Summary
Short description
Discover the 'warm heart of Africa' on this 14-day tailor-made journey through Malawi
Highlights
- Wilderness and wildlife await in the rugged and remote Nyika National Park, where you’ll enjoy a series of thrilling safari excursions
- Marvel at the unique history, culture and landscapes of Zomba, Malawi’s characterful former capital
- Spend two unforgettable days relaxing at Mumbo Island Camp, an exclusive hideaway surrounding by the crystalline waters of beautiful Lake Malawi
In Brief
- 1 Night Lilongwe
- 3 Nights Nyika National Park
- 2 Nights Zomba Plateau
- 3 Nights Liwonde National Park Park Offices
- 2 Nights Mumbo Island
- 1 Night Lilongwe
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | History & culture | Natural world | Safari | Wildlife
This trip is the ideal way to enjoy a variety of environments - start in Nyika National Park, an area of extreme scenic beauty that's home to rich wildlife including zebra, roan antelope, leopard, spotted hyena, and side-striped jackal. Next visit Zomba and experience the beauty of its mountains and the old colonial capital. Liwonde National Park is rich with game and the birding is superb. Here, the Shire River throngs with life throughout the year and provides a picturesque backdrop to Mvuu Lodge. Lastly Mumbo Island exhibits all the hallmarks of a true ‘wilderness area’ – its uninhabited shores showcase unspoilt nature at its best and the waters are stunningly clear.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
London to Lilongwe
Fly overnight from London to Lilongwe.
Day
2
Lilongwe
Arrive in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital, and transfer to Heuglin’s Lodge in the city’s leafy suburbs. Relax and rejuvenate after your flight in the peaceful surroundings of the lodge.
Stay: Heuglin’s Lodge, Lilongwe, Malawi (Superior)
Meals: D
Days
3-5
Nyika National Park
Transfer back to the airport and take a short flight by light aircraft to Chelinda Camp in Nyika National Park, a wild area of scenic beauty situated at 2,000m above sea level. The Nyika Plateau is home to a variety of game, including zebra, roan antelope, mountain reedbuck, eland, bushbuck, warthog, bushpig, leopard, spotted hyena, and side-striped jackal.
Malawi is also a bird-watcher's paradise with more than 425 species of bird in this park alone. Enjoy day and night game drives from the lodge, all included in your stay.
Stay: Chelinda Lodge, Nyika National Park (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Days
6-7
Zomba Plateau
After breakfast, take a light aircraft transfer back to Lilongwe and a road transfer to Zomba, the old colonial capital. Rising above the town itself is the Zomba Plateau, a hunk of rock some 6,000ft tall on top of which are waterfalls, lakes, breathtaking views and a host of flora.
Ku Chawe is well positioned to explore the plateau. It is truly a landmark hotel, and it's perfectly located to enjoy commanding views across to Mount Mulange in the South and to the colonial Capital of Zomba below. There are plenty of activities and places of interest around Zomba, including the Zomba markets, Botanical gardens, the Commonwealth War Graves memorial, the old Parliament, and many other distinctive colonial buildings. There are also several walking trails and maps available from the hotel including the hour-long Potato Trail, an hour-long hike to Nawimbe Peak, and a two-hour trek to Williams Falls, which gives you the opportunity to see a plethora of flora along the way including lilies, aloes, gladioli, ancient cycads and fern trees.
Stay: Ku Chawe Inn, Malawi (Standard)
Meals: B D
Days
8-10
Liwonde National Park
Transfer to Mvuu Lodge in Liwonde National Park. Mvuu means 'hippo' in the local Tonga language, the nearby Shire River being home to a large number of pods. Liwonde National Park is Malawi’s answer to South Africa’s Kruger and is home to a healthy population of elephants, hippos and crocodile, and it’s also possible to spot rhino, leopard, and the occasional lion.
Enjoy day and night game drives and boat safaris while staying in the luxury tented splendour of Mvuu Lodge. You can also enjoy guided walks, game drives in the Rhino Sanctuary, local tours to Nanthomba school, and bike rides to Njobvu village.
Stay: Mvuu Wilderness Lodge, Malawi (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Days
11-12
Mumbo Island, Lake Malawi
After breakfast, transfer to the Kayak Africa Base Camp in Cape Maclear where you’ll have the option of kayaking or taking a short boat transfer to Mumbo Island, a pristine island off the Cape Maclear Peninsula surrounded by the clear waters of Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi National Park was the first fresh water park in the world set aside for the preservation of fresh water fish, and there are over 500 species of brightly-coloured Chichlids living in it, many of which are easily observed at the island.
Among the activities on offer on Mumbo Island are scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling, boat rides, scenic walks and bird-watching. Alternatively, just relax and take in the tranquillity of this protected wilderness area.
Stay: Mumbo Island Camp, Malawi (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Day
13
Lilongwe
Transfer by boat back to the mainland and onwards to Lilongwe airport for your flight home.
Meals: B
Day
14
Arrive in London
Arrive in London, and continue your onward journey home.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
14-day tailor-made holiday
from £9,590 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £9,590 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £11,155 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights between the UK and Lilongwe
- Domestic flights by light aircraft from Lilongwe to Chelinda
- Private lodge to lodge transfers
- Shared boat transfer between Cape Maclear and Mumbo Island
- Shared boat transfer between Liwonde and Mvuu during November – May)
- 9 nights accommodation in 4* (Superior) lodges on a full-board basis
- 2 nights accommodation in a 3* (Standard) lodge on a half-board basis
- Day tour around Zomba, guided walks on plateau and driving town tour
- Shared game activities at Chelinda lodge and Mvuu Camp
- Kayaks and snorkelling gear at Mumbo island
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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