Tailormade Holidays in Malawi

Tour Code: TMAL

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Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday to Malawi with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

Malawi & Zambia - The Best of Both!

14 Days

More Info

When to Go

Good Time to Go

ALL YEAR ROUND

Best Time to Go

May to November

Speak to a Malawi expert

Paul Stanbury

Operations Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

Liwonde National Park
Lake Malawi
Zomba Mountain

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Summary

Malawi is a fabulous, yet surprisingly overlooked African destination. There are excellent lowland wildlife reserves, which have many species that are difficult to see elsewhere, as well as opportunities for mountain walking and lakeside relaxation. The low density of Lions, and other ‘Big Five’ mammals, could be viewed as a reason not to visit. Yet this is perhaps Malawi’s greatest strength for it allows wildlife to be enjoyed on foot in a relaxed fashion away from the confines of the usual ‘protective’ vehicle. Over recent years, however, several of the country’s reserves have enjoyed a remarkable transformation and, with the help of some excellent private concessions, have successfully re-introduced Lion, Cheetah and Black Rhino back into the country. When factored with low tourist numbers and the ability to combine Malawi with Zambia, a country packed with predators and other ‘big game’, the prospect of a wildlife holiday here becomes highly appealing! Malawi has a number of other endearing qualities that make it stand out from its better known African neighbours. Not least of these is the Malawian people themselves who are among the friendliest and most welcoming in Africa. Lake Malawi dominates much of the eastern border geographically and this huge water body is relied upon as a source of food, water and irrigation by nearly all of the population. It is also a stunningly beautiful place to relax or snorkel in the crystal clear waters that are packed full of colourful fish!

Our Locations

African Elephants, Zambia shutterstock_223620178.jpg

Liwonde is easily reached from Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, by means of a scenic drive through the southern end of the Great Rift Valley, then a boat trip across the Shire River. This is one of southern Africa's most beautiful parks and is certainly Malawi’s premier wildlife destination. Home to over 600 African Elephants and one of Africa’s densest populations of Hippos (with nearly 2,000), one of the highlights of Liwonde is exploring the Shire River and its creeks by boat. Game viewing in the bush and savannahs of the park can be enjoyed on foot or by vehicle, with Impala, Waterbuck, Sable Antelope and Greater Kudu among the diurnal mammals to be seen, while a night-drive can produce such nocturnal species as Spotted Hyena, Rusty-spotted Genet, White-tailed Mongoose, African Civet, Crested Porcupine and Lesser Bushbaby. The birdlife here is particularly diverse and abundant. Palm-nut Vulture, Bateleur, and both Western Banded and Brown Snake Eagles are amongst the raptors, and Racket-tailed Roller, Crested Barbet and Arnot’s Chat represent other highlights. In addition to the localised Böhm’s Bee-eater, the park also supports Little, Swallow-tailed, Southern Carmine and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters along with numerous weavers, bishops and whydahs.

Accommodation in Liwonde National Park

Kuthengo

Details

Almost 600 kilometres long and up to 100 kilometres wide, Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa and dominates the Malawian sector of the African Rift Valley. Palm-fringed sandy beaches, hanging cliffs and soaring mountains surround its warm and crystal-clear waters, and picturesque fishing villages dot the shoreline. This is an idyllic place for a few nights of relaxation during your holiday. With more freshwater fish species than any other lake in the world, many of which are endemic, taking to the water with mask and snorkel or by donning scuba gear is a unique and memorable experience. Other activities include kayaking, birding, swimming, walking, sailing and exploring local villages.

Accommodation in Lake Malawi

Mumbo Island Camp

Details

Pumulani

Details

Zomba Mountain, Malawi shutterstock_55463908.jpg

In the far south of Malawi lies the Zomba Plateau, a dramatic 2,000-metre table-top mountain covered by forests that are filled with tumbling streams. This is an excellent place to explore, using the fabulous network of walking trails that this attractive region has to offer. Some interesting bird species may be found here such as Schalow’s Lourie, Long-tailed Wagtail, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher and Saw-wing Swallow, while a visit to the town of Zomba, with its faded colonial charm and bustling markets, is another highlight of the area.

