Compare South Africa – Wildlife Conservation Experience by Discover Corps vs The Warm Heart of Africa: Adventures in Malawi & Zambia by Road Scholar

Day 1:

Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will be met by a member of our staff.  At 10 am we will depart the airport to the nearby countryside where you’ll have a chance to rest and refresh.  In the afternoon, enjoy a walk with young lions and learn about efforts to diversify the lion gene pool.  You’ll even have the chance to hold a baby lion cub! Enjoy a traditional South African barbecue, called a brai. Spend the night at a lodge in the Pretoria countryside.

Day 2:

Wake up to the sounds of singing birds and lions in the distance. Today we drive to the northeastern region of the country to our basecamp situated outside the town of Hoedspruit.  That afternoon, go on a game drive as an introduction to the bush in the Greater Kruger National Park region.  In the evening, dine with a researcher from the INGWE Leopard Foundation to learn about their work and how your hands-on support will benefit them.

Day 3:

This morning we’ll go on a bush walk to learn how to track leopards and hyenas by identifying scat and paw tracks.  Along the way, set up camera traps to gather data about animal movements in the region. In the afternoon, take a game drive through a Big Five reserve to try to spot some of these magnificent creatures.

Day 4:

Spend the day at the Hoedspruit Center for Endangered Species learning about their work breeding and rehabilitating vulnerable animals. Lend a hand with daily tasks and get up close and personal with cheetahs and orphaned baby rhinos. In the evening, learn about the difficult but inspiring recent history of South Africa and its unique cultural pageantry.

The Greater Kruger National Park Region

The Kruger National Park and the adjacent private nature reserves comprise the Greater Kruger region of more than 7,500 square miles of area under conservation.

This spectacular region has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.  It is home to over 500 species of birds, and contains more species of large mammals than any other African reserve.  

It is possible to spot all Big Five (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) within the region.

Besides the park, the Blyde River Canyon can also be found nearby.  This is the third largest canyon in the world and is known for the stunning spirals of dolomite that rise from its walls.

Leopards are the last of the big five roaming free outside game reserves and national parks in South Africa. Because of this, they are under threat from farmers. These beasts are important as they are at the top of the food chain, and therefore a key indicator of a healthy ecosystem.

You will help the INGWE Leopard Research Center gather data on leopard density, behavior and population dynamics outside of formally protected areas. This will help improve local policymaking, and also allow conservationists to work with farmers to humanely move leopards to appropriate lands.  We use camera traps to gather this data.

Camera traps are digital cameras that are set out along game trails in remote locations within research areas. These camera traps are triggered by movement and operate continuously, secretly recording the movement of animals without need for human presence or disruption of nature.

Day 5:

Volunteer with Seeds of Light, a local non-profit that works with vulnerable children and orphans in townships – urban areas reserved for non-whites during Apartheid.  The children here need to practice English with native speakers.  Choose to read to the children or engage them in crafts while learning from them about life in contemporary South Africa.  

Day 6:

Moholoholo is a haven for the rehabilitation of abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife. Learn about the issues they’re tackling and get up close to some of the rare species they are caring for.  At lunch, sample cuisine from different South African cultures.  In the evening, take a night drive through the Greater Kruger region to see wildlife that comes out after dark.

Day 7:

The Panorama Route is a drive through the Blyde River Canyon, whose lush subtropical foliage makes it the world's largest 'green canyon'. Your senses will be overwhelmed as you walk through mist-covered forests teeming with birdlife.  Drive through majestic landmarks such as God’s Window, Wonder View and The Pinnacle to take in sights that you’ll never forget.  
Day 8: Head out to collect memory cards from the camera traps and compile data for the researchers. Enjoy a picnic lunch out in the bush and have the afternoon to relax and enjoy our final evening at the basecamp.

Day 9:

Today is a full-day epic game drive through the heart of the renowned Kruger National Park. The park contains 147 species of large mammals.  Along the way, meet with park staff to hear about conservation techniques they employ. Spend the night at in a wilderness lodge near the town of Nelspruit.

Day 10:

Spend the morning at an inspiring sanctuary for endangered rhinos. Have a chance to feed baby rhinos and witness first-hand how one organization is trying to save them. Fly to Johannesburg in the afternoon in time to catch your return flight home or continue your travels through the country.

