7 Days Malawi Wildlife & Lake Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Blantyre—Transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve

Upon arrival at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, you are met and transferred south toward Majete Wildlife Reserve. The drive introduces rural southern Malawi, passing small villages and cultivated farmland before entering woodland terrain.

Majete’s story is one of remarkable restoration. Once devoid of wildlife due to poaching, it has been transformed into a thriving Big Five reserve. After check-in at your lodge overlooking the Shire River, enjoy your first afternoon game drive.

The reserve’s varied landscape—riverbanks, open clearings, and miombo woodland—supports elephants, buffalo, sable antelope, and an increasing lion population. The light in the late afternoon casts a golden glow across the hills, creating a powerful introduction to Malawi’s wilderness.

Overnight Stay: Mkulumadzi Lodge / Thawale Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 2: Majete—Big Five Safari & Rhino Tracking

An early morning game drive offers the best opportunity to locate predators while temperatures remain cool. Lions are frequently sighted in Majete, and the reserve is one of Malawi’s best locations for black rhinos.

Tracking rhinos under the guidance of experienced rangers provides a highlight of the day. Elephant herds move steadily between feeding grounds, and buffalo are commonly encountered near river systems.

After a midday rest at the lodge, the afternoon drive explores different sectors of the reserve. The low vehicle density enhances the feeling of exclusivity and uninterrupted wildlife observation.

Overnight Stay: Mkulumadzi Lodge / Thawale Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Transfer to Liwonde National Park—River Ecosystem

After breakfast, depart for Liwonde National Park, a journey that reveals Malawi’s changing terrain from rugged hills to open floodplains.

Liwonde is shaped by the Shire River, which sustains its wildlife throughout the year. Upon arrival, settle into your riverside camp before embarking on a late afternoon boat safari.

The boat safari offers a completely different safari perspective. Hippos cluster in deep channels, crocodiles rest along sandbanks, and elephants frequently approach the water’s edge to drink. Birdlife is abundant, particularly fish eagles and kingfishers.

Overnight Stay: Kuthengo Camp / Mvuu Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Liwonde—Game Drives, Cheetah & Walking Safari

Morning game drives venture beyond the river corridor into woodland and grassland sectors. Liwonde has seen successful cheetah reintroductions, and sightings are increasingly common.

Elephants dominate much of the park’s landscape, often moving in family groups through mopane woodland. Waterbuck, kudu, and impala graze near riverine areas.

Later in the day, a guided walking safari may be included in designated zones. Walking allows close interpretation of tracks, termite mounds, and plant life, deepening understanding of the ecosystem.

A sunset boat safari or game drive concludes the day with calm river views and reflective light.

Overnight Stay: Kuthengo Camp / Mvuu Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Malawi—From Bush to Beach

After breakfast, travel toward the southern shores of Lake Malawi, often near Cape Maclear or a private island lodge.

The environmental shift is immediate. Woodland gives way to sandy shorelines, fishing villages, and a vast freshwater horizon stretching across clear blue water.

Arrival at your lakeside lodge introduces a slower pace. The afternoon is free for swimming in warm, clear water or relaxing beneath palm trees with views across the lake.

Overnight Stay: Pumulani Lodge / Blue Zebra Island Lodge
Meal Plan: Half Board

Day 6: Lake Malawi—Snorkeling, Kayaking & Island Life

Lake Malawi is renowned for its biodiversity, particularly the hundreds of endemic cichlid fish species visible in shallow rocky areas. Snorkeling directly from the beach reveals vibrant underwater scenes in remarkably clear freshwater.

Optional boat excursions explore small islands and hidden coves, where sandy beaches meet calm turquoise water. Kayaking or paddleboarding offers peaceful exploration along the shoreline.

The afternoon may be spent enjoying spa treatments, beachside dining, or simply absorbing the lake’s serene atmosphere as the sun sets over distant hills.

Overnight Stay: Pumulani Lodge / Blue Zebra Island Lodge
Meal Plan: Half Board

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Lilongwe International Airport for your onward flight.

Your 7 Days Malawi Wildlife & Lake Safari concludes with a well-rounded experience—Big Five encounters in Majete, river-based safari immersion in Liwonde, and tranquil freshwater relaxation along Lake Malawi—capturing the full diversity of Malawi’s landscapes within one seamless journey.

Overnight Stay: Not applicable
Meal Plan: Breakfast