HIppo spraying water, Liwonde National Park, Malawi

Highlights of Malawi

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

14 Days

Prices Start from

$12,894pp(ex. flights)

This 14 day itinerary showcases the wildlife and conservation success stories of the country, as well as time to relax on the shores of Lake Malawi.

Covering the length of the country from south to north, this holiday to Malawi journeys from the wilderness and re-introduced species of Majete Wildlife Reserve, to the rivers and open plains of Liwonde, the rolling grasslands of Nyika National Park and finally the freshwater and golden beaches of Lake Malawi.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Cheetah resting in shade, Liwonde National Park, Malawi 1

Diverse Wildlife

Experience incredible wildlife sightings, from large gatherings of hippo to big cats and fabulous birdlife.

Kayaking, Lake Malawi, Malawi 2

Golden Beaches

Kayak, snorkel and relax on the beach before exploring the colonial history of Likoma Island on Lake Malawi.

Herd of elephant waling away, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi 3

Conservation Success

See first hand the success stories of Malawi, proof of what can be done when communities and wildlife management collaborate.

Star deck, Mkulumadzi, Majete, Malawi 4

Spectacular Locations

Stay in lodges and camps that showcase their beautiful surroundings, and are committed to its preservation.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Day 1

    Chileka - Majete Wildlife Reserve (Mkulumadzi Lodge)

  • Days 2 - 3

    Majete Wildlife Reserve (Mkulumadzi Lodge)

  • Day 4

    Majete Wildlife Reserve - Liwonde National Park (Kuthengo Camp)

  • Days 5 - 7

    Liwonde National Park (Kuthengo Camp)

  • Day 8

    Liwonde National Park - Nyika National Park (Chelinda Lodge)

  • Days 9 - 10

    Nyika National Park (Chelinda Lodge)

  • Day 11

    Nyika National Park - Likoma Island (Kaya Mawa)

  • Days 12 - 13

    Likoma Island (Kaya Mawa)

  • Day 14

    Likoma Island - Lilongwe

Day 1

Chileka - Majete Wildlife Reserve (Mkulumadzi Lodge)

Arrive into Chileka airport and transfer to your lodge within the Majete Wildlife Reserve, a journey of approximately two and a half hours.

Days 2 - 3

Majete Wildlife Reserve (Mkulumadzi Lodge)

Spend the next three days exploring the reserve on game drives, walking safaris and seasonal boat safaris, in the company of experienced guides.

Day 4

Majete Wildlife Reserve - Liwonde National Park (Kuthengo Camp)

Transfer to the Shire River and continue by boat to Kuthengo Camp. Enjoy your first game drive this afternoon.

Days 5 - 7

Liwonde National Park (Kuthengo Camp)

Spend three days in search of wildlife on game drives, walking safaris and boat trips. Plenty of time to relax by the pool between morning and evening activities.

Day 8

Liwonde National Park - Nyika National Park (Chelinda Lodge)

Transfer to the Liwonde airstrip and fly to Nyika National Park where you will be met and transferred to your lodge.

Days 9 - 10

Nyika National Park (Chelinda Lodge)

Spend two days exploring the park in search of wildlife. Choose from a range of activities including walking, cycling and even fishing.

Day 11

Nyika National Park - Likoma Island (Kaya Mawa)

Transfer back to Nyika airport for your flight to Likoma Island on Lake Malawi. On arrival, chekc into your accommodation and maybe take a dip in the lake.

Days 12 - 13

Likoma Island (Kaya Mawa)

Over the next two days enjoy water based activities including kayaking, SUP, snorkelling and diving. Also enjoy some of the cultural experiences from a visit to St Peters Cathedral and local workshops.

Day 14

Likoma Island - Lilongwe

Transfer back to Likoma airstrip and fly to Lilongwe International airport for onward travel.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Male lion, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
Male lion in Majete Wildlife Reserve
Zebra, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
Zebra in Majete Wildlife Reserve
Pied Kingfisher, Malawi
Pied Kingfisher
Male waterbuck, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
Male waterbuck in Majete Wildlife Reserve

Wildlife of Malawi

Across the range of parks and reserves included in this itinerary you can expect to see a wealth of wildlife, birdlife and marine life. Big cats including lion, cheetah and leopard can be seen as well as elephant, crocodile, hippo and rhino. Hyena and the endangered African wild dog plus a wealth of birdlife. Lake Malawi is home to over 1000 species of endemic fish including the colourful cichlid fish and the shores provide shelter for monitor lizards and otters.

Sundowner view, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi

Majete Wildlife Reserve

Located in the south-western part of Malawi, this reserve had been hunted almost to extinction. Since African Parks took over management in 2003 over 5,000 animals of 17 species have been reintroduced including cheetah, wild dog, black rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and sable antelope. Economic opportunities and improved infrastructure offer huge benefits to the local communities. A Beekeeping initiative saw almost two tonnes of honey being produced in 2021 and a scholarship programme provides school fees for local children who may otherwise not have attended school.

