Bush and Beach in Malawi Itinerary
A wonderful introduction to Malawi, showcasing the people, the scenery and not one, but two Big Five wildlife reserves and finishing off with a lovely lodge set on a hillside above Lake Malawi. Your very own bush and beach combination.
13 days from £4,335pp plus international flights.
Full itinerary
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Call: 01473 890499
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Day 1
To Satemwa Tea Estate
You’re met at Blantyre airport with a warm Malawi welcome. A road transfer takes you to the Satemwa Tea Estate and Huntingdon House, a beautiful historic home built in the 1930s. The house is surrounded by stunning gardens and vast tea fields. Relax in the gardens, explore the surroundings and settle in to your home for the next two nights.
Dinner
© Malawi Tourism
Day 2
Satemwa Tea Estate
You have a full day to immerse yourself in these fabulous surroundings. You decide the pace - there are plenty of options; enjoy a tea and coffee tasting, visit the Mount Mulanje Massif or perhaps take a short hike to Dzie la Nkhalamba rock pool and falls and if you've still energy to burn hop on a mountain bike and explore the endless tracks, up and down hill. Return back to Huntingdon House for dinner.
Full board
Day 3
Transfer To Mkulumadzi Lodge
A drive of around 2.5 hours takes you to Mkulumadzi Lodge, passing through some lovely scenery. The final part of the journey is a walk across the suspension bridge over the river - quite an impressive way to arrive! You'll be shown to your chalet. Depending on your arrival time you'll be served lunch or afternoon tea, later setting out on an initial game drive in Majete Wildlife Reserve. This evening dinner is served on the terrace, giving you the chance for some star gazing as you eat.
Full board
Day 4
In Majete
There's a choice of activities to give you a comprehensive safari experience. Game drives set out in the morning and late afternoon, though all-day drives with a picnic lunch are offered, too. You can also take a boat ride on the Shire River to spot hippo, crocodile, elephant, buffalo and many species of birds, while a guided walk is a great way to get a feel for the environment. Between activities you can rest at the lodge, swimming in the pool, reading and socialising.
Full board
Day 5
In Majete
Safari activities can be supplemented with a visit to neighbouring village to meet members of the community and find out about their culture and daily lives. If you're feeling energetic you can join a guide for the hike up Chimwala Hill, where your efforts are rewarded with superb views over the Great Rift Valley. After lunch spend some time in the viewing hide where you should get great photo opportunities, before setting off on the late afternoon game drive and the chance to see the Big Five.
Full board
© RobinPopeSafaris
Day 6
To Liwonde
After breakfast you're driven to your next destination, Liwonde, a chance to experience another facet of Malawi. The drive is 5-6 hours. The lodge enjoys stunning views stretching towards the Shire River. the call of the fish eagle's is ever present. After the long drive, relax and enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool. Later, embark on a game drive, and see what hidden secrets Liwonde has to offer. Alongside large numbers of elephants, hippos, buffalo and bushbuck, rhinos were introduced to the park in 2019.
Full board
© Shutterstock
Day 7
Liwonde
Chat with your guide and decide what you would like to do. A morning guided walk is always rewarding. Along with your guide you will be accompanied by an armed National Park scout. Get closer to nature and see the signs and small details that animals leave behind. It's a different experience to watching wildlife from a vehicle. Perhaps this afternoon you might want to enjoy a river safari adding yet another dimension to your stay here.
Full board
© RobinPopeSafaris
Day 8
Liwonde
Today is the final day of your wildlife safari - get up early to make the most of it, there's time for rest and relaxation ahead. Since African Parks took over management of Liwonde in 2015 and with community engagement and developmental programmes they have transformed Liwonde into a thriving wildlife haven. Enjoy another game drive, no two are the same, later take to the water again and drift downstream on a boat safari, returning to the camp in time for drinks around the fire before dinner.
Full board
Day 9
To Pumulani
After breakfast you'll be driven north to the Nankumba Peninsula on Lake Malawi. You'll be able to watch animals and birds and observe rural life during the 3 hour drive. Pumulani, your destination, is a 10-villa lodge on the hillside above the lake. This is a tranquil location ideal for relaxation, so Pumulani, which translates as 'rest well' in the local language, is well-named! A refreshing swim is just the ticket after your journey and you'll have a choice of lake or pool, later drying off in the sun. This evening you'll enjoy dinner overlooking the water.
Full board
Day 10
At Lake Malawi
The blend of activity and relaxation is the essence of Pumulani and it's completely up to you how you spend each day. Lake Malawi offers great opportunities for snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and fishing, all included in your stay, plus motorised watersports and diving which are available at extra cost. The beach and pool deck are designed for relaxation, where you can sunbathe, doze and catch up with some reading, and your own private deck provides privacy.
Full board
Day 11
At Lake Malawi
Today you might like to use one of the lodge's mountain bikes (free) to explore the local area. This is a great way to meet local people and reach viewpoints for some excellent photographs, as well as getting some beneficial exercise. Alternatively you can join a guide for a tour of a local village where you'll receive a warm welcome. After this why not spend a lazy afternoon by the pool and treat yourself to a chilled drink of fresh fruit juice or maybe something stronger!
Full board
Day 12
At Lake Malawi
Another day by Lake Malawi. While here you should make time to go snorkelling or diving to view shoals of tropical fish in the gloriously clear lake waters. It's an experience that will live long in the memory. Back on dry land, follow a guide into the hills behind Pumulani for bird watching and fabulous views. If you wish you can return by a different route and conclude the tour with a gentle kayak trip on the lake back to the lodge. This evening treat yourself to a romantic sunset cruise on the lodge's private, hand-built dhow, returning just in time for dinner.
Full board
Day 13
Depart
Enjoy breakfast on the terrace before the drive to Lilongwe airport where the holiday ends.
Breakfast
Call: 01473 890499
Start planning your tailor-made holiday now. Tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.
Enquire