Our South African Home Base  

Your home-away-from-home, the Discover Corps basecamp, is a deluxe tented camp on the banks of the Blyde River It features a common building with a dining area and panoramic private deck, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush. Rooms include crisp white linens, a plush bed, and full private bathroom with hot and cold water, hairdryer, lockbox, and fan. You’ll also be able to enjoy an infinity pool, wi-fi, hiking trails, and an assortment of South African beer and wine for sale.

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive Johannesburg, Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Johannesburg D Courtyard Hotel Eastgate
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon: After checking in at the hotel, take some time to freshen up and relax before our welcome dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a buffet welcome dinner including starter, entrée, side dish; a welcome drink plus coffee, tea, bottle water included, other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We are fortunate to have as our Group Leader a knowledgeable expert who will also serve as our primary lecturer. In addition, we will have the benefit of local experts who will join us at different sites. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for check-out and flight in the morning.

Day 3
Fly to Malawi, Blantyre, Overview of Malawi
Blantyre B,L,D Protea Hotel Blantyre Ryalls
Activity note: Flight to Malawi approximately 2 hours. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Transfer from airport to Blantyre approximately 30 minutes. Afternoon field trip approximately 3 hours; walking over flat ground.

Breakfast: At the hotel, choose what you like from the extensive breakfast buffet with offerings such as eggs, omelettes, waffles, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms, cold meats and cheeses, cereals, fresh fruit, pastries, milk, fruit juices, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel, board a motorcoach, and transfer to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport for our flight to Blantyre, Malawi; upon arrival, we will complete Malawian immigration formalities. From the airport, we will transfer into the city by motorcoach, heading to our lunch venue.

Lunch: At a restaurant in historic Mandala House, Blantyre, we will have a plated meal from a set menu; bottled water included, other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: At Mandala House, we will walk upstairs to The Society of Malawi Library and Archives, located here in Malawi’s oldest European building. A local historian will provide an overview of the country’s history and the founding of Blantyre. We will then be driven to St. Michael and All Angels Church, built in the late 19th century on the site of the original mission established by the Church of Scotland. Here, a local expert will join us to give a history of the Church of Scotland in Malawi and its fight against the slave trade. Next, as we ride back through the city to our hotel, our local expert will point out some of the significant sights and buildings in Blantyre as we drive past them. We will arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon for check-in with some time to freshen up and relax. Before dinner, we will gather with our Group Leader for an overview of Malawi’s cultures, history, and politics.

Dinner: At the hotel, the extensive dinner buffet will include appetizer, salad, soup, entrée, side dish, and dessert choices with local dishes such as nsima and cassava; bottled water included, other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

Day 4
Zomba, Liwonde National Park, Camp
Liwonde National Park B,L,D Mvuu Camp
Activity note: Getting in/out of a motorcoach. The drive to Zomba is about 50 miles, approximately 2 hours; from Zomba to Liwonde is about 35 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. The boat ride from Liwonde to the camp is approximately 1 hour. Walking up to 1 miles; uneven, mostly flat terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the extensive breakfast buffet includes choices such as eggs made to order, sausage, bacon, cooked tomatoes, cold cereals, fresh fruit, bread/pastry items, milk, fruit juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will board our motorcoach and depart Blantyre, heading northeast towards the town of Zomba. During the drive, we will pass through beautiful countryside and be able to see numerous local people going about their daily lives. Arriving in Zomba mid-morning, we will drive through town and see some of its significant sights while our local expert provides background on what was Malawi’s first capital. We will disembark from the vehicle for a walk through the local market in the company of our expert. Here we will experience an important part of daily life as we view the array of foods and goods being sold. We will also have an opportunity to interact with the vendors and learn why Malawi is known as “the warm heart of Africa.” Re-boarding our motorcoach, we will ascend the curving road to the top of the Zomba Plateau with its amazing views. Rising up to 5,900 feet, the plateau dominates the area and provides numerous viewpoints over the landscape below.

