Welcome to Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa!
Blantyre → Thyolo Region
Upon arrival at Chileka International Airport (BLZ), located approximately 13 km from Blantyre, you will proceed through immigration and customs formalities before being warmly welcomed by our local team.
From the airport, depart by road towards the Thyolo region, located approximately 95 km away. The scenic journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes depending on weather and road conditions, leading through Malawi’s lush tea-growing landscapes where rolling hills are covered in vibrant green tea estates.
Nestled within the historic Satemwa Tea Estate, your home for the next nights is the elegant Huntingdon House — a charming colonial-style manor house surrounded by beautiful gardens and peaceful countryside.
Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome followed by check-in and time to settle comfortably into your room.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Guests may explore the estate on scenic walks and hikes, visit the nearby dairy farm, enjoy tea or coffee tastings, or simply relax by the swimming pool overlooking the gardens and surrounding tea plantations.
Later in the evening, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner at the lodge (included).
Meals Included: Dinner
Overnight: Huntingdon House, Thyolo Region
Why Thyolo?
Known as the heart of Malawi’s tea country, Thyolo is famous for its rolling tea estates, cooler climate and relaxed atmosphere. The region offers a peaceful introduction to Malawi, combining beautiful scenery with rich agricultural heritage and colonial history.
Exploring Malawi’s Tea Highlands
Full Day in the Thyolo Region
Spend a full day enjoying the peaceful landscapes and gentle pace of the Thyolo region on a full board basis at Huntingdon House. Surrounded by rolling tea plantations, forested hills and beautifully maintained gardens, the estate offers a wonderful introduction to Malawi’s scenic highlands.
Your stay includes accommodation, all meals and access to a variety of activities available on the estate. Guests may enjoy scenic walks and hikes through the tea plantations, mountain biking trails, visits to the nearby dairy farm, or relaxing tea and coffee tasting experiences showcasing the estate’s local produce.
For those preferring a slower pace, Huntingdon House also provides the perfect setting to simply unwind by the pool and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the estate and its surrounding gardens.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (full board)
Overnight: Huntingdon House, Thyolo Region
Into the Wilds of Liwonde National Park
Thyolo Region → Liwonde National Park
After breakfast, check out from Huntingdon House and continue by road towards Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s most rewarding safari destinations. The journey covers approximately 230 km and takes around 4–5 hours excluding stops, depending on road and weather conditions.
As you descend from the scenic Zomba Plateau, we recommend allowing some time to explore the lively Zomba Market, located approximately 2 hours from Thyolo. Dating back to pre-colonial times, the market offers a colourful and authentic glimpse into local daily life, with vendors selling fresh produce, fabrics, spices and handmade goods.
Continue your journey for approximately another 2 hours towards Liwonde National Park and the Western Boating Station, where you will board a short scheduled boat transfer along the Shire River to Mvuu Lodge. The boat transfer itself takes approximately 15–20 minutes and already offers excellent opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife along the riverbanks.
Upon arrival at the lodge, enjoy a warm welcome followed by check-in and time to settle comfortably into your room.
Later in the afternoon, head out on your first safari activity in Liwonde National Park. Guests may choose between a 4x4 game drive or a boat safari on the Shire River, famous for its large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and exceptional birdlife. The combination of river and land-based safaris makes Liwonde one of Malawi’s most diverse wildlife experiences.
Return to the lodge in time for dinner (included).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde National Park
Why Liwonde?
Set along the wildlife-rich Shire River, Liwonde National Park combines beautiful river scenery with excellent game viewing both on land and water. Renowned for its hippos, elephants and birdlife, the park offers one of Malawi’s most scenic safari experiences.
Safari Experiences Along the Shire River
Full Days in Liwonde National Park
Spend the next two full days exploring the rich wildlife and river landscapes of Liwonde National Park while staying on a full board basis at Mvuu Lodge. Your stay includes accommodation, all meals, laundry service and a selection of safari activities.
During your time in the park, enjoy a combination of 4x4 game drives and boat safaris along the Shire River, offering two very different perspectives of this remarkable ecosystem. The river is home to one of Africa’s largest concentrations of hippos, while elephants, crocodiles, antelope species and abundant birdlife are regularly spotted throughout the park.
Morning and afternoon safari activities provide excellent opportunities to experience the bush at different times of day, from the soft morning light to spectacular sunsets over the river. For those seeking a more immersive experience, guided walking safaris can also be arranged on request at an additional cost.
Between activities, enjoy time to relax at the lodge overlooking the Shire River and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the park.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (full board)
Overnight: Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde National Park
From the Shire River to Malawi’s Highlands
Liwonde National Park → Dedza
After an early morning tea or coffee with light snacks, head out on one final sunrise 4x4 safari game drive in Liwonde National Park, when wildlife is often most active and the soft morning light creates beautiful safari scenery.
