The heart of africa
malawi & zambia:
TRIP INFO
PAUL ZIZKA*
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.
》WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How to anticipate wildlife behaviour and create more compelling images by understanding animal movements, interactions, and the rhythms of the natural world.
How to tell stronger visual stories on safari by moving beyond individual sightings to create meaningful sequences and immersive narratives.
How to work with challenging wildlife photography conditions, including changing light, unpredictable subjects, fast action, and distant encounters.
How to compose more powerful wildlife and landscape photographs by refining your approach to perspective, layering, backgrounds, and the relationship between subjects and their environments.
How to make the most of safari vehicles and boat-based photography opportunities while adapting your technique to different shooting platforms and environments.
How to develop a more intentional photographic vision in the field, learning to slow down, observe, and recognize the moments that make a truly memorable image.
》YOUR OFFBEAT GUIDES*
PAUL ZIZKA // GUIDE
Specializing in photographing in difficult conditions and hard-to-reach places, Paul has a passion for shooting alpine sports and backcountry experiences, capturing the spirit of adventurers and finding unusual angles of common mountain subjects. As a landscape photographer, he particularly enjoys the challenge of capturing nature’s beauty at night and the unique features that come with a dark sky – stars, Northern Lights and dramatic silhouettes. Paul’s award-winning photos have been featured in a variety of publications, including National Geographic, Maclean’s, Alpinist, Huffington Post, The Guardian, Islands, and Climbing magazine.
DAVE BROSHA //GUIDE
Holding a passion for the world and an eye for the beauty it contains, Prince Edward Island-based, award-winning commercial, personal, and adventure photographer Dave Brosha is on a continual journey to seek out and capture the beauty of this world – whether it’s the beauty of some of the most extreme and pristine environments in the world or the beauty of some of a person’s most personal moments. In addition to living throughout northern Canada for much of his life, Dave has also lived in Asia and has travelled extensively through both the many provinces and territories of his native country and numerous countries abroad. An explorer at heart, his images – no matter what the genre – are full of heart and soul, and are a testament to the human spirit.
* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.
》INS AND OUTS
What’s 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.
What’s Not Included:
Airfare to/from Lilongwe, Malawi
Visas
Travel insurance
Souvenirs
Tips
Alcohol
Any weather-caused delays/extensions to stay
》ACCOMODATIONS AND MEALS
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.
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.
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.
》ITINERARY
Note: Itinerary subject to change.
》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.
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY
ABOUT OFFBEAT WORKSHOPS
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“I have attended a number of OFFBEAT Workshops and have loved them all. Dave and Paul are two of the most genuine people I have met and they are both so enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. They always ensure that you have the best time and are always willing to share their time and experience with you. My photography has definitely improved since learning from these two. I have also only meet decent and friendly people on these workshops. Everybody is there for the common goal - photography and everybody has such fun. I can not recommend Offbeat highly enough.”
— Claire C.
“I felt the level of collaboration and support among the participants in this one was exceptional and so was the size of the group. It is easier to hide in bigger groups when I feel insecure with my skills and talent. The content was timely, appropriate and exceedingly well organized. The facilitators’ presentation skills were exceptional. I came away with a little more confidence and a lot more knowledge. Thanks, Dave and Paul!!!”
-Jan L.
PRICE/PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Cost: CAD $15,500
Payment options: Full payment or CAD $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 available for $14,000
Single Supplement is available for $
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.
》IMPORTANT INFO
Please visit our FAQs for more information on What to Bring, our Physical Ratings and Photography Levels.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The workshop will include several short 3-4 kilometre hikes over uneven terrain such as sand dunes and desert areas. There is nothing technical involved, but participants should be comfortable and prepared to walk and/or climb areas in high temperatures with a backpack for periods of up to an hour at a time.
Physical Rating (Easy):
Hiking experience // None necessary.
Pace // Slow.
Distance/Description // <5km/day (3 miles) on well-defined trails, with slight noticeable elevation change, and perhaps slightly uneven terrain.
Footwear // Light hiking shoes or sneakers.
Photography Level (All): This workshop is open to both amateur and professional photographers.
INSURANCE POLICY
It is not only advised but required that 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.
Please see our Insurance page for more information about our insurance partner, World Nomads.
》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.