Overview
Explore Malawi’s lakes & parks, then safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa. 16-night tour with luxury lodges & Big 5 wildlife viewing. Experience the true warmth of Malawi—the Warm Heart of Africa—on this exceptional 16-night holiday that showcases the best of the country’s landscapes, lakes, and wildlife. From the sparkling shores of Lake Malawi to the tranquil beauty of Nankoma Island, and the untamed wilderness of Majete Wildlife Reserve, this itinerary reveals the soul of Malawi through world-class lodges and authentic African charm.
Stay at historic Satemwa Tea Estate in the hills of the Zomba Plateau, where a 100-year-old family tradition of tea and coffee farming unfolds against a backdrop of forested peaks, waterfalls, trout dams, and quiet trails. Venture into Liwonde National Park, a conservation triumph filled with rare birds and reintroduced species. Wherever you go, expect unbeatable service and warm local smiles that define Malawian hospitality.
Complete your African journey with a cross-border adventure into South Luangwa National Park, one of Zambia’s premier wildlife destinations. Famed for its walking safaris and dense populations of leopards, elephants, lions, and wild dogs, this park offers some of the most rewarding game viewing on the continent.
This combined Malawi and Zambia safari package is ideal for travelers who want diverse scenery, rich culture, and conservation-focused experiences—all in one seamless itinerary. Enjoy the blend of lakeside leisure and exciting safari drives while connecting with the local people who make this region so memorable. Book now with Voyage2Africa to unlock the very best of southern Malawi and Zambia.
Destinations visited
Included
DURATION 16 NIGHTS
CAN BE EXTENDED
STARTS FROM Blantyre, Malawi
ENDS AT Lusaka, Zambia
Day to Day Itinerary
Days 1 – 3
2 NIGHTS, FULL BOARD BASIS
Welcome to Malawi, the Warm Heart of Africa! Touch down at Chileka International Airport, where a friendly meet-and-greet service awaits to transfer you to your elegant base for the next two nights—Huntingdon House, a glamorous colonial homestead nestled within the renowned Satemwa Tea and Coffee Estate near Blantyre.
This luxurious retreat is a shining example of Malawi’s colonial heritage, offering refined comfort amid rolling tea fields and tranquil gardens. Manicured lawns stretch out under towering trees, complete with a classic croquet setup, while the house itself exudes timeless charm and personalized hospitality.
Enjoy guided walks through the flourishing tea and coffee plantations, visit the fascinating bamboo nursery, and learn about the estate’s century-old agricultural traditions. Whether you’re sipping local tea on the veranda or exploring the scenic surrounds, Huntingdon House is the perfect introduction to Malawi’s beauty, culture, and warm hospitality.
Days 3 – 5
2 NIGHTS, FULL BOARD BASIS
Your journey continues to Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi’s flagship conservation success and the country’s only Big Five game park. Once depleted of wildlife, Majete has been restored into a thriving sanctuary where elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos now roam freely alongside an abundance of antelope, hippos, and more than 300 species of birds.
Stay at Thawale Tented Camp, a well-appointed safari retreat featuring six spacious tented chalets that overlook a busy waterhole—ideal for armchair game viewing. This classic bush camp offers warm hospitality and front-row seats to the wildlife action.
Guests gather in the central restaurant and dining lapa, a relaxed space where stories are shared over wholesome meals. Don’t miss time at the elevated birding platform or a quiet visit to the secret game viewing hide—both perfect for spotting rare species and enjoying intimate encounters with Majete’s rebounding wildlife.
Days 5 – 7
2 NIGHTS, FULL BOARD BASIS
After your thrilling safari in Majete, swap the bushveld for the cooler highlands of southern Malawi with a stay at Zomba Forest Lodge, tucked at the base of the breathtaking Zomba Plateau. This charming, off-grid guesthouse is known for its warm hospitality, lush gardens, and sweeping views of forested hills—making it an ideal stop for rest, reflection, and scenic exploration.
Savor delicious home-cooked meals prepared with fresh local ingredients and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere created by your friendly hosts. Spend your days hiking the Zomba Plateau, where trails meander through ancient forests, over sparkling streams, and past dramatic waterfalls and still lakes. Choose a gentle forest walk or venture higher to panoramic viewpoints and trout fishing spots nestled within the plateau’s pristine reserve.
Zomba Forest Lodge offers a peaceful contrast to your safari experience—nature, tranquility, and the best of Malawi’s highland hospitality.
