Duration
6-Day
This tour introduces you to Malawi's captivating capital, Lake Malawi, and the tea highlands of Thyolo. Start in Lilongwe, exploring its bustling markets, historical sites, and vibrant culture. Next, head to Cape Maclear on Lake Malawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll relax and enjoy activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and village tours. The journey concludes in Thyolo, where you'll tour tea estates and enjoy a tea tasting experience at Huntingdon House, surrounded by plantation.
Plan snapshot
Duration
6-Day
Route
Lilongwe to Blantyre
Via Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi), Thyolo District, Chileka Airport (Blantyre)
Country & park
Malawi
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
16 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Latitude 13 - Luxury hotel in Lilongwe (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses lodges and guest houses.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years.
Day 1
Luxury hotel in Lilongwe (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2-3
Mid-range lodge in Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4-5
Luxury guest house in Thyolo District – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Upon arrival at Lilongwe International Airport, you will be met by a representative from our team and transferred to Latitude 13° hotel located in the heart of Lilongwe’s diplomatic area. It offers a unique blend of African elegance and modern luxury, with beautifully designed rooms, a stylish pool area, and a gourmet restaurant. The property is also known for its vibrant art installations and tranquil ambiance — the perfect place to relax after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity for a short Lilongwe City Tour, where you’ll get a feel of the capital city. Highlights may include: -Old Town and its bustling markets -The Kamuzu Mausoleum -Optional stop at Craft Market for souvenirs Back at the hotel, there will be a briefing session to go over your travel itinerary, safety information, and answer any questions you might have. This will be followed by a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant, offering a taste of modern Malawian cuisine. Luxury hotel located in Lilongwe (City) All meals included Drinks not included
Day 2
After breakfast at Latitude 13, depart for Cape Maclear on Lake Malawi’s southern tip—a 4–5 hour scenic drive through rural villages. Check in for a 2 night stay at Chembe Eagles Nest, beachfront retreat in Chembe Village. This mid-range lodge blends into its surroundings with locally crafted decor, lake-view balconies, a pool, and a restaurant serving Malawian and international dishes. Activities include: -Snorkeling & Swimming: Explore clear waters filled with colorful cichlid fish. -Kayaking: Paddle to nearby islands and along the shoreline. -Chembe Village Tour: Meet locals, visit markets, and learn traditional fishing methods. -Otter Point: Swim, snorkel, birdwatch, and enjoy sunset views. -Fishing Trips: Join fishermen for a hands-on cultural experience. -Sunset Cruises: Unwind with a drink on a tranquil lake cruise. Mid-range lodge located in Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) All meals included Drinks not included
Day 3
Spend your day enjoying the best of Cape Maclear. Start with a refreshing swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear lake waters, then relax by the beach or pool. Optional activities include kayaking along the shoreline, taking a guided tour of Chembe Village, or visiting Otter Point for birdwatching and sunset views. In the evening, unwind with a peaceful sunset cruise and dinner by the lake. Mid-range lodge located in Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) All meals included Drinks not included
Day 4
After breakfast at the lake, begin your journey south to the lush highlands of Thyolo District, a scenic 6–7 hour drive through rolling hills, rural villages, and the tea estates of southern Malawi. Arrive at Huntingdon House, a beautifully restored colonial estate nestled within the Satemwa Tea Estates. This charming guesthouse offers old-world elegance and personalized service. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tea tasting session, sampling a variety of Satemwa’s artisan teas while learning about the estate's rich history and tea-making process. Later, settle into your cozy room, surrounded by manicured gardens and peaceful views of the tea fields. The day ends with a welcoming dinner served in the elegant dining room or under the stars, showcasing local flavors and produce from the estate. Huntingdon House offers a serene and immersive experience into Malawi’s tea culture and colonial heritage. Luxury guest house located in Thyolo District All meals included Drinks not included
Day 5
