Overview
Explore Majete, Liwonde, and Lake Malawi on this 8-night safari holiday with game drives, walking safaris, and beachside relaxation Your Southern Malawi safari package tour with Voyage2Africa is ready to book—don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore the very best of Malawi’s southern safari circuit. This expertly designed combination tour introduces you to the remarkable biodiversity and landscapes of Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park, and the world-renowned Lake Malawi, often called the Lake of Stars for its glittering night skies.
Travel in comfort and style with stays in premium lodges and tented camps, each offering front-row access to wild and scenic locations. Encounter dramatic mountain backdrops, tranquil lake shores, and pristine wildlife habitats teeming with game. Enjoy immersive experiences including Big Five game drives, guided nature walks, birding safaris, and thrilling water-based activities like boat trips, kayaking, and snorkeling.
From the misty tea estates and rolling hills of Malawi’s highlands to open savannas and the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Malawi, this itinerary showcases the heart and soul of the Warm Heart of Africa.
Destinations visited
Included
DURATION 12 NIGHTS
CAN BE EXTENDED
STARTS FROM Blantyre, Malawi
ENDS AT Lilongwe, Malawi
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1
2 NIGHTS, FULL BOARD BASIS
Arrive at Blantyre International Airport and meet your local guide for a scenic 1-hour road transfer to Thyolo. Journey through a tapestry of rolling hills, small rural settlements, and tea plantations en route to your first destination in Malawi’s southern highlands.
Check into the stately Huntingdon House, a grand colonial-style residence nestled on the slopes of Thyolo Mountain. Set within the historic Satemwa Tea Estate, this elegant homestead has been in the Cathcart Kay family since the 1920s and retains its original charm. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and ancient trees, the property offers panoramic views of Mount Mulanje and the Lower Shire Valley—perfect for a tranquil and refreshing start to your Malawi holiday.
Day 2
Enjoy a full day at leisure exploring the lush Satemwa Tea Estate and its enchanting surroundings. Join a guided tour of the working tea factory to learn about Malawi’s rich tea-growing heritage, or venture out to the dramatic Mount Mulanje Massif for scenic views and forest walks. Opt for a shorter hike to the picturesque Dziwe la Nkhalamba rock pool and cascading falls for a refreshing wilderness experience.
Set your own pace—whether you prefer relaxing in your plush suite with its claw-foot bathtub and deluxe toiletries, or socializing in the cozy lounge beside a roaring log fire. The estate offers a variety of outdoor activities, from tennis and croquet to mountain biking, swimming, golf, and bowls. This is the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure to begin your southern Malawi journey.
Day 3
3 NIGHTS, FULL BOARD BASIS
Depart Satemwa after breakfast and enjoy a 2.5-hour road transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve. The journey is an experience in itself—pass through colorful rural villages, expansive fields of crops, and stretches of thick bushveld that hint at the wilderness to come. Along the way, your guide will share insights into local life and Malawi’s natural landscapes.
Arrive at Mkulumadzi Lodge, an elegant and secluded retreat perched at the confluence of the Shire and Mkulumadzi Rivers. Located on the edge of Majete Wildlife Reserve, this luxury lodge offers access to one of Malawi’s premier Big Five destinations, covering over 70,000 hectares. Explore untouched Miombo woodlands, rich Combretum thickets, and winding riverine forests on expertly guided game drives and walking safaris—highlight activities that bring you close to Malawi’s diverse wildlife.
Days 4 – 5
Spend a full day embracing the spirit of Mkulumadzi Lodge, a refined safari retreat in one of Malawi’s most compelling conservation areas. Head out on thrilling morning and afternoon game drives in search of the Big Five, join a boating safari along the Shire River, or take a guided bush walk to learn about the smaller wonders of the reserve. Other options include hiking up Majete Hill for panoramic views, tracking black rhino with expert guides, or visiting nearby communities for cultural insight.
