Malawi is a tiny landlocked country in southern Africa, wedged between Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It’s at the southern end of the East African Great Rift Valley, and Lake Malawi, at almost 600 km long, covers most of the country’s eastern border. The lake is a huge natural aquarium, teeming with colourful fresh-water cichlids, perfect for snorkelers and kayakers.

In the south of this long, narrow country is Majete Wildlife Reserve, home to the elusive black rhino, along with elephant, buffalo, nyala, sable, eland and hartebeest. In recent years lion, leopard and cheetah have been reintroduced to Majete as part of a pioneering conservation project, making Majete the only ‘Big 5’ park in Malawi.

Spending two nights on a tea plantation introduces you to another side of this captivating country before another more wildlife encounters in Liwonde National Park.

The Shire River is the lifeblood of Liwonde National Park, attracting hippos, kudu, elephants, crocodiles and elephants, and even black rhino. From your comfortable lodge you’ll enjoy both water- and land-based game activities.

Enjoy a few relaxing days on a delightful island in Lake Malawi – a real favourite with previous guests – before flying back to Lilongwe. Your last night will be spent at a country lodge on a working farm outside the city. Here you’ll visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, Malawi’s only wildlife sanctuary, whose work involves rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals.

Karen will personally escort this safari and she looks forward to sharing this beautiful country and its friendly people with you.*

This outstanding safari is limited to just 6 guests. Don’t miss your adventure of a lifetime – book your place now!

* Terms & Conditions apply.

A genuine small group safari with a maximum of 6 participants – personal service
You’ll stay in private conservancies – away from the crowds and supporting local communities
Glamping in Africa – our stunning safari camps offer superb comfort under canvas!
Enjoy incredible photo opportunities in open 4×4 safari vehicles – no packed minibuses for our guests
End your safari with a few relaxing days at a gorgeous resort on Likoma Island – our guests love it here!
Your NZ tour escort is an Africa expert with over 30 years of experience

Arrival & Departure

Arrival: Blantyre, Malawi

Departure: Lilongwe, Malawi

Price Includes

Quality accommodation in luxury lodges.
All meals
All transport as per itinerary
Domestic flights as per itinerary
All Park and Private Conservancy fees
Game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles
Sundowners, guided bush walks and night game drives
Boat trips and canoeing on the Shire River
Visit Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, Malawi’s only wildlife sanctuary, whose work involves rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals. This is one of the conservation projects your contribution supports.
Contribution to Conservation and Community projects
Qualified professional safari guides
Escorted from Blantyre, Malawi, by Karen Platzer, African Encounters founder & director*, and local guides (*see Terms & Conditions)

Price Excludes

International airfares
Visas
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Any Personal Expenses
Tips & gratuities

Complementary

Arrival and departure transfers

Itinerary

17 October: Independent arrival at Chileka International Airport, Blantyre, Malawi. Transfer to your accommodation where you will meet your guide and fellow travellers and relax before your adventure starts tomorrow.

18 – 20 October: After breakfast, your driver/guide will transfer you to your lovely lodge in a private concession within Majete Wildlife Reserve, one of the outstanding success stories of African conservation. You will spend three nights of your tour here.

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. In recent years lion, leopard and cheetah have been reintroduced to Majete as part of a pioneering conservation project, making Majete the only ‘Big 5’ park in Malawi.

Undiscovered by tourists, Majete is a true wilderness where every trip into the bush with our team of experienced guides will feel like an adventure.

21 & 22 October: This morning you will be transferred to Huntingdon House situated right at the beautiful Satemwa Tea Estates to stay for the next two nights.

You will be blown away by the beauty of these rolling hills of lime green tea leaves, and the beauty and grandeur of Huntingdon House, going back in time to the colonial era. Be sure to get your walking shoes on and make your way through the estate, then get their guide to take you up to the sunset picnic spot where the views are absolutely unparalleled – you will see the whole of southern Malawi!

23 – 25 October: Today you’ll drive to Liwonde National Park for more wildlife encounters. For the next 3 nights you’ll be staying at Mvuu Lodge nestled along the Mighty Shire River within Liwonde National Park. The main lounge building is set high above the water for long views up-river. The lodge has eight luxurious tents, each with en-suite bathroom facilities and a private viewing platform looking out on the lagoon. Lodge facilities include a dining room, lounge area, wildlife library and swimming pool. You’ll enjoy delicious meals and spectacular animal sightings on your game viewing activities.

Malawi’s main river, the Shire, forms the western boundary of the Park and is the reserve’s lifeblood. With plentiful wildlife including hippos, kudu, elephants, crocodiles and elephants and even black rhino, the park had become one of Malawi’s premier wildlife-viewing destinations. The birding is excellent and a favourite sighting among birdwatchers is the Pel’s fishing owl. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of activities including excellent wildlife viewing, canoeing and boating safaris.

26 – 29 October: After all your safari excitement it’s time to relax. After breakfast your driver/guide will transfer you to Lilongwe International Airport to catch your scheduled flight to Kaya Mawa Resort on Likoma Island where you will stay for the next four nights. This laidback little gem is a real favourite with my guests and the perfect place to end your safari. A variety of watersports are available, and a visit to a local workshop producing artworks from recycled materials is a must.

Although in Mozambican waters, Likoma Island is Malawian territory. It is the larger of the two inhabited islands in Lake Malawi, measuring seventeen square kilometres. It boasts some lovely beaches, friendly locals, and predominantly flat terrain with a baobab dotted south. It is home to the headquarters of the University Mission to Central Africa, Livingstone’s mission, and hence it remained British territory when the Lake was divided politically after World War Two. The island is famous for its large cathedral, St. Peter’s Cathedral, featuring numerous stained glass and carved intricate soapstone details.

30 October: After an amazing island experience, you’ll fly back to Lilongwe International Airport where you will be met and transferred to Kumbali Country Lodge, a 650ha working farm 10 minutes from the Centre. You will spend the last night of your tour here.

During your stay here you’ll visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, Malawi’s only wildlife sanctuary, whose work involves rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals and releasing as many as possible back into the wild. It is one of the country’s leading conservation charities with an international reputation for high impact and world-class standards.

31 October: Your wonderful safari ends with a transfer to Lilongwe International Airport to connect with your flight home, or join Karen on her Three Countries Safari to Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe.