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14-Day Malawi off the Beaten Track Safari

Nyika National Park, Malawi

14-Day Malawi off the Beaten Track Safari

5.0 / 5 · 217 reviews Offered by Wayfairer Travel 14-Day

Overview

Venture beyond the familiar on a refined journey to Malawi's most secluded corners. Discover intimate bush lodges, the mist-veiled majesty of the highlands, and the surprising stone castles of Likoma Island on the 'Lake of Stars'. Often overlooked by typical travelers, this bespoke itinerary offers a rare opportunity to explore Africa's most authentic frontiers. It is a soulful escape designed for those who value quiet luxury and the unhurried rhythms of the wild.

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

14-Day

Route

Lilongwe to Lilongwe (City) (Day 13-14)

Via South Viphya FR, Nyika NP, Lake Malawi

Country & park

Malawi / Nyika National Park

Style

Mid-range safari

Group size

1-12 travelers

Starts

Any day if available

Activities

game drives

Accommodation

Heuglin's Lodge - Mid-range lodge in Lilongwe (City) – Dinner Included

Meals

Dinner Included; All Meals Included

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

USD

14-Day Malawi off the Beaten Track Safari
Nyika National Park visual context for this itinerary.

Rates

Rates Per Person

USD

Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 $10,799 USD $8,099 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027 $11,879 USD $8,909 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028 $11,819 USD $8,909 USD

Before booking

Important To Know

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.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.

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 Lilongwe (Day 1)
Day 2 South Viphya FR
Day 3-6 Nyika NP
Day 7-9 Lake Malawi
Day 10-12 Nkhotakota WR
End Lilongwe (City) (Day 13-14)

Tour Features

Mid-range tour

This mid-range tour uses lodges and resorts.

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.

Suitable for all ages

This tour is suitable for children of all ages.

Activities & Transportation

Activities: game drives
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
This operator can book your international flights
A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Accommodation & Meals

Heuglin's Lodge

Day 1

Heuglin's Lodge

Mid-range lodge in Lilongwe (City) – Dinner Included

Dinner Included

Heuglin's LodgeHeuglin's LodgeHeuglin's Lodge
Luwawa Forest Lodge

Day 2

Luwawa Forest Lodge

Mid-range lodge just outside South Viphya FR – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Luwawa Forest LodgeLuwawa Forest LodgeLuwawa Forest Lodge
Chelinda Camp

Day 3-6

Chelinda Camp

Luxury lodge inside Nyika NP – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Chelinda CampChelinda Camp
Kachere Kastle

Day 7-9

Kachere Kastle

Mid-range resort at Lake Malawi – Breakfast & Dinner Included

Breakfast & Dinner Included

Kachere KastleKachere KastleKachere Kastle
Tongole Wilderness Lodge

Day 10-12

Tongole Wilderness Lodge

Luxury lodge inside Nkhotakota WR – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Tongole Wilderness LodgeTongole Wilderness LodgeTongole Wilderness Lodge
Heuglin's Lodge

Day 13

Heuglin's Lodge

Mid-range lodge in Lilongwe (City) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Day 14

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.

Welcome to Malawi

Day 1

Welcome to Malawi

Upon arrival at Kamuzu International Airport, you’ll be escorted on a brief 30-minute transfer to Heuglins Lodge. Tucked away in a quiet, leafy suburb of Lilongwe, this charming retreat offers a warm and eclectic welcome to Malawi. Relax by the swimming pool or stroll through the lush gardens after your journey. This evening, savor a fresh, locally sourced three-course dinner before retiring for a restful night, perfectly prepared for your journey into the wild tomorrow. Mid-range lodge located in Lilongwe (City) Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Lilongwe (City) Stay: Heuglin's Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Lilongwe (City) Meals: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Luwawa Forest

Day 2

Luwawa Forest

After breakfast, take a scenic three-hour transfer to the Luwawa Valley, situated 1700m high in the Viphya Mountains. This evergreen landscape, home to leopards and baboons, offers a striking contrast to the city. Your base is Luwawa Forest Lodge, a welcoming retreat overlooking the Luwawa Dam. Spend the afternoon hiking through montane grasslands or enjoying a spot of fishing on the calm waters. It is a refreshing, high-altitude introduction to Malawi’s diverse natural beauty. Mid-range lodge located just outside South Viphya FR All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: South Viphya Forest Reserve Stay: Luwawa Forest Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside South Viphya FR Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Nyika National Park

