Travel to South Luangwa National Park

GETTING TO CHIPATA FROM LILONGWE: Either (a) Take a minibus from the Lilongwe minibus stand toward Mchinji (~2 hrs: 1000 MWK in May 2012), then a taxi or shared taxi to the border (15 min: 500 MWK). After crossing the border, take a taxi or shared taxi to Chipata (15 min: 15000 ZMK). (b) Take a bus from Lilongwe to Lusaka, but depart at Chipata. 'Zambia-Malawi' is a reputable company.

GETTING TO CHIPATA FROM LUSAKA: Take a bus to Chipata (~7hrs, 130,000 ZMK Apr 2012). Buses depart from Inter City Bus Terminal. Reputable companies include Zambia-Malawi, Johabbie, Juldans... You will need to catch the first bus out of Lusaka in order to arrive in time to catch the same-day minibus to Mfuwe. If you do this, it is advisable that you coordinate with the minibus driver so that he anticipates your arrival.

ONCE IN CHIPATA: There are nearly daily minibuses that run from Chipata to Mfuwe, the town just outside the entry to the Park. The minibus usually departs in the early afternoon (11am-2pm) after collecting passengers and sometimes goods (i.e., to deliver to Mfuwe stores), and takes 3-3.5 hours. The ride from Chipata to Mfuwe costs 60,000 ZMK ($11 as of May 2012). To confirm your spot on the minibus and coordinate it's pick-up (can pick you up pretty much anywhere in Chipata), call the driver (John--a very friendly and honest Zambian) at 0967384620 (+260967384620 if calling from Malawi). Call 1-2 days in advance.

The return from Mfuwe to Chipata leaves around 7:30-8:00pm (~4hrs to Chipata by night) and costs 50,000 ZMK (<$10 as of May 2012). The minibus will drop you at the Chipata bus stand. If you are doing this with the intention of taking a morning bus to