Lunch: At the inn on the top of the plateau, we will have a buffet lunch with choices of soup, salad, entrée, and side dish; bottled water included, other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Next, we will be driven a short distance on the plateau for a nature walk with our Group Leader and a local expert who will provide commentary as we observe flora and fauna, including plentiful bird life. At the conclusion of our nature walk, we will re-board the motorcoach and drive north to the town of Liwonde. There, we will transfer from the vehicle to a flat-bottomed motorboat for the remainder of the distance to Mvuu Camp. During our boat ride on the Shire River, we may spot animals such as crocodile, hippo, waterbuck, and elephant as we cross over the border into Liwonde National Park. Upon our arrival at the camp, we will settle into our rooms with some time to freshen-up. We will regroup in the early evening with our Group Leader for a discussion on the management and revitalization of national parks in Malawi.

Dinner: In camp, we will have a plated and served 3-course meal with bottled water, coffee, tea; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Bush Walk, Boat Safari, Game Drive
Liwonde National Park B,L,D Mvuu Camp
Activity note: Walking about 1 mile; uneven terrain. Getting in/out of a boat; boat safari 1.5 hours. Getting in/out of safari vehicles; game drive 3-4 hours.

Breakfast: Early morning coffee and snacks provided in tents prior to bush walk. We will return to camp after our bush walk for breakfast that will include eggs cooked to order, sausage, bacon, cold cereal, toast, fruit, milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Early morning before breakfast, we will join our local safari specialist for a bush walk in the park. We will learn to identify tracks, spoor, and other signs to discern the small creatures in the bush, as well as look for the plentiful bird life in the area. Mid-morning, we will embark on a boat safari on the Shire River, in the company of our safari specialist. As the day starts to heat up, we expect to see animals such as elephant, hippo, crocodile, waterbuck, and other antelope species along the banks of the river, as they come to drink. Bird life is also prolific, and we may even see the pied kingfisher hover and then dive as it "fishes" for its meal. We will return to camp after our field trip.

Lunch: In camp, lunch will be a plated and served 2-course meal; bottled water, coffee, tea included, other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: During the heat of the day, we will have time to enjoy the camp's amenities or simply rest and relax. Our Group Leader will give us a lecture on rhinoceros over afternoon tea. Then we will climb into our open-air, 4x4 safari vehicles for a game drive in the park. Liwonde National Park is home to Malawi's largest population of elephant, and in recent years has also seen the reintroduction of black rhino and cheetah. We will look for these animals, as well as the plentiful antelope species, as we slowly drive through the mopane forest and river floodplains in our safari vehicle. As the sun sets, our drive will continue as our safari specialist uses a spotlight to search for nocturnal creatures. We will return to camp in time for dinner.

Dinner: Camp meal.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

Day 6
Bush Walk, Mangochi, Boadzulu Island
Lake Malawi B,L,D Makokola Retreat
Activity note: The drive to Mangochi is about 35 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking in Mangochi about 1 mile and periods of standing; paved, flat surfaces. The drive from Mangochi to Makokola Retreat is about 16 miles, approximately 20 minutes. Boadzulu Island boat trip 2-3 hours. Bring swimwear; snorkeling gear provided.

Breakfast: Early morning coffee and snacks provided in tents prior to bush walk. We will return to camp for breakfast.

Morning: We will have another early morning bush walk with our safari specialist. After breakfast, we will check out and depart by motorcoach to Mangochi. The first portion of the drive will be on a bumpy, dirt road that passes through several little villages, giving us a chance to observe local life along the way. Upon reaching Mangochi, we will visit the town in the company of a local expert. We will learn about the history in the area, including the slave trade and one of the first naval battles of World War I that occurred on Lake Malawi. From Mangochi, we re-board our vehicle for the short drive to Makokola Retreat, arriving in time for lunch.

Lunch: In the retreat dining area with beautiful views over Lake Malawi, we will order from a select menu that includes sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and delicious homemade gelato. During our stay at Makokola, bottled water as well as all local brand alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be included; premium brand alcohol is available for purchase.

