriaFalls
Mahalapye
ChinhoyiLivingstone
NsumbuNP
Lower
NPLochinvar
Kasanka NP
Zambezi NP
West LungaNP
Liuwa
NPNgweziSioma
Plain NP
KafueNP
LakeMweru
BangweuluLake
Lake
TezhiItezhi-
DeltaOkavango
Lake Karib
a
Salt Pans
DEMOCRATICREPUBLIC OFTHE CONGO
ZAMBIA
ANGOLA
ZIMBABWE
SOUTHAFRICA
NAMIBIA
BOTSWANA
ELEVATION
2000m
1000m
500m
3000m
0
200m
Kafue National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park
Victoria Falls
Wildlife-packedBusanga Plains (p73)
Canoeing past swimmingelephants (p63)
The largest waterfallson earth (p127)
500 km300 miles0
0
› Zambia, Mozambique & Malawi
en
l
Ce
ah
n
qi
bm
az
oM
u
Save
Limpopo
River
River
River
Zambezi
Palma
da PraiaMoçimboa
Pemba
Nacala
Mbala
IsokaKasama
Karonga
Nakonde
Chitipa
Livingstonia
MontepuezMarrupa
Moma
AltoMolócuè
Cuamba
Mandimba
Mocuba
Malema
Mzuzu
Kasungu
Katete
Mfuwe
ChipataLILONGWE
DedzaCassacatiza
NyamapandaChangara
Tete
CóbuèMetangula
Blantyre
Lichinga
Chisoso
Metoro
Angoche
Namialo
Nampula
Mpika
Toliara
Quelimane
Pebane
Beira
Chimoio
HARARE
Marondera
Mutare
Comácha NicoadalaCaia
Massinga
Inhassoro
Vilankulo
Praia deZávora
Quissico
Bilene
Chókwè
Ponta d'Ouro
MAPUTO
Xai-Xai
Inhambane
Namaacha
NiassaReserveSouth
NorthLuangwa
NP
NPLuangwa
JPKasungu
NPLiwonde
WRMajete
Nyika NP
NPGorongosa
NPChimanimani
Zinave NP
NP
NP
Banhine
Limpopo
(2419m)Mt Namúli
(3001m)Mt Mulanje
Mt Binga(2436m)
ChilwaLake
Lak
eM
alaw
i
BassaLake Cahora
IslandMozambique
ArchipelagoBazaruto
Inhaca Island
ArchipelagoQuirimbas
Cape Maclear
TANZANIA
MOZAMBIQUE
MALAWI
MADAGASCAR
SWAZILAND
Mozambique Island
Quirimbas Archipelago
Likoma Island
South Luangwa National Park
Liwonde National Park Mt Mulanje
Majete Wildlife Reserve
Maputo
Bazaruto Archipelago
and silversmiths (p239)Magical Ibo with its forts
Home of dreamy Kaya
animals galore (p52)Walking safaris amid
Mawa boutique hotel (p297)
on the Shire River (p318)Hippos, crocs and elephants
and turquoise seas (p218)
and amazing views (p334)Twisted peaks, cosy cabins
a luxury camp (p339)Reintroduced lions and
and fine dining (p145)Culture, clubbing, museums
with dugongs and diving (p186)Luxurious tropical paradise
Time-warp atmosphere
Top Experiences ›
Nick»RayZambia (The Copperbelt & Northern Zambia) A Londoner of sorts, Nick comes from Watford, the sort of town that makes you want to travel. He lives in Cambo-dia with his wife Kulikar and his young children Julian and Belle. He has written for countless Lonely Planet guidebooks, including Lonely Planet’s East Africa and Africa on a Shoestring, plus the Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos books. Nick plumbed the depths of Lake Tanganyika for this edition, as well as getting up to
some monkey business in Chimfunshi.
Richard»WatersMalawi Richard is an award-winning journalist and works for the Independent, Sunday Times, Wanderlust and National Geographic Traveller. He lives with his fiancé and two kids in the Cotswolds.
