Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive at the Majete Wildlife Reserve
A warm welcome to Malawi! Upon arrival at Chileka International Airport, our local representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve, one of Malawi's premier Big Five destinations. This rugged, untamed wilderness in the Lower Shire Valley is a conservation success story, with thriving populations of elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalo, along with cheetahs, zebras, and wild dogs.
Hotel: Thawale Lodge (3 Star Rating)
Situated in Majete Wildlife Reserve, in the Lower Shire Valley, one hour drive from Blantyre. Sunbird Thawale Lodge provides excellent accommodation for visitors wishing to enjoy game viewing in the newly re-stocked reserve. Long neglected, Majete has been the scene of an impressive programme of re-location. Up to date 2,559 animals from 14 different species have been reintroduced including the big five, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black rhino and lion. Other mammals reintroduced were eland, sable, waterbuck, nyala, hartebeest, impala, zebra, warthog and bush pig. This makes Majete one of the only reserves in Malawi where the BIG FIVE can be viewed all year round. The re-birth of Majete has been the work of the organisation African Parks Network.
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Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2: Big Game Encounters in MajeteYour first full day in the African bush begins with an early morning game drive, the best time to witness predators on the move. The reserve's landscapes shift from dense woodlands to open savannahs and winding riverbanks, providing a diverse habitat for wildlife. Expect to see towering elephants, elusive leopards resting in the trees, and pods of hippos wallowing in the Shire River.
A break in the bush with fresh coffee and snacks offers a chance to soak in the morning tranquility before continuing your safari back to camp. After a delicious brunch, you have time to relax - perhaps by the pool or on your veranda - before your afternoon game drive or guided bush walk, where you can track wildlife on foot with an expert guide.
As the sun sets, enjoy a sundowner at a scenic viewpoint before heading out on an exciting night drive, searching for nocturnal species like bush babies, civets, and hyenas.
Hotel: Thawale Lodge (3 Star Rating)
Situated in Majete Wildlife Reserve, in the Lower Shire Valley, one hour drive from Blantyre. Sunbird Thawale Lodge provides excellent accommodation for visitors wishing to enjoy game viewing in the newly re-stocked reserve. Long neglected, Majete has been the scene of an impressive programme of re-location. Up to date 2,559 animals from 14 different species have been reintroduced including the big five, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black rhino and lion. Other mammals reintroduced were eland, sable, waterbuck, nyala, hartebeest, impala, zebra, warthog and bush pig. This makes Majete one of the only reserves in Malawi where the BIG FIVE can be viewed all year round. The re-birth of Majete has been the work of the organisation African Parks Network.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 3: Rivers, Wildlife & SundownersToday offers another chance to explore Majete's diverse ecosystems, but with a fresh perspective. This morning's game drive might take you deeper into the rugged hills and mopane woodlands, where you'll track buffalo herds, sable antelope, and even the rare African wild dog. You might spot a crocodile slipping into the river or a troop of baboons playing in the shade.
After another leisurely bush brunch, take the opportunity to visit a local conservation project and learn about the efforts that have transformed Majete into one of Africa's great wildlife restoration stories. In the afternoon, opt for a walking safari, where your guide will introduce you to the smaller wonders of the bush, from medicinal plants to the intricate tracks left behind by passing animals. End the day with another magical sunset game drive, followed by a hearty dinner beneath the stars.
Hotel: Thawale Lodge (3 Star Rating)
Situated in Majete Wildlife Reserve, in the Lower Shire Valley, one hour drive from Blantyre. Sunbird Thawale Lodge provides excellent accommodation for visitors wishing to enjoy game viewing in the newly re-stocked reserve. Long neglected, Majete has been the scene of an impressive programme of re-location. Up to date 2,559 animals from 14 different species have been reintroduced including the big five, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black rhino and lion. Other mammals reintroduced were eland, sable, waterbuck, nyala, hartebeest, impala, zebra, warthog and bush pig. This makes Majete one of the only reserves in Malawi where the BIG FIVE can be viewed all year round. The re-birth of Majete has been the work of the organisation African Parks Network.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 4: From the Bush to the HighlandsToday after your morning activity and breakfast, your driver/guide will transfer you to Zomba Plateau, a beautiful slab of rock standing at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level with incredible views of the Shire Valley Mountain ranges and Mount Mulanje to the southeast. You will stay for 2 nights at Zomba Forest Lodge located right on the edge of the plateau.