Afternoon: Early afternoon, we will check in to our rooms and have time to enjoy the retreat’s amenities or simply rest and relax in this beautiful setting. Mid-afternoon, we will board our private boat for a short trip to Boadzulu Island at the southern tip of protected Lake Malawi National Park. There, we will circumnavigate the island, keeping an eye out for the numerous African fish eagles as our Group Leader provides commentary on the species. We will have an opportunity to swim and snorkel in the lake at a sheltered part of the island, looking for brightly colored cichlids for which the lake is known. As the sun sets over the lake, we will have drinks and snacks aboard the boat. Following our return to dry land, we will have time to relax and freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: At the retreat, we will have a plated and served 3-course meal with bottled water; local brand alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included, premium brand alcohol available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Mua Mission, Kungoni Centre, Traditional Dancing
Lake Malawi B,L,D Makokola Retreat
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. The drive to/from Mua Mission is about 60 miles, approximately 1 hour each way.

Breakfast: At the retreat, the breakfast buffet will include choices such as eggs, sausage, bacon, cold cereals, fresh fruit, bread/pastry items, milk, fruit juice, coffee, tea, bottled water.

Morning: We will board our motorcoach and drive to Mua Mission in the Dedza district. At Mua Mission, we will find the Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art including the Chamare Museum and Art Gallery. We will walk through the museum with a docent, learning about the three dominant cultures in the area: Chewa, Yao, and Ngoni. The museum is the life's work of Father Claude Boucher, a Canadian missionary and anthropologist who has lived in Malawi since 1967. His integration into the local culture has allowed him to create the museum and art center, celebrating the cultural and artistic inheritance of Malawi. While at the museum, we will have a demonstration of traditional dancing, including the Chewa mask dances, where the ancestors convey messages through the dancer; our docent will provide explanations of each dance's meaning. Next door to the museum, we will also visit the art gallery, featuring sculptures and paintings from local artists. Many of the sculptures are incredibly intricate, reflecting the masked characters in the Chewa dances.

Lunch: At the Mission, we will have a packed lunch with bottled water.

Afternoon: Our visit to the Kungoni Centre will continue until we return to the retreat mid-afternoon. We will gather with our Group Leader in the early evening for today's class on topics relevant to the program.

Dinner: Retreat meal.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Local Village, Native Flora, Handmade Tapestries, Free Time
Lake Malawi B,L,D Makokola Retreat
Activity note: Walking up to 3 miles total; beach and dirt roads, paved paths.

Breakfast: Retreat buffet after returning from the village.

Morning: We will rise early this morning for a walk to the local fishing village, arriving in time to see the night's catch. A village resident will provide explanation and facilitate interaction with local people. We will also visit a local home and meet residents to gain insights into life in rural Malawi. We will return to the retreat by a unique form of local transport, the Njinga (bike taxi); vehicle transportation also available. Following breakfast, the head gardener will lead us on an interpretive walk through the lodge's lush gardens, with explanations on the various local flora. We will then visit the on-site workshop where ladies produce the beautiful, handmade tapestries that are found throughout the lodge. The ladies will provide an explanation of the process, and we will have an opportunity to make our own tapestry if desired.

Lunch: Retreat meal.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: At the retreat, we will enjoy a special Malawi night, with a buffet featuring local cuisine including starters, main and side dishes, and dessert.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

Day 9
Bird Walk, Fly to Zambia, Predators, Game Drive
South Luangwa National Park B,D Mfuwe Lodge
Activity note: Walking approximately 1.5 miles; flat ground. Small plane flight to Zambia, 2 hours. Getting in/out of safari vehicles. Drive from Mfuwe airport to lodge approximately 45 minutes. Game drives 4 hours.

Breakfast: Retreat buffet after returning from birding walk.

Morning: Before breakfast, our Group Leader will lead an early morning birding-focused walk on the golf course adjacent to the retreat. Species seen may include little bee-eater, pied kingfisher, lilac-breasted roller, Heuglin's robin, and Livingstone's flycatcher, amongst many more. We will have time to pack and check out before boarding the plane at the retreat’s private airstrip for our flight to Mfuwe Airport in Zambia.

Lunch: Packed snacks will be provided.

Afternoon: We expect to arrive in Mfuwe early afternoon. After clearing Zambian immigration, we will board open-air, 4x4 safari vehicles for the drive to Mfuwe Lodge for check-in. We will have time to settle into our rooms before afternoon tea is served, when our Group Leader will provide an introduction and overview of predators found in Southern Africa. Following class, we will embark on our first game drive in South Luangwa National Park. This park has a high density of animals, including lion, wild dog, elephant, buffalo and the elusive leopard. Each vehicle will have a safari specialist who will provide interpretation of the sights seen. Once the sun sets, our evening drive will continue, searching out the nocturnal species in the area.

