Embark on an unforgettable 11-day adventure in the heart of Africa with a thrilling journey to Malawi. Malawi offers a variety of experiences that will enthrall your senses and leave you with lifelong memories, from stunning landscapes to vibrant cultures. Visit the Chimwenya Game Park, also known as a wildlife game reserve. Discover the Satemwa Tea Estates, a renowned tea estate with quality production. No trip to Malawi would be complete without exploring the magnificent Mulanje Massif. Venture into the wilderness and discover the beauty of Malawi's national parks. Liwonde National Park is just one of the conservation areas that offer an incredible opportunity for wildlife spotting. Head to Lake Malawi, Dive into the crystal-clear waters, and witness the kaleidoscope of colorful fish species that call this lake home.
Highlights
Discover the heart of Africa in Malawi, a hidden gem waiting to be explored
Visit the Chimwenya Game Park, a protected area where wildlife roam freely
Learn how to make high-quality tea at Satemwa Tea Estate.
Challenge yourself to reach the peak of Mount Mulanje
Venture into the wilderness and discover Liwonde National Park
Dive into the crystal-clear waters, and see colorful fish in Lake Malawi
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Welcome to Malawi, the warm heart of Africa! Fly into Chileka International Airport for a meet and greet followed by guided transfers to Game Haven Lodge, situated at Chimwenya Game Park near Satemwa Tea Estates. You will spend the first night of your adventure here.
Game Haven Lodge is situated at Chimwenya Private Game Park, Bvumbwe, just 25 kilometers from Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial capital. The lodge has an exquisite design, built with the golden rock found on the estate itself. The main area looks out onto beautifully manicured lawns, where you will often see the residents enjoying a morning or afternoon graze. Enjoy a drink and some nibbles on the veranda, where you can spot a spectacular view of the sun going down.
In the morning today, your driver/guide will transfer you to Mulanje to start your three-night Mount Mulanje hike, a demanding and equally rewarding route traversing the wide cross-section of Mulanje’s unique areas, with spectacular views and optional side hikes to numerous peaks and pools.
The trek culminates at Sapitwa Peak (3002 m), the highest point in Southern Tropical Africa. The highlights of this hike are to see the Namisire Peak, Elephant Head sunset viewpoint, and Dziwelankhalamba.
Today, after descending the mountain, you will be transferred to Zomba, the old capital city of Malawi. You will be staying at Zomba Forest Lodge, situated at the edge of the Zomba Plateau. You will spend the next two nights on your tour. On the second day of your stay, you will have guided walks on the Zomba Plateau.
The Zomba Plateau is a marvel and a unique feature; it is an upland region with farmland and forest covering a total area of about 130 square kilometers. It rises above the plain below and is a tranquil haven of beauty. The Zomba Plateau stands out significantly from its surroundings due to its cooler climate, rare plant species, breathtaking views, and overall tranquility.
Zomba Plateau forms part of the Shire highlands that extend from the southern end of Lake Malombe. At 2087 meters above sea level, it’s a wonder to see and visit.
Next on the list is Liwonde National Park. Your driver/guide will transfer you to Mvuu Camp, situated along the Shire River right within the park. You will spend the next two nights of your tour here.
Mvuu Camp, based on the banks of the Shire River, is a haven for Malawi wildlife. From the plentiful crocs and hippos on the banks of the river to the large herds of elephants, antelope, and newly introduced black rhino, cheetah, and lion! Mvuu camp is affordable, and everyone here is highly skilled and has a great staff, from the chefs to the guides.
It's now time to cool off! You will be driven to Cape Maclear in Mangochi in the morning to board the boat that will take you to the stunning Mumbo Island. You will stay at Mumbo Island Camp for the last two nights of your tour.
Mumbo Island is a 40-minute boat ride from the mainland. Let it take you away from modern distractions, mobile phones, and busy life. Instead, take advantage of sunset strolls along the white-sand beach, fine wine, and the clear, blue water that does not even require a snorkel mask to see the fish! Enjoy the island's rustic charm and breathtaking views by kayaking around it or reading a good book.
Day 11: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Transfer this morning to Lilongwe Airport in time for your departure home. Board your flight with memories of Malawi's friendly people, exceptional wildlife and stunning natural beauty. Or, choose to extend your time in Africa with a visit to neighboring Zambia!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 35%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 8 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
5 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Return boat transfers to and from Mumbo Island, all non-motorized activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, island walks and all park fees in Lake Malawi National Park
Access to Lake Bvumbwe and Mwana Park in Satemwa Tea Estate
One game drive during the stay with guided game, birdwatching walks, mountain bike trail rides (includes bikes), and access to swimming pool in Game Haven Lodge
An administration porters to assist with carrying bags, utensils and personal items with all meals and distilled water during the hike in Mount Mulanje
All meal inclusive of breakfast, lunch and a 3-course dinner and guided walks in Zomba Plateau
Guided Transfer from Chileka International Airport on day 1 to Lilongwe Airport on day 11
All park fees at Liwonde and Lake Malawi National Parks
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Airport Departure Tax
Passport or Visa fees
Map
When to Go
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Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
