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MALAWI SAFARI TRIP

Join Us In Malawi For An 8 day Expedition!

 

Join We Are Travel Girls to spend a week discovering Malawi – voted one of the top 50 places to visit in 2020 by Travel + Leisure! Take part in inspiring community mentoring work, visit the beautiful rolling tea estates, enjoy a two-night safari adventure, including a unique riverboat safari, ending with a two-day digital detox on idyllic Mumbo Island – named Sunday Times’ Top 100 Places to Stay in 2017. This expedition is aimed at ladies wanting to travel with a purpose, take part in inspiring community initiatives and discover a little known slice of Africa.

 

~ AS FEATURED ON FORBES ~

Malawi Safari and Charity Trip Travel Girls Getaway
Malawi Safari and Charity Trip Travel Girls Getaway
Malawi Safari and Charity Trip Travel Girls Getaway
Malawi Safari and Charity Trip Travel Girls Getaway

Expedition Overview

About The Expedition

 

We designed this bespoke women’s only expedition in collaboration with Kate Webb of the Responsible Safari Company, a family run Educational, Experiential & Philanthropic Travel company.

 

On the expedition we will have an active itinerary visiting tea plantations, going on game drives and river boat safaris and spending a few nights on tranquil Mumbo Island. Prior to the trip guests will have the option to participate in our fundraising initiative and during the trip we will spend a few days with local communities and schools to learn about Malawian life and see where the money we raised is going.

Trip Basics

 

Dates: Postponed until further notice

Trip Length: 8 days, 7 nights 

Trip Style: Charitable & Active

Category: Luxury

Group Size: 14 total, (12 guests, 2 trip hosts)

Accommodation Type: Rustic Luxury

Meals: All Meals

Hosts: Vanessa Rivers

Partner Company: Responsible Safari Co.

Price: GBP £2,900

Who Is The Expedition For?

The Malawi expedition is for the adventurous female traveller looking to give something back during their travels!

The expedition to Malawi combines seeing a new country, exploring and going on safari with time spent with communities, in particular mentoring young women.

If you are looking for a more meaningful trip, an opportunity to gain an insight into key global challenges facing rural communities in Africa and to give something back then this trip is for you!

Malawi Safari and Charity Trip Travel Girls Getaway
Malawi Safari and Charity Trip Travel Girls Getaway

Who Is The Responsible Safari Company?

With 9 years experience in Malawi and founded by a fellow female traveller Kate Webb, Responsible Safari Company is the perfect partner for this unique getaway

The Responsible Safari Company (RSC) is a Social Enterprise Tour Operator based in Blantyre, Malawi specialising in Sustainable, Educational, Philanthropic & Experiential Group Travel. RSC are committed to creating sustainable growth through social enterprise, reducing the dependence on the aid industry and driving tourism generated income to rural communities.

The Location

Malawi is Africa at its purest, offering unique and extraordinary travels

From its undulating mountains to the shores of its stunning lake, the fact that Malawi has traditionally been overlooked as a mainstream destination means that you will find hidden gems at every turn. Malawi supports a diversity of landscapes, ecosystems and cultures and is affectionately known as ‘The Warm Heart of Africa’.

Malawi Safari and Charity Trip Travel Girls Getaway
Malawi Safari and Charity Trip Travel Girls Getaway

Community Work

Two days of the trip will be spent meeting with local women in the communities surrounding Lake Malawi 

You will spend two days in a village in Malawi working with the local community and learning about their culture and the challenges that face them.

 

We will spend time with Rainbow Hope School, Amaya Nursery and The Book Bus. We will participate in school workshops and sports and a fundraising campaign prior to the trip.

Exploring Malawi

A large part of the trip will be taking you to explore the beauty of Malawi, including land & river boat safaris

• Your first Malawi sunset looking over the rolling tea estates
• Watching the elephants on a riverboat safari
• Two 4 x 4 Game Drive in Liwonde National Park
• Time spent with a village school on the shores of Lake Malawi
• Final nights on the idyllic Mumbo Island

For a more detailed outline of all the activities we will be doing, please see the full sample itinerary below.

Malawi Safari and Charity Trip Travel Girls Getaway
Malawi Safari and Charity Trip Travel Girls Getaway

Accomodation

For this expedition we have chosen a range of unique rustic luxury accommodations!

During the trip we will be staying in four different rustic luxury accommodations, including Mvuu Camp on the banks of the Shire River which has beautiful views and is ideally located for game viewing straight from your room! Makakola Retreat sits on wonderful stretch of sandy beach on the southern shores of Lake Malawi. The rolling hills of the Tea Estates are beautiful, and Mumbo Island – named Sunday Times’ Top 100 Places to Stay in 2017- is a breathtaking private island escape, surrounded by the crystal blue waters of Lake Malawi!

Your Expedition Hosts

Together with an experienced local Responsible Safari guide, your hosts for this trip will be the founders of We Are Travel Girls Becky van Dijk and Vanessa Rivers.

