An extraordinary Malawi & Zambia Safari offering a memorable mix of authentic cultural and wildlife adventures at an excellent price.
Explore off-the-beaten-track African wildlife parks on open 4x4 game drives, including the wild South Luangwa National Park of Zambia and Game Haven in the Shire Highlands of Malawi. Enjoy laid-back beach days on the shores of Lake Malawi at Cape Maclear, the cultural intrigues of Mua Mission, the scenic Zomba Plateau and mountains, and a boat safari in Liwonde National Park. Also, head into the serene Dzalanyama Forest Reserve and visit the local community to experience rural Malawian life.
This unusual small-group Malawi and Zambia Safari takes you on an authentic journey through truly wild Africa.
This small-group Malawi & Zambia Safari begins in the city of Blantyre, the economic capital of Malawi. When you arrive at the Chileka International Airport in Blantyre your guide will welcome you to The Warm Heart of Africa, as Malawi is fondly called.
From the airport, your guide will drive you to our first safari lodge, just south of Blantyre in the Shire Highlands. The Game Haven Lodge is set within Chimwenya Private Game Park in the Thyolo District. The private game reserve protects indigenous forests and grasslands that host plains game. Animals you may see include kudu, blue wildebeest, eland, waterbuck, sable, giraffe, zebra and jackal. The reserve also boasts prolific birdlife.
Settle in at the peaceful lodge surrounded by pretty gardens and dip in the swimming pool with cascading waterfalls. This evening, you will meet your safari crew and fellow travellers for a tour briefing about your upcoming African safari. After the get-together, a hearty dinner is served at the lodge. Relax and enjoy the lodge's warm hospitality before retiring to your comfortable en-suite room.
On day 2 of our Malawi & Zambia Safari, we have breakfast at the lodge in Chimwenya and explore the scenic Thyolo area.
This morning we visit one of the renowned tea estates near Mulanje Mountain. On your guided walking tour of the tea plantation, you'll see how the various teas are grown and produced and perhaps taste some local teas.
and walk up to a beautiful picnic spot on the slopes of Thyolo Mountain, taking in the sweeping views of the estate and surrounding Lower Shire Valley. Keep an eye out for the rare and endemic Thyolo Alethe and other birds in the forest.
Then we have lunch in Mulanje Town before returning to Game Haven Lodge. This afternoon is free for you to unwind at the lodge, or embark on optional activities such as game drives, guided game walks, fishing, golfing and mountain biking. Or simply enjoy the gardens and swim in the pool.
Top the day off with a sundowner in the Victorian-style bar beside Lake Bvumbwe. Tonight we tuck into a delicious dinner at the lodge after a laid-back day in Malawi's Shire Valley region.
After breakfast at the lodge, our Malawi & Zambia Safari leaves the Thyolo District taking us on a leisurely drive to Zomba Town.
Zomba is the former capital of Malawi, with some interesting monuments and old colonial buildings. We visit the local museum and monument before popping in at the market. Then we break for lunch in one of the small cafes of Zomba. From Zomba town, at the base of the Zomba Plateau, we drive up the escarpment into the cool mountains.
Early this afternoon we arrive at our next overnight lodge, on Zomba Mountain. Make yourself at home and enjoy the views over the valley. There are several walking trails in the area, so if time allows you can set off on a walk before dinner, or early the next morning. This evening you can relax at the bar or rest in your en-suite room with air-conditioning and a cosy fireplace for extra comfort.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A leisurely start to day 4 of our Malawi & Zambia Safari leaves time for a walk or a lie-in. Explore Zomba Mountain on one of the walking trails and enjoy a lazy breakfast at the lodge.
Next, we drive north to Liwonde. If time allows we can visit the rock formations of Malape Pillars en route. Our next lodge is in Liwonde, just outside Liwonde National Park. Settle in at the lodge and enjoy a sundowners beside the Shire River, before dinner in the lodge's restaurant.
Today we embark on a boat cruise up the Shire River in Liwonde National Park. One of Malawi's most popular game parks, Liwonde is home to the Big 5 of Africa.
Our boat safari lasts about 6 hours, taking us through Liwonde National Park. The Shire River attracts abundant animals and birds, so the boat-based game viewing is excellent here. Look out for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, various antelopes, and other wildlife. Our leisurely boat safari in Liwonde is followed by lunch at the boat station along the river.
We enjoy lunch on the boat and make our way back to the lodge in Liwonde this afternoon for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Next, our Malawi & Zambia Safari travels to idyllic Cape Maclear at Lake Malawi. After breakfast in Liwonde, we drive to our lodge on the lakeshore, arriving in time for lunch.
Kick off your shoes and walk along the sandy shores from your chalet overlooking Lake Malawi. Take a swim and make plans for the next two days at the lake. Your guide can tell you more about the activities available and help you book. Options include visiting local fishing villages, hiking in the area, walking along the lakeshore, snorkelling, boat trips, fishing and more.
End your day off with sundowners on your chalet's patio and a laid-back evening at the lodge.
The next two days of our Zambia & Malawi Safari are set aside for fun in the sun at Lake Malawi. Spend your days exploring the waters, shores, and villages of Lake Malawi.
This time is free for you to relax and do optional activities of your choice. The lodge is set right on the lakeshore within easy walking distance of the local village, making it easy to explore on foot. Non-motorized activities, such as snorkelling and kayaking, are included in your tour price, whilst motorized sports, like water skiing, are offered at extra cost. Take a walk in the village or hike in the surrounding mountains, visit a local pub and see the historical sites. Out in or on the water optional activities include scuba diving, boat cruises, snorkelling, kayaking, and simply swimming.