Read more about Nick at: lonelyplanet.com/members/nickjray
Mary»FitzpatrickCoordinating Author, Mozambique A travel writer for more than 15 years, Mary’s first encounter with Mozambique was in the 1990s, when she spent almost four years living, working and travelling between Ponta d’Ouro in the south and Palma in the north. Since then, she has returned numerous times to explore almost every corner of this magnificent country, to enjoy its outstanding beaches and to keep in contact with the countless amazing Mozambicans whom she has
been privileged to meet along the way. In addition to authoring many Lonely Planet titles, Mary has also written for various newspapers and magazines, focusing on Africa.
Michael»GrosbergZambia (Lusaka, Eastern Zambia, Southern Zambia, Western Zambia) With a valuable philosophy degree in hand, experience in business on a small Pacific island and time spent backpacking through much of Asia, Michael moved to Durban, South Africa where he investigated and wrote about political violence and other fun issues, and helped train newly elected government officials. While there he found time to travel all over Southern Africa, including forays into Zam-
bia. Later, during his years in graduate school and teaching in New York City, he fantasised about returning to the region, which he has been fortunate to do, both on numerous Lonely Planet as-signments and for other publications.
Trent»HoldenVictoria Falls As a regular visitor to Africa, Trent rates the action at Victoria Falls up there with the best adventure destinations he’s covered. As well as its thrills and spills, it’s also a spot he loves for its good traveller vibes and friendly locals. He currently lives in Melbourne, Australia and has worked on more than 15 books for Lonely Planet – most recently covering Uganda and parts of India. When not travelling he works as a freelance editor for LP, and writes about music and food.
Kate»MorganVictoria Falls Having travelled in East and North Africa, Kate was keen to check out what the southern part of the continent had to offer. She was lucky enough to head off to Victoria Falls to stand in awe of the world’s most impressive water-fall from both sides, in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Kate is a freelance writer based in Melbourne and has written for other LP titles, including Japan and Phuket. She’s also compiled the music/travel anthology, Song for the Road.
OUR STORYA beat-up old car, a few dollars in the pocket and a sense of adventure. In 1972 that’s all Tony and Maureen Wheeler needed for the trip of a lifetime – across Europe and Asia overland to Australia. It took several months, and at the end – broke but inspired – they sat at their kitchen table writing and stapling together their first travel guide, Across Asia on the Cheap. Within a week they’d sold 1500 copies. Lonely Planet was born.
Today, Lonely Planet has offices in Melbourne, London and Oakland, with more than 600 staff and writers. We share Tony’s belief that ‘a great guidebook should do three things: inform, educate and amuse’.
OUR WRITERS
Although the authors and Lonely Planet have taken all reasonable care in preparing this book, we make no warranty about the accuracy or completeness of its content and, to the maximum extent permitted, disclaim all liability arising from its use.
Published by Lonely Planet Publications Pty LtdABN 36 005 607 9832nd edition – June 2013ISBN 978 1 74179 722 0© Lonely Planet 2013 Photographs © as indicated 201310 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1Printed in ChinaAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, except brief extracts for the purpose of review, and no part of this publication may be sold or hired, without the written permission of the publisher. Lonely Planet and the Lonely Planet logo are trademarks of Lonely Planet and are registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries. Lonely Planet does not allow its name or logo to be appropriated by commercial establishments, such as retailers, restaurants or hotels. Please let us know of any misuses: lonelyplanet.com/ip.
Read more about Mary at: lonelyplanet.com/members/maryf
Read more about Michael at: lonelyplanet.com/members/michaelgrosberg
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Itiner-aries
Whether you’ve got six days or 60, these itineraries provide a starting point for the trip of a lifetime. Want more inspiration? Head online to lonelyplanet.com/thorntree to chat with other travellers.
