The Ultimate Malawi Explorer

Majete Wildlife Reserve is one of Malawi’s great conservation success stories, now home to the Big Five following an ambitious wildlife restoration programme.

Set in the scenic Lower Shire Valley, its varied landscapes of woodland, hills and riverine habitats offer rewarding game drives, with opportunities to spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and black rhino.

Guided walking safaris, boat trips and birdwatching add variety, while the reserve’s peaceful atmosphere and low visitor numbers make it a wonderful choice for travellers seeking a more intimate safari experience.

The Thyolo region is known for its lush green tea plantations, rolling hills and tranquil highland scenery.

At the historic Satemwa Tea Estate, visitors can explore the working tea fields, learn about tea production and sample locally grown teas and coffees.

Scenic walks, birdwatching and opportunities to discover local life offer a relaxed cultural experience, making Thyolo a lovely addition to a Malawi itinerary and a welcome contrast to time spent on safari.

Zomba Plateau offers a refreshing change of pace, with cool mountain air, forested trails, rolling grasslands and spectacular views across southern Malawi.

Explore on foot or by mountain bike, discover hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints, or enjoy horse riding and birdwatching among the plateau’s rich natural landscapes.

With its peaceful atmosphere and outdoor adventures for different ages and abilities, Zomba is a lovely place to stretch your legs and experience a different side of Malawi beyond its wildlife reserves.

Liwonde National Park is one of Malawi’s finest safari destinations, with a beautiful setting along the Shire River and a remarkable variety of wildlife.

Its mix of riverine forests, open floodplains and woodland provides a habitat for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelope and predators, as well as more than 400 recorded bird species.

Explore on game drives or take a boat safari along the river for a different perspective on the wildlife.

With its relatively compact size, uncrowded feel and strong conservation focus, Liwonde is a wonderful choice for families and first-time safari-goers, particularly when combined with a relaxing stay on the shores of Lake Malawi.

Lake Malawi is a beautiful place to slow down after a busy safari, with palm-fringed beaches, clear freshwater and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Spend your days swimming, kayaking or trying other water sports, with plenty of time to unwind beside the lake.

For families keen to explore, boat trips to nearby islands offer the chance to discover secluded beaches and spectacular birdlife, while snorkelling reveals the lake’s colourful cichlid fish, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Visits to local fishing villages provide a fascinating glimpse into Malawian culture and everyday life, making Lake Malawi a lovely combination of adventure, relaxation and cultural discovery.

Lilongwe, Malawi’s leafy capital, is a lovely place to unwind at the end of your safari adventure.

With its tree-lined streets, peaceful gardens, welcoming cafés and local craft markets, it offers a gentle change of pace after days spent exploring the African bush.

Take time to browse handmade crafts, discover the city’s vibrant local culture or simply relax before your journey home.

A comfortable final stop, Lilongwe provides a chance to reflect on your Malawi adventures before heading to the airport.

Mkulumadzi Lodge is a secluded riverside retreat in Majete Wildlife Reserve, offering a wonderfully peaceful end to your Malawi safari.

Set in a private concession where the Mkulumadzi and Shire rivers meet, the lodge has just eight spacious chalets, each with a private viewing deck overlooking the water. S

pend your days exploring this Big Five reserve on guided game drives, walking safaris or boat trips, keeping an eye out for elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos.

Back at the lodge, cool off in the infinity pool, relax to the sounds of the river or enjoy dinner beneath the stars. For something truly memorable, spend a night on the elevated star deck beneath the African sky.

With its beautiful setting, warm hospitality and sense of wilderness, Mkulumadzi is a special place to slow down and savour your final days in the bush.

Huntingdon House is a charming historic manor house set among the rolling tea fields of Satemwa Tea Estate in Malawi’s beautiful Thyolo highlands.

It’s a wonderfully peaceful stop at the end of a safari, offering a change of pace from the bush with cool mountain air, lush gardens and sweeping views across the plantations.

Discover the estate’s history on a guided tea tour, explore scenic walking and mountain-biking trails, or enjoy birdwatching in the surrounding forests.

Back at the house, relax on the veranda with afternoon tea and savour delicious farm-to-table cuisine made with fresh, locally grown produce.

With its elegant heritage, warm hospitality and tranquil setting, Huntingdon House is a lovely place to slow down and reflect on your Malawi adventure

Kefi Hotel Café is a welcoming boutique retreat at the foot of the Zomba Plateau, offering a peaceful change of pace after days spent on safari.

Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a lovely place to slow down, enjoy the fresh mountain air and soak up Malawi’s warm hospitality.

Take a gentle walk along nearby nature trails, explore local markets or discover the scenic viewpoints and waterfalls of the plateau.

Back at the hotel, relax on your private veranda and enjoy delicious homemade pastries, excellent coffee and fresh local flavours at the café.

With its intimate atmosphere, thoughtful hospitality and beautiful highland setting, Kefi is a charming place to round off your Malawi adventure.

Kuthengo Camp is a wonderfully peaceful place to unwind after a safari, set beneath baobab and fever trees beside the Shire River in Liwonde National Park.

From the comfort of your spacious safari tent, enjoy sweeping views across the floodplains, with elephants, hippos and abundant birdlife often close by.

Spend your days exploring on game drives, guided walks or boat safaris along the river, then return to camp to relax by the plunge pool, enjoy a sundowner on your private deck or gather around the campfire as the sun sets.

With its intimate atmosphere, beautiful riverside setting and expert guiding, Kuthengo offers a wonderfully relaxed end to your Malawi safari adventure.

Set on a lush hillside overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Malawi, Pumulani Lodge is a stylish lakeside retreat offering the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Its spacious, individually designed villas boast beautiful lake views and private decks, while two infinity pools and a secluded beach provide plenty of space to unwind.

Explore the lake by kayak or sailboat, snorkel among colourful cichlid fish, or enjoy a sunset cruise aboard a traditional dhow.

With opportunities for guided village walks, cycling and stargazing, Pumulani is a wonderful place to slow down and discover another side of Malawi after an exhilarating safari.

Set in a leafy residential neighbourhood, The Crafted Residence offers a peaceful, home-from-home stay in Malawi’s capital.

Surrounded by lush gardens filled with birdlife, this relaxed retreat is a comfortable place to unwind after an international flight or before heading home.

With its convenient location for exploring Lilongwe’s markets, local restaurants and cultural attractions, it’s a practical and welcoming start or finish to a Malawi family safari.

Explore the waterways of Majete Wildlife Reserve on a boat safari from Mkulumadzi Lodge, discovering the wilderness from a different perspective.

Cruise along the riverbanks, watching for wildlife coming to drink, including elephants, hippos and crocodiles, while keeping an eye out for colourful kingfishers and fish eagles.

With beautiful scenery and the chance to observe animals away from the game-drive routes, it’s a peaceful yet exciting way to experience Malawi’s wild side.

The lush tea fields, gardens and surrounding forests of Satemwa Tea Estate provide a wonderful setting for birdwatching.

Explore with knowledgeable local guides who can help you spot and identify the region’s fascinating birdlife, including species special to Malawi’s highlands.

From colourful forest birds to raptors soaring above the rolling hills, birding offers a rewarding way to appreciate the estate’s rich natural environment and discover a different side of Malawi beyond its big game.

Discover the beautiful landscapes of the Zomba Plateau on foot, following scenic trails through woodland, forest and open highland scenery.

Guided walks offer the chance to learn about local plants, birdlife and the area’s natural history, while taking in fresh mountain air and spectacular views.

It’s a lovely way to slow the pace between safari destinations, stretch your legs and experience Malawi’s quieter, greener side.

Set out on guided game drives in Liwonde National Park to discover one of Malawi’s most rewarding wildlife destinations.

From the comfort of a safari vehicle, look out for elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and other wildlife as your expert guide brings the bush to life.

Morning and evening drives reveal different sides of the landscape, while the park’s riverine habitats and floodplains offer excellent opportunities to spot hippos, antelope and abundant birdlife.

With game drives complemented by boat safaris on the Shire River, Kuthengo Camp is a wonderful base for an immersive Malawi safari.

Discover the underwater world of Lake Malawi, home to hundreds of species of colourful cichlid fish, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

The lake’s clear freshwater makes it a wonderful place to snorkel close to shore, spotting bright flashes of blue, yellow and orange among the rocks.

For a closer look, scuba diving excursions offer the chance to explore deeper waters and observe these fascinating fish in their natural habitat.

Take time to discover everyday life in Malawi’s capital with a visit to one of Lilongwe’s lively local markets, where colourful stalls brim with fresh produce, spices, handmade crafts and traditional fabrics.

Browse local art and wood carvings, pick up a few souvenirs and enjoy the chance to meet local traders.

Families can also explore craft centres and galleries to learn more about Malawian creativity and traditions, offering a gentle introduction to the country’s culture before heading off on safari or to the shores of Lake Malawi.