On arrival at Lilongwe International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred 4-5 hours to Luwawa Forest Lodge by road. Along the way, view the breathtaking landscapes as you make your way into Viphya Mountains.
Heading north from the airport, we initially pass over the flat central plateau with its fertile farmland and small holdings. Gradually the road begins to climb and farmland turns to indigenous forest and granite mountains as we approach Luwawa. The final stretch is through miombo woodland that slowly turns to mature plantation forest as we arrive at our destination. The forested Viphya is a wonderful area for those seeking a combination of stunning scenery and solitude. It is an ideal area to unwind but there are also opportunities for trekking, mountain biking, and various other activities; and Luwawa Forest Lodge is a beautifully situated center for a wide range of these activities.
After breakfast, you will be transferred 6-7 hours to Chelinda Lodge in Nyika National Park. The first 100 kms to Mzuzu is through the heart of the Viphya Mountains and a mixture of indigenous and plantation forest. We soon arrive in Mzuzu, the bustling capital of Northern Malawi where we stretch our legs and visit the market before heading on along good, flat roads to the small settlement of Runmphi. From here the road turns to dirt and starts to climb and this fascinating drive shows constantly changing habitats as the altitude leads to different vegetation types, starting with small holder farms and savannah, slowly turning to miombo woodland and then finally entering the park at Thazima.
Nyika National Park is scenically Malawi’s most spectacular wild area. It boasts an incredible mixture of scenery and landscapes – pristine brachystegia woodland, mature mountain forest patches, crystal clear running streams and miles and miles of open rolling grassland. Being situated at a mean height of over 2,000 metres, guarantees a permanently temperate climate, which is of particular contrast to the lakeshore areas of Malawi. Activities available range from day and night game drives to guided walks and mountain biking expeditions across the plateau. Birding and fly fishing are also available.
This morning, you will be transfer 6 hours to Chintheche Inn on the northern lakeshore of Lake Malawi. We retrace our steps to Mzuzu and then take one of Malawi’s most beautiful roads to the lake at Nkhata Bay. Being the country’s highest rainfall area, the countryside is particularly lush and the steeply farmed slopes produce picturesque banana and cassava plantations mixed with patches of indigenous forest. We stop for a look at the famous port at Nkhata Bay and then head south along the lakeshore to Chintheche through rubber plantations, fishing villages, and the Kawalazi Forest Reserve, a genuine remnant patch of tropical rain forest, where we may stop for some birding.
Chintheche Inn is situated on what is acknowledged to be one of Malawi’s finest beaches. Against the backdrop of the Viphya mountains and patches of tropical rainforests, the white sandy beaches of Chintheche are broken only by small rocky outcrops and stretch for miles. Activities include a variety of mountain biking trails, water sports and village tours can be arranged. The gardens and surroundings of the Inn make for relaxed birding. Scuba diving and horse riding are also available at nearby Khande Beach.
After an early breakfast, you will connect to a 4-5 hour road transfer back to Lilongwe and your overnight stay at Latitude 13.
Transfer by road to Liwonde National Park and Mvuu Lodge.
The 580 sq km (220 sq miles) Liwonde National Park is Malawi’s prime wildlife area. The reserve encompasses the wide and scenic Shire River, as well as quiet backwaters and lagoons, marshes, open savanna and floodplain, mopane woodland and hills - habitats which support an incredible diversity of plants, animals and birdlife.
Mvuu Lodge offers boat trips and games drives both during the day and at night. Boat trips are the highlight and offer the best way to seeing the park’s elephants as well as the huge crocodiles and the night birds. Walks with qualified scouts are also offered.
After breakfast you will have a road transfer to the Monkey Bay airstrip and then you will have a light aircraft flight to Likoma island. On arrival you will be met by Kaya Mawa staff who will transfer you to the lodge by road.
Translating as “maybe tomorrow” in the local Tonga dialect, Kaya Mawa is situated in the stunning natural surroundings of beach, rock, and lake creating a lodge of distinctive character, imagination and special ambience.
Activities at Kaya Mawa over the next three days are plentiful and varied to enjoy. These include walking or biking around the island, a visit to St Peters Cathedral, swimming & snorkeling, diving (subject to prior arrangement), Waterskiing, tube riding and wake snaking, sailing safaris and kayaking. Some are subject to an additional fee.
Today depart from Likoma Island Airstrip to Lilongwe. Meet your departing flights or continue with your African Journey