Days 7 – 9
2 NIGHTS, FULL BOARD BASIS
Journey onward to Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s premier wildlife destinations, and settle in at Mvuu Camp, a scenic lodge set along the banks of the Shire River. This stone-and-canvas safari camp offers a peaceful retreat within the wilderness, with spacious accommodation including large family tents—ideal for couples, groups, or families seeking adventure and comfort.
The thatched dining and lounge area overlooks the river, shaded by two ancient baobab trees and perfectly positioned for wildlife viewing. Guests can relax here between activities while watching elephants and hippos pass by the water’s edge.
Explore Liwonde Park on thrilling game drives and tranquil boat safaris. This diverse reserve is home to black rhinos, cheetahs, elephants, crocodiles, and an extraordinary variety of birds. Whether on land or water, Liwonde is one of the most breathtaking places to witness Malawi’s wildlife conservation success and connect deeply with nature.
Days 9 – 11
2 NIGHTS, FULL BOARD BASIS
Lake Malawi awaits—crystal-clear waters, golden beaches, and the perfect place to unwind after your inland safari adventure. Transfer to Senga Bay, where you’ll board a boat to Blue Zebra Island Lodge, an exclusive retreat set on Nankoma Island within the protected Lake Malawi National Park.
This eco-friendly lodge features stylish luxury chalets nestled in lush vegetation, offering privacy, tranquility, and stunning lake views. Enjoy the infinity pool, paddle a kayak around the island, or take part in a friendly game of beach volleyball—all included in your full board package.
Snorkeling gear is provided so you can discover the vibrant cichlid fish that inspired the lodge’s name—many of them found nowhere else on Earth. Surrounded by nature, this peaceful island sanctuary is the ultimate way to experience the beauty and biodiversity of Lake Malawi in comfort and style.
Days 11 – 12
1 NIGHT, BED AND BREAKFAST BASIS
End or begin your journey in Malawi with a stay at Latitude 13, Lilongwe’s most sophisticated boutique hotel, located in the heart of the capital. Set within a peaceful green garden, the hotel features a large swimming pool, shady terraces, and creative interiors that blend luxury with local character.
Art lovers will appreciate the hotel’s unique decor—modern art pieces made from recycled materials such as driftwood and washed-up glass, crafted by a women’s charity based on Likoma Island. This commitment to sustainability adds depth and purpose to the hotel’s contemporary design.
Unwind at the elegant spa or indulge in one of the capital’s best dining experiences. The onsite Latitude 13 restaurant and cocktail bar is a social hub for Lilongwe’s movers and shakers, making it a must-visit for guests and locals alike. Ideal for a chic stopover with flair, this is Lilongwe accommodation at its finest.
Days 12 – 15
3 NIGHTS, FULL BOARD BASIS
Complete your journey with a seamless border crossing into Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations. Your stay at Kafunta River Lodge, a classic Zambian safari lodge, offers the perfect mix of comfort, wilderness, and exceptional game viewing.
Set on the banks of the Luangwa River, this stylish lodge features just eight spacious, thatched safari chalets, each with a private deck overlooking the floodplains. Expect well-appointed interiors with large en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee stations, minibars, and elegant furnishings designed for total relaxation.
Unwind at the lodge’s unique natural hot tub, the only one of its kind in the Luangwa Valley, located beside the infinity pool and bar area. Fed by a geothermal spring, it’s the ideal place to relax after a day of thrilling game drives and wildlife encounters in this rich and remote corner of Zambia.
Days 15 – 17
2 NIGHTS, FULL BOARD BASIS
Extend your South Luangwa safari with a stay at the intimate Three Rivers Camp, part of the renowned Kafunta Safari Lodge portfolio. Strategically located where the Kapamba River meets the Luangwa, this eco-conscious camp is the first in the region to bridge the local community and the national park, creating a truly immersive wilderness experience.
Wildlife frequently roams through camp, and breathtaking views of the river stretch from every corner—whether you’re relaxing in your tent or dining under the trees. Each of the luxury safari tents features a private sleepout deck, allowing adventurous guests to spend the night under the stars, listening to the distant calls of lions and the rustle of nocturnal animals.
Three Rivers Camp offers a unique combination of raw nature and refined comfort, making it one of the most memorable ways to experience South Luangwa National Park up close.
Day 17
Alas, all good things must come to an end. You will be transferred to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Lusaka for your onward travel. What a special two weeks that was! So much natural beauty to absorb, so many friendly people to meet. Please come again soon!
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