Termite mounds on grass plains, Liwonde National Park, Malawi
Termite mounds in Liwonde National Park
Handful of red peppers, Malawi
Chilli peppers

Liwonde National Park

Due to management by African Parks Liwonde National Park is now home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including predators for the first time in over 20 years. The subsequent increase in tourism has also provided many jobs for the local community – the Spicy Farmers Project which harvests over 70 tonnes of chillies each year, provides a source of income as well as reducing human elephant conflict thanks to the ‘chilli elephant barrier’ it has created!

How does this holiday make a positive impact?

Entirely run and managed by local women, Katundu, designs and creates stunning homewares from recycled products found on Likoma Island. Employment here provides a sustainable income and instils pride, dignity and purpose, giving local people the skills and knowledge to improve their circumstances. Your stay at Kaya Mawa supports their work with many pieces featured throughout the hotel.

The lodges and camps included in this holiday all run on solar power. Operating sustainably and minimising their ecological footprint, they also hire local staff, minimise their water usage; grow their own produce or buy locally and aim to reduce and recycle all waste.

Two of the parks visited in this holiday are managed by African Parks, a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on direct responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas, in partnership with governments and local communities. Majete is a rags-to-riches success story that acts as proof of what can be done in Africa, when local communities and sound wildlife management principles collaborate.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Mkulumadzi Lodge £££££

  • Malawi
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Located in the Majete Wildlife Reserve, Mkulumadzi offers guests a chic and contemporary retreat set amidst rugged and untouched bushland. The lodge, accessible by a footbridge suspended over the Mkulumadzi River, comprises of eight spacious chalets, each with private viewing decks offering dramatic and unimpeded views over the confluence of two rivers, the Mkulumadzi and the Shire.

View Property

Kuthengo Camp £££££

  • Malawi
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Facing the Shire River and looking out over a fertile flood plain, Kuthengo Camp sits beneath gnarled baobabs and fever trees. In front of the camp, the sun sets over the Shire’s hippo-rich waters, whilst African fish eagles roost in the surrounding trees.

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Kaya Mawa £££££

  • Malawi
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Kaya Mawa is a beach safari lodge on Likoma, an isolated island covered with mango trees and ancient baobabs and surrounded by sandy beaches and rocky coves. With breathtaking views of the mountains and wilderness of Mozambique, Likoma remains almost untouched since its discovery by Scottish missionaries at the end of the 19th century.

View Property

Zambia: Wildlife of South Luangwa

Cross into eastern Zambia and spend 4 days exploring South Luangwa National Park. At the heart of this relatively small park is the Luangwa River, surrounding by grassy plains and woodlands that are home to some of the most varied and prolific wildlife on the continent. Search for elephant, hippo, giraffe, leopard and lion on game drives, or on foot on a walking safari, a thrilling experience that was conceived in this park over 65 years ago.

4 days - Price on request

Elephant encounter, South Luangwa, Zambia
Bush walk, South Luangwa, Zambia

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From $12,894 Per person

When to travel

Malawi in January

The wet season begins in November and lasts until April. During this time, the weather is hot and humid, with heavy rainfall across the country.

Malawi in February

The wet season begins in November and lasts until April. During this time, the weather is hot and humid, with heavy rainfall across the country.

Malawi in March

The wet season begins in November and lasts until April. During this time, the weather is hot and humid, with heavy rainfall across the country.

Malawi in April

The wet season begins in November and lasts until April. During this time, the weather is hot and humid, with heavy rainfall across the country.

Malawi in May

The first half of the dry season runs from May until August, with temperatures at their coolest. Nighttime temperatures can drop to single digits and some highland areas even receive frost.

Malawi in June

The first half of the dry season runs from May until August, with temperatures at their coolest. Nighttime temperatures can drop to single digits and some highland areas even receive frost.

Malawi in July

The first half of the dry season runs from May until August, with temperatures at their coolest. Nighttime temperatures can drop to single digits and some highland areas even receive frost.

Malawi in August

The first half of the dry season runs from May until August, with temperatures at their coolest. Nighttime temperatures can drop to single digits and some highland areas even receive frost.

Malawi in September

The last part of the dry season brings much warmer weather, as humidity increases. This short period of hot, dry weather stretches from September and into October.

Malawi in October

The last part of the dry season brings much warmer weather, as humidity increases. This short period of hot, dry weather stretches from September and into October.

Malawi in November

The wet season begins in November and lasts until April. During this time, the weather is hot and humid, with heavy rainfall across the country.

Malawi in December

The wet season begins in November and lasts until April. During this time, the weather is hot and humid, with heavy rainfall across the country.

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

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