Duration
9-Day
Liwonde National Park, Malawi
9-Day Malawi Cultural Village, Lake and Wilderness
Overview
Discover the best of Malawi in this unforgettable tour! You'll explore Chingalire Cultural Village's rich culture, relax on the stunning shores of Lake Malawi, enjoy thrilling safaris in Liwonde National Park, and hike the scenic trails of Zomba Plateau. A perfect blend of adventure, nature, and cultural immersion in the Warm Heart of Africa.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Lilongwe (Day 1-2) to Blantyre (City)
Via Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi), Liwonde NP, Zomba Plateau
Country & park
Malawi / Liwonde National Park
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
16 years
Activities
game drives, specialized birding (with a professional birding guide), nature hikes/walks, boat trip & beach time
Accommodation
Mitengo House - Luxury in Lilongwe (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$4,290 USD
$4,290 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$4,290 USD
$4,290 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is not available to groups larger than 20 people.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 16 years and older.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Malawi
Start
Lilongwe (Day 1-2)
Day 3-4
Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi)
Day 5-6
Liwonde NP
Day 7-8
Zomba Plateau
End
Blantyre (City) (Day 9)
Tour Features
Luxury tour
This luxury tour uses lodges and tented camps.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
16
Minimum age of 16 years
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives, specialized birding (with a professional birding guide), nature hikes/walks, boat trip & beach time
Game drives: open-sided 4x4 vehicle & pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: minivan, bus & normal 4x4 vehicle
This operator can book your international flights
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-2
Mitengo House
Luxury in Lilongwe (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
Pumulani Lodge
Luxury lodge near Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5-6
Mvuu Lodge
Luxury tented camp inside Liwonde NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7-8
Sunbird Ku Chawe
Mid-range hotel inside Zomba Plateau – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Arrival in Lilongwe
You'll arrive in Lilongwe, where our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to Mitengo House for a 2-night stay. After check-in, you'll take time to relax in the tranquil surroundings. Depending on your arrival time, you'll enjoy a guided Lilongwe city tour, featuring key sites like the Old Town markets, Parliament Building, and Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. In the evening, you'll enjoy a welcome dinner followed by a detailed trip briefing with your guide to prepare for the adventure ahead. Luxury located in Lilongwe (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lilongwe (City) Stay: Mitengo House Luxury located in Lilongwe (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Lilongwe
After breakfast, you'll depart for Chingalire Cultural Village, located just outside Lilongwe. This vibrant village is home to local artists, dancers, and storytellers who share Malawi’s rich cultural heritage through traditional music, dance, and craft. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with traditional songs and dances. You'll spend the day immersed in rural life and learn about local customs, try your hand at drumming or dancing, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked Malawian lunch. This experience offers a deep connection to Malawi’s history, people, and traditions. You'll return to Mitengo House in the late afternoon for a relaxed evening. Luxury located in Lilongwe (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lilongwe (City) Stay: Mitengo House Luxury located in Lilongwe (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Lake Malawi
After an early breakfast, you'll depart Lilongwe for the drive to Pumulani Lodge, located on the stunning Nankumba Peninsula, nestled within Lake Malawi National Park. The journey takes approximately 4–5 hours, offering beautiful views of Malawi’s countryside along the way. Upon arrival, you'll check in to your luxurious lakeside villa overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi. You'll spend the afternoon unwinding on the private beach, swimming, or kayaking. Pumulani offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. In the evening, you will enjoy a lakeside dinner as the sun sets over the water. Luxury lodge located near Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) Stay: Pumulani Lodge Luxury lodge located near Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
More of Lake Malawi
You'll start your day with breakfast overlooking the beautiful Lake Malawi. Afterward, you will enjoy a guided snorkeling session to explore the lake’s colorful cichlid fish and underwater life. Following this, you'll take a cultural walk to a nearby local village to experience daily life and interact with the community. In the afternoon, you'll relax with a kayaking session on the calm waters of the lake. As the day winds down, you'll embark on a stunning sunset drive around the peninsula, soaking in panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. You'll return to the lodge for a delicious dinner under the stars, completing your day of adventure and relaxation. Luxury lodge located near Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) Stay: Pumulani Lodge Luxury lodge located near Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Liwonde National Park
After breakfast at Pumulani Lodge, you'll depart for Mvuu Lodge in Liwonde National Park, a journey of approximately 5–6 hours. You'll enjoy scenic views as you travel through southern Malawi’s landscapes. You’ll arrive at the lodge in the late afternoon, where the team will warmly welcome you and assist with check-in. You'll take some time to settle into your chalet and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. As the sun sets, you'll join a short sunset river cruise along the Shire River, a perfect introduction to the park's beauty and wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife. You will return to the lodge for a relaxed dinner under the stars, with the sounds of the bush setting the tone for the nights ahead. Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Liwonde National Park Stay: Mvuu Lodge Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Game Drives in Liwonde National Park