Return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out and taking the short boat transfer back to the Liwonde National Park Western Boating Station.
From there, continue by road towards the scenic highlands of Dedza, a charming region known for its rolling hills, cooler climate, traditional villages and artistic heritage. The journey covers approximately 280 km and takes around 5–6 hours depending on road conditions. Packed lunch boxes can be provided or, alternatively, a stop can be arranged en route for a leisurely meal.
Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome at Dedza Pottery Lodge, a cosy and characterful property set within peaceful gardens beside the famous pottery workshops. Known for its rustic charm, fireplaces and excellent local cuisine, the lodge offers a relaxed and authentic highland atmosphere.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the lodge. Guests may stroll through the gardens, visit the pottery workshop and gallery, or simply relax and take in the cooler mountain air.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Dedza Pottery Lodge, Dedza
Why Dedza?
Located in Malawi’s scenic highlands, Dedza is known for its cooler temperatures, mountain landscapes and rich artisan traditions. The region offers a peaceful contrast to the safari experience and provides a glimpse into Malawi’s rural culture and creative heritage.
Exploring the Highlands of Dedza
Full Day in Dedza
Spend a relaxed day discovering the scenic highlands and cultural heritage of Dedza, a region known for its cool mountain air, rolling hills, forests and traditional village life. Offering a slower pace and authentic atmosphere, Dedza provides a very different perspective of Malawi beyond its safari regions.
A variety of optional activities can be arranged from the lodge. Guests may enjoy a hands-on pottery workshop at the famous Dedza Pottery, visit the colourful local market and nearby villages for an insight into everyday life, or explore the surrounding mountain landscapes on guided walks and scenic hikes.
For those preferring a quieter day, Dedza Pottery Lodge offers a peaceful setting to simply relax and enjoy its gardens, cosy atmosphere and excellent homemade cuisine.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Dedza Pottery Lodge, Dedza
Why Dedza?
Dedza is one of Malawi’s most scenic highland regions, known for its pottery traditions, mountain landscapes and rural charm. The combination of local culture, cooler climate and peaceful surroundings makes it a unique and refreshing stop within the journey.
Into the Wild Highlands of Nyika National Park
Dedza → Lilongwe → Nyika National Park
After breakfast, check out from Dedza Pottery Lodge and depart by road towards Lilongwe International Airport, located approximately 95 km away. The drive takes around 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, passing through rolling highland scenery, cultivated farmlands and traditional villages that offer a final glimpse into everyday life in central Malawi. Packed lunch boxes can be provided or, alternatively, a stop can be arranged en route.
Upon arrival at Lilongwe International Airport, connect with your scheduled charter flight to the remote and spectacular Nyika National Park in the northern part of the country. The flight covers approximately 430–450 km and takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, offering breathtaking aerial views over Malawi’s dramatic landscapes, rolling hills, lakes and vast wilderness areas.
Nyika National Park is Malawi’s largest and most unique national park, famous for its open montane grasslands, pine forests, wildflowers and sweeping horizons, often compared to the Scottish Highlands. The park is home to large herds of antelope, zebra, bushbuck and abundant birdlife, while leopard and hyena also roam the plateau.
Upon arrival at Chelinda Airstrip, you will be met and transferred by 4x4 vehicle to Chelinda Camp, approximately 30–40 minutes away depending on wildlife sightings en route.
Arrival at camp, warm welcome and time to settle comfortably into your room before heading out on your first game drive in Nyika National Park as the afternoon light settles over the plateau.
Return to camp in time for dinner (included).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Chelinda Camp, Nyika National Park
Why Nyika?
Nyika National Park offers one of Africa’s most distinctive safari landscapes. Vast open plateaus, rolling grasslands and cool mountain air create a wilderness experience unlike anywhere else in Malawi, combining scenic beauty with excellent walking, wildlife viewing and a true sense of remoteness.
Exploring the Wilderness of Nyika Plateau
Full Days in Nyika National Park
Spend the next two full days discovering the remarkable landscapes and wildlife of Nyika National Park while staying on a full board basis at Chelinda Camp.
Nyika National Park is Malawi’s largest and most unique national park, famous for its open montane grasslands, pine forests, wildflowers and sweeping horizons, often compared to the Scottish Highlands. The park is home to large herds of antelope, zebra, bushbuck and abundant birdlife, while leopard and hyena also roam the plateau.
