Combine Malawi's fascinating Majete Wildlife Reserve, where black rhino are thriving again after an intense conservation effort, and Liwonde National Park, Malawi’s premier wildlife destination, with some relaxation time on the beautiful sandy beaches of Lake Malawi.
Malawi has a lot to offer wildlife lovers, from the spectacular Liwonde National Park, the country’s foremost wildlife attraction, to the now thriving Majete Wildlife Reserve which is one of the country's largest protected areas and a fantastic wildlife success story.
Our 'Best of Malawi' itinerary culminates with some time at the beaches of Lake Malawi: the ‘Lake of Stars’ is an ideal spot to enjoy some restorative relaxation. The crystal clear waters are edged with mile upon mile of golden sand beaches, and are home to 2000 species of fish, mainly endemic.
All three locations also offer an abundance of bird species to keep avid birders fully occupied.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart UK
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Days 2-4
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Arrive Blantyre, fly to Nchalo & transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve; vehicle, boat & walking safaris
On arrival at Blantyre International Airport you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your camp in Majete Wildlife Reserve, a drive of approximately one hour through colourful local villages and bush. Depending on your arrival time there should be time to enjoy lunch looking out over the Shire River and an afternoon and night wildlife safari.
Accommodation: Mkulumadzi Lodge, 3-nights
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Days 5-7
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Drive to Liwonde; vehicle, boat & walking safaris
After breakfast you will be transferred to Liwonde by road, a journey of around two to three hours.
Day and night wildlife safaris at Liwonde are conducted in open four-wheel-drive vehicles offer the best chance of spotting leopard, lion, elephant and sable. However, one of the highlights here are the superb river cruises in specially-constructed boats which take you out in the heat of the day, when the animals emerge to drink; these allow you to get close to hippos, crocodiles and the wonderful birdlife. There are also exciting night trips to find civet, large spotted genet, large grey mongoose, white-backed night heron and Pel's fishing owl. A well-positioned hide overlooks the river, and with special permission you can visit the park’s new Rhino Sanctuary, which also contains Liechtenstein's hartebeest and buffalo.
Accommodation: Kuthengo Camp, 3 nights
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Days 8-11
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Transfer to Lake Malawi
Today you will transfer to Pumulani on Lake Malawi, normally by road, but occasionally part way by boat if the roads are wet. The 100-kilometre drive takes two to three hours, first skirting the shores of Lake Malombe where most of the year you can see the fish-drying racks that dot the villages along the lake's edge. Further north there is an option to stop at the old colonial naval port of Mangochi to visit the rundown yet eccentric little museum.
Accommodation: Pumulani Lodge, 4-nights
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Day 12:
Light aircraft to Lilongwe & depart
Transfer back to Monkey Bay where you will take a light aircraft to Lilongwe, and onward overnight flight connections back to the UK.
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Day 13:
Arrive UK
Please note: We can also tailor an itinerary to suit your needs and include other wildlife destinations in Malawi or further afield. Contact our experts to create your perfect itinerary.