ZAMBIA
MOZAMBIQUE
NAMIBIAZIMBABWE
Siavonga
Monze
Livingstone
Choma
LUSAKA
É
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KafueNational
Park
Lake Kariba
Victoria Falls
LowerZambezi
Valley#_
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Two WeeksWildlife & Waterfalls
This itinerary takes in several of the region’s highlights: wildlife, the majestic Vic-toria Falls and Lake Kariba, one of Africa’s largest artificial lakes. Start in Lusaka, Zambia’s gateway and an amenable place to get acquainted with local life. Once set-tled, head down to Siavonga on sparkling, scenic Lake Kariba and relax on a boat
cruise. From Siavonga, retrace your steps northwest towards Kafue junction, and then head southwest to the small town of Monze, with its attractive nearby campsite.
The next stop is the historic town of Livingstone, gateway to thundering Victoria Falls, which have spray that can be seen from 50km away. Among the many diversions: serene canoe trips on top of the falls or rafting along the churning Zambezi down below. Once you have had a chance to appreciate the falls’ magnificence, retrace your steps to the busy market town of Choma, and from there travel northwest to Kafue National Park, with excellent birding and abundant wildlife, especially on the grasslands of the Busanga Plains. Spend as much time here as possible before returning to Lusaka. With another week, you could include a detour to the lovely, wildlife-filled Lower Zambezi Valley.
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»» (above) Zebras, South Luangwa National Park (p52), Zambia»» (left) The shores of Lake Malawi at Livingstonia (p283), Malawi
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MALAWI
TANZANIA
ANGOLA
ZAMBIA
BOTSWANA
MOZAMBIQUE
NAMIBIA
SWAZILAND
ZIMBABWE
SOUTHAFRICA
DEMOCRATICREPUBLIC OF THE
CONGO
Cuamba
NkhotakotaCóbuèMetangula
NkhataBay
ChipataLichinga
Nampula
Pemba
LUSAKALILONGWE
MAPUTO
#÷South Luangwa
National Park
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LikomaIsland
QuirimbasArchipelago
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Six WeeksZambia, Mozambique & Malawi Sampler
Exploring all three countries in a single trip makes for an excellent journey. Start in Lusaka, getting your bearings and becoming acquainted with this low-key capital. Allow time also to appreciate its restaurants and its nightlife before taking a flight (or enduring two days of torturous bus and minibus connections) to South Luangwa
National Park. This is Zambia’s premier park, with an incredible density of animals. Plan on at least three days here, including time for night drives, daytime wildlife drives and a walking safari or two before continuing towards the Malawi border. Continue on via the busy but amenable town of Chipata to the Zambia–Malawi border, from where it is just a short jaunt to sleepy Lilongwe. Lilongwe merits a day or two, perhaps visiting the re-nowned Dedza Pottery or hiking through the cool forests of the Ntchisi Forest Reserve, before heading north to Lake Malawi, passing through historic Nkhotakota. A possible detour en route is to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve where, with luck, you may see elephants, antelopes and even lions.
Once at the lake, Nkhata Bay, with its chilled vibe and many water-based activities, is the perfect place to relax. From here, make your way to Likoma Island to explore the lake’s crystal waters, visit the historic cathedral and enjoy the laid-back island pace. From Likoma, it is straightforward to continue over to Cóbuè, a short sail away on Mozambique’s wild northwestern lake coast. Once in Cóbuè, you could continue by pre-arranged charter boat to lovely Nkwichi Lodge, or make your way southwards towards Metangula and on to Lichinga. Spend a day or two in Lichinga, with its jacarandas and cool temperatures, before travelling to Cuamba, starting point for the classic 10-hour train ride east to Nam- pula. Nampula, in turn, is the jumping off point for magical Mozambique Island, a Unesco World Heritage Site and Africa highlight, with its cobbled streets, colonial-era architecture and constant backdrop of turquoise seas. You’ll likely want to linger at least two or three days here, perhaps longer, before heading north to Pemba and the wonderful Quirimbas Archipelago, or south towards Maputo.