You'll start your day with an early morning game drive through Liwonde National Park, home to elephants, antelope, buffalo, and an increasing population of black rhino and lions. After the drive, you will return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by a guided bird-watching session. Liwonde is a birding paradise with over 400 species, including Pel’s fishing owl and African skimmers. In the afternoon, you'll participate in light conservation activities, such as a visit to the park’s research center or community projects supported by the lodge. Later, you'll enjoy a boat safari on the Shire River, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and riverine wildlife. In the evening, you'll gather for sundowners as the sun sets over the Shire while listening to the sounds of the African wilderness. Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Liwonde National Park Stay: Mvuu Lodge Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Kuchawe Inn at Zomba Platua
You'll depart for Zomba, heading south through the countryside of Malawi. The journey takes you along the Shire Highlands, passing local villages, lush plantations, and rolling hills. Arriving in Zomba, you'll notice the colonial charm of Malawi’s former capital. The town is surrounded by tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and a relaxed atmosphere. Continue your journey uphill to the Kuchawe Inn, perched high on the Zomba Plateau at over 1,800 meters above sea level. Kuchawe Inn is special for its breathtaking views stretching across southern Malawi to Lake Chilwa and even Mount Mulanje on clear days. The air is fresh and cool, a refreshing change from the lowlands. The plateau is rich in biodiversity, with peaceful forest trails, waterfalls, and scenic lookouts. It’s a place where tranquility meets natural beauty, perfect for relaxation or gentle exploration. The combination of history, scenery, and cooler mountain climate makes Kuchawe a truly unique destination. Mid-range hotel located inside Zomba Plateau All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Zomba Plateau Stay: Sunbird Ku Chawe Mid-range hotel located inside Zomba Plateau Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
More of Zomba Plateau
You'll start your morning with a hearty breakfast at the inn, surrounded by misty mountain views. After breakfast, you'll set out on a guided hike to William’s Falls, a scenic trail through indigenous forest with opportunities to spot butterflies, birds, and monkeys along the way. You'll continue with a visit to Emperor’s View, one of the most iconic viewpoints on the plateau, where you’ll take in sweeping vistas over the Phalombe plains and Lake Chilwa in the distance. You'll return to the inn for a leisurely lunch and some downtime. In the afternoon, you'll take a nature walk through the forest trails and explore the old botanical gardens. As evening falls, you'll gather for a farewell dinner at the inn’s cozy restaurant. You'll enjoy freshly prepared local and international dishes, share stories of your journey, and toast to unforgettable memories, marking a peaceful and reflective end to your magical nights in Malawi. Mid-range hotel located inside Zomba Plateau All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Zomba Plateau Stay: Sunbird Ku Chawe Mid-range hotel located inside Zomba Plateau Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Departure
After breakfast at Kuchawe Inn, you'll begin your journey down the winding roads of the Zomba Plateau, enjoying one last glimpse of the lush forest and sweeping views passing through vibrant villages and rolling hills of southern Malawi. The journey to Chileka International Airport, Blantyre, takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Along the way, you'll reflect on the incredible memories made from lake shores and wildlife safaris to mountain vistas and cultural experiences. You'll arrive at Chileka in good time for your departure, with assistance for check-in and baggage if needed. As you board your flight, you'll carry with you the warm spirit of Malawi. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Blantyre (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
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)
Excluded
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
Getting There
This tour starts in Lilongwe and ends in Blantyre, Malawi
This operator can book your international flights
Fly to Lilongwe Airport (LLW - Check price)
Fly back from Chileka Airport (BLZ - Check price) near Blantyre
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Quest Lodges and Safari
5.0 operator rating
5 reviews
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
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5So professional, efficient and personal…they work closely with you to provide the best possible trip
The 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
Punctual & Responsible
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
The operator was efficient and knows the business well.
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
Very much customer orientated, reliable
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
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 16 years and older.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Mitengo House - Luxury in Lilongwe (City) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
How does the quote request work?
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
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
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.
Keep comparing
Similar Tours
Liwonde National Park
Malawi · 4-Day
Safaris & Nature
5.0
4-Day Safari in Liwonde National Park
Liwonde National Park, Malawi · 4-Day · Quest Lodges and Safari
Duration4-Day
From$3,341 pp (USD)
ModeQuote
Custom quote route
Verified provider
Cultural notes
From
$3,341 pp (USD)
Liwonde National Park
Botswana · 11-Day
Beach & Island
5.0
11-Day The Great Zambia Malawi Excape
Liwonde National Park, Botswana · 11-Day · Quest Lodges and Safari
Duration11-Day
From$6,239 pp (USD)
ModeQuote
Custom quote route
Verified provider
Cultural notes
From
$6,239 pp (USD)
Liwonde National Park
Malawi · 11-Day
Safaris & Nature
5.0
11-Day Malawi Signature Journey from Lake to Wilderness
Liwonde National Park, Malawi · 11-Day · Quest Lodges and Safari
Duration11-Day
From$4,950 to $5,500 pp (USD)
ModeQuote
Custom quote route
Verified provider
Cultural notes
From
$4,950 to $5,500 pp (USD)