Return to the tranquility of Mkulumadzi’s eight luxurious chalets, discreetly tucked beneath the shade of leadwood and wild mango trees. Each unit offers space, seclusion, and comfort in harmony with nature. Between activities, relax in the open-air lounge or dine under the stars in the lodge’s expansive outdoor dining area—offering breathtaking views of the surrounding bushveld and wildlife roaming below.
Day 6
3 NIGHTS, FULL BOARD BASIS
After a relaxed breakfast and warm farewells, set off on a 4.5-hour road transfer to Liwonde National Park. Travel through a changing landscape of rural communities and open plains as you make your way north into one of Malawi’s most picturesque and wildlife-rich reserves. This journey marks the beginning of a new chapter in your safari adventure.
Liwonde is widely celebrated as one of Southern Africa’s premier birding destinations, home to hundreds of species in a variety of habitats. The Shire River floodplains support large herds of elephants, often spotted drinking or bathing near the banks. During your stay at Kuthengo Camp, enjoy unforgettable boat safaris where you can glide past hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife under expansive skies. This riverside setting offers some of Malawi’s most scenic game viewing opportunities.
Days 7 – 8
Explore the Shire River and lagoons – an excellent opportunity for sightings of elephants, hippos, crocodile and bird species galore. Get out your binoculars and find the rare Lillian’s lovebird, brown-breasted barbet, osprey, palm nut vulture, Pel’s fishing owl and Livingstone’s flycatcher. Spend hours in the silent viewing hide on a tributary of the Shire River and adventure into the local school and surrounding rural communities to meet the friendliest people in Africa.
Day 9
4 NIGHTS, FULL BOARD BASIS
After breakfast at Kuthengo Camp, depart for your lakeside retreat with a scenic road transfer to the stunning Nankumba Peninsula. This stretch of shoreline is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking along Lake Malawi, flanked by lush hills and overlooking the expansive waters of Africa’s third-largest lake. Bordering Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this destination is known for its vibrant aquatic life and conservation of endemic cichlid fish.
Arrive at Pumulani Lake Lodge, where ten stylish and spacious villas are artfully positioned along the hillside, each offering total privacy and panoramic views. The villas feature unique architectural designs, generous living spaces, and modern comforts ideal for lakeside relaxation. Two serene infinity pools stretch toward the horizon, blending seamlessly with the clear waters of the lake—an idyllic setting for the final chapter of your Malawi journey.
Days 10 – 12
Spend time today getting to know the warm and welcoming people of Malawi with a guided visit to a nearby lakeside village. Stroll through vibrant local markets, admire the bold colors of traditional fabrics, and learn about rural life along the lake’s edge. These authentic cultural experiences provide a meaningful connection to the region and its communities.
Whether you prefer peaceful moments in nature or high-energy water activities, Lake Malawi offers both. Choose from snorkeling among colorful cichlid fish, fishing, sailing, kayaking, wakeboarding, or fun tube rides across the glassy water. Or simply unwind on the beach and soak in the tranquility. As evening falls, dine alfresco on the lodge’s terrace and enjoy a golden African sunset melting into the lake—an unforgettable end to your day.
Day 13
Savor your final morning at Pumulani Lake Lodge with an early swim in the infinity pool or a quiet stroll along the beach. Enjoy a fresh, hearty breakfast overlooking the lake before checking out. A comfortable road transfer returns you to Lilongwe in time for your international connection or next travel plans, with memories of Malawi’s wilderness and warm hospitality to take with you.
Why book your Malawi safari holiday with Voyage2Africa?
We are trusted African travel experts with deep knowledge of Malawi’s finest safari camps and lodges. Our tailored itineraries combine exceptional game viewing, cultural authenticity, and lakeside luxury in one unforgettable journey. This 8-night experience delivers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation—from Big Five encounters to barefoot beach moments. We handle everything from transfers to bookings, so all you need to do is arrive. Book now with Voyage2Africa and let us take care of the details.
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