6 Days – Best of Southern Malawi Safaris

Day 1: Arrival – Transfer to Liwonde National Park

Upon arrival at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, you begin a scenic drive toward Liwonde National Park. The road passes tea estates and rural villages before entering the Shire River valley, where fertile floodplains signal prime wildlife habitat.

After settling into your riverside lodge, the first afternoon game drive introduces Liwonde’s varied terrain. The Shire River is the lifeline of the park, drawing elephants, waterbuck, and bushbuck to its banks. Elephants are particularly prominent here, often moving in family groups between woodland feeding grounds and the river.

As the sun lowers, golden light reflects across the water channels, and hippos begin their evening vocalizations — a defining soundtrack of Liwonde.

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

Day 2: Liwonde – Floodplain Game Drives & Shire River Boat Safari

An early departure places you in the park at first light when predators and herbivores are most active. Lions and cheetahs, successfully reintroduced in recent years, patrol the floodplains, while sable antelope graze in open woodland.

The morning drive often focuses on river-adjacent zones where wildlife congregates. Large elephant herds may cross the road ahead, and buffalo frequently gather near water access points.

In the afternoon, the safari shifts to the Shire River itself. A guided boat safari provides a dramatically different perspective. From water level, you observe hippos at close but safe distances, crocodiles resting along sandy banks, and elephants entering the river to drink or bathe. Birdlife is prolific, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons.

The combination of land and water viewing gives Liwonde its distinctive safari character.

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

Day 3: Transfer to Majete – Into Big Five Conservation Territory

After breakfast, depart Liwonde for Majete Wildlife Reserve. The journey crosses southern Malawi’s rolling countryside before entering Majete’s rugged hills and river valleys.

Majete represents one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation recoveries. Once devoid of large mammals, the reserve now supports thriving populations of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and both black and white rhino.

An afternoon game drive introduces this restored ecosystem. The terrain here is more varied than Liwonde — rocky outcrops, riverine woodland, and open plains create strong predator habitat. Elephant herds move steadily through mopane woodland, while buffalo graze near the Shire River.

The atmosphere feels exclusive and uncrowded, enhancing wildlife immersion.

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

Day 4: Majete – Full Day Safari & Rhino Focus

A full day in Majete allows deeper exploration of the reserve’s expanding wildlife populations. Early morning drives focus on predator movement before temperatures rise. Lions are often located through fresh spoor tracking, and leopards move discreetly through woodland corridors.

Rhino conservation is a highlight. Under controlled conditions, guided rhino tracking may be arranged, providing insight into anti-poaching efforts and long-term species recovery programs.

Midday rest at lodge is followed by a late afternoon drive toward river systems where elephant and buffalo herds gather.

Majete’s blend of conservation success and strong game density makes this day one of the safari’s most rewarding.

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

Day 5: Zomba Plateau Highlands & Lake Malawi Shores

After breakfast, depart Majete and travel toward the Zomba Plateau. As you ascend, temperatures cool and dense forest replaces savannah. Scenic viewpoints reveal sweeping panoramas across southern Malawi’s plains.

A short exploration of the plateau introduces waterfalls, forest trails, and unique highland flora. This upland contrast highlights the ecological diversity of the region.

Continue onward to the southern shores of Lake Malawi. Upon arrival, the landscape shifts again — from bushveld to tropical freshwater coastline. The lake’s clarity allows visibility several meters below the surface, where endemic cichlid fish thrive.

The evening is relaxed by the water’s edge as sunset light reflects across the vast inland lake.

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

Day 6: Lake Malawi Leisure – Departure

The final morning unfolds at a slower pace. Lake Malawi’s calm waters invite swimming, kayaking, or quiet reflection along the shoreline. Early light often creates mirror-like conditions across the lake surface.

After breakfast, transfer back to Blantyre or Lilongwe for your onward international flight.

Overnight Stay: Not applicable
Meal Plan: Breakfast