Sample Best of Southern Malawi

Days 1 - 3: Majete Wildlife Reserve

Transfer from Blantyre to Majete Wildlife Reserve, Mkulumadzi Lodge, Full Board & Game Activities

On arrival at Blantyre in Malawi, you are met and transferred by road to Majete Wildlife Reserve, about 70km south-west from Blantyre. You arrive in time to settle before enjoying afternoon tea and the afternoon/night game drive. Stay 3 nights on safari here enjoying game drives, bush walks and even scenic hikes to beautiful spots within the reserve.

The Majete Wildlife Reserve is a vast region of mature woodland and granite hills, picturesque river valleys and dense forest. It is home to the elusive black rhino, along with elephant, buffalo, nyala, sable, eland and hartebeest. Mkulumadzi Lodge is situated in the north of Majete at the confluence of the Mkulumadzi and Shire rivers within a 7,000 ha private concession. A stay in Majete offers you a great opportunity to explore this hitherto unvisited area which has just seen the release of more lions into the reserve.

Days 4 - 5: Thyolo

Drive to Satemwe Tea Estate, Huntingdon House, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast 

After a final morning game drive or bush walk, you are transferred by road to the lovely countryside of the Satemwe Fair Trade Tea Estate in Southern Malawi.

Satemwe Tea Estate was founded in 1923 by Maclean Kay who moved to Malawi to establish a small area of land to grow tea. Nearly one hundred years later the estate remains within the same family and the original tea fields are still flourishing! A stay at Satemwe offers you a true insight into a working tea estate where tea is picked by hand and the estate tracks wind up and down through acres of wonderfully smelling tea fields.

For the more adventurous, the walk through the tea fields up to Thyolo Mountain offer stunning views over the Lower Shire Valley and a tour of the working tea factory or a visit to a local paper recycling project can also be arranged.

Day 6: Zomba

Drive to Zomba Plateau, Ku Chawe Inn or Kefi Hotel, Bed & Breakfast 

This morning you are transferred by road to the Zomba Plateau to stay for 1-2 nights at Sunbird Ku Chawe inn

Enjoy a range of optional walking trails. 

Note - this stay can be excluded if you are not particularly interested in walking. 

Day 7: Liwonde National Park

Road tranfer to Liwonde National Park, 3 nights Kuthengo Lodge, Fully Inclusive incl two game activities per day

This morning you are transferred by road to Liwonde for 3 nights on safari. Arriving by river boat with a 40 minute cruise up the Shire River is the best way to see the beauty of Liwonde.

Activities and Services

Road transfer to Liwonde

Days 8 - 9: Liwonde National Park

On safari in Liwonde

Head out into the park as the sun is rising and witness the park come to life with over 250 bird species, a healthy population of antelope and an estimated elephant count at over 1,000.

The Liwonde National Park is a marvellous game reserve, lush and wild with the best game viewing in Malawi. It offers vintage safaris with a lush diversity of habitats. With one of the highest populations of hippo in Africa and a river bank heavy with sun bathing crocodiles, the wide and scenic Shire river is a life source for the park’s animals. The river, as well as the surrounding floodplains, quiet lagoons, mopane woodland and open grassland, are home to crocodile, hippo, lion, leopard, elephant, sable antelope and much other game.

After a relaxing siesta enjoy an afternoon drive and sun downers on the banks of The Shire River. End the day back at the lodge with a delicious home cooked meal and a night spent under canvas with the sounds of the bush close by.

Activities and Services

Day 10: Cape Maclear

Transfer by road to Lake Malawi, Pumulani Lodge, Fully Inclusive

After a final game activity, you are transferred first across the Shire River to the northern gate and then by road (2½ hours) to Lake Malawi.

Lake Malawi is the stellar attraction of Malawi, enriching every aspect of its life. The lakeshore comprises miles of pristine sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and islands, with the call of the African fish eagle ever present. Small lodges are dotted along the shore line interspersed with picturesque fishing villages blending into the natural vegetation. Everywhere people smile and seem delighted to see you.

Over 500 species of fish occur in Lake Malawi, including the colourful endemic cichlids that are easily spotted when snorkelling. Other watery holiday activities on Lake Malawi include scuba diving, canoeing, sailing and just chilling out by the lapping waters.

Activities and Services

Road transfer to Lake Malawi

Days 11 - 13: Cape Maclear

Relaxing at Lake Malawi

Many guests choose to make relaxation their main activity at Pumulani Lodge, but for those seeking activity there is plenty on offer including snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, water-skiing, wake boarding and fun tube rides (all motorized activities are at an additional cost). At the end of the day climb aboard their dhow sailing boat for a sunset cruise.

Special diving courses at the best diving spots near one of the islands are on offer. For those who are interested in the real Malawian village life they offer guided walks through one of the local villages. Malawians are renowned for being amongst the friendliest people in Africa and during your stay you will have the opportunity to meet them.

Sunset Rocks Jetty

Activities and Services

Day 14: End of Itinerary

Return to Lilongwe by road

This morning you are transferred by road back to Lilongwe airport for your onward flight arrangements. We can also arrange an air transfer (at additional cost) if you prefer.

Activities and Services

Road transfer to Lilongwe Airport

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