John Coppinger has worked alongside the Luangwa River for twenty years. This river (that many know as a shallow, meandering, wildlife paradise) rises in the Mafinga Mountains on the border of Zambia and Malawi. In November 2002 John finally made it to the source (a tiny clear water pool high in the Mafingas) and, in conjunction with David Foot, would now like to offer the opportunity to others to reach the source of this famous river.

John and David are offering two departures in 2004 starting in Lilongwe (Malawi) on 30 May and 17 October and ending back there two weeks later on 13 June and 31 October.

The safari will take in the Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve and the Nyika National Park in northern Malawi before a two night hike to the source of the Luangwa. David will lead this section of the safari before the safari continues into the Luangwa Valley first stopping at Mwaleshi Camp in the North Luangwa National Park and ending at Tafika in the South Luangwa National Park.

These rates are fully inclusive of all accommodation, meals, safari activities (except horseriding on the Nyika), drinks, laundry, park entry fees and all domestic air and road transfers starting and finishing in Lilongwe.

This safari would suit anybody who would like to visit these great game parks and in particular perhaps those who already know and love the Luangwa Valley. However participants will have to be fit and used to hiking as it is an 800 metre ascent to the source and camping will be rough and simple on top of the mountain. In June there will be a wonderful clarity of light in the mountains of Nyika and the Mafingas so ideal for photography whilst in October game viewing will be top class being late in the dry season and there will be the added attraction of the wildflowers of the Nyika as well as the migratory and forest birds in the highlands of the Nyika and the Mafingas. On the exploratory trip to the source four Sharpe's starlings were seen - a new record for Zambia!