Best of Warm Heart of Africa Safari, Malawi
Malawi is a landlocked country, running down the end of the Great Rift Valley. Dominated by Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, the surrounding country is exceptionally beautiful with dramatic scenery that includes rocky outcrops, high mountains, plateaus and views across what is considered to be Africa’s most beautiful lake.
Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” and as people, the Malawians live up to this name. They are extremely friendly and welcoming.
There are many market scenes, road side stalls, cottage industries that a visitor can comfortably visit. With both the scenery and the culture Malawi is a great country to drive in.
Highlights
- Majete Wildlife Reserve
- Liwonde National Park & Game Drive Safari
- Lake Malawi & Water-based activities
- Shire and Mkulumadzi River
- Amazing Bird Safari
Inclusions
- All transfers by road starting in Blantyre and ending in Lilongwe
- 8 Nights Accommodation on full board basis
- Activities (except motorized water sports)
- Laundry & Local drinks
The Itinerary
Day 1
Mkulumadzi in Majete Wildlife Reserve
When you arrive at Blantyre International Airport (BLZ), you will be met by our representative and guide who will then transfer you by road to Mkulumadzi and the drive is approximately 2.5hours through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture, as well as bush.
The camp is located on the confluence of the Shire and Mkulumadzi River; within Majete Wildlife Reserve, 70km South West of Blantyre – Southern Malawi. Majete is Malawi’s only Big 5 Reserve and also one of the largest protected areas, and covers an area of over 70,000ha.
The reserve is located within the Miombo woodland ecoregion and much of the higher lying areas in the west of the park are dominated by Miombo/Brachystegia woodland.
Mixed Combretum woodlands and mosaics of riparian forest can be found in the East of Majete.
Day 2-3
Mkulumadzi in Majete Wildlife Reserve
The luxurious lodge is in a stunning location and activities include game-drives, boating safaris, bush walks, hiking Majete Hill, black rhino tracking, cultural tours, birding trips on the Shire River and game-viewing from a hide.
Guests are free to be as energetic or as idle as they please although at least one activity per day is encouraged to best enjoy Majete.
Day 4
Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park
Breakfast will be served then you will be transferred to Kuthengo Camp by road transfer, approximately a 4.5-hour journey. Liwonde National Park is considered to be one of the top birding locations in Southern Africa.
The park offers some of the most scenic game viewing, beautiful riverine surroundings and varied bird watching you could wish to find. A great deal of the terrain is Shire River floodplains, much loved by the healthy population of Elephants in this park.
They are best viewed during your boat safari on the Shire River, one of the many highlights of a stay at Kuthengo Camp.
Depending on your arrival time in the day you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the Shire River or if you arrive in the afternoon, you can enjoy afternoon tea and the evening game drive.
Day 5
Kuthengo Camp – Liwonde National Park
Its time to explore the Shire River and lagoons – an excellent opportunity for sightings of elephants, hippo, crocodile and birdlife.
Birding is rewarding – specialties include Lillian’s lovebird, brown breasted barbet, osprey, palmnut vulture, Pel’s fishing owl, and Livingstone’s flycatcher.
Also available is a viewing hide on a tributary of the Shire River and also some interesting visits to the local school and surrounding rural communities.
Day 6
Pumulani in Lake Malawi
Today the transfer to Pumulani Lodge will be after breakfast, by a beautiful and scenic drive north (around 2.5 hours). Then you will reach the Nankumba Peninsula of Lake Malawi.
This is recognized as one of the most beautiful shores of the Lake and borders Lake Malawi, National Park and it was established in order to protect the cichlid fish unique to the area. In 1984 the park was designated a World Heritage Site.
Pumulani is exclusively situated on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula, surrounded by the national park. The ten villas are scattered around the hillside and are individual in shape and style but all have a spacious bedroom, bathroom, and extensive sitting area. The front sliding doors open onto the deck – elevated above the ground giving optimal views.
Our remote beach setting is ideal for those who simply want to soak up the sun and swim in the clear blue waters of the lake. Those who prefer to take a dive in the swimming pool, there is an infinity pool near the central dining area with grand views over the lake, as well as another infinity pool on the beach level.
For those seeking activity we offer many watersport activities like snorkeling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, wakeboarding and fun tube rides (all motorized activities are excluded). At the end of the day climb aboard our dhow and let our experienced local crewmen take you sailing into the sunset.
Day 7-8
Pumulani Lodge – Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is the world’s most ecologically diverse lake. Its crystal-clear waters are home to more than a thousand species of fish, including hundreds of species of colourful cichlids.
We offer special diving courses at the best diving spots near one of the islands. For those who are interested in the real Malawian village life, we offer guided walks through one of the local villages.
Malawians are renowned for being amongst the friendliest people in Africa and during your stay you will have the opportunity to experience this for yourself. You can also simply relax in the beautiful and tranquil scenery or can enjoy the many other activities.
Day 9
Transfer to Lilongwe International Airport
Today is your final day of your stay at Pumulani Lodge in Lake Malawi, you bid farewell to the lodge and then you will be transferred to Lilongwe International Airport (LLW)in time for your onward connection.
What's not included
Gratuities - Visa fees where applicable - All flights - Personal Travel & Medical Insurances
Why Choose Absolute Zambia Safaris?
Absolute Zambia Safaris is a specialist in bespoke and private safaris in Zambia. Through our large safari operators, we proudly assist our guests in designing custom-made safaris.
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