Huntingdon House offers a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and nature. Begin your morning with a guided tea estate tour, exploring the historic Satemwa Tea Estates. Learn how tea and coffee are grown, harvested, and processed, then enjoy a walk through the scenic plantation trails, rich with birdlife and lush greenery. A stop at the tea tasting room lets you sample a range of Satemwa’s finest brews and understand their unique flavors and aromas. In the afternoon, unwind in the tranquil gardens, or take a short drive to local viewpoints for sweeping views over the Lower Shire Valley and Mount Mulanje in the distance. This peaceful setting invites reflection and connection with nature. As evening falls, return to the estate for your final dinner—a thoughtfully prepared three-course meal featuring fresh, local ingredients, served in the elegant dining room or al fresco under the stars. A memorable close to your time in Malawi’s tea country. Luxury guest house located in Thyolo District All meals included Drinks not included
Day 6
After a leisurely breakfast at Huntingdon House, it's time to say goodbye to the peaceful tea fields of Thyolo. Begin your journey to Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive through rolling hills, vibrant villages, and stretches of green plantations. Along the way, take in the last glimpses of Malawi’s southern countryside—a landscape that reflects the warmth and charm of the people you’ve met. Depending on your departure time, you may have a brief stop in Blantyre for last-minute shopping or a light refreshment. Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will assist you with check-in and bid you farewell. As your tour comes to an end, you leave with unforgettable memories of Malawi’s lakes, highlands, tea estates, and welcoming communities. We hope this journey has given you a deep appreciation for the beauty, culture, and spirit of the Warm Heart of Africa. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Drinks
Offered by
We’re a Malawian tour operator offering bespoke adventure holidays, from Wildlife Safaris to Beach escapes at Cape Maclear and city stays. Passionate about cultural exchange, we offer clients local village life experience, where they learn basic local language, traditions, and daily routines of Malawi. Our safaris and outdoor activities cater to nature lovers, while cultural enthusiasts can enjoy authentic experiences. We also operate 3 lodges (Quest Lodges and Safari).
Office In
Malawi
Size
20-50 employees (Founded in 2020)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Malawi, Zambia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5The trip went off without any problems as they are in constant contact with you to make sure everything is going as planned, very reliable as there were no glitches, excellent value for the money, everyone so helpful and kind to deal with…every day was a a new experience
Bruce · Nicaragua
I had a 12-Day safari & cultural journey in Malawi and South Luangwa (Zambia) with remarkable experience & memories. I visited three national parks: MAJETE, LIWONDE, and LUANGWA. My itinerary started from Blantyre via Lilongwe to South Luangwa before getting back to Lilongwe for my inbound flight. The full-board quote was indeed designed and tailored according to my interest. The program contained detailed information one may need. All transports, incl. airport transfers, were taken care using a private car with Chikondi as a skilled driver. She always showed up according to the plan. Chikondi was informative and flexible to provide answer to my numerous questions & curiousness about the society, culture, nature, etc. during many hours of our road transport. All the accommodations (Thawale Lodge, Huntingdon House, Zomba Forest Lodge, Latitude Hotel, Flatdogs Camp, and Lilongwe Quest lodges and safaris) were of great standards with professional services. Except Kutchire Lodge in Liwonde National Park which is to consider as a “very-low-budget” lodge. Nearly everything was in poor condition with low value. But all the staffs were friendly and tried their best. However, that didn’t overshadow my overall experience through the entire journey in Malawi & Zambia.
Zia · Norway
We had a fantastic trip to Malawi. Chikondi was an excellent guide. She was flexible to all our last minute changes and suggested extra excursions when we had a bit of spare time. I would highly recommend Quest Lodges and Safari.
Heidi · Canada
Although we are used to travel individually and organize our trips by ourselves, we experienced very valuable help and support from Quest. They organised car, driver, and accommodation for our 14 day tour to Malawi. Very reliable, great help when we had to change our itinerary last minute due to the fuel crisis. Strongly recommended, good value for money.
Helmut · Germany
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 16 years and older.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Latitude 13 - Luxury hotel in Lilongwe (City) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators () Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Quest Lodges and Safari, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Quest Lodges and Safari.
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