Southern Malawi Safari

Land at Blantyre's international airport, then transfer by road to a secluded safari lodge set on a private concession at the meeting point of the Shire and Mkulumadzi Rivers, inside Malawi's Majete Wildlife Reserve.

Your base for the next two nights is a secluded safari lodge on a private concession where the Shire and Mkulumadzi Rivers meet. Cross the suspension footbridge to reach the main area, then settle into one of eight chalets along the riverbank, shaded by leadwood trees and wild mangoes. Each chalet has a large bedroom and lounge, an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, and a private viewing deck over the river.

The main lodge has an open-fronted restaurant, a lounge and bar, a viewing deck, and a swimming pool overlooking the river. As the day winds down, gather around the fire in the lapa (an open-air shelter) and have dinner on the terrace or under the stars by the river. Your stay includes guided game drives each day.

After breakfast, join guided game drives through the reserve, with activities scheduled per day, and visit viewing hides where animals gather at waterholes, good spots for photography and quiet observation.

For a different kind of night, book the star-bed sleep-out and spend it on a raised platform under the open sky. Cultural visits to nearby communities round out the stay, with a look at local life and the reserve's conservation work.

After two nights, transfer by road to a historic tea estate lodge, about a four-hour drive away.

Next stop is a lodge built in the mid-1930s as the family home of the founder of Satemwa Tea Estates. It keeps its original character across its guest suites and a self-catering bungalow, set on a working tea and coffee estate still run by a family. Your stay includes a tea tasting and unguided walks around the grounds.

Walk the hiking trails, take a coffee tour, play a set of badminton or a round of croquet, or head to the estate's sports club for a game of golf on its 9-hole course, a swim, or tennis. It's also a convenient stop for side trips to Majete Wildlife Reserve.

After two nights, take a four-hour drive to a boutique hotel at the foot of the Zomba Plateau.

Check into a converted colonial house turned modern boutique hotel and cafe, nestled in the forest at the foot of the Zomba Plateau in the town of Zomba. On a clear day, the views stretch as far as Mulanje Mountain.

Your stay includes a visit to the local Zomba market and a guided walk on the plateau itself. The in-house cafe serves Malawian coffee and tea, fresh-baked pastries, and a breakfast and lunch menu. The hotel sits within walking distance of Zomba's shops and sights, and it's just an hour from Blantyre.

Transfer onward via a local pick-up point to a safari camp in Liwonde National Park.

Next, a small tented camp on the plains of Liwonde National Park sits among fever trees and baobabs, where resident fish eagles call out each morning. The camp keeps a handful of tents, including one family tent with interleading bedrooms, each en suite with a bathtub and an outdoor shower.

Over three nights, join day and night game drives in open vehicles for a full view in every direction, boating safaris on the Shire River, and walking safaris with experienced guides.

After a short road transfer, you will arrive at a lodge located on the shores of Lake Malawi, about four hours away in total. 

Settle into a lakeside lodge on the western side of the Nankumba Peninsula, at the southern end of Lake Malawi. The lodge features ten private villas nestled among forested hills and rocky outcrops, all overlooking the water. Your stay includes access to all of the lodge's non-motorized water sports activities.

Lake Malawi is home to one of the most biodiverse freshwater ecosystems in the world. During your two-night stay, you can spend your time kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, or enjoying a dhow cruise. Additionally, you can take guided walks in the hills or visit a local village. The lodge offers an elevated infinity pool and another pool closer to the shore, both providing stunning views of the water. A telescope is also available for stargazing.

After two nights, you transfer by road to Lilongwe, a journey of around six hours.

Your final night is spent at a tranquil, garden-filled residence in Lilongwe's Area 12, within easy reach of the city's shops, dining, and business hubs. The self-catering rooms and cottage sit among greenery with plenty of birdlife, and the property has a pool, a gym, and reliable wifi.

The next morning, you transfer to Lilongwe International Airport after breakfast, about 35 minutes away, for your onward or international flight.