Natural History of Malawi

Malawi may not be the obvious destination for a safari or holiday in Africa, but it really should be considered as it has plenty to offer. There is some great wildlife to be seen in a variety of habitats. Game drives, guided walks and boat safaris are all included in this full and varied itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Malawi. You'll also have opportunities for bird watching, boat trips and watersports on Lake Malawi and mountain biking.

This trip takes you through the northern highlands including game viewing in Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve then down to Lake Malawi with a variety of cultural activites and water sports as well as bird watching and snorkelling. Then back to the southern end of the lake you spend time in the gorgeous Liwonde National Park where you can enjoy game viewing by vehicle, on foot and by boat.

Gallery

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Information

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Included

All meals, private guide and vehicle (except in Liwondwe National Park), park fees, transfers between lodges, non-motorised watersports at Chintheche Inn.

Not included

Flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, motorised watersports and optional excursions at Chintheche Inn, laundry, tips.

Best time

Malawi is a year round destination but some activities are better at different times of the year. The heaviest rain falls generally between February and March and windy season on the lake tends to be around June / July. The lake is calmest and best for snorkelling and diving between November and March which is also the hottest time of year. May - July can be quite cool and very cold indeed in the highlands.

Getting there

Lilongwe airport has daily connections with Nairobi and most days with Johannesburg and Lusaka.

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Sunny
- 15
- 30
- Feb
- Heavy rain
- 15
- 30
- Mar
- Heavy rain
- 15
- 30
- Apr
- Rain
- 10
- 30
- May
- Sunny with Cloud
- 5
- 25
- Jun
- Sunny with Cloud
- 0
- 23
- Jul
- Sunny
- 0
- 23
- Aug
- Sunny
- 5
- 25
- Sep
- Sunny
- 10
- 30
- Oct
- Sunny
- 10
- 30
- Nov
- Rain
- 15
- 30
- Dec
- Sunny
- 15
- 30

Large numbers of elephants in Vwaza Marsh
Excellent bird watching throughout
Fascinating botany in the Viphya Highlands and the other parks
Boating safaris on the Shire River in Liwonde
Lake Malawi with it's friendly people and water sports
Optional horse riding

Itinerary

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Duration: 11 days/10 nights

Day 1 You will be met on arrival at Lilongwe airport by your private driver/guide for the four hour transfer to Luwawa Forest Lodge on the Viphya Plateau. You should arrive in time to go on a guided bird walk in the forest.
Day 2 A three to four hour drive takes you to Kazuni Camp in the Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve for a two night stay. This reserve is known for its permanent water and open floodplains and attracts large numbers of elephant, buffalo and hippo. Predators include lion, leopard and hyena. While in Vwaza you can take part in game drives and guided bush walks.
Day 3 A full day's game viewing in Vwaza.
Day 4 Today you are transferred to Chintheche Inn on the northern shores of Lake Malawi (about a four hour drive). You have 3 nights here. There is a large range of activities available including swimming, sailing, wind surfing and canoeing on the lake.
Day 5 Today you might opt to visit a local village and market and meet some of the local people. The Bandawe Mission is nearby and is a poignant reminder of the missionary days in this area.
Day 6 As well as the lake-based activities you might like to explore the are around the lake by bike or on horseback. Alternatively you may prefer to take it easy and relax by the swimming pool.
Day 7 A long drive is broken by a picnic lunch stop. Continuing the journey you will arrive at Mvuu Lodge in Liwondwe National Park. (Approx. seven hours driving time).
Day 8 Today you can explore Liwondwe National Park, where a wide range of animals including elephant, hippo, antelope, leopard and crocodiles can be seen. Game drives are a popular option, as are guided bush walks. This is also a great bird watching area.
Day 9 Another full day in the national park. Today you may want to explore by boat, another excellent way to view the varied game and bird life. Alternatively, you can visit one of the local villages or simply relax by the swimming pool.
Day 10 Transfer from Mvuu Lodge to Lilongwe, about a four drive, to Heuglin's Lodge for a one night stay. This is a lovely big house set in attractive gardens. Relax here and maybe take a dip in the pool before enjoying a preprandial drink at the bar.
Day 11 You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Pricing guidelines for Malawi

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Malawi combines well with Zambia.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week holiday /safari staying in quality accommodationBetween £1800 and £3000
1 week stay at high quality lakeside lodges (including the islands)From about £2500 +

Malawi