During your stay, enjoy a variety of safari activities exploring this very different and scenic ecosystem. Activities may include 4x4 game drives across the rolling plains, guided nature walks, birdwatching excursions and scenic sundowner outings. Horse riding safaris can also be arranged in certain areas of the park, offering a unique perspective of Nyika’s vast landscapes and wildlife.
Between activities, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Chelinda Camp, surrounded by forests and open grasslands where wildlife is often spotted close to camp itself.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (full board)
Overnight: Chelinda Camp, Nyika National Park
From Nyika’s Highlands to the Shores of Lake Malawi
Nyika National Park → Likoma Island
After breakfast, check out from Chelinda Camp and depart by 4x4 vehicle towards Chelinda Airstrip for your scheduled charter flight to the idyllic Likoma Island on Lake Malawi.
The charter flight from Chelinda Airstrip to Likoma Island covers approximately 450–500 km and takes around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on routing and weather conditions. The journey itself is spectacular, flying over the dramatic highlands of northern Malawi before revealing the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Malawi stretching endlessly below. As you approach Likoma Island, tiny fishing villages, sandy coves and crystal-clear waters create a truly memorable arrival.
Upon arrival at Likoma Airstrip, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Kaya Mawa Lodge, located on the southwestern shores of the island. The transfer covers approximately 14 km and takes around 25–30 minutes by road through local villages and scenic island landscapes.
Upon arrival at the lodge, enjoy a warm welcome followed by check-in and a delicious lunch. After lunch, settle comfortably into your room and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the island.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Guests may relax on the beach, enjoy the lodge’s facilities, or explore the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi through activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding or snorkelling.
Dinner included at the lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kaya Mawa Lodge, Likoma Island
Why Likoma Island?
Set within the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi, Likoma Island combines tropical scenery, local culture and complete tranquillity. Far removed from the pace of everyday life, it offers the perfect setting to slow down and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of island living.
Island Life on Lake Malawi
Full Days on Likoma Island
Spend the next days enjoying the tropical beauty and relaxed atmosphere of Likoma Island, one of the hidden gems of Lake Malawi. Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and dotted with sandy beaches, rocky coves and traditional fishing villages, the island offers a unique blend of relaxation, culture and lake-based adventure.
Lake Malawi, often referred to as the “Lake of Stars,” is renowned for its calm warm waters and extraordinary diversity of colourful cichlid fish, making it one of the best freshwater snorkelling and diving destinations in Africa.
Your stay at Kaya Mawa Lodge provides the perfect setting to unwind while enjoying the natural beauty of the island. Beautifully integrated into the rocky shoreline, the lodge combines comfort, warm hospitality and spectacular lake views in a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.
A wide range of activities can be enjoyed during your stay. Guests may relax on the beach or by the water, enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling excursions, or explore the island by bicycle and guided village walks. Boat excursions, sunset cruises, freshwater diving and fishing trips can also be arranged. For those simply wishing to slow down, the lodge’s spa and tranquil lakefront setting provide the ideal place to relax and recharge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kaya Mawa Lodge, Likoma Island
Back to Malawi’s Capital
Likoma Island → Lilongwe
After breakfast, check out from Kaya Mawa Lodge and transfer to Likoma Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Lilongwe.
The flight covers approximately 350 km and takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on routing and weather conditions. Enjoy one final spectacular journey over the turquoise waters of Lake Malawi before crossing the rolling landscapes and rural countryside of central Malawi towards the capital city.
Upon arrival in Lilongwe, you will be met and transferred to Kumbali Country Lodge, located approximately 25–30 km from Lilongwe International Airport. The drive takes around 40–50 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Lilongwe, Malawi’s relaxed and leafy capital city, combines open green spaces, local markets and a gentle pace of life. Set just outside the city amidst tranquil gardens and farmland, Kumbali Country Lodge offers a peaceful final stop of the journey with warm hospitality and a charming countryside atmosphere.
The remainder of the day is at leisure. Guests may simply relax at the lodge, or optionally head into Lilongwe to discover some of the city’s restaurants, cafés and local craft markets.
Dinner can be enjoyed either at the lodge or optionally at one of Lilongwe’s restaurants.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Kumbali Country Lodge, Lilongwe
Farewell to Malawi
Lilongwe → International Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Kumbali Country Lodge before checking out.
At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) for your onward international flight home. The journey covers approximately 25–30 km and takes around 40–50 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
As you make your way through the gentle countryside surrounding Lilongwe, take a final moment to reflect on the many contrasts of your Malawi journey — from tea plantations and wildlife-rich national parks to mountain landscapes and the turquoise waters of Lake Malawi.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: — (In transit / international flight)
Why End in Lilongwe?
Lilongwe provides a smooth and comfortable gateway for international departures, offering easy access between Malawi’s remote wilderness areas and onward travel connections home.
