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12-Day Malawi Highlights

Liwonde National Park, Malawi

12-Day Malawi Highlights

4.9 / 5 · 70 reviews Offered by Ranger Buck Safaris 12-Day

Overview

This 12-day Malawi journey combines wildlife, culture, and lakeside relaxation. Begin with safari experiences in Majete Wildlife Reserve, followed by a stay in the scenic Satemwa Tea Estate. Continue to Liwonde National Park for exciting game drives along the Shire River. The adventure ends at Lake Malawi with time on the pristine Mumbo Island and a luxury lakeside lodge, offering swimming, snorkeling, and breathtaking views of the "Lake of Stars.".

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

12-Day

Route

Blantyre to Lilongwe

Via Majete WR, Thyolo District, Liwonde NP

Country & park

Malawi / Liwonde National Park

Style

Safari

Group size

1-12 travelers

Starts

Any day if available

Minimum age

18 years

Activities

game drives & walking safaris (with an armed guide)

Accommodation

Mkulumadzi Lodge - Luxury lodge inside Majete WR

Meals

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals Included; All Meals Included

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

USD

12-Day Malawi Highlights
Liwonde National Park visual context for this itinerary.

Rates

Rates Per Person

USD

Start datesSingle2+ people
Jul 1, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026 $9,363 USD $9,363 USD
Oct 1, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026 $8,544 USD $8,544 USD
Nov 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 $8,184 USD $8,184 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 4 people.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour is unavailable for children.

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
Request a Quote

Route

Tour route map
country Malawi
Start Blantyre (Day 1)
Day 1-2 Majete WR
Day 3-4 Thyolo District
Day 5-7 Liwonde NP
Day 8-9 Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi)
Day 10-11 Nankumba Peninsula (Lake Malawi)
End Lilongwe (Day 12)

Tour Features

Luxury tour

This luxury tour uses lodges and tented camps.

Private tour

This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will 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.

18
Minimum age of 18 years

The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.

Activities & Transportation

Activities: game drives & walking safaris (with an armed guide)
Game drives: open-sided 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: boat & normal 4x4 vehicle
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Accommodation & Meals

Mkulumadzi Lodge

Day 1-2

Mkulumadzi Lodge

Luxury lodge inside Majete WR

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals Included

Mkulumadzi LodgeMkulumadzi LodgeMkulumadzi Lodge
Huntingdon House

Day 3-4

Huntingdon House

Luxury guest house in Thyolo District – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Huntingdon HouseHuntingdon House
Kuthengo Camp

Day 5-7

Kuthengo Camp

Luxury tented camp inside Liwonde NP – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Kuthengo CampKuthengo CampKuthengo Camp
Mumbo Island Camp

Day 8-9

Mumbo Island Camp

Mid-range tented camp on Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Mumbo Island CampMumbo Island CampMumbo Island Camp
Pumulani Lodge

Day 10-11

Pumulani Lodge

Luxury lodge at Nankumba Peninsula (Lake Malawi) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Pumulani LodgePumulani LodgePumulani Lodge

Day 12

End of tour

No accommodation

(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.

Arrival in Malawi & Transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve

Day 1

Arrival in Malawi & Transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve

Upon arrival at Chileka (Blantyre) International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Majete Wildlife Reserve, a scenic drive of approximately 2.5 hours. Majete, located in the southern region of Malawi, is one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories and the only Big Five reserve in the country. Upon arrival, check in to your comfortable bush chalet and enjoy lunch overlooking the surrounding wilderness. In the afternoon, embark on your first exciting game drive through the reserve, where you may encounter elephants, buffalo, rhino, lion, leopard, and a wide variety of antelope species. Return to the lodge as the sun sets for a delicious dinner and overnight stay surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the African bush. Luxury lodge located inside Majete WR Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Destination: Majete Wildlife Reserve Stay: Mkulumadzi Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Majete WR Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Safari Experiences in Majete Wildlife Reserve

Day 2

Safari Experiences in Majete Wildlife Reserve

Wake up early to the sounds of the bush and head out on a morning game drive with your experienced ranger. The cool morning hours offer excellent opportunities to observe wildlife as animals become active before the heat of the day. After breakfast back at the lodge, enjoy some leisure time to relax by the pool, admire the surrounding riverine forest, or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the reserve. Later in the afternoon, set out on another safari activity, which may include a game drive or guided bush walk. As the day draws to a close, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay under the African stars. Luxury lodge located inside Majete WR All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Destination: Majete Wildlife Reserve Stay: Mkulumadzi Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Majete WR Meals: All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Scenic Transfer to the Satemwa Tea Estate

Day 3

Scenic Transfer to the Satemwa Tea Estate

After breakfast, depart Majete Wildlife Reserve and travel through the scenic landscapes of southern Malawi to the beautiful Satemwa Tea Estate in the Thyolo district. This region is renowned for its rolling emerald-green tea plantations and breathtaking views of Mount Mulanje and the Shire Highlands. Upon arrival, check in at Huntingdon House, a historic colonial residence set within the working tea and coffee estate. Spend the afternoon exploring the manicured gardens, enjoying a tea tasting experience, or simply relaxing while taking in the tranquil surroundings. Dinner and overnight are enjoyed at the estate. Luxury guest house located in Thyolo District All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Thyolo District Stay: Huntingdon House Luxury guest house located in Thyolo District Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Tea Estate Experiences & Highlands Exploration

