Dec 2013 Trip - Zim, Zam, Malawi

[Pajero Ingwe]

Hi Guys,

My first post on the forum! We're planning a trip in Dec 2013 to meet friends in Malawi. The insights we've had from this forum have been remarkable!

Gear: Pajero 3.2 SWB DID, Roof-top tent, 40L Engel, 30L water tank, Roller-drawers, T4A GPS Maps, 2 weeks worth of research notes from 4x4 community, Interpol papers, reflective tape, 2 x Coleman lanterns, 1 x fiancé

Dates: 13th Dec - 6th Jan

Itinerary:

13 Gweru
14 Mana Pools
15 Mana Pools
16 Mana Pools
17 Mana Pools
18 Lusaka
19 Chipata
20 SLNP (Wildlife)
21 SLNP (Wildlife)
22 SLNP (Nsefu?)
23 Lilongwe Area
24 Monkey Bay
25 Monkey Bay
26 Monkey Bay
27 Nkhotakata (Bua)
28 Sunga Moyo
29 Sunga Moyo
30 Mayoka
31 Mayoka
1 Mayoka
2 Blantyre
3 Mutare
4 Musina (Private farm)
5 Musina (Private farm)
6 JHB

Some help still needed:
- Mana Pools: Booked at Nyempi...but will try and get to one of the exclusive camps. They don't let you book these for Dec. but if the rains are late...is it first come first serve at the exclusives?

- SLNP: Going to stay at Wildlife...but I'm concerned it's crowded. Are there any community camps in the area to camp wild? Zikomo says they are closed in that period. Was hoping for something like Khwai Community Camp in Moremi.

Any comments, jealous remarks and advice welcome!

Will document and report the whole trip with photos!

Steven

[0000ms]

Jealous = Yes.....!!!

Pack a raincoat & extra dry clothes

[50something]

Don't change from Wildlife camp. You will love it. By the way, you could easily do Lusaka to Wildlife camp in one day if you leave early. No need to stay in Chipata. We did this in reverse and arrived in Lusaka with plenty of daylight time (in July).
If you have never been to Mana before don't bother changing from Nyamepi, it is very beautiful and right next to the river.