Water Buffalo, Yellow Baboon and Zebra, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi shutterstock_1212675541.jpg

The Majete Wildlife Reserve lies deep in the southwestern corner of Malawi. Although established as a protected area in the 1955, the park’s wildlife was brutally depleted during the late 1970s and 80s due to mismanagement, logging and poaching. By the end of the 20^th century, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and even smaller mammals, such as Warthog, had been driven to local extinction. However, the turn of the 21^st century saw a revelation in public attitudes and the park has since undergone a complete transformation. Following the reintroduction of over 5,000 animals from 17 species, the park has become perhaps one of conservations greatest success stories. Today, Majete is Malawi’s premier wildlife watching destination, boasting a ‘Big 5’ game status. The park now holds strong populations of megafauna and continues to benefit hugely from wildlife tourism. Key mammal species here include Kudu, Elephant, Black Rhino, Sable Antelope, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest, Spotted Hyena, Leopard, Lion, Cheetah and (recently) Wild Dog. As for avifauna, over 300 species can be found within the park, including a healthy population of Bateleur Eagles.

Accommodation in Majete Wildlife Reserve

Mukulumadzi

Details

Roan Antelope and Zebra, Nyika Plateau.jpg

The Nyika Plateau is part of the wider Nyika National Park that occupies a chunk of northern Malawi and a small segment of north-eastern Zambia. The Plateau itself rises above Lake Malawi, sitting at just over 2000m above sea level, with the highest point – Ngangda Peak – summitting at 2,605m. It is host to a wealth of wildlife, including Crawshay’s Zebra, Eland, Roan Antelope and the highest density of Leopards in Malawi. The area also features an abundance of avifauna, with over 400 species recorded to date. Key targets include Denham’s Bustard, Red-Winged Francolin, Wattled Crane, Bar-tailed Trogon and Malachite Sunbird. Between November and April, the park enjoys the return of a large number of migratory species, making this a fantastic time for birders to visit.

View Map

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Sample Itineraries

This classic itinerary combines the lesser-visited wildlife reserves of Malawi with time spent in Zambia’s South Luangwa, one of the most predator-rich parks in Africa.

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 4

Liwonde National Park

Days

5 - 6

Zomba Plateau

Days

7 - 8

Lake Malawi

Days

9 - 10

Fly to Mfuwe in Zambia and transfer to your chosen South Luangwa safari lodge

Days

11 - 12

Finish the holiday in a comfortable bush camp

Day

Fly Home

Day

Arrive UK

14 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

If you are keen to explore some of Malawi's other big game reserves then Majete is an excellent choice. Following years of lawless poaching in the late 1990s, which led to the eradication of almost all the reserve's wildlife, a successful re-introduction scheme was implemented in 2003. Now, Lions, Black Rhinos and Elephants thrive within this highly protected reserve.

Explore three of Africa's most incredible countries on one tour!

Day

Depart London; fly to Zimbabwe

Days

2 - 4

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Days

5 - 9

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Days

10 - 13

Lake Malawi

Day

Depart Lilongwe, Malawi

Day

Arrive London

15 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Excellent local naturalist guides are available at all our selected lodges and wildlife camps. However, should you require a dedicated expert naturalist guide to accompany you throughout your holiday we will be pleased to arrange this for you.

When to Visit

Generally speaking, Malawi has two seasons – one wet, the other dry. The dry season runs from May until November and is a good time to visit for a broad-interest wildlife holiday. However, the green (wet) season, which runs from December until April is without question the best time for birding in Malawi, with heightened activity and males sporting magnificent breeding plumages.

Getting Around

Travel within Malawi is achieved by means of road journeys, boat transfers and short domestic flights. Compared to other African countries Malawi is relatively small, meaning that road journeys are not too long. These are generally in a private saloon car or a larger vehicle if you are travelling in a small group.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!