Discover all of Malawi and Zambia’s best bits

ITINERARY ‘DISCOVER MALAWI & ZAMBIA’

Private guided safari: visit two countries in one trip and experience an unforgettable adventure along Lake Malawi and fascinating national parks.

Let an experienced guide drive you around and take you to the most beautiful spots in Malawi and Zambia. From spotting animals in the wild to relaxing on the beach.

You will begin this adventure in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. From there, you will travel to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Malawi’s oldest wildlife reserve. After your first encounter with Lake Malawi, you will continue on to the next wildlife park, Majete Wildlife Reserve. Via the green Zomba Plateau, you will travel to the famous Liwonde National Park, where you will be spoiled with an abundance of wildlife. The next stop is Cape Maclear, where you can relax on the beach of Lake Malawi. The trip ends with a visit to one of the most beautiful wildlife parks in Zambia, South Luangwa NP.

Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

Route Discover Malawi & Zambia

Be welcomed by your personal guide and driver.

Upon arrival at Lilongwe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your personal guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout the tour. He will take you to your accommodation in the capital. Here you can get used to the climate after a long flight or relax by the pool.

Malawi’s largest and oldest wildlife reserve.

After a delicious breakfast, the journey is finally about to begin. Your guide is already waiting for you for a trip to Malawi’s largest and oldest wildlife reserve.

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is bisected by three major rivers that lead to Lake Malawi. It is a pristine park with a great diversity of animal species reintroduced here, including 500 elephants from the other Liwonde and Majete parks. Besides elephants, you can see hippos, buffalo, eland, impala, kudu, waterbuck, zebra and many bird species. And with a little luck, you will spot predators like leopards and hyenas, too.

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Wake up to a beautiful view of Lake Malawi.

Along the shores of Lake Malawi, the journey continues to Senga Bay. Here you will stay on the shores of Lake Malawi and wake up to a beautiful view of the lake. It is an excellent spot for snorkelling and discovering the underwater world with colourful cichlid fish, or you can set off in a kayak and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

For even more adventure, travel by boat transfer to Nankoma Island. This island is part of the Marelli Archipelago, an unspoilt paradise in Lake Malawi National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here you can enjoy wonderful snorkelling in clear waters rich in brightly coloured tropical fish known as cichlids.

Nankoma Island is also home to many bird species, including hornbills, kingfishers, paradise flycatchers and owls, as well as cormorants and ospreys that inhabit the lakeshore. Active travelers can paddle around the island in a kayak and enjoy a beautiful sunset or stretch their legs on a walk along the island’s shores with some baobab trees. Or unwind during a spa treatment.

The economic and cultural capital of southern Malawi.

After breakfast, the guide will take you on a trip to Blantyre. This is the economic and cultural capital of southern Malawi, which is evident from the hustle and bustle on the streets. The location of this city makes it an ideal base on your way to Majete Wildlife Reserve or Mulanje.

Experience the magic of African wilderness in this magnificent game reserve.

The journey from Blantyre to Majete Wildlife Reserve is a beautiful route on winding roads through the Michiru Mountains. At the highest point, you will have a magnificent view of the Shire River, which winds its way towards Majete Wilderness Reserve.

Experience the magic of African wilderness in this magnificent game reserve. The only park in Malawi where you can spot the iconic Big Five, while the Shire River is populated by large numbers of crocodiles and hippos. Take a game drive through the park or opt for a boat safari. Majete Wildlife Reserve offers a unique combination of impressive wildlife, rich biodiversity and heartwarming conservation projects.

Beautiful location on the southern slopes of the scenic Zomba Plateau.

Via Blantyre, the journey continues to the Zomba Plateau. The town of Zomba used to serve as the country’s colonial capital. It is known for its colonial architecture and its beautiful location on the southern slopes of the scenic Zomba Plateau.

The rugged wilderness with lush forests, quiet lakes and sparkling waterfalls lends itself to a variety of outdoor adventure activities, such as hiking, bird watching and mountain biking. You can also explore the city’s botanical gardens.

Malawi’s premier safari destination.

Today is a short trip to Liwonde National Park, located at the tip of Lake Malombe. Although Liwonde is one of Malawi’s smaller parks, it is perhaps the most popular of all the country’s wildlife parks. Malawi’s main river, the Shire, forms the western boundary and is the lifeblood of this national park.

With an abundance of wildlife, including hippos, kudu, elephants, lions, crocodiles and even black rhinos, this park has become one of Malawi’s premier safari destinations. Hop in an open safari truck for a game drive through Liwonde NP or take a boat safari.

Golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

You will leave the wildlife of Liwonde NP behind for a trip to Cape Maclear. This small seaside town is located on the southern shore of the lake at the tip of the Nankumba Peninsula in Lake Malawi National Park. Golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters make this coastal town a picturesque setting.

Cape Maclear is a true Robinson Crusoe paradise. Kayak to nearby Thumbi Island and spot the majestic osprey, enjoy at the beach and dream away at a picturesque African sunset or take a dip in the crystal clear waters. It’s all possible here. It is also great fun to take a guided walk through the village. Visit the local souvenir market here for a fun reminder of this beautiful country.

Visit a souvenir market.

After a relaxing stay at Lake Malawi, your guide will take you back to Lilongwe. When time permits, you can still visit a souvenir market in downtown Lilongwe.

Guided safari through this magnificent game park.

From Lilongwe in Malawi, you will travel on to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. On the way to the border crossing, you will get a good impression of rural life in Malawi and see houses built with the characteristic red bricks. After visiting the border office, the journey continues through Zambia with South Luangwa NP as the final destination. You will stay here on the edge of the park with a view of the river of the same name, full of hippos and crocodiles. With a bit of luck, you will spot a herd of elephants coming to quench their thirst.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy your first introduction to this beautiful park during a game drive. The next few days will be all about spotting wildlife, such as lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, giraffes and antelopes. This park is also very popular with birdwatchers.

One last game drive through South Luangwa NP.

In the morning, you can enjoy the beauty of South Luangwa NP one last time during a game drive or walking safari. After breakfast, you will travel back to Lilongwe.

Relax and rewind from an amazing adventure.

Today you will be transferred to the airport and fly back home with a suitcase full of great memories.