Day 4

Tea Estate Experiences & Highlands Exploration

Today is dedicated to experiencing the charm and heritage of Satemwa Tea Estate. After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the tea and coffee plantations, learning about the history of the estate and the traditional processes used in tea production. A tea tasting session allows you to sample some of the estate’s finest blends. Guests can also enjoy optional activities such as mountain biking, hiking through the surrounding forests, or a visit to nearby communities. In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay. Luxury guest house located in Thyolo District All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Thyolo District Stay: Huntingdon House Luxury guest house located in Thyolo District Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Journey to Liwonde National Park

Day 5

Journey to Liwonde National Park

After breakfast, depart the tea estate and travel approximately four and a half hours to Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s most scenic and wildlife-rich protected areas. After arriving at the pick-up point, a short transfer brings you to your safari camp set along the banks of the Shire River. Check in and enjoy lunch while overlooking the surrounding plains where wildlife often gathers. Later in the afternoon, head out on a game drive through the park’s diverse landscapes of riverine forests, floodplains, and baobab-dotted savannahs. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay. Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Destination: Liwonde National Park Stay: Kuthengo Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP Meals: All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Safari Adventures in Liwonde National Park

Day 6

Safari Adventures in Liwonde National Park

Start your day with an early morning safari activity as the park awakens. Game drives offer the chance to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelope, and a variety of bird species. After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time at camp, relaxing on your private deck or watching wildlife gather near the river. In the afternoon, set out on another safari activity, which may include a game drive, guided walking safari, or boat safari along the Shire River. As the sun sets over the floodplains, return to camp for dinner and overnight. Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Destination: Liwonde National Park Stay: Kuthengo Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP Meals: All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Exploring the Wilderness of Liwonde

Day 7

Exploring the Wilderness of Liwonde

Another day in Liwonde allows for deeper exploration of this beautiful national park. Begin with a morning game drive to search for predators and other wildlife species. The Shire River provides exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for large herds of elephants and pods of hippos. After lunch and some relaxation time at camp, enjoy a late afternoon safari activity before returning to camp for dinner under the stars. Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Destination: Liwonde National Park Stay: Kuthengo Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP Meals: All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Transfer to Mumbo Island on Lake Malawi

Day 8

Transfer to Mumbo Island on Lake Malawi

After breakfast, depart Liwonde and travel to the shores of Lake Malawi. From the mainland, a boat transfer takes you across the crystal-clear waters to Mumbo Island, a small, pristine island within Lake Malawi National Park. This unspoiled tropical paradise is known for its spectacular snorkeling and clear waters filled with colorful cichlid fish. Upon arrival, check in to your island chalet perched on the rocks overlooking the lake. Spend the afternoon swimming, kayaking, or relaxing in a hammock with breathtaking lake views before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in this tranquil island setting. Mid-range tented camp located on Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi) Stay: Mumbo Island Camp Mid-range tented camp located on Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Island Leisure & Water Activities

Day 9

Island Leisure & Water Activities

Today is free to enjoy the natural beauty of Mumbo Island. Guests can swim in the warm waters of the lake, snorkel among vibrant fish-filled reefs, kayak along the island’s hidden coves, or hike along scenic forest trails. Alternatively, relax on the beach or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere from your private deck. As evening approaches, watch the sunset over Lake Malawi before gathering for dinner and another relaxing night on the island. Mid-range tented camp located on Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi) Stay: Mumbo Island Camp Mid-range tented camp located on Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Transfer to Pumulani Lodge, Lake Malawi

Day 10

Transfer to Pumulani Lodge, Lake Malawi

After breakfast, return by boat to the mainland before transferring to Pumulani Lodge, located on the scenic Nankumba Peninsula along the shores of Lake Malawi. The lodge is beautifully positioned among lush hills and rocky outcrops with spectacular views over the lake. Check into your spacious villa and enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon relaxing by the infinity pool, walking along the sandy beach, or enjoying optional water activities such as kayaking or sailing. Dinner and overnight are enjoyed at the lodge. Luxury lodge located at Nankumba Peninsula (Lake Malawi) All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Destination: Nankumba Peninsula (Lake Malawi) Stay: Pumulani Lodge Luxury lodge located at Nankumba Peninsula (Lake Malawi) Meals: All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Day 11

Relaxation on the Shores of Lake Malawi

Spend the day enjoying the many activities offered by the lodge and the surrounding lake. Guests may choose to snorkel, sail, kayak, take guided nature walks, or join a traditional dhow sunset cruise across the shimmering waters. Lake Malawi is famously known as the “Lake of Stars,” and in the evening you may witness fishermen lighting lanterns on their boats, creating a magical scene across the lake. Return to the lodge for dinner and your final overnight stay. Luxury lodge located at Nankumba Peninsula (Lake Malawi) All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Destination: Nankumba Peninsula (Lake Malawi) Stay: Pumulani Lodge Luxury lodge located at Nankumba Peninsula (Lake Malawi) Meals: All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Day 12