Day 3

Nyika National Park

After breakfast, take a 4.5-hour transfer to Nyika National Park, ascending to a spectacular 2000m altitude. This remote Alpine-style plateau is home to leopards, zebras, and vast antelope herds. Your home for the next three days is a charming mountain chalet, offering total seclusion in this magical wonderland. Wake to sunrise views over undulating hills and spend your days exploring one of Malawi's most pristine and beautiful regions, far from the reach of the modern world. Luxury lodge located inside Nyika NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Nyika National Park Stay: Chelinda Camp Luxury lodge located inside Nyika NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Relax on the ‘Lake of Stars’

Day 7

Relax on the ‘Lake of Stars’

After breakfast, enjoy a 4.5-hour transfer to central Lake Malawi, stopping for lunch in the vibrant town of Nkhata Bay. You’ll stay three nights at Kachere Kastle, a uniquely charming retreat on the sandy lakeshore. Relax by the swimming pool or explore the area by bicycle and kayak. This biodiverse 'Lake of Stars' offers world-class snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. It is the perfect setting to unwind and reflect on your safari adventures in a tranquil, coastal atmosphere. Mid-range resort located at Lake Malawi Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Lake Malawi Stay: Kachere Kastle Mid-range resort located at Lake Malawi Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

Day 10

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

After breakfast, travel 2.5 hours to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Malawi’s 'last true wilderness'. Stay three nights at Tongole Wilderness Lodge in a luxury suite overlooking the Bua River. Over two full days, explore this rugged off-grid sanctuary through canoe safaris, guided bush walks, or 4x4 game drives in search of elephants, lions, and leopards. This remote retreat offers a sophisticated immersion into one of Africa's most untouched and evocative natural landscapes. Luxury lodge located inside Nkhotakota WR All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve Stay: Tongole Wilderness Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Nkhotakota WR Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 13

Back to Lilongwe

After your morning activity and breakfast, you will check out of Tongole to be picked up for your private transfer back to Lilongwe, taking around 3.5 hours. There’s no better way to celebrate the last night of your off-the-beaten-track Malawi holiday than to share your stories around the table at Heuglin’s Lodge with you over a delicious, home-cooked three-course dinner. You will finish off the night with one or two last Malawian gin and tonics before getting an early night for your international flight home tomorrow. Mid-range lodge located in Lilongwe (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Lilongwe (City) Stay: Heuglin's Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Lilongwe (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 14

Departure

This morning you will have breakfast before checking out and being picked up for your 30-minute private transfer to Kamazu International Airport for your international flight home. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Lilongwe (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 flights during the tour

All Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Drinking water (On all days)

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 and ends in Lilongwe
This operator can book your international flights
Fly to/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
Wayfairer Travel
Wayfairer Travel logo

Offered by

Wayfairer Travel

5.0 operator rating 217 reviews

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

Reviews

5.00 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

Tanzania and Zanzibar

We 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

Photo by Peter and Judith
Photo by Peter and Judith
Photo by Peter and Judith
Photo by Peter and Judith

Peter and Judith · United Kingdom

Verified

We would not change a thing - perfectly perfect in every way!

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

Verified

Simply perfect organization and service!

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!

King of Kruger
King of Kruger

Ers · Switzerland

Verified

Perfect to the last detail

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.

Photo by Danielle Cohen
Photo by Danielle Cohen
Photo by Danielle Cohen
Photo by Danielle Cohen

Danielle Cohen · United Kingdom

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 accepts children of all ages.

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?

Heuglin's Lodge - Mid-range lodge in Lilongwe (City) – Dinner Included. Meals: Dinner Included

Where does this tour start and end?

This tour starts and ends in Lilongwe

Are airport transfers included?

A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Operator policy

Terms and Conditions

Booking terms

Disclaimer

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.

Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.

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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