Itinerary Highlights
- Discover the best Malawi has to offer
- Search for incredible game in the various parks
- Visit a historic tea plantation
- Learn about the amazing conservation efforts in Malawi
- Enjoy activities on Lake Malawi, such as snorkelling, sailing, kayaking
What's Included
17 nights from £7,499 - £8,995 per person
Helen Kennedy
Travel Specialist
Explore the best that Malawi has to offer on this more off-the-beaten-track itinerary.
Perfect for adventure seekers, the 17-day tour introduces you to various authentic experiences. Throughout the wildlife reserves and parks in Majete and Liwonde, not only will you search for the ‘Big Five’, but you’ll even see diverse birdlife. Additionally, the various conservation efforts are on display for all to see – headed by African Parks, who’ve rewilded animals here for over 20 years.
Outside of game viewing, there are plenty more cultural and historical activities. Visit a tea plantation and take in stunning views of Mount Mulanje while sipping on unique artisanal brews. Then come across historic monuments and small botanical gardens in Malawi’s old colonial capital city before enjoying a peaceful island adventure, snorkelling with endemic species of cichlid fish.
Whether visiting as a family, couple or honeymooner, you’ll stay at accommodation options like Mijn Kitchen, Mkulumadzi Lodge, Huntingdon House, Kefi Hotel Café, Kuthengo Camp and Kaya Mawa. Every single one is beautifully appointed, ensuring your wildlife holiday is as relaxing as possible.
Itinerary
Day 2 | Mijn Kitchen
On arrival mid-morning, you’ll be welcomed by your knowledgeable local guide and transferred on a 30-minute journey to your first stop, Mijn Kitchen, for one night with breakfast included.
Day 3 Majete Wildlife Reserve
Head southwest with your guide and explore Majete Wildlife Reserve in search of the ‘Big Five’. Throughout the area, there are over 400 elephants – a testament to the exceptional conservation work undertaken by African Parks since becoming the new management team in 2003. Spend three nights at Mkulumadzi Lodge on the sparkling Shire River, with all meals and activities included.
Day 4 | Majete Wildlife Reserve
Wake up early in the morning and embark on a game drive, spotting a host of the resident lions, giraffes, wild dogs and birdlife. Later on in the afternoon, you’ll experience yet another game drive with lunch at the lodge. Afterwards, rest up and relax in preparation for tomorrow’s events.
Staying at
Mkulumadzi Lodge
Day 5 | Majete Wildlife Reserve
Enjoy your last day at Majete Wildlife Reserve with more wildlife activities at the lodge. Spotted hyena, bushpig, kudu, sable and porcupine also live in the park, so see if you can spot them!
Staying at
Mkulumadzi Lodge
Day 6 | Satemwa Tea Estate
Today, you’ll take a three-hour transfer to Satemwa Tea Estate for a one-night stay at the colonial Huntingdon House. The 100-year-old tea plantation is home to enriching tea walks, cycling and tea tasting activities you can experience at your own leisure. Take in the stunning views of Mount Mulanje and the Lower Shire Valley as well as immersing yourself in the area’s steeped history.
Day 7 | Zomba Plateau
Move on to Zomba Plateau, Malawi’s old colonial capital city. There are plenty of hiking, trekking and walking opportunities through the verdant forests. You can even explore the town, where you’ll come across historic monuments and small botanical gardens. Spend two nights at Kefi Hotel Café, a lovely boutique hotel offering incredible views of Mount Mulanje. Dinner and breakfast is included.
Staying at
Kefi Hotel Café
Day 8 | Zomba Plateau
Get out on a guided walk of Zomba Plateau. During the journey, you’ll encounter cascading waterfalls and spectacular views – especially if you reach the summit, a reward for your efforts.
Staying at
Kefi Hotel Café
Day 9 | Liwonde National Park
In the morning, depart for Liwonde National Park, Malawi’s wildlife conservation success story. African Parks has been re-establishing the predator population with cheetah, lion and wild dog as well as other animals such as black rhino since 2015. Now the park is thriving with diverse species. Spend three nights at Kuthengo Camp on the Shire River, with all meals and game activities included.
Day 10 | Liwonde National Park
From game drives and boat and walking safaris, there are many ways for you to explore Liwonde. Morning and afternoon activities are included; see large numbers of elephant, hippo, reedbuck, waterbuck and sable antelope along the river in addition to the 400 species of birdlife.
Staying at
Kuthengo Camp
Day 11 | Liwonde National Park
End your time in Liwonde discovering everything else you’ve missed. The 55,000 hectares are also home to crocodiles, klipspringers, leopards, roan, hartebeest and kudus among many others.
Staying at
Kuthengo Camp
Day 12 | Likoma Island
Board your flight at Lilongwe International Airport for Likoma Island. After arriving, you’ll transfer to Kaya Mawa for a four-night stay, with all meals and non-motorised water activities included. Throughout the island, you’re able to explore one of the world’s deepest freshwater lakes and snorkel with the diverse aquatic life, such as the 400 species of cichlid fish endemic to the waters.
Day 13 | Likoma Island
Whether you want to explore more of the lake with paddle boarding or kayaking, you have the entire day to yourself at leisure. Trek through the tree covered hills and walk along the white sandy beaches. Alternatively, you can get involved with the various sustainability projects at the lodge.
Staying at
Kaya Mawa Island Lodge
Day 14 | Likoma Island
There are many non-inclusive activities you can add to your experience, like the spa, water skiing, wakeboarding, diving, fishing and e-bike safaris – so you can make the most of your time here.
Staying at
Kaya Mawa Island Lodge
Day 15 | Likoma Island
Soak up the relaxed atmosphere one last time on the final day of your authentic adventure.
Staying at
Kaya Mawa Island Lodge
Day 16 | Flight Home
Transfer to Likoma Airport for your flight to Lilongwe and onward to the UK via Johannesburg.
Helen Kennedy
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
17 nights from £7,499 - £8,995 per person
Helen Kennedy
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
