Malawi – Wildlife and More

Malawi – Wildlife and More – a 10 day Small Group Tour.


The subtler appeal of Malawi includes dramatic mountains, one of Africa’s greatest lakes, resurgent wildlife, and some of the world’s most genuinely hospitable people alongside some spectacular parks. A first visit to Malawi is never a last visit.

This tour succeeds in creating a rich cocktail of experiences, mixing people, culture, wildlife and relaxation in just the right proportions.

This tour combines many of Malawi’s unique and attractive areas and the strong community involvement and interaction is a key aspect of the tour. There are opportunities for walking and hiking for more active travellers, and this is a well- balanced tour, suitable for families and individuals alike.

Tour ratings.

  • Fitness
  • Off the beaten track 
  • Culture
  • History
  • Wildlife

Tour Pace

Moderate

Tour style

Traveller

Relaxed Pace

Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed pace tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.

Moderate Pace

Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.

Busy Pace

A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you’ll return home feeling you’ve really experienced as much as you possibly could.

Pioneer Class Tours

On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.

Traveller Class Tours

Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you’ll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.

Itinerary.

Arrive in Blantyre where you will be met and transferred from the airport to the lodge (approx. driving 1hr). Overnight at Game Haven Lodge or similar. (D)

After breakfast we drive and take a walking tour of the world recognized Satemwa Tea estate, followed by a tea tasting workshop. They produce a variety of white, black, gold and flavoured teas. After the tasting, return to the luxurious Huntingdon House where we will have a superb lunch. Mid-afternoon, return to Game Haven to relax around the pool, or go walking, mountain biking or even enjoy a round of golf. Overnight at Game Haven Lodge or similar (BLD)

(approx. driving 3 hrs)

Today we leave Thyolo and head to Zomba through Limbe. We visit the vibrant and colourful Zomba market before ascending the plateau to Ku Chawe Inn. This afternoon take a walk to the dam and along the stream, passing the trout farm, before returning to the hotel. Overnight KuChawe Inn or similar (BLD)

(approx. driving 2hrs)

From the plateau we drive to Liwonde park. From the gate, we take an hour’s game drive through the park to Mvuu Camp arriving in time for lunch. This afternoon head out for a game drive, returning to the lodge for dinner. Overnight Mvuu Camp or similar (BLD)

Today is spent at the park. Morning and afternoon game activities included – choice of boat safari or game drive. Overnight Mvuu Camp or similar (BLD)

We cross the river by boat then drive towards Cape Maclear, stopping en route to experience the fishing villages and Mangochi. We arrive into Cape Maclear in the early afternoon, where the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Chembe Eagles Nest or similar (BLD)

Spend today exploring the lake. Boat trips, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing etc all available as optional extras. Overnight Chembe Eagles Nest or similar (BD)

From the lake we head to Dzalanyama Reserve. First our route takes us via Mua Mission, Malawi’s cultural epicentre. A visit to the museum is included, then we continue up the escarpment to Dzalanyama reserve. Arrival at the lodge is late afternoon. Overnight Dzalanyama Forest Lodge or similar (BLD)

Leave Dzalanyama and head back to Lilongwe (approx. 2 hours) and the airport for your departure flight (B)

Tour Notes

For this tour we require an initial deposit of 20% of the value of the tour in order to confirm the booking due to limited availability at lodges.

Single Supplement from £345

Mapped itinerary.

Want to see details of your itinerary on a map?

Download PDF.

Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.

For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.

+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA

We had a fantastic time. The lodges were all as good as we had expected and the guides superb. The wildlife was above and beyond what we had hoped for. Thank you for a great holiday.

 

Laura Hermitage, UK