Southern Malawi

Arrive into Lilongwe airport where you pick up your vehicle before heading to spend the first night at Burley House – a small friendly guest house in the suburbs of Lilongwe.

Head south through Malawi to Blantyre where you spend the night at The Leslie near the centre of the city.

Head west to Majete Game Reserve where you spend the next two nights at Thawale Camp in the south of the reserve. There is a good network of roads in the reserve with a number of loop roads along the river that are worth exploring in the late afternoon. It is also worth spending time in some of the hides.

The reserve is managed by African Parks who have re-introduced over 3,000 animals here in the last 20 years including Black Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe and predators such as Wild Dog, Cheetah and Lion. This is Malawi’s only Big 5 reserve although Leopard are particularly elusive with infrequent sightings.

Head south to Mulanje District spending two nights at Huntingdon House. Huntingdon House is on Satemwa – a working tea and coffee estate, and tea tasting and coffee tours are one of the highlights of a stay here. Hiking and birding can also be enjoyed here. Take a leisurely stroll to one of the streams, meander through the coffee fields or take a hike up to the rock and be awarded with amazing views over the end of the rift valley.

Continue to the town of Zomba where you spend two nights at Kefi Hotel – a modern boutique hotel and café that reflects the town’s remarkable history. Nestled in a forested area at the foot of Zomba Plateau, guests can feel relaxed and inspired with the terrace offering unparalleled views of Zomba.

The next three nights are spent Mvuu Camp in Liwonde National Park. This tented camp overlooks the Shire River. The camp features a mix of spacious stone and canvas chalets, with an impressive thatched dining and lounge area framed by two large baobab trees. Dinners are sometimes held under the stars in a specially constructed boma.

This scenic park is managed by African Parks with significant wildlife re-introductions taking place over the last 15 years to re-establish the park as one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Liwonde is also a premier birdwatching destination with specials such as Palmnut Vulture, Böhm’s Bee-eater and Purple-crested Turaco found here.

Drive to spend the next two nights at The Makokola Retreat along the southern shore of Lake Malawi. The Makokola Retreat is a perfect place to relax with its extensive gardens, swimming pool and private beach.

Accommodation is inclusive of dinner & breakfast with activities payable separately. Activities offered in the area focus on the lake and include boating, kayaking, sailing and snorkelling.

Spend the next three nights at Blue Zebra Island Lodge, situated on a Nankoma Island in Lake Malawi – part of the uninhabited Marelli Island group. These islands support diverse aquatic habitats and a dazzling array of birdlife. Significant to the area are some of the most rare and colourful Cichlids in the world – one of which gives the lodge its name.

Accommodation is inclusive of boat transfers from the mainland and meals. Activities offered in the area focus on the lake and include kayaking, nature trails, birdwatching, underwater snorkelling and sunset cruises.

Transfer by boat back to Senga where you pick up your vehicle before heading to Lilongwe for your final night at Green Elephant in the suburbs of Lilongwe.