Duration
13-Day
Liwonde National Park, Malawi
Discover Malawi in style on an enriching journey through its most diverse landscapes. Begin with the colonial charm of Blantyre before hiking the majestic slopes of Mt Mulanje and exploring the lush Zomba Plateau. Enjoy intimate wildlife encounters in Liwonde's elegant safari lodges, then retreat to the pristine shores of Mumbo Island. With its serene seclusion and breathtaking natural beauty, this is the ultimate Malawian escape, perfectly blending adventure and luxury.
Plan snapshot
Duration
13-Day
Route
Blantyre (Day 1-2) to Lilongwe (City)
Via Mt Mulanje, Zomba Plateau, Liwonde NP
Country & park
Malawi / Liwonde National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Activities
game drives & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Fisherman's Rest - Mid-range lodge near Blantyre (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Breakfast & Dinner Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses mountain huts and lodges.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will 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.
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Day 1-2
Mid-range lodge near Blantyre (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Budget lodge near Mt Mulanje – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 4-6
Mid-range mountain hut on Mt Mulanje – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Mid-range lodge inside Zomba Plateau – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8-9
Luxury tented camp inside Liwonde NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10-12
Mid-range tented camp on Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 13
(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, your guide will escort you to Fisherman’s Rest, a 500-acre private reserve with stunning Rift Valley views. This family-run community program has led local development since 1997. During your two-night stay, you’ll engage in impactful projects ranging from reforestation to repairing schools. Assignments are tailored to current needs upon arrival, offering a unique chance to contribute directly to the region's education and vitality from the comfort of this lodge. Mid-range lodge located near Blantyre (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
After a leisurely morning, take a two-hour transfer to Likhubula Lodge, a cozy colonial house on the slopes of Mount Mulanje. This is the perfect base for one night before your three-day mountain hike. Spend the afternoon relaxing or walking to a nearby waterfall before enjoying a hearty home-cooked dinner. End your evening with a sundowner on the veranda, overlooking emerald tea plantations, as you prepare for the rewarding mountain trek ahead. Budget lodge located near Mt Mulanje Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
After a hearty breakfast, begin a challenging 46km trek over four days to summit Sapitwa, the highest point in Central Africa. Navigating the Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve, you’ll discover rocky tunnels, hidden waterfalls, and icy mountain pools. Nights are spent in rustic huts, offering a true 'back to nature' experience with bucket showers and fireside meals. The expedition culminates in a pre-dawn ascent to the peak; at the top, you’ll witness a spectacular sunrise with views stretching all the way to Mozambique. Standing higher than anywhere else in the region, this is a rugged and rewarding journey through the majestic Malawian highlands. Mid-range mountain hut located on Mt Mulanje All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
After a final breakfast on Mulanje, descend for a two-hour transfer to the Zomba Plateau. Stay at the charming Zomba Forest Lodge, a perfect sanctuary to recover from your trek. Nestled among pine trees and streams, you can discover the plateau’s rare orchids and wildlife on a guided horseback safari. Conclude your day with a candle-lit three-course dinner by a crackling fire, enjoying the serene atmosphere and warm hospitality of this verdant Malawian highland escape. Mid-range lodge located inside Zomba Plateau All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
After breakfast, take a 2.5-hour transfer to Liwonde National Park, arriving at Mvuu Camp by boat. Stay two nights in an en-suite safari chalet overlooking the water. Between guided game drives and river safaris, you can unwind by the pool or join a cultural visit to a nearby community. This immersive riverside stay offers the perfect balance of wildlife discovery and relaxation in one of Malawi’s most diverse and iconic national parks. Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
After breakfast, drive 2.5 hours to Cape Maclear for a 15:00 dhow transfer to Mumbo Island. This scenic hour-long voyage leads to an isolated sanctuary featuring just six en-suite reed tents perched on granite rocks. A masterpiece of barefoot luxury, Mumbo Island is situated within a protected marine reserve in the "Lake of Stars." Enjoy total seclusion as you explore the crystal-clear waters or relax in the open-air lounge of this eco-conscious tropical paradise. Mid-range tented camp located on Mumbo Island (Lake Malawi) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 13
Following a final breakfast, depart Mumbo Island by dhow at 09:30. Back on the mainland, your private driver will meet you for a 3.5-hour transfer to Kamuzu International Airport. Arrive with ample time to check in for your international flight home. You’ll leave the Warm Heart of Africa with unforgettable memories of mountain treks, forest retreats, and secluded island living. It is a seamless conclusion to your diverse and beautiful Malawian journey. 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
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Offered by
Wayfairer Travel designs luxury experiences in Africa, which aim to maximise the benefits to communities and conservation. Our dedicated Africa Specialists provide a tailor-made service to create personalized travel experiences for discerning travellers. All our trips are custom made and are designed around you. This means that you can travel on dates that are convenient for you, you can explore sights that interest you at your own pace and you can choose accommodation to suit your style and budget.