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TANZANIA
ANGOLA
ZAMBIA
BOTSWANA
MOZAMBIQUE
ZIMBABWE
SOUTHAFRICA
MALAWI
Tofo
Cuamba
Moçimboa da Praia
Ponta d'Ouro
Lichinga
Nampula
Inhambane
Vilankulo
Beira
ChimoioQuelimane
Pemba
MAPUTO
#•
#•
Barra
BazarutoArchipelago
ChimanimaniMountainsR
É
É
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#•Zalala Beach
ÉÉ
#÷
GorongosaNational Park &Mt Gorongosa
#•Gurúè
#•
MozambiqueIsland
#•Quirimbas Archipelago& Ibo IslandLake Malawi
(Lake Niassa)
É
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Nacala & Fernão Veloso
Two MonthsMozambique Grand Tour
To explore Mozambique from south to north (north to south works just as well) in a grand overland tour, allow at least two months. With more limited time, it’s easy enough to choose sections from the following itinerary, perhaps taking a flight or two to break up the longer stretches.
Starting in the far south, spend time enjoying the wonderful beach at Ponta d’Ouro before continuing on to the lively, culture-packed capital of Maputo. Here, the many mu- seums, sidewalk cafes, restaurants and craft shops will keep you busy for at least several days.
Continue northwards to Inhambane, with its flamingos, dhows and wonderful nearby beaches, including those at Tofo and Barra. Further north, Vilankulo is an amenable spot for a day or three. It is also the springboard to the Bazaruto Archipelago, with its diving and upmarket lodges.
From Vilankulo, continue north by bus to Beira, spending a day or two in this old port city before heading west to Chimoio, the best base for organising hiking in the Chimani-mani Mountains. Allow four days or more, including transport, for the excursion. Once back in Chimoio, make your way northeastwards to lovely Gorongosa National Park and some more hiking and birding on Mt Gorongosa.
The overland route continues north via Quelimane (nearby Zalala Beach makes a good detour) and Nampula to Mozambique Island, where it is easy to spend at least two or three days taking in the sights. Possible diversions en route include to scenic Gurúè, with its cool climate, jacarandas, tea plantations and hiking, and to the area around Nacala for relaxing and diving at Nuarro lodge or in the Fernão Veloso area.
Continue north to Pemba or nearby beaches before travelling to the Quirimbas Ar-chipelago. All the islands are lovely, with Ibo a highlight. Sail back to the mainland, and continue northwards to Moçimboa da Praia – a pleasant stop for a day or three – and on into Tanzania. Alternatively, after visiting Mozambique Island, take the train west from Nampula to Cuamba and then continue on to Lichinga, Lake Niassa and into Malawi.
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»» (above) Cathedral of Nossa Senhora de Fátima, Nampula (p213), Mozambique»» (left) The beach at Tofo (p176), Mozambique
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DEMOCRATICREPUBLIC OFTHE CONGO
MALAWI
TANZANIA
ZAMBIA
MOZAMBIQUE
ZIMBABWE
Nkhata Bay
Mulanje
BlantyreZomba
Livingstonia
#÷MajeteWildlifeReserve
RMt Mulanje
#÷LiwondeNational Park
Mumbo IslandCape Maclear
Chizumulu &Likoma Islands
#÷Nyika
National Park
ÉÉ
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Three to Four WeeksMalawi Odyssey
Whether you start in the north or south, this is the ultimate Malawi journey, taking in mountains, wilderness, historical riches and the lake with its beaches. It is best done in a month, to allow time for side trips, but you could squeeze it into three weeks in a pinch.
Fly first into Blantyre and spend a day or so getting acclimatised. Time and budget permitting, you could make an easy detour southwest to Majete Wildlife Reserve for several days of pampered wildlife watching before continuing southwards to Mulanje for a three-day hike across Mt Mulanje, the country’s highest peak. Recover by spending time in an old planter’s house on one of Mulanje’s many tea estates before continuing on to the colonial gem of Zomba. Here, enjoy a day or two of gentle walking on the misty Zomba Plateau, perhaps finding time for a riding lesson as well.