Vanessa Rivers

Co-Founder We Are Travel Girls & Travel Girls Getaways

 

Vanessa is excited to welcome a group of women on this special and impactful trip in the warm heart of Africa! Vanessa has been to Malawi twice hosting our Travel Girls Getaways and has fallen in love with the country and the people. Vanessa especially loved the community work aspect, along with the incredible safaris in Liwonde National Park and cannot wait to return this April.

Trip Itinerary

On the expedition we will be travelling throughout Malawi to experience the African culture, participate in fun activities as well as community volunteering.

Day 1 – Arrive: Arrive into Chileka International Airport. Meet your Responsible Safari Company Guide and transfer 1 hr into the rolling tea estates. Arrive in time for a walk and sundowners on Thyolo Mountain. Your first African sunset! Accommodation is in two colonial lodges on the estate. (Dinner, Breakfast)

 

Day 2 – Liwonde National Park:After breakfast meet back up with your guide and transfer to Liwonde National Park arriving at your safari camp in time for lunch, a siesta and an afternoon safari game drive. Return for dinner and your first night under canvas. (All Meals)

 

Day 3 – Liwonde National Park:  Days on safari start early and as dawn breaks over the park you will head out for a river boat safari and have a chance to watch herds of elephant come to the river to drink. Return for brunch and a siesta, round the pool, before a final evening game drive and supper in the restaurant. (All Meals)

 

Day 5 – The Shire River: Wake to the sounds of the bush and head back out onto The Shire River for a boat safari before packing up and transferring by road to Lake Malawi. Arrive for lunch and an afternoon spent with the youth group exploring the village and meeting the students at the secondary school. (All Meals)

Day 5 – Tailored Activities: Rise early and walk into the village. Day spent in the village with the youth group: School Workshops, Sports, Mentoring Girls, Teaching at Nursery School, Village Perma Culture. Return to the hotel for supper on the beach and traditional dancing (All Meals)

 

Day 6&7 – Mumbo Island: Return to the village to say your goodbyes before transferring (1hr) to Cape Maclear and catching a boat (45 mins) to Mumbo Island. Enjoy a unique private island experience on Mumbo Island, surrounded by crystal blue waters of Lake Malawi. Spend the rest of the day kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving (not included in cost), hiking or lying back and relaxing in your hammock! (All Meals)

 

Day 8 – Departure: Early boat transfer back to the mainland and return to Blantyre for your International Flight. (Breakfast)

 

Optional Add-Ons:
Mumbo Island Extra Days
Further Regional Travel
Community Work

What’s Included

Inclusions

7 Nights Accommodation

All Meals

All Transport and Transfers (incl. fuel & driver)

RSC Local Driver & Guide

All Project set up and support

2 days Safari incl. 2 game drives & 2 river safaris

All Activities

Set Of High Res Edited Photos From The Trip

Community Activities (as mentioned)

Exclusions

International Flights

Scuba Diving on Mumbo Island

Personal Travel Insurance

Personal Purchases, Souvenirs and Tips

Visas

Bar Drinks

Retreat Price

GBP 2,900

(Inclusive of 20% deposit)

Frequently Asked Questions

WHO IS THE RESPONSIBLE SAFARI COMPANY?

RSC is a family run Educational, Experiential & Philanthropic Travel company. Operating exclusively in Malawi, RSC provides specialised planning and logistical support for School Expeditions, University Field Trips, Charity & Adventure Challenges, Donor and CSR Groups as well as Independent Travellers. Concentrating around tailored Educational Workshops & Challenge Events, we work in partnership with inspiring Community Initiatives offering immersive learning opportunities for students & businesses to gain an insight into key global challenges facing rural communities in Africa.

WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?

Once your application is received and your booking confirmed a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the trip cost is due immediately to secure your place on the trip. The balance of the payment is due 3 months before the trip start date.

WHAT METHOD OF PAYMENT IS AVAILABLE?

Once your booking is confirmed your deposit payment and full balance payment invoice will be co-ordinated by Responsible Safari Company.

CAN I USE ANY DISCOUNT VOUCHERS?

Discount vouchers are not valid for this expedition as we are working in collaboration with a partner company who arrange and customise the trip for Travel Girls Getaways.

DO YOU CATER FOR DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

Once your place is booked you can notify us of dietary requirements which we will seek to accommodate throughout the trip.

WHAT IS THE ACTIVITY LEVEL?

The trip will be active exploring Malawi. We will be hiking and going on safaris during the trip. You can also participate in other optional activities such as kayaking, diving (not included in price) and snorkelling.

CAN I COME SOLO?

Absolutely! The expedition is an opportunity to connect with a group of women from all over the world and make new and lasting friendships. The majority of our guests come solo on our trips.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Once you have booked your spot we will send you a list of suggested things to bring with you to Malawi.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE ON SAFARI?

Of course there are no guarantees of what you will see on a safari! Liwonde National Park is famed for it’s large population of Elephant, Buffalo and Hippo. The park recently introduced Rhino, Lion & Cheetah so there are chances of seeing these as well. There are also lots of plains game including Antelope, Zebra, Impala & Waterbuck.

WHAT IS THE BOOKING PROCESS

Once you have completed your application for the trip, we will respond to you within 48hrs to confirm we have received your application. On this email we will copy Kate and Dom Webb of The Responsible Safari who will contact you to arrange a phone call to discuss the trip and explain the itinerary and the work we will be doing with the community.

This trip is in collaboration with The Responsible Safari and as such the booking process will be run by them. The process is outlined below:

1. Once you confirm you want to proceed to booking in writing, an email is sent out with log-in details for the Responsible Safari Client Zone with full itinerary details and an Invoice request for 20% deposit payment.
2. Once the deposit is received, the Booking Form & Travel Pack are both sent out (via email) by Responsible Safari.
3. The Responsible Safari team are available at any time for any questions or queries in the run up to the travel date. Email contacts are [email protected] and [email protected]. In addition, you can contact Becky and Vanessa at any time by emailing [email protected].
4. Balance Payment is required 3 months prior to departure date.

ARE THERE SINGLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS?

All rooms are shared occupancy with one other female guest.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL BE SPENT WITH THE COMMUNITY?

We will spend 1.5 days with the community in the villages.

CAN I STAY LONGER?

The Responsible Safari can arrange extra days in Malawi. Perhaps you would like to stay an extra day or two on Mumbo Island? Or explore the north of the country? Or take part in some more community work? You can discuss options with the team at The Responsible Safari when you are booking your place on the trip.

DO I NEED TO PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Yes. You are responsible for obtaining your own travel insurance cover. We recommend and require that you purchase travel insurance at the point of  booking your spot on a Travel Girls Getaway. This is in order that you are insured should unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending the trip.

One option is World Nomads. However, it is your responsibility to research travel insurance companies in your location and select an insurer that suits your needs and coverage requirements.

WHAT INSURANCES DOES RSC HAVE?
  • RSC holds comprehensive International Public Liability cover in both Africa & UK.
  • International Passenger Liability on our 23 seater bus. Comprehensive Air
  • Evacuation cover through Global Rescue.
  • RSC are in the process of becoming ABTA registered and fully bonded in the UK (April 2017)
WHAT SUPPORT WILL WE HAVE IN MALAWI
  • RSC is based in Malawi and offers 24 hr support. Their British in country manager lives in Blantyre and is in contact with every group upon arrival and throughout your time in Malawi.
  • A trained local RSC guide will be with the group every step of the way. The guides have basic first aid training- updated annually.
  • All RSC Vehicles have seat belts and are fully insured.
WHAT EXPERIENCE DOES RSC HAVE IN MALAWI?

RSC has been operating in Malawi for 9 years and has worked with over 7,500 people visiting the country.

IS THERE A MINIMUM GROUP SIZE

Yes, there is a minimum group size. We require a minimum of 10 confirmed participants to run the trip. As per our terms & conditions if the running of the trip is not deemed financially viable we reserve the right to cancel the trip. In this situation you will be refunded all monies paid to We Are Travel Girls.

WHAT VISA DO I NEED FOR MALAWI?

Visas are required for Malawi. It is your responsibility to research what visa is required based on your country of origin / nationality. More information can be found here on the Malawi High Commission Site here.

The Responsible Safari company can assist with your visa applications in advance of the trip. Once your place is booked on the trip you will email a photocopy of your passport through to [email protected].com. The Responsible Safari Company will fill out the paper work on your behalf prior to your arrival and you will then present your passport along with US $75 in US cash to the RSC representative on arrival to obtain your Visa Stamp through the local Immigration Official.

If your question was not answered here, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us.

Ready To Join Us On The Adventure Of A Lifetime?!

 

Please complete the booking form to join the Malawi Safari & Charity Trip in April 2020.

 

Please only complete the booking form if you are seriously interested in attending the trip, the price is within your budget and you can travel on the specific retreat dates available. If you are interested in the trip but April 2020 does not work for you, please use our Expression of Interest form and we will keep you updated on new destinations, special offers and when bookings open for future Malawi trips.

 

Next steps: Once you submit your booking form we will email to confirm receipt of the form and provide next steps for making your deposit payment and securing your place on the trip.

  • PLEASE NOTE

     

    This form should only be completed if you are ready to book a trip. If you are interested in more information, please use our Expression of Interest form instead.

     

    Once you hit submit on this form, you will see a submission confirmation. If you do not receive this confirmation, it means your booking form has not been received and you should re-submit.

     

    We will email you within 48 hours to with the next steps for booking your place on your chosen trip. Please make sure to check your junk email folders, as sometimes the email can land there. If you do not hear from us, please email [email protected].

     
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