Malawi & Zambia: Mountains, Lakes & Wildlife - 16 Days

(Small Group Tour)

Driving through the rolling hills of Malawi

Discover the heart of Africa on this unforgettable 15-night Malawi and Zambia small group tour! Journey through the lush tea estates of Thyolo and the scenic Zomba Plateau, explore the wildlife haven of Liwonde National Park, and unwind for three blissful nights on the golden shores of Lake Malawi. Immerse yourself in local culture at Mua Mission and experience the serenity of Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, before crossing into Zambia for an incredible safari at South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Finish your journey with a final night in Lilongwe. This Malawi and Zambia tour perfectly blends adventure, relaxation, and discovery – ideal for travellers seeking a truly unique African escape.

Blantyre – Zomba - Liwonde National Park – Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi - Mua Mission - Dzalanyama Forest - South Luangwa National Park - Lilongwe

Departs: Blantyre
Ends: Lilongwe

Set Tour Departures & Season 2026
2 person minimum

30 March: Low season – warm and wet
27 April: Low season – warm and wet
25 May: High season – cool
29 June: High season – cold
27 July: High season – cold
31 August: High season – cool
28 September: High season – warm
26 October: Low season – hot
30 November: Low season – hot

Interactive itinerary

Detailed itinerary

Arrive in Blantyre your guide will meet you and transfer you to Game Haven. Evening in Game Haven where you will meet the rest of your tour group and we will have a tour briefing, dinner and rest.

After breakfast the next day, explore Thyolo. Visit to one of the tea plantations around Mulanje Mountain and enjoy lunch in Mulanje Town (included). Return in the afternoon to Game Haven where you're free to partake in one of the activities available including game drives, game walks, fishing etc.

Stay at:
Game Haven including dinner, bed and breakfast.

Game Haven Lodge is a beautiful development at Chimwenya Private Game Park, 25 kms from Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial capital. The Lodge is beautifully designed and built with golden coloured rock found on the estate. When staying, you can experience all activities free of charge - Game Drives, guided walks nd a mountain biking trail ride. The Park spans a total of 500 acres and is home to giraffe, eland, zebra, waterbuck, duiker, blue wildebeest sable, nyala, impala and jackal.

Head out of Thyolo and you will make your way slowly up to Zomba Town. You'll swing in to the museum, monument and Zomba market to explore. Enjoy lunch in one of the many small cafes and bistros in Zomba (included) and then head up the mountain to KuChawe inn for the afternoon.

There are multiple walking trails available across the mountain, discuss with your guide if there's time for an afternoon walk or a walk early morning before check-out.

Stay at:
KuChawe Inn including dinner, bed and breakfast.

KuChawe Inn is located atop Zomba Mountain. All 33 Rooms are en suite, air-conditioned, have digital satellite television, international direct dialing, Wi-Fi internet, email facilities and 220 volts power points (British standard). All have chimneys for log fires in your rooms during winter times and all have room service capabilities.

Enjoy a leisurely morning, maybe head out for a walk and enjoy breakfast then you'll take a short drive up to Liwonde National Park. Should time allow there are also Malape Pillars nearby, an accumulation of rock formations. Continue on to Liwonde and enjoy a rest in the park for the afternoon.

The next day, head out on a boat up the Shire River, it's about a 6 hour boat cruise up the Shire and through Liwonde National Park. Wildlife such as Hippos, crocodiles, elephants and a variety of other species can be spotted from the river. Enjoy lunch on board and then return to Chinguni House to relax and enjoy dinner.

Stay at:
Chinguni House including all your meals and park fees.

Chinguni House is the latest of Liwonde National Park’s accommodation. This facility offers a luxurious yet homely atmosphere, with five well-appointed bedrooms capable of hosting up to ten guests. Overlooking the Shire River, the house boasts breath-taking views of the riverbank, where wildlife frequently gather.

Head out from Liwonde after breakfast and make your way up to the Lake Malawi shoreline. Arrive in time for lunch and the afternoon is at your leisure. Your guide is available to help you with booking any activities, doing village walks along the lakeshore or visiting the fishing villages and hiking.

Spend the next 2 full days enjoying the gorgeous Cape Maclear. A sundowner cruise on the catamarn is included in your stay. There is diving and kayaking nearby as well as a variety of hiking routes. Or spend the day lounging by the pool and enjoying the incredible sunsets. Night here including dinner, bed and breakfast. There are a variety of lunch options to be found including other lodges, restaurants and in the village, or order and pay for your lunch with Chembe from their daily menu.

Stay at:
Chembe Eagles Nest including dinner, bed and breakfast.

Chembe Eagles Nest's quiet and idyllic chalets all face Lake Malawi under a sheltered thatched patio with a pair of easy chairs to watch the exquisite sunsets. The 11 chalets feature six with double beds and five with twin beds and they are all en-suite with air conditioning.

Head out after a relaxed morning and make your way to KuNgoni Cultural Center. Mua Mission has a sprawling museum, traditional dancing and arts and crafts. Included in your stay is a museum tour. You're welcome to ask on arrival for a traditional dance that your guide can arrange and you can pay for direct.

Stay at:

Ku Ngoni Chalets here include all your meals.

Ku Ngoni Chalets are are ideal for culture interested guests. These simple chalets are situated on the hillside overlooking the stream, set in lush gardens. Each chalet is en suite, has a small verandah and is decorated in a rich African theme. The centrally local restaurant and patio dining areas offers guests the opportunity to mingle or sit on their own and appreciate the relaxed ambience of the area. Meals are simple but wholesome and there is a limited selection of varied dishes to choose from.

Continue your journey up the Golomoti and past Dedza, if time allows, swing into the pottery or the rock painintings which is a short hike into the Dedza mountains. Lunch can either be had at Dedza or in Lilongwe before heading up to Dzalanyama in time for afternoon tea.

The next day head into Kachere Village in the morning for an unstaged cultural visit. Swing into the school, bamboo project, the orphanage and see how the local alcohol Kachasu is brewed. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the village and then return to the lodge in the afternoon. Spend your afternoon exploring the forest, walking trails, bike trains, waterfalls etc.

Stay at:
Dzalanyama Forest Lodge including all your meals, bike hire, walks and village visit.

Dzalanyama Forest Lodge can accommodate 14 people in 3 en suite chalets and 4 bedrooms in the main house which also houses a lounge area with a fireplace, a large front deck with a dining space, BBQ, wood burning stove and a wood-fired bread oven. The lodge is totally solar powered. Mountain bikes and well laid out walking and hiking trails are available for you.

Return to Lilongwe today to overnight at Lilongwe Hotel. A packed lunch is provided en-route and your guide will take you out to dinner in town this evening to celebrate your last night.

Stay at:
Lilongwe Hotel on bed and breakfast basis.

Lilongwe Hotel in "old town" within easy walking distance to shops and banks. All 71 rooms are en suite, air-conditioned, have digital satellite television, international direct dialling & Wi-Fi. There is a swimming pool, cocktail lounge and outside patio restaurant.

Return to Lilongwe today to overnight at Lilongwe Hotel. A packed lunch is provided en-route and your guide will take you out to dinner in town this evening to celebrate your last night.

Stay at:
Lilongwe Hotel on bed and breakfast basis.

Lilongwe Hotel in "old town" within easy walking distance to shops and banks. All 71 rooms are en suite, air-conditioned, have digital satellite television, international direct dialling & Wi-Fi. There is a swimming pool, cocktail lounge and outside patio restaurant.

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