Welcome to Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa!
Blantyre → Majete Wildlife Reserve
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 Majete Wildlife Reserve, one of Malawi’s greatest conservation success stories and the country’s premier Big Five reserve. The scenic journey covers approximately 120 km and takes around 2 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions. Along the way, enjoy views of rural villages, farmlands, rolling hills and glimpses into everyday Malawian life.
Upon arrival at Thawale Lodge, settle comfortably into your room and take a moment to relax in the peaceful surroundings of the reserve. Nestled beneath giant trees overlooking a busy waterhole, the lodge offers an authentic safari atmosphere and an ideal introduction to Malawi’s wilderness.
Later in the afternoon, meet your experienced safari guide and head out on your first 4x4 game drive in Majete Wildlife Reserve. Home to elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelope species and an increasing population of predators including lion and leopard, Majete offers excellent wildlife viewing in beautiful and uncrowded surroundings.
As the sun begins to set, watch the African sky transform into spectacular shades of gold, amber and deep red — a magical first safari experience.
Return to the lodge in the evening for a delicious three-course dinner (included).
Meals Included: Dinner
Overnight: Thawale Lodge, Majete Wildlife Reserve or similar
Why Majete?
Once depleted by poaching, Majete has become one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories. Today, the reserve thrives with abundant wildlife and offers an intimate safari experience far from the crowds, set within beautiful riverine landscapes and rugged hills.
Discovering Majete Wildlife Reserve
Spend the next two full days immersed in the wilderness of Majete Wildlife Reserve on a full board basis at Thawale Lodge. Your stay includes accommodation, all meals and two safari activities per day.
Morning and afternoon 4x4 game drives allow you to explore the reserve’s diverse habitats, from riverine forests and open savannahs to rugged hills and waterways. Majete is home to the Big Five as well as an impressive variety of wildlife including giraffe, zebra, antelope species, hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly rewarding moments to experience the bush at its most active and atmospheric.
For those wishing to discover another side of Malawi, optional visits to nearby local communities can also be arranged (additional cost), offering insight into rural life and the warm hospitality for which the country is so well known.
Between safari activities, enjoy time to relax at the lodge overlooking the active waterhole, where wildlife is often seen coming to drink throughout the day.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (full board)
Overnight: Thawale Lodge, Majete Wildlife Reserve - or similar
From Safari Wilderness to Malawi’s Tea Highlands
Majete Wildlife Reserve → Thyolo Region
Take advantage of the cooler early morning hours with one final safari activity in Majete Wildlife Reserve, when wildlife is often at its most active and the soft golden light creates beautiful safari scenery and photography opportunities.
Return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out and continuing by private road transfer towards the picturesque Thyolo region, located approximately 120 km away. The journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes depending on weather and road conditions.
As you travel south, the scenery gradually transforms into rolling green hills covered by endless tea plantations, creating some of Malawi’s most beautiful landscapes. Nestled within the famous Satemwa Tea Estate, your next stop is the elegant Huntingdon House — a charming colonial-style manor house known for its history, warm hospitality and peaceful atmosphere.
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 to enjoy the estate and its surroundings. Guests may explore the beautiful grounds, enjoy scenic walks and hikes through the tea plantations, visit the nearby dairy farm, or simply relax by the swimming pool with a tea or coffee tasting experience.
Later in the evening, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner at the lodge (included).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Huntingdon House, Thyolo Region or similar
Why Thyolo?
The Thyolo region is famous for its lush tea estates, cooler climate and timeless colonial charm. Surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful scenery, it offers a peaceful contrast to Malawi’s safari regions and a unique glimpse into one of the country’s oldest tea-growing areas.
Exploring Malawi’s Tea Country
Spend a full day enjoying the peaceful beauty 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, this charming estate offers a perfect opportunity to slow down and experience another side of Malawi.
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 provides a wonderfully tranquil setting to simply unwind by the pool, enjoy the gardens and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the estate.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (full board)
Overnight: Huntingdon House, Thyolo Region or similar
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 celebrated 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 stopping 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 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 boat transfer along the Shire River to your camp. The river journey itself offers a wonderful introduction to the park’s wildlife and landscapes.
Upon arrival at the lodge, enjoy a warm welcome followed by check-in and a delicious lunch served at camp.
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 rewarding wildlife experiences.
Return to the lodge in time for dinner (included).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mvuu Camp / Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde National Park or similar
Why Liwonde?
Set along the wildlife-rich Shire River, Liwonde National Park combines beautiful riverine 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 diverse and scenic safari experiences.
A good-quality torch or headlamp is always worth keeping close!
Safari Experiences Along the Shire River
Full Days in Liwonde National Park
Spend the next two full days exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Liwonde National Park while staying on a full board basis at Mvuu Camp / 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 exciting 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 along the banks and floodplains.