Zomba Forest Lodge is a colonial cottage nestled into Zomba Mountain. If you want intimacy and a cosy relaxed atmosphere, then here is the perfect destination for you. You are treated like family and friends when staying at the lodge, you are, after all, in the home of the owners. Enjoy time to yourself in the gardens and listen to the sounds of the forest around you, or head up through the mountain on a hike and enjoy sightings of birds, Samango (Blue) monkeys and the gorgeous forest all around you.
Hotel: Zomba Forest Lodge (4 Star Rating)
We are Zomba Forest Lodge—a unique, boutique, environmentally conscious, off-grid guest house nestled on the serene outer slopes of Malawi’s iconic Zomba Plateau.
Tucked away within lush, flower-filled gardens and surrounded by 20 acres of pristine mixed woodland, the lodge offers a tranquil retreat for guests looking to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with nature. With no Wi-Fi or electricity in the rooms, it’s the perfect destination for a true digital detox, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the forest. Whether you're sipping tea on the veranda, exploring nearby trails, or simply listening to the birdsong, Zomba Forest Lodge invites you to slow down and savor the experience of meaningful travel.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 5: Zomba Plateau Walks & Mountain ViewsThis is your day at leisure. Depending on what you would like to do after breakfast, you will have guided walks on Zomba Plateau where you will be able to enjoy amazing viewpoints such as the Queen's View and Chingwe Hole. The Plateau is crisscrossed with several streams that all pour into the magnificent Zomba Dam.
Hotel: Zomba Forest Lodge (4 Star Rating)
We are Zomba Forest Lodge—a unique, boutique, environmentally conscious, off-grid guest house nestled on the serene outer slopes of Malawi’s iconic Zomba Plateau.
Tucked away within lush, flower-filled gardens and surrounded by 20 acres of pristine mixed woodland, the lodge offers a tranquil retreat for guests looking to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with nature. With no Wi-Fi or electricity in the rooms, it’s the perfect destination for a true digital detox, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the forest. Whether you're sipping tea on the veranda, exploring nearby trails, or simply listening to the birdsong, Zomba Forest Lodge invites you to slow down and savor the experience of meaningful travel.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 6: Into Liwonde: River & Wildlife EncountersAs your tour continues to get more exciting, today you will head to Liwonde National Park one of Malawi's huge conservation success stories. You will spend three nights at Mvuu Lodge located right on the edge of The Mighty Shire River. You are sent to enjoy delicious meals and spectacular animal sightings on your game viewing activities here. Mvuu Lodge is an amazing spot for delicious food with the coming in of a new chef, new vehicles and their vegetable garden where they practice from garden to plate model with all food stuff prepared freshly from their garden.
Mvuu Lodge was Liwonde National Park's first in the park right along the Shire River, a key location for wildlife viewing where you can easily spot animals such as hippos, crocs, antelope, and elephants on the 'front lawn'. The food and staff here are excellent from incredible sundowner snacks to the best burger in Malawi (a blue cheese roll!). The guides are in a league of their own and they are extremely friendly.