Offices In
United Kingdom, United States
Size
20-50 employees (Founded in 2012)
Member Of
ATTA, ATOL & ABTOT
Tour Types
Custom luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Botswana, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Réunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5We had a wonderful trip to Tanzania combining the national parks of Nyerere and Ruaha and the beach on Zanzibar. Communication with Jess and Thea at Wayfarer was great and everything worked smoothly for us with flights and transfers all on time- even in the remote area of Ruaha. Having done safaris in more popular areas we wanted the less frequented areas of Tanzania and weren’t disappointed. Mdonye old river camp in Ruaha is a distance from anywhere but you really do feel you have the park to yourselves- maybe spotting another vehicle from the camp is the only other vehicle you are likely to see- and great wildlife spotting- particularly lion and leopard. Lake Manze in Nyerere a different area of habitat but again few other vehicles. Both camps are rustic but quite comfortable and both catered superbly for my wife’s gluten and dairy intolerance . Breezes on Zanzibar was very good with superb staff service. Just great to chill out there after the safari week. Wayfairer catered well for the type of trip we were looking to do
Peter and Judith · United Kingdom
My husband and I plus one of our adult daughters spent three weeks in southern Africa - Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. Wayfairer listened to us and planned an extraordinary adventure. Every hotel, meal, transfer, flight, activity, was on time and exceeded expectations: Devils pool in Zambia was an absolute highlight - breakfast trip and the best coffee we had in three weeks, Bike tour of Victoria Falls gave us the lay of the land and the rainforest walk clearly demonstrated why you should not do the Devils Pool (as you view it from the Zimbabwe side - but do it anyway - the double rainbow as you look over the 110 metre drop is totally worth it!) . The Zambezi river cruise is also a delight as we paused mid river to allow a herd of around 40 elephants to swim across. The young bulls at the back wrestling with each other the entire way showed unexpected athleticism from these huge animals. Botswana was simply sublime. The government has supported and fostered a community tourist industry which 'adopts' you on entry. Chobe Game Lodge was our first stay - here you get the most exquisite animal encounters. An early game drive starts each day where we saw big cats - three prides of lions, an elusive leopard (remember to look in the trees!), giraffes, water buffalo, many antelopes and an array of beautiful birds. The all female guides are knowledgeable and determined to find whatever you want to see. This Lodge has the added advantage of location on the Chobe River so, you cruise after lunch - Crocodiles, Eagles, Hippopotamus, Baboons and hundreds of elephants! Then, the late afternoon game drive brings out the 'thirsty multitudes' as they prepare for the cooler evening and their search for dinner or their preparation to hide from becoming dinner! Three nights at Chobe then off to Camp Okavango in the delta - the flight in is a hoot - thermals off the desert create turbulence so it is a little rocky at times but the planes are well maintained and the pilots friendly and competent. We spent three nights at Camp Okavango amongst much song from the delightful staff. Nature walks each morning and river boats in the afternoon provided an entirely different animal experience - as we felt part of the landscape now. We walked through the animals environment and this ground level trek became our favourite adventure: warthogs and their litters feeding, antelopes, jackals, hyenas, elephants and of course hippo's. The guides were locals so they had thorough knowledge of this incredible, biodiverse environment. The delta is so full of life and a must do for any trip to Africa. We completed our trip in Cape Town staying at Seapoint and renting a car to travel around. In contrast to Johannesburg, Cape Town felt safe and welcoming. Driving is easy and the roads are readily navigable: highlights here were the climb up Lions Head (took us around 50 minutes to climb up - view is Wow!), Table Mountain cable, Cape of Good Hope and of course the Wine. Thank you Wayfairer - we are already deciding our next destination with you.
Kerry McEwan · Australia
We went to South Africa & Mauritius for 2 weeks.. It was a complicated tour which includes city tour, safari and beach holiday. Wayfairer organized everything greatly. We never faced with any delays or issues throughout the stay. They were always in touch to make sure we are doing well. Many thanks to everyone, special thanks to Eleanor & Ruth!
Ers · Switzerland
We've never used a tour operator for a holiday before but felt a bit intimidated about booking our first safari as we felt there was a mountain of inside knowledge we didn't have. Wayfairer gave us some absolutely essential advice about our options and this is the main reason we chose them above all the other operators. Then, once we had committed, not only did they understand exactly what we wanted and how to make it happen, but also provided unbelievable value for money while doing it. We had the experience of a lifetime and every detail was perfectly calibrated to the holiday we had asked for. I don't think you can get a better experience, with staff who are so knowledgeable and look after you so well, anywhere else. I would recommend Wayfairer to anyone and would definitely use them again in a heartbeat.
Danielle Cohen · United Kingdom
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 of all ages.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Fisherman's Rest - Mid-range lodge near Blantyre (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 Wayfairer Travel, 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 Wayfairer Travel.
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