Morning and afternoon safari activities provide excellent opportunities to experience the park at different times of day, from the soft light of sunrise to spectacular sunsets over the river. For those seeking a more immersive bush experience, guided walking safaris can also be arranged on request at an additional cost.
Between activities, enjoy time to relax at camp and soak in the peaceful surroundings overlooking the Shire River.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (full board)
Overnight: Mvuu Camp / Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde National Park or similar
4x4 Game Drive
Boat Safari
Waterhole Game Viewing
Walking Safari
From Safari Bush to the Shores of Lake Malawi
Liwonde National Park → Nankoma Island, Lake Malawi
After an early morning tea or coffee with light snacks, set off on one final sunrise 4x4 safari game drive in Liwonde National Park, a wonderful opportunity to experience the bush awakening as wildlife becomes active in the cooler morning hours.
Return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out and taking the short boat transfer back to the Liwonde National Park Western Boating Station.
There, you will meet your local representative for the road transfer to Senga Bay on the shores of Lake Malawi. The journey covers approximately 280 km and takes around 4–5 hours depending on weather and road conditions. Packed lunch can be provided or a stop arranged en route for a leisurely meal.
Upon arrival at Senga Bay, continue by speedboat for an exciting 30-minute crossing over the sparkling waters of Lake Malawi, often referred to as the “Lake of Stars,” towards the idyllic Blue Zebra Island Lodge located on Nankoma Island.
A warm welcome awaits upon arrival at the lodge, followed by check-in and time to settle comfortably into your room.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the lodge’s beautiful island setting. Guests may unwind on the beach, enjoy kayaking or snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the lake.
Dinner included at the lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Blue Zebra Island Lodge, Nankoma Island or similar
Why Lake Malawi?
Lake Malawi is one of Africa’s most beautiful freshwater lakes, famous for its crystal-clear waters, colourful fish species and laid-back atmosphere. Combining tropical scenery, island life and warm hospitality, it offers the perfect contrast to Malawi’s safari experiences.
Island Life on Lake Malawi
Spend the next two full days relaxing and enjoying the tropical beauty of Lake Malawi while staying on an all-inclusive basis at Blue Zebra Island Lodge. Your stay includes accommodation, all meals, a selection of drinks, laundry service and a variety of included activities.
Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoiled island scenery, Nankoma Island offers the perfect setting to unwind after your safari adventure. Guests may enjoy a range of non-motorised water activities including snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and fishing, or simply relax on the beach soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the lake.
Additional included experiences such as dhow cruises, guided nature walks and village visits provide wonderful opportunities to discover both the natural beauty and local culture of the Lake Malawi region. Renowned for its colourful cichlid fish and calm warm waters, Lake Malawi is considered one of the finest freshwater snorkelling destinations in the world.
Between activities, enjoy time to relax at the lodge, take in the beautiful lake views and experience the warm hospitality for which Malawi is so well known.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, selected drinks (all inclusive)
Overnight: Blue Zebra Island Lodge, Nankoma Island or similar
From Lake Malawi to Lilongwe
Nankoma Island → Lilongwe
After breakfast, check out from Blue Zebra Island Lodge and depart by boat from Nankoma Island back to Senga Bay. The crossing takes approximately 30 minutes and offers one final opportunity to enjoy the sparkling waters and beautiful scenery of Lake Malawi.
Upon arrival at Senga Bay, your driver and vehicle will be waiting for the road transfer to Lilongwe, Malawi’s relaxed and leafy capital city. The journey covers approximately 125 km and takes around 2.5–3 hours depending on road and traffic conditions. Along the way, enjoy views of rural villages, roadside markets, open countryside and everyday Malawian life. Packed lunch boxes can be arranged or, alternatively, a stop can be made en route for a leisurely lunch.
Upon arrival in Lilongwe, check in at Kumbali Country Lodge, a peaceful countryside retreat located just outside the city centre. Surrounded by gardens and farmland, the lodge offers a calm and comfortable setting for your final night in Malawi.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Guests may simply relax at the lodge, enjoy the swimming pool and surrounding nature, or optionally explore some of Lilongwe’s attractions including local craft markets, cafés, wildlife centre or cultural sites.
Dinner is included at Kumbali Lodge. Alternatively, for guests wishing to experience Lilongwe’s dining scene, an optional dinner outing in the city can also be arranged.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Kumbali Country Lodge, Lilongwe or similar
Why Lilongwe?
Lilongwe combines the relaxed atmosphere of a small African capital with green open spaces, lively local markets and warm hospitality. It provides connections to international flights and a gentle and comfortable conclusion to a journey through Malawi’s diverse landscapes and experiences.
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 Lilongwe’s Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) for your onward international flight home. The journey covers approximately 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 wildlife-rich national parks and rolling tea estates to remote islands and the warm smiles encountered along the way.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: — (In transit / international flight)
Why End in Lilongwe?
Malawi’s relaxed capital provides a smooth and comfortable gateway for international departures, offering an easy transition between the country’s remote wilderness areas and onward travel connections home.