Hotel: Mvuu Lodge (3 Star Rating)
Mvuu Lodge nestles discreetly on the banks of a lagoon just off the Shire River on the western boundary of the wildlife-rich Liwonde National Park. The main lounge building is set high above the water for long views up-river. Accommodation comprises eight tents for a maximum of 16 guests, each with en-suite bathroom facilities and a private viewing platform looking out on the lagoon. Lodge facilities include a dining room, pub, lounge area, wildlife library and a swimming pool.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 7: Safari Adventures in Elephant CountryA morning game drive takes you deep into the park's diverse landscapes, from open floodplains to thick riverine forests. You'll have a chance to see sable antelope, kudu, and the increasingly common black rhino.
After a relaxing afternoon, an evening game drive offers the opportunity to spot leopards, hyenas, and other nocturnal predators. As darkness falls, return to the lodge for a gourmet meal by the fire, recounting the day's sightings under a sky ablaze with stars.
Hotel: Mvuu Lodge (3 Star Rating)
Mvuu Lodge nestles discreetly on the banks of a lagoon just off the Shire River on the western boundary of the wildlife-rich Liwonde National Park. The main lounge building is set high above the water for long views up-river. Accommodation comprises eight tents for a maximum of 16 guests, each with en-suite bathroom facilities and a private viewing platform looking out on the lagoon. Lodge facilities include a dining room, pub, lounge area, wildlife library and a swimming pool.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 8: Waterways, Walks & WildlifeEnjoy another day of unforgettable wildlife experiences, starting with A morning game drive, guided by expert trackers. A final boat cruise at sunset provides one last chance to witness Liwonde's incredible aquatic and land-based wildlife, a fitting farewell to this magical park.
Hotel: Mvuu Lodge (3 Star Rating)
Mvuu Lodge nestles discreetly on the banks of a lagoon just off the Shire River on the western boundary of the wildlife-rich Liwonde National Park. The main lounge building is set high above the water for long views up-river. Accommodation comprises eight tents for a maximum of 16 guests, each with en-suite bathroom facilities and a private viewing platform looking out on the lagoon. Lodge facilities include a dining room, pub, lounge area, wildlife library and a swimming pool.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 9: To Lake Malawi & Mumbo IslandYou will wind up your Malawi Adventure in Cape Maclear, Mangochi district. After breakfast, your driver/guide will transfer you to Senga Bay to catch your 15-minute flight to Nankoma Island. You will spend the last two nights at Mumbo Island Camp, a disserted Island in the southern part of Lake Malawi.
Mumbo Island is a 40-minute boat ride from the mainland. Let it take you away from modern distractions, mobile phones and normal hectic life. Instead, enjoy walks on the white sandy beach, a glass of good wine as the sun sets, and crystal-clear blue water- where you don’t even need a snorkel mask to see the fish! Take a good book or kayak round the island and simply enjoy the rustic nature of the island and the stunning views.
Hotel: Mumbo Island Lodge (4 Star Rating)
Mumbo Island is a 40-minute boat ride from the mainland. Let it take you away from modern distractions, mobile phones and normal hectic life. Instead, enjoy walks on the white sandy beach, a glass of good wine as the sun sets, and crystal clear blue water- where you don’t even need a snorkel mask to see the fish! Take a good book or kayak round the island and simply enjoy the rustic nature of the island and the stunning views.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 10: Island Living & Lake AdventuresToday you will spend your day at leisure. Enjoy a wide range of all water sport activities onsite or maybe go on a nature walk to have a feel of the environment around.
Hotel: Mumbo Island Lodge (4 Star Rating)
Mumbo Island is a 40-minute boat ride from the mainland. Let it take you away from modern distractions, mobile phones and normal hectic life. Instead, enjoy walks on the white sandy beach, a glass of good wine as the sun sets, and crystal clear blue water- where you don’t even need a snorkel mask to see the fish! Take a good book or kayak round the island and simply enjoy the rustic nature of the island and the stunning views.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 11: Island Living & Lake AdventuresThis morning, depart by boat to Cape Maclear before continuing by road to Lilongwe International Airport for your onward journey. Enjoy scenic views along the way as you reflect on memorable moments from Malawi’s wildlife reserves, highlands, and lakeshore landscapes.
