12 Nights – Self Drive Malawi (High End) Tour

Welcome to Lilongwe, and Malawi – the warm heart of Africa! On arrival, a representative from Malawian will meet and greet you at the airport. You will be given the maps and information you need for your trip and directed to your first night’s accommodation: Mkulumadzi. The lodge, accessible by footbridge suspended over the Mkulumadzi River, comprises of eight spacious chalets, each with private viewing decks offering dramatic and unimpeded views over the confluence of two rivers, the Mkulumadzi and the Shire.

Today, you leave Majete and head to Satemwa Tea Estate where you will stay at Huntingdon House. Arguably the most scenically beautiful region of Malawi, The Thyolo district forms the heart of Malawi’s tea producing region with rolling hills of immaculately cultivated, emerald green plantations and some of the oldest estates in the country. Huntingdon House was built in the 1920s and the estate has been in the Cathcart Kay family for generations, with members of the family still running the tea and coffee production of the estate. The grand old colonial style house is surrounded by magnificent gardens and beautiful old trees.
Accommodation
Huntingdon House: Full Board. Drinks are on pay as you go basis.
Distance to Drive
About 125km/ 03 hours from Majete.

From the stunning Huntingdon House, get ready to drive to your next destination; the wonderful Kuthengo Camp in the Liwonde National Park. On a large open plain on the banks of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park, Kuthengo Camp is idyllically nestled between yellow-tree acacia and baobab trees. African fish eagles nesting in the baobabs of the surrounding area will wake you to the ‘Call of Africa’ during your stay in this wild natural paradise. Their four spacious and modern tents have ensuite bathrooms, each with double sinks, bathtub and open-air shower.
Accommodation
Kuthengo: Full board. Drinks are on pay as you go basis.
Distance to Drive
About 193 km/ 3 hours 50 minutes from Satemwa.

Enjoy your last morning in the bush. Today you go to an island! Mumbo Island! At 10:30 am your boat transfer will depart for the stunning Mumbo Island, which is approximately 45 minutes. Mumbo Island is a deserted tropical island on the expansive waters of the Lake Malawi. With amazing underwater boulders, around 800 species of colorful cichlid fishes and placid, clear water, the National Park offers what many consider the best freshwater snorkelling and SCUBA diving in the world.

Accommodation
Mumbo Island: Full board. Drinks are on pay as you go basis.
Distance to Drive
About 133 km/ 2 hours 50 minutes from Liwonde. Then a 45-minute boat ride to the island from Cape Maclear.

Pumulani is an exclusive beach lodge within Lake Malawi National Park. The lodge has ten individually-designed villas spread out along a lush hillside overlooking the lake. Each villa boasts a large bedroom, a spacious living area and a private deck with lake view. Guests can relax on the sandy beach or at our stylish infinity pool. For those seeking activity, there is waterskiing, sailing, diving, wakeboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing and bird watching. At sunset, they offer scenic cruises on a traditional wooden dhow. It’s the perfect way to experience the beauty of Lake Malawi, described by the explorer David Livingstone as The Lake of Stars.
Accommodation
Pumulani: Full board. Drinks are on pay as you go basis.
Distance to Drive
About 30 minutes drive from Cape Maclear + Boat transfer: 45 minutes to Cape Maclear from the Island.

All good things must come to an end, and today is the day you will be driving back to Lilongwe. You have a 4-hour drive ahead of you, before arriving at the airport where the car rental company will meet you to fetch your car.
Distance to Drive
About 255 km/ 3.5 hours from Lake Malawi to Lilongwe International Airport.