Malawi – the warm heart of Africa

• A genuine small group safari with a maximum of 6 participants – personal service
• You’ll fly between camps – avoid long dusty road trips and spend more time enjoying wildlife
• 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
• Your NZ tour escort is an Africa expert with over 30 years experience

9 September: 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.

10 – 12 September: 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.

13 & 14 September: 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!

15 – 17 September: 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. 

18 – 21 September: 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. 

22 September: 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.

23 September: Your wonderful safari ends with a transfer to Lilongwe International Airport to connect with your flight home.