Dinner: At the lodge, dinners will vary between a 3-course meal, a buffet, and a traditional South African braii (barbeque) where guests eat in the boma (outdoor enclosure); bottled water included, other beverages available for purchase. Dinners will be after the return of night game drives, usually around 8:30 p.m.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10
Bush Walk, Game Drive, Night Wildlife
South Luangwa National Park B,BR,D Mfuwe Lodge
Activity note: Getting in/out of safari vehicles. Walking up to 1 mile; flat but uneven ground.

Breakfast: At the lodge, we will have early morning cereal, fruit, toast, coffee, tea followed by mid-morning snacks in the bush.

Morning: This morning, we will divide to participate in a guided bush walk with our safari expert and an armed guard, or go on a game drive with a safari expert. During the bush walk, our local expert will provide insight into tracking, local flora, and any wildlife seen, as well as pointing out the smaller residents in the bush. We will return to the lodge mid-morning to freshen up and relax.

Brunch: At the lodge, choose what you like from the brunch buffet that will include cooked breakfast and lunch items, salads, desserts, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: During the heat of mid-day, we will have time to enjoy the lodge amenities, view game from the deck of our private chalets as the animals come to drink from lagoons around camp, or simply relax. We will gather for afternoon tea and a lecture by a local expert on the unique surrounding ecosystem and structure of the Zambian National Parks. We will then set out on a day-into-night game drive where animals such as leopard, hyena, porcupine, civet, genet, and honey badger have often been sighted. After dark, our local safari expert will use a spotlight to find animals in the bush. We will return to the lodge in the late evening, just before dinner.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Tracking Wildlife, Local School & Community Projects
South Luangwa National Park B,BR,D Mfuwe Lodge
Activity note: The drive to school and textile site is about 10 miles, approximately 30 minutes each way in open-air safari vehicles.

Breakfast: Early at the lodge, mid-morning snacks in the bush.

Morning: Again this morning, we will divide and have the choice of a game drive or a bush walk with our safari specialist and armed guard that will emphasize spoor, vegetation, birds, insects and bush lore. We will return to the lodge mid-morning.

Brunch: Lodge buffet.

Afternoon: Boarding open-air safari vehicles, we will visit a nearby school and textile manufacturing site, located just outside the national park's boundaries. Our stay at Mfuwe Lodge supports the Mfuwe community fund that in turn helps support the lunch program at the school. We will be shown around the school, learn about school projects, and (when school is in session) have an opportunity to interact with some of the children. We will move on to a textile manufacturing shop that employs and trains members of the local community who make beautiful, hand-painted textiles. Our afternoon will be topped off with sundowners (drinks and snacks) set up in a beautiful location back in the national park (weather permitting). We will return to the lodge after sunset, in time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12
Game Drive, Elephant Social Structure, Final Game Viewing
South Luangwa National Park B,BR,D Mfuwe Lodge
Activity note: Getting in/out of safari vehicles, game drives of 3-4 hours duration.

Breakfast: Early at the lodge, mid-morning snacks in the bush.

Morning: We will search the surrounding area for animals that may have eluded us thus far, heading back to the lodge mid-morning.

Brunch: Lodge buffet.

Afternoon: We will spend the heat of the day at the lodge. Over tea, our Group Leader will give a lecture on elephant social structure and behavior. We will end the afternoon with one last game drive in South Luangwa National Park.

Dinner: At the lodge. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy reminiscing about the program's unique experiences and what we’ve learned. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 13
Fly to Lusaka, Fly to Johannesburg, Program Concludes
In Flight B,L
Activity note: Getting in/out of safari vehicles. The flight from Mfuwe Airport to Lusaka is approximately 70 minutes; the flight from Lusaka to Johannesburg approximately 2 hours. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: We will check out, board our open-air safari vehicles, and transfer to the Mfuwe Airport for a scheduled flight to Lusaka, Zambia, en route to Johannesburg.

Lunch: Boxed snacks will be provided, as well as an in-flight airline lunch.

Afternoon: From Lusaka, we will board a commercial flight to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Our program concludes upon arrival. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 14
In Transit From Program
In Flight
Morning: Arrive North America.