Duration
11-Day
Liwonde National Park, Malawi
You'll embark on an unforgettable journey through Malawi, the Warm Heart of Africa, on this carefully curated circuit combining thrilling wildlife safaris, pristine lake islands, and authentic cultural experiences. This tour weaves through the country's finest destinations, offering intimate encounters with nature and local life. Ideal for travelers seeking adventure, tranquility, and connection, it covers Malawi's most iconic sites: Majete and Liwonde Game Reserve, Mumbo Island, and Lilongwe.
Plan snapshot
Duration
11-Day
Route
Blantyre (Day 1-2) to Lilongwe (Lilongwe)
Via Zomba Plateau, Liwonde NP, Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi)
Country & park
Malawi / Liwonde National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
12 years
Activities
game drives, specialized birding (with a professional birding guide), nature hikes/walks, boat trip & beach time
Accommodation
Thawale Lodge - Mid-range tented camp inside Majete WR – 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 tented camps 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 cannot book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 12 years.
Day 1-2
Mid-range tented camp inside Majete WR – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Mid-range hotel inside Zomba Plateau – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4-5
Mid-range self catering accommodation inside Liwonde NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6-7
Mid-range tented camp on Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
Budget guest house in Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9-10
Mid-range hotel in Lilongwe (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 11
(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
You'll arrive in Malawi via Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, where you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Majete Wildlife Reserve, a scenic 2-hour drive away. You'll check in at the luxurious Thawale Lodge, beautifully tucked away at the confluence of two rivers. You'll settle into your chalet and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You'll spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking in the views. In the evening, you'll gather for a delicious three-course dinner under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush. This marks the beginning of your unforgettable safari adventure. Mid-range tented camp located inside Majete WR All meals included Drinks not included
Day 2
This day begins with a very early wake-up at 4:45 AM for a 5:00 AM game drive, the best time to catch predators and other wildlife at their most active. You'll head straight into the reserve with your guide as the bush awakens, offering a chance to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, and more. You'll return to the lodge by mid-morning for a well-earned breakfast and time to relax. You'll spend the late morning and early afternoon at leisure in your private chalet or lounge. After lunch, you'll enjoy some quiet rest before departing on a second game drive at around 3:30 PM, exploring a different area of the park. You'll return before dusk, freshen up, and gather in the dining area for a warm, three-course dinner. The day ends with relaxed conversation or quiet time under the African night sky. Mid-range tented camp located inside Majete WR All meals included Drinks not included
Day 3
Upon arrival at Sunbird Ku Chawe, guests will check in and enjoy lunch before setting out to explore the scenic Zomba Plateau Ku Chawe area, taking in breathtaking mountain views, forests, and nature trails on a guided excursion leading all the way to the beautiful Williams Falls. Mid-range hotel located inside Zomba Plateau All meals included Drinks not included
Day 4
Wake up to the fresh mountain air at Sunbird Ku Chawe and enjoy a relaxing breakfast surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Zomba Plateau before departing for Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s top wildlife destinations. Upon arrival, check in at Chimwala Camp and settle into your comfortable accommodation before enjoying lunch at the camp. In the afternoon, head out for an exciting boat safari along the Shire River, where you will have the chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat while enjoying the peaceful scenery and stunning sunset views over the river. Mid-range self catering accommodation located inside Liwonde NP All meals included Drinks not included
Day 5
Spend a full day exploring Liwonde National Park with exciting morning and afternoon game drives through its diverse landscapes of riverbanks, open plains, and woodlands. Begin the day with an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active, offering excellent chances to spot elephants, antelopes, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, and, if lucky, predators such as lions or leopards. Return to Chimwala Camp for breakfast and some relaxation before lunch at the camp. In the afternoon, head out for another guided game drive to discover more of the park’s rich wildlife and birdlife while enjoying the beautiful natural scenery and sunset views before returning to camp for dinner and an overnight stay. Mid-range self catering accommodation located inside Liwonde NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
After breakfast, depart for Cape Maclear and enjoy a scenic afternoon boat transfer across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi to Mumbo Island. Upon arrival, check in at Mumbo Island Camp and unwind with relaxing beach time, swimming, or simply enjoying the peaceful island atmosphere and beautiful lake views. Mid-range tented camp located on Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Spend a relaxing full day at Mumbo Island surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi. Start the morning with breakfast at Mumbo Island Camp before enjoying optional activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, bird watching, or hiking around the island’s scenic trails. Discover colorful cichlid fish beneath the clear waters or simply relax on the beach while taking in the peaceful atmosphere and stunning lake views. Enjoy lunch and free time at the camp before ending the day with a beautiful sunset, dinner, and overnight stay on the island. Mid-range tented camp located on Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi) All meals included Drinks not included
Day 8
After breakfast at Mumbo Island Camp, depart by boat for the mainland at Cape Maclear, enjoying scenic views across the beautiful waters of Lake Malawi. Upon arrival, check in at Capricorn by Quest before heading out to explore the lively lakeside village of Cape Maclear. Visit the scenic Otter Point, relax on the beach, interact with the local community, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, stunning lake views, and beautiful sunset along the shore. Budget guest house located in Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) All meals included Drinks not included
Day 9
After breakfast, you'll depart Cape Maclear and travel north toward Lilongwe. En route, you'll stop at Dedza to visit the fascinating ancient rock art sites—paintings created by early hunter-gatherer communities that offer a glimpse into Malawi’s deep cultural history. After exploring Dedza, you'll continue your journey to Quest Lodges and Safaris. Upon arrival, you'll check in to your comfortable room and unwind in the serene surroundings. In the evening, you'll enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, rounding off your day with excellent cuisine and warm hospitality. Mid-range hotel located in Lilongwe (City) All meals included Drinks not included
Day 10
After breakfast, you'll visit Chingalire Cultural Village, where you will experience traditional dances, storytelling, drumming, and folk songs. You can join in local cooking, crafts, and farming activities, gaining hands-on knowledge of Malawian culture and rural life. Chingalire is special for its strong community spirit and authentic cultural preservation. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with Malawi’s heritage in a personal and respectful setting. After a rich cultural experience, you'll return to Lilongwe for a city tour, exploring key landmarks like the Kamuzu Mausoleum, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, and the vibrant local markets. The day concludes with a memorable farewell dinner at Quest Lodges and Safaris, where you will relax and reflect on your journey while enjoying farm-to-table cuisine in a peaceful, elegant setting. Mid-range hotel located in Lilongwe (City) All meals included Drinks not included
Day 11
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the Warm Heart of Africa. Your guide will accompany you to your point of exit, whether by airport or land border. They will assist you with all departure procedures to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Thank you for choosing to explore Malawi with us —we hope the memories made here will stay with you forever. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other 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)
Drinks (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
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 12 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.
Thawale Lodge - Mid-range tented camp inside Majete WR – 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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