From Zomba make your way northwards to nearby Liwonde National Park, its lovely scenery dominated by the wide, meandering Shire River. There are hippos and crocs aplen-ty, as well as various antelope species, zebras and the chance for both canoe and walking safaris. After you’ve had your fill, head for the lake and the small resort village of Cape Maclear. Budget at least three days here, with an overnight visit to Mumbo Island in Lake Malawi National Marine Park and time kayaking and swimming with the brilliantly coloured fish.
From Cape Maclear make your way up the lakeshore to Nkhata Bay, Malawi’s other famous lakeshore resort. Here, you can snorkel, kayak or even take a course at a local dive school. From Nkhata Bay you could detour to Chizumulu and Likoma Islands, or con-tinue northwards to lovely Nyika National Park, the country’s largest, where you can explore wild, flower-carpeted grasslands, reminiscent of the Yorkshire Moors, on foot or on horseback. Finally, it’s time to delve into history at Livingstonia, a quiet hilltop town that provides a glimpse into Malawi’s colonial-era past. From Livingstonia, continue northwards into Tanzania (and from there into Zambia), or retrace your steps southwards, perhaps continuing on into Mozambique or Zambia.
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MALAWI
TANZANIA
ZAMBIA
MOZAMBIQUE
ZIMBABWE
GrandeComore
NkhataBay
Cuamba
Nampula
Pemba
LILONGWE
#•Murrébuè
Chizumulu &Likoma Islands É
É
É
É
ÉÉ
É #•
#_
#•
#• #•#•
#•
#•
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MozambiqueIsland
QuirimbasArchipelago,Ibo Island &Matemo Island
Cape Maclear
Three WeeksBeaches & Islands
Mozambique has some of the most enticing coastline on the continent. Combine exploration of its northern highlights with visits to Lake Malawi’s alluring islands and inland beaches for an adventurous but relaxing itinerary.
The beach town of Pemba, in northern Mozambique, makes a good starting point. Spend a few days here getting acclimated and enjoying the vibe. Don’t miss nearby Mur-rébuè, with its kite-surfing, quiet, white sand and turquoise-hued ocean vistas. Next, set off for enchanting Ibo Island, a regional highlight, with its massive star-shaped fort, its silversmiths and its crumbling colonial-era mansions. After exploring and enjoying the is-land’s pace, charter a dhow for several days to explore Matemo or one of the other nearby islands in the Quirimbas Archipelago. Once you manage to tear yourself away from the charms of the Quirimbas islands, turn southwards – the most straightforward route will take you via Pemba – to the crowded regional hub of Nampula. If you arrive early enough in Nampula, it is possible to avoid overnighting here, continuing the same day on to magi-cal Mozambique Island. Plan at least several days exploring this Unesco World Heritage Site, with its time-warp atmosphere, historical treasures, cultural riches, sea breezes and wonderfully low-key pace.
Once back on the mainland, you will need to pass through Nampula for an overnight, before catching the train west to Cuamba. The ride is not anywhere near the coast, but it is scenic, and offers fascinating glimpses into local life. After an overnight in Cuamba (where the train arrives late afternoon), continue into Malawi via either the Entre Lagos or Mandimba border posts, and then travel straight on to lovely Lake Malawi. Cape Maclear makes a convenient first stop, with many options for snorkelling, kayaking and relaxing.
From Cape Maclear, the route turns northwards to the scenic beachside outpost of Nkhata Bay, with its fine selection of lodges, kayaking, swimming and diving. From Nkhata Bay, it is possible to detour to beautiful Chizumulu and Likoma Islands, where the highlights are the scenery, local life, the relaxed pace and Likoma’s historic cathedral. Once you’ve had your fill, travel southwards to Lilongwe and a flight home.
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