The Heart of Africa - Malawi/Zambia 2027

OVERVIEW

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure into the wild heart of southern Africa.

This photography safari takes us through Zambia and Malawi, combining incredible wildlife, spectacular landscapes, unique places to stay, and plenty of opportunities to create photographs you’ll be talking about long after you’ve returned home.

From the legendary wildlife of South Luangwa National Park to the peaceful waters of Lake Malawi and the conservation success story of Liwonde National Park, this is a journey built around experiencing Africa in all its wild, unpredictable, and unforgettable glory.

We'll head out in search of elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, and an incredible variety of birdlife. Some days will unfold from safari vehicles, others from the water, and every day brings the possibility of witnessing something completely unexpected.

Between the game drives and wildlife encounters, we'll have time to slow down and take in the landscapes around us, from wide-open African wilderness to the calm, beautiful waters of Lake Malawi. It's a chance to experience a completely different side of the continent while travelling with a group of photographers who are just as excited about the adventure as you are.

Location: Malawi and Zambia

Dates: November/December 2027 * dates to be confirmed shortly

Tour Guides*: Dave Brosha + Paul Zizka

 ITINERARY 

(Note: subject to change as we finalize all details)

》Day 1 — Arrival in Lilongwe, Malawi
Touch down in Malawi’s capital and settle into Kumbali Country Lodge, a peaceful countryside retreat just outside the city, the perfect gentle introduction before the adventure ahead.

》Day 2-4 — South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Cross into Zambia and head for one of Africa’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. South Luangwa is legendary among safari-goers, the birthplace of the walking safari, and home to dense concentrations of elephant, leopard, and hippo along the wild, meandering Luangwa River. Three full days here based at Msandile River Lodge leave plenty of time for both game drives and immersive bush walks.

》Day 5-7 — Senga Bay, Malawi
Back into Malawi and down to the shores of Lake Malawi, one of the world’s great Rift Valley lakes, famous for its clear turquoise water and extraordinary diversity of freshwater fish found nowhere else on Earth.

Three relaxed days at Blue Zebra Island Lodge offer a well-earned change of pace: swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, or simply watching the lake change color at sunset.

》Day 8-10 — Liwonde National Park, Malawi
Onward to Liwonde, widely regarded as Malawi’s finest game park and a genuine conservation success story, with thriving populations of elephant, hippo, and, following successful reintroduction efforts, both black rhino and lion.

Three nights at Mvuu Camp, set right on the Shire River, with the river itself serving as a natural stage for constant wildlife activity right from your veranda.

》Day 11 — Return to Lilongwe, Malawi

Wind down the journey back at Kumbali Country Lodge for a final relaxed night before departure.

* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.

 THE FINER DETAILS 

Included:

• • Daily instructions/mentorship with Dave Brosha and Paul Zizka
  • Accomodations in duration of workshop dates
  • All meals (except a couple of lunches)
  • 2 game drives per lodge day at Mvuu and Msandile and activities at Blue Zebra Lodge
  • All park entrance fees
  • Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
  • Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.

Not Included:

• • Airfare to/from Lilongwe, Malawi
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Souvenirs
  • Tips
  • Alcohol
  • Any weather-caused delays/extensions to stay

 PRICE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE 

Cost: CAD $15,500

Payment options: Full payment or $1500 non-refundable deposit to secure a space with remaining four payments as listed below.

Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $1500

• • Payment #1: CAD $3,500- due November 30, 2026
  • Payment #2: CAD $3,500 - due February 28, 2027
  • Payment #3: CAD $3,500- due May 31, 2027
  • Payment #4: CAD $3,500- August 31, 2027
    
    *Spousal rate is CAD $14,000

Note: Failure to pay by due dates means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).

If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant. In such case, participants are responsible for handling payment for the transfer.

 ACCOMMODATIONS

Throughout the adventure, you’ll stay in a collection of intimate, character-rich lodges and camps that place you close to nature while offering comfort after full days in the field. From riverside safari camps in Zambia and Malawi to a peaceful island retreat on Lake Malawi, each property provides a unique sense of place, warm hospitality, and an authentic base for your photographic exploration.

 MEALS 

Meals throughout the journey will be a highlight in themselves, combining fresh, locally inspired cuisine with the relaxed atmosphere of authentic safari camps and lodges. Expect thoughtfully prepared breakfasts, lunches, and dinners featuring a mix of regional flavours and familiar favourites, often enjoyed in beautiful outdoor settings. From fireside dinners under the stars to peaceful lakeside meals, dining will be an integral part of the experience

 TRANSPORTATION

Transportation throughout the adventure will include a combination of comfortable road transfers, safari vehicles, and boat excursions, allowing us to experience the diversity of Zambia and Malawi from different perspectives. While some transfers between destinations involve longer drives through the countryside, these journeys offer a wonderful opportunity to see daily life, landscapes, and communities along the way. Once in the parks, our focus shifts to open-air safari vehicles and waterways, where the real photographic exploration begins.

 LEAVE NO TRACE 

We preach and live the ethics of "leave no trace" photography, which means that the utmost care is given, while hiking and photographing, to leaving zero impact on the natural environment. Participants are expected to approach this tour with the same ethics at all times.

 RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONS 

Due to some of the locations we will be visiting during this workshop, we highly recommend that you take precautions regarding medications and/or vaccines needed. Visit this page for more detailshttps://www.malawitourism.com/travel-advice/ and https://www.zambiatourism.com/travel-info/health-and-medical/ and consider bringing along insect repellent, malaria prophylaxis, bandages, and diarrhea medication.

 INSURANCE 

It is not only advised but required that workshop participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage (proof required within 4 months of departure).Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility. By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.

 OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration. Effective June 16, 2022.

 TRAVEL VISA 

It is the participant's responsibility to ensure they have a valid Travel Visa (if applicable/required) for the duration of the workshop.

Malawi Visa and Immigration: https://www.malawitourism.com/visa-guide/

Zambia Visa and Immigration: https://www.zambiatourism.com/travel-info/visa-information/