Discover the breathtaking beauty of Malawi during this 8-day Wilderness Highlights safari. Expect spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and adventurous game drives. As a landlocked country dominated by Lake Malawi – Africa’s third-largest lake – Malawi boasts dramatic scenery, including rocky outcrops, high mountains, and plateaus. Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” Malawi lives up to its name with friendly and welcoming locals. Explore market scenes, roadside stalls, and cottage industries while enjoying both the stunning scenery and rich culture.
Itinerary Highlights:
1. Liwonde National Park:
• Begin your journey in the unspoiled Liwonde National Park, renowned for exceptional river-based wildlife viewing.
• Encounter diverse species in their natural habitat, including elephants, rhinos, and more.
2. Lake Malawi – Nankumba Peninsula:
• Drive to the secluded Nankumba Peninsula on Lake Malawi.
• Enjoy mesmerizing sunsets and unwind after your wildlife safari in this tranquil paradise.
Malawi awaits, offering adventure, warmth, and unforgettable experiences!
On arrival at Blantyre International Airport, you will be met and transferred by road to Kuthengo Camp – a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. Liwonde National Park is considered to be one of the top birding locations in Southern Africa. The park offers some of the most scenic game viewing, beautiful riverine surroundings and varied bird watching you could wish to find.
A great deal of the terrain is Shire River floodplains, much loved by the healthy population of Elephants in this park. They are best viewed during your boat safari on the Shire River, one of the many highlights of a stay at Kuthengo Camp.
Depending on your arrival time you will enjoy a lunch looking out over the Shire River or if you arrive in the afternoon, you can enjoy afternoon tea and the evening game drive.
Room Type: Luxury Tent
Meal Basis: Full Board, local drinks, Game drives, boating safaris, bush walks, birding trips on the Shire River, cultural tours, and game viewing in the Camp hide.
For the following 3 days explore the Shire River and lagoons – an excellent opportunity for sightings of crocs slinking through the water or sunbathing on the banks, as well as hippos and, of course, elephants, who come down to the water in huge herds – often breathtakingly close. Birding is also very rewarding – specialities include Lillian’s lovebird, brown-breasted barbet, osprey, palm nut vulture, Pel’s fishing owl and Livingstone’s flycatcher. Also available is a viewing hide on a tributary of the Shire River.
For adventures on foot, armed scouts can take you through the bush on guided walks and traditional day and night drives in a 4WD are always on offer, with early morning yielding the best wildlife viewing results. To get to know some of the people who live in the villages surrounding the park, take a guide from your lodge and head over on foot or by bike. These cultural interactions can also be extended to visits to the local school.
Room Type: Luxury Tent
Meal Basis: Full Board, local drinks, Game drives, boating safaris, bush walks, birding trips on the Shire River, cultural tours, and game viewing in Camp hide.
After a leisurely breakfast it is time to say Goodbye to the staff at Kuthengo Camp as you are being transferred to Lake Malawi National Park. This is a beautiful and scenic drive north of about 2,5 hours to the Nankumba Peninsula, recognised as one of the most beautiful shores of the Lake and borders Lake Malawi National Park. This Park was established in order to protect the cichlid fish unique to the area. In 1984 the park was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pumulani is situated on the west side of Nankumba Peninsula at the southern end of Lake Malawi – romantically called the “Lake of Stars”. Overlooking both the lake and exclusively nestled within the Lake Malawi National Park, Pumulani has total seclusion and privacy.
The ten villas are scattered amongst the boulders and trees on the hillside and have cooling grass on the roofs. Each is individual in shape and style, with clean curved lines and all have a spacious bedroom, bathroom and sitting area. The front sliding doors open onto the deck – elevated above the ground giving optimal views and privacy. One of the villas has two bedrooms for family groups and another is designed for honeymooners.
Our remote beach setting is ideal for those who simply want to soak up the sun and swim in the clear blue waters of the lake. For those who prefer to take a dive in the swimming pool, there is an infinity pool near the central dining area with grand views over the lake, as well as another infinity pool on the beach level. For those seeking activity, we offer many watersports activities like snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, wake boarding and fun tube rides (all motorized activities are excluded). At the end of the day climb aboard our dhow and let our experienced local crewmen take you sailing into the sunset. It’s the perfect way to experience the beauty of Lake Malawi.
Room Type: Luxury Bush Chalet
Meal Basis: Full Board, local drinks, water activities (except motorized water sports), guided walks through one of the local villages, sunset dhow cruise, laundry.
Lake Malawi is the world’s most ecologically diverse lake. Its crystal-clear waters are home to more than a thousand species of fish, including hundreds of species of colourful cichlids. We offer special diving courses at the best diving spots near one of the islands.
For those who are interested in real Malawian village life, we offer guided walks through one of the local villages. Malawians are renowned for being amongst the friendliest people in Africa and during your stay you will have the opportunity to meet them. You can also simply relax in the beautiful and tranquil scenery or can enjoy many other activities.
Room Type: Luxury Villa
Meal Basis: Full Board, local drinks, water activities (except motorized water sports), guided walks through one of the local villages, sunset dhow cruise, laundry.
Because all good things always come to an end, this morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred to Monkey Bay where you will take a light aircraft to Lilongwe in time for your connecting flight back home.
