Peddling Through Malawi
Trip Code: MS501
A 12 night mountain biking trip through Malawi
This superb mountain biking adventure has a fantastic combination of tough expedition style riding through wild and seldom visited territory, with a relaxing break on beautiful Lake Malawi before continuing riding in the exceedingly scenic north.
You will need to be a fit and regular cyclist to take part in this trip. Daily riding times below are approximate and vehicles accompanying the trip provide support for those who might require it. After Day 7, no daily journey, purely by bike alone is possible, and it will be a case of choosing with the guides which sections to cycle and which to drive.
With set departure dates between this trip is available for groups between 6 and 8 persons max.
The Day-to-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet with guides and vehicles in Lilongwe followed by 3 hr road transfer into the Viphya Mountains of Central Malawi and one night in en-suite chalets at Luwawa Forest Lodge. Possible walks, sails on nearby dam, kayaking, and local biking through surrounding pine plantations and indigenous forest, depending on the time of arrival. Riding Today: Possible short evening rides of an hour around Luwawa Dam.
Day 2: Riding through the Viphya forests on a combination of walking paths and forestry roads to Chikangawa. Overnight stay at Kasito Lodge in non en-suite accommodation. Riding today: About 8 hours on good track with plenty of climbing.
Day 3: Expedition continues north through rarely visited indigenous forest, and small holder farms eventually entering the Kawalazi Estates. This large estate consists of rolling hills of tea and pickets of thick forest. Overnight camping in the grounds of the estates' clubhouse. Riding today: About 8 hours on good track with lots of climbing.
Day 4: Challenging morning ride over steep mountain ridges and beautiful forest. The last 30kms is on tarmac which most guests are expected to want to cover by vehicle. Afternoon leisure activities at Chintheche Inn on the Northern Lakeshore. Accommodation at Chintheche Inn in en-suite rooms facing the beach. Riding today: Approximately 6-8 hours starting with hard climbing and finishing on the flat.
Day 5: Day spent either relaxing at Chintheche Inn or partaking in the multitude of activities available including snorkelling, bird watching, and local village excursions. Motorised water sports including water skiing, wake snake and tubing are available at an additional cost. Accommodation at Chintheche Inn. Riding today: Optional.
Day 6: Likely vehicle journey for 3 hrs followed by approximate 30 km ride into Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve along an attractive rural road. Evening activities include game drives around the reserve an accommodation is in simple grass huts at Lake Kazuni Camp. Riding today: Between 3-5 hours.
Day 7: Journey through rural villages before entering the Nyika National Park towards Chelinda. Varying landscape from game, rural villages, forests of the lower Nyika to magnificent montane grasslands of the Nyika Plateau. Accommodation at Chelinda Camp in comfortable rooms or chalets with shared facilities. Riding today: Approximately 6 hours.
Day 8 and 9: Number of riding options ranging from full day rides to dramatic viewpoints around Nyika National Park, to shorter rides on the game drive loops nearer Chelinda Camp. Game drives as an optional alternative can be arranged. Both nights' accommodation at Chelinda Camp. Riding today: Optional up to 10 hours.
Day 10: Retrace steps to Rumphi followed by a ride along the Rukuru River to the old Missionary settlement of Livingstonia. Accommodation is in Lukwe Permaculture Camp which is basic but comfortable with superb mountain scenery. Riding today: About 6 hours.
Day 11: Day spent at teh Lukwe Permaculture camp area where there are many little rides and some good forest to explore, including the impressive waterfalls at nearby Manchewe. Overnight stay at Lukuwe Permaculture Camp. Riding today: Optional.
Day 12: Morning ride down the dramatic steep escarpment towards Lake Malawi before boarding the vehicles for a stretch. Continuing riding near Luwawa, along little known forest tracks. Accommodation at Luwawa Forest Lodge in en-suite chalets. Riding today: Approximately 5 hours.
Day 13: 3hr road transfer from Luwawa Forest Camp to Lilongwe Airport for departure.
Infrastructure and Support:
Trained driver guides are used to plan and successfully execute these trips. Each knows how to service the bikes and all guides are trained in first aid and in the provision of superb catering. On each trip there will be 2 vehicles and 4 trained staff. Quality bikes are available for hire and can be stowed professionally on proper bike racks.
Includes: All meals, all accommodation, services of cycle guides and drivers throughout the expedition and all park entry fees.
Excludes: Drinks, laundry, airport departure taxes currently at US$ 30.00 per person, and any gratuities or personal items.
Featured Camps and Lodges:
Best Access:
Daily regional flights to Lilongwe Airport from most major African airports with Johannesburg offering the easiest access.
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CAMPS
