6 Nights – Exploring the South Malawi Tour

Set off southeast from Lilongwe, capital of Malawi, on the first morning. We travel via Dedza and Blantyre to the Thyolo tea region, enjoying a picnic lunch and stops en route.
Our first destination, Game Haven is a scenic and peaceful game park in the Shire Highlands of Southern Malawi. Here we stay in chalets inside the park, surrounded by indigenous forests and grasslands where an array of wild animals and birds live. The reserve is home to plains game, including kudu, roan, eland, sable, giraffe and zebra, as well as prolific birdlife.
Arriving at our lodge this afternoon you are free to explore the estate on foot, take a dip in the pool or play a round of golf. End the day off with a sundowner in the Victorian-style bar at the lodge beside Lake Bvumbwe, followed by a delicious dinner at the restaurant.
Meals included: Picnic Lunch & Dinner

On day two we explore the highlands, beginning with Statemwa Tea Estate, only half an hour's drive from our lodge.
We take an hour-long walking tour of the internationally recognised tea estate, which produces a variety of white, black, gold and flavoured teas. During our visit, we also enjoy a tea tasting workshop.
Then we drive to Huntingdon House, for a delectable lunch in the grand old colonial manor house or in the rambling gardens. After lunch, we take a short drive, followed by a walk on the estate. We walk up to a beautiful picnic spot on the slopes of Thyolo Mountain, taking in the sweeping views of the estate and surrounding Lower Shire Valley. Keep an eye out for the rare and endemic Thyolo Alethe and other birds in the forest.
Later this afternoon we retrace our steps to Game Haven where you are free to laze at the pool, play a round of golf, or explore the reserve on foot or mountain bike.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day three, sees us journeying on to Liwonde National Park, via Zomba. Our next lodge is located on the banks of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park. In the late afternoon, we embark on a sunset game drive in Liwonde, returning to the lodge after dark. Liwonde is home to plenty of wildlife and abundant birdlife with over 400 bird species recorded. Wildlife sightings include buffalo, black rhinos, elephants, leopards and a variety of antelopes, including rare sable, kudu, waterbuck and eland.
Day four brings morning and afternoon game drives in the unspoilt Liwonde Park, as well as a boat ride on the river or a game walk. Boat cruises on the Shire offer excellent game viewing and are especially good for watching the large hippo pods, Nile crocodiles and the big herds of elephants drinking and bathing in the river.
In between game viewing activities you can swim in the large pool and unwind at the lodge, watching wildlife and birds along the Shire River.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch / Picnic Lunch & Dinner (x2)

After breakfast on day five, we leave the untamed wilderness of Liwonde behind, driving north for three hours to reach Salima. From Salima, we take a scenic boat ride along the Linthipe River and out to Nankoma Island on Lake Malawi. Our final lodge is on Nankoma Island, which forms part of the Marelli Island Archipelago, lying three kilometres from the shores of the lake within Lake Malawi National Park.
Settle into your en-suite tented chalet looking out over the lake and soak up the pristine and peaceful natural surroundings. At the end of the day, you can sip on a sundowner while watching a sublime sunset over the lake from one of the comfortable lounge areas at the lodge.

Day six is free for relaxing on the island, lounging at the pool and swimming in the warm, clear waters of Lake Malawi. Non-motorized water sports are included in your tour price, with kayaking and snorkelling being favourite activities in this secluded area. Other optional activities include birdwatching, a nature walk leading to the highest point on the island and a boat trip around Nankoma Island to watch cormorant colonies and fish eagles. Scuba diving, windsurfing and wakeboarding are also available at extra cost. The restaurant has a selection of menus with vegetarian options and the bar offers a large range of drinks and homemade cocktails.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch / Picnic Lunch & Dinner (x2)

We begin our day with a leisurely full breakfast, taking our time to pack up and admire our island setting. Leaving Lake Malawi we make our way back to Lilongwe, where our Southern Malawi Budget Lodge Safari started.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Malawi, the Warm Heart of Africa!
Meals included: Breakfast
Tour Transfer Vehicles:
Please note that the transfer vehicle used on this tour depends on the size of your tour group.