Departure from Malawi

After breakfast, depart the lodge and transfer approximately four and a half hours to Kamuzu International Airport for your onward flight (not included in costs). As your journey comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of Malawi’s diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, warm hospitality, and the tranquil beauty of Lake Malawi. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks

Destination: No major destination visited Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks

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

Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Getting There

This tour starts in Blantyre and ends in Lilongwe, Malawi
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to Chileka Airport (BLZ - Check price) near Blantyre
Fly back from Lilongwe Airport (LLW - Check price)
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
Ranger Buck Safaris
Ranger Buck Safaris logo

Offered by

Ranger Buck Safaris

4.9 operator rating 70 reviews

Discover Africa’s wild beauty with Ranger Buck Safaris, specialists in arranging custom designed luxury safaris across Southern and East Africa. From the Serengeti to the Okavango Delta, enjoy bespoke itineraries featuring world-class lodges, expert guides, and exclusive wildlife experiences. With personalized service and unforgettable encounters, Ranger Buck Safaris offers the ultimate in high-end safari experiences..!!

Office In

South Africa

Size

5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)

Member Of

APTA & SATSA

Tour Types

Custom luxury tours that can start every day

Destinations

Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Traveler feedback

Reviews

4.90 average

Overall

5.0/5

Communication

5.0/5

Accuracy

5.0/5

Value

5.0/5

Safety clarity

5.0/5

Cultural value

5.0/5
Verified

I would highly recommend this trip.

Every part of our trip, including Johannesburg, Mala Mala, Victoria Falls and Cape Town, was well managed and included knowledgeable guides. Each experience was full of learning and an amazing trip overall. The safari in Mala Mala was the highlight where our guide, Nick, did his best to assure we would see all the possible animals in this game reserve. Even last minute adds, like our helicopter tour over Victoria Falls and the hot air balloon ride over wine country in Cape Town, were handled extremely well. I would highly recommend this trip put together by Ranger Bucks! We felt the cost of the trip was very fair, with the fine places we stayed, the management of our time and communication was great.

Karen · United States

Verified

Ranger Buck: For a seamless and extraordinary travel experience

We use the amazing Lindsay, from Ranger Buck for all our Safari bookings and have yet to deal with a more professional team. Each step of the process is handled with the utmost care and expertise. There is an exceptional attention to detail which ensures every aspect of the trip is perfect. You always feel like a VIP! I highly recommend the Ranger Buck team for a seamless and extraordinary travel experience. :-)

Avril Reitz · South Africa

Verified

Arranged for us one of the best trps we've ever had

Archie and Johnny at Ranger Buck Safaris were a pleasure to work with. They arranged everything for our fabulous trip, not missing any details. During the planning they were responsive and helpful, answering all our questions in a timely manner. During the trip they were easy to reach and so helpful! Their service, along with the service at all the places they arranged for us to visit, was fantastic. All of the places they picked for us were amazing...the hotels, the safari lodges, the animals, the activities, the game drives, etc were all top-notch. The food was out of this world. I'm at a complete loss for words when it comes to describing the amazing people that took care of us at the hotels and safari lodges. From the safari guides to the chefs, the greeters to the housekeeping staff...everyone was beyond belief. I really can't think of the words to express how blown away we were by the level of service and the friendliness of everyone we encountered. From now on when anyone I know expresses interest in a trip to Africa, I will immediately say "GO!", and I will give them the number for Ranger Buck Safaris. And if (when?!) we get a chance to go back, I wouldn't trust anyone else to plan my trip. Thank you Archie and Johnny!!! You're the best.

Jacquie · United States

Verified

Highly recommended to organise any safari or tour in Africa

Our Deserts and Waterfalls adventure in Namibia during May and June was nothing short of spectacular. From the initial planning phase to the very end, everything was meticulously organized. Johnny from Ranger Buck Safaris provided excellent suggestions based on our brief. Our request was quite complex—we moved around a lot and wanted to experience everything. We had a once-in-a-lifetime experience staying in a POD in Sossusvlei. The 3.5-hour transfer from Walvis Bay to Sossusvlei allowed us to truly immerse ourselves in Namibia’s desert landscape. The POD itself was breathtaking—no signs of villages or cities, just us, the desert, and the wildlife, including oryx, hyenas, and birds." We flew to Zimbabwe to experience the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Our itinerary included a guided visit to the falls, a thrilling helicopter flight over the cascades, and a delightful lunch at a restaurant with a view of the falls. Afterward, we moved downstream to a lodge on the Zambezi River, where we enjoyed a few relaxing nights.” Wonderful trip

Jackie · South Africa

Practical answers

Tour FAQs

8 answers

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 is unavailable for children.

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?

Mkulumadzi Lodge - Luxury lodge inside Majete WR. Meals: Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2: 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

Booking terms

Disclaimer

This tour is offered by Ranger Buck Safaris, 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.

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