Breakfasts and dinners at the lodge are included in your safari and lunches are for your own account. There are various lunch options at other lodges, restaurants and in the village, or you can order lunch at the lodge (own expense).
On day 7 or 8 a sunset cruise in a catamaran is included in your tour, to celebrate your stay at Lake Malawi.
On day 9 of our Malawi & Zambia Safari we say goodbye to lovely Lake Malawi and travel to the Mua Mission. It takes about three hours to drive to Mua Mission in Central Malawi. Mua hosts the KuNgoni Centre of Culture & Art, including the Chamare Museum, Carving Centre, and Research and Library Centre. We arrive at this important heritage site, known as the cultural epicentre of Malawi, in time for lunch. Then we are treated to an enriching afternoon of Malawian culture.
We visit the museum to find out more about the Chewa, Ngoni, and Yao cultures and traditions, their interactions with one another, and their encounters with Christianity and Islam. The museum houses a unique display of Gule Wamkulu masks, texts, and images. We also visit the craft workshop where Mua Mission's famous wood carvings are made. Mua is home to a thriving local community including the arts and crafts centre where students learn to make some of the finest wood carvings in Malawi.
Next, you can opt for a cultural dancing experience at the mission (at extra cost) before heading to our chalets to freshen up for dinner. Enjoy a wholesome dinner in the centrally located restaurant where you can mingle with other guests or find a quiet spot to admire the leafy gardens. At the end of a culturally rich day in Malawi retreat to your en-suite chalet on the hillside overlooking a stream and the lush gardens.
Today we journey up the Great Rift Valley escarpment to the central plateau of Malawi. En route, we either stop to visit Dedza Pottery where local artists and craftsmen can be seen at work, or we take a short hike to rock paintings in the Dedza mountains, if time allows. Along the way, we'll enjoy a light lunch, at Dedza or in Lilongwe. Then we drive up to our lodge in Dzalanyama Forest where we have an afternoon tea.
Stretch your legs on a walk in the forest or relax in your en-suite chalet or room. With an array of walking trails in the forest, you can choose one that suits your fitness levels. Alternatively, hang out at the lodge in the forest, watching the birds and reading a book on the shady verandah. Settle down in front of the fireplace in winter or sit outside on the deck on warm evenings.
On day 11 of our Malawi & Zambia Safari, we visit a local community outside the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve. A visit to the Kachere Village offers an unstaged cultural experience, a great way to see how Malawians live in this rural area. You can stroll through the village and meet the locals as they go about their daily lives. The village visit is not an orchestrated performance. It is a genuine cultural experience that enables you to meet Malawian people, renowned for their friendliness. You can visit the school, the bamboo project or the orphanage and see how the local alcohol Kachasu is brewed.
At the end of our exciting day in the village, we return to our tranquil lodge in the forest for sundowners on the deck overlooking the stream. In the evening dinner is served in the dining area of the solar-powered lodge.
Wake up to the beauty of Dzalanyama Forest and explore the forest on an early morning walk or head straight for a tasty breakfast. Then we drive about two hours to the Malawi-Zambia border where we complete border formalities and cross into Zambia. Your Zambian safari crew meets you at the border and takes over from there.
Once in Zambia, we drive through Chipata and pause for a picnic lunch before proceeding to South Luangwa National Park in the Great Rift Valley.
The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to unwind at our safari lodge next to the Luangwa River. Take a swim in the pool and settle into your riverside chalet, keeping an eye out for animals and birds along the river. Head to the bar for drinks before dinner is served in the spacious dining area of the intimate lodge. At the end of a long day on the road, fall asleep in your comfortable en-suite chalet with its own riverside veranda.
Please note that new travellers may join your Malawi & Zambia Safari today as we cross into Zambia for the next leg of our trip.
The next two days of our Malawi & Zambia Safari are dedicated to exploring South Luangwa National Park on thrilling game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles.
Our days begin with a light breakfast before embarking on the early morning game drive. Morning game drives start early, as this is when the animals are on the move, drinking from waterholes and feeding before the heat of the day spurs them to seek shade. We take drinks and snacks with us, to keep us going until we return to camp at around 11:00 for a delectable brunch. After brunch, you can relax at the safari camp, take a snooze or swim in the pool.
Then we have afternoon tea at the lodge before setting off on our late afternoon to evening game drive at around 16:00. We find a suitable spot to watch the sunset and have sundowners. Then we search for leopards, owls, hyenas, and other nocturnal creatures, returning to the safari lodge at around 20:00 for dinner. Our vehicle is equipped with a powerful spotlight to search for nocturnal animals on our way back to the lodge.
South Luangwa National Park is known as one of the best wildlife parks in the world and for good reason. The Luangwa River is the lifeblood of the park and provides water for over 60 animal species and 400 different bird species. Our game drives are hosted by knowledgeable guides, which enhances your safari experience as they impart their extensive knowledge and experiences. The landscape in the park changes with the seasons - dry, dusty bushveld in winter and a lush green paradise in summer.
During your time in South Luangwa National Park, you can also take an optional (extra cost) walking safari in season, instead of one of the included game drives.
On day 15 of our Malawi & Zambia Safari, we have breakfast at the lodge overlooking the Luangwa River. Then it is time to pack up and say goodbye to the wild beauty of South Luangwa Valley.
From South Luangwa, we head to Lilongwe with a packed lunch to enjoy along the way. The final night of our African safari is spent in Lilongwe. Tonight your guide takes you out for a final dinner to celebrate our unforgettable adventures on safari in Malawi and Zambia.
The following morning after breakfast at your hotel in Lilongwe your guide will drive you to the airport in time for your onward flight.
On this budget Malawi & Zambia Safari, the following safari vehicles are used, based on the size of the tour group.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
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