13-Day Luxury Malawi Safari

When you arrive at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, you will be met by your tour driver guide for the 30-minute journey to Protea Hotel Ryalls by Marriott, your overnight hotel. This evening reserve a table at the acclaimed on-site Grill 21, which offers grilled meats and regional specialties. Additionally, there is a second restaurant on-site called Ryalls, which offers fusion food on a traditional and international menu.

After a sound night’s sleep, fill up on a filling breakfast at Ryalls before being picked up for your private trip to Majete Wildlife Reserve, which is located two hours outside of Blantyre. Majete, located at the foot of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, is contained within a private concession. Despite having robust wildlife populations, the reserve continues to be off-the-grid, with pristine nature and top-notch local guiding, thanks to a lengthy conservation project.

You’ll drive to the Mkulumadzi River and continue your journey on foot via a hanging rope bridge to Mkulumadzi Lodge. You’ll be welcomed and checked in before sitting down to a lovely lunch overlooking the Shire River.

In Majete, you have two full days for a safari. This morning, get up early to the sound of Majete waking up, and then go on a morning safari while enjoying some warm Malawian coffee. The best time to see big cats in action is right now. With approximately 12,000 animals, including the “Big Five,” zebra, eland, hippo, and birds like Boehm’s bee-eater and the elusive African fin foot, Majete has recovered to the wildlife haven it once was after being the victim of poaching and habitat devastation.

After a hearty breakfast, head back to your lodge where you can unwind next to the pool for a while. Before your evening excursion, such as a boat safari or game drive, afternoon tea is given on the patio. Following a three-course supper at the lodge, you’ll gather around the fire with your guide to share wild stories while keeping an eye out for bush babies in the treetops.

Following breakfast and a morning game drive, meet your own driver for the 3.5-hour journey to Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park. You’ll arrive at the camp by boat over the Shire River and spend the next three nights there. Before embarking on your first boat safari, take some time to relax with a nice drink on your veranda and take in the nearly 360-degree views. After your evening safari, head back to camp for a freshly made dinner that was influenced by traditional Malawian cuisine. After some stories around the campfire, the evening will come to a close.

You’ll need to get up early today to go on your morning safari trek in the Liwonde jungle. If you’re lucky, you might see one of the park’s elusive big cats, like the lion or cheetah, which have lately been reintroduced. You’ll study animal behavior, tracks, and species identification. A knowledgeable local guide and armed scout will travel with you. You’ll be able to walk where vehicles cannot, give you the opportunity to see some unusual and intriguing sights.

You can spend three whole days exploring the wilds of Liwonde. Nature-focused activities around here, including morning and evening open-top wildlife drives, boat safaris on the Shire, and walking safaris to fill your days. The guiding in Liwonde is exceptional and entirely personalized for you. Relax by the pool or in your spacious safari tent in between activities. Enjoy a drink of vintage wine in the cozy lounge and bar in the evenings while you unwind and take in this peaceful locale.

Following your morning safari and brunch, you will meet your private driver for the 3.5-hour drive to Cape Maclear. You’ll be staying at the luxurious Pumulani Lodge, which has just ten opulent villas with views of Lake Malawi’s beautiful waters. Cape Maclear is located in Lake Malawi National Park, the first freshwater national park in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can unwind after your drive after settling into your accommodation by lounging in a hammock beneath the baobabs while enjoying a view of the sparkling Lake Malawi beach.

You’ll stay at Pumulani Lodge in Cape Maclear for four nights. Snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, morning and afternoon trips on their private 40ft dhow, and a stunning infinity pool with sun loungers and water sports are among the activities available.

After spending the morning at your leisure, meet your driver at the front desk to take a 3-hour private transfer to Lilongwe, where you’ll stay the night at Latitude 13°. The trendy Latitude 13° features chic décor and a cutting-edge cuisine and is situated in the lush suburbs of Lilongwe, only 20 minutes from Kamazu International Airport. You won’t find anything like it in Malawi, with sophisticated monochromatic rooms furnished with furnishings chosen by regional artisans using eco-friendly materials. Before your departure home, it’s the ideal place to unwind by the pool and take advantage of the final rays of Malawian sunshine. The choice of fifty great wines from South Africa pairs nicely with the a la carte cuisine with flavors from Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean are all available.

After a hearty breakfast this morning, check out and meet your private driver for the trip to Kamazu International Airport. Before boarding your trip back home, you will be helped at the airport to check in with your bags.