Highlights of Malawi is a wonderful taster of the many safaris available here. Through a network of short light-aircraft flights and road transfers, this safari includes some idyllic island retreats, spectacular national parks and the rolling mountains of the north. As well as offering a great rural experience, it is a superb family safari. It also conveniently splits between the south and north on Day 8, for those with less time available

Days 1 & 2:

Guests are met on arrival at Lilongwe International Airport. After clearing immigration and customs they will then board a charter flight to Liwonde National Park. Accommodation for 2 nights is at Mvuu Lodge on a full board basis – this includes accommodation, all meals, game activities and National park entry fees. Drinks are for guest’s own account.

Nestled in riverine thickets on the banks of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park, Mvuu Wilderness Lodge offers luxury tented accommodation for a maximum of 10 guests with a small secluded pool for use between safaris. Guests wake to a cacophony of bird song as the bush around the camp bursts to life. Each tent overlooks a small lagoon teaming with wildlife and guests can simply relax on their private deck or soak up the magnificent view of the river from the central dining/bar area. Sumptuous meals are served under a blanket of stars after a day of exploring the abundance of wildlife with high concentrations of elephant, sable antelope, hippo and a variety of other mammals and bird life. A highlight of staying at Mvuu is undoubtedly the river safaris allowing visitors to explore the waterways of the shire. Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles and walking safaris with experienced guides ensure guests have a memorable safari experience.

Days 3 & 4:

After the morning game activity guests are transferred by road to Club Makokola. Accommodation for 2 nights is at the Club in a superior room on a dinner bed and breakfast basis. Non motorized water sports and temporary membership of the Mlambe Golf course are included.

One of Malawi’s best known lake shore resorts - The last couple of years has seen tremendous renovations and up-grading of Club Mak’s facilities. Club Makokola is situated on the southern shores of Lake Malawi, three hundred and fifty kilometers or a 35 minute flight from Lilongwe. The hotel is set out in ten acres of immaculate gardens with a 600 x 30 meter beachfront. It now boasts arguably the best lakeside rooms and guest facilities with a new golf course and superb meals introduced by their new food and beverage manager from Zimbabwe. Club Mak offers guests a unique opportunity to relax beside the 45 meter salt water pool or join one of the many possible excursions from the hotel to local dive sites, Mua cultural mission or Lake Malawi National Park, the world’s first fresh water conservation area.

Day 5 & 6:

After breakfast you will be transferred by road to Cape Maclear for a 2 night Kayaking adventure. Cape Maclear is Malawi’s fresh water park and accommodation has been booked at Kayak Africa’s Eco-lodges on Domwe and Mumbo Islands. Access to the camps is by kayak from Cape Maclear and guests are given the option of kayaking themselves or taking a powerboat to the islands. Accommodation on the island is on a full board basis including park entry fees and use of snorkeling and other sporting equipment on the island. Scuba diving is available and is for guest’s own account.

Situated within the Lake Malawi National Park, the island wilderness camps of Domwe and Mumbo are the ideal base from which to explore and enjoy this outdoor paradise. The two camps have been recently renovated and accommodation is in twin bedded walk-in tents with shared enviro-loo and bucket shower. Meals on a table d’hote basis and tea, coffee and non bottled drinks are included.  For action junkies, there’s a choice of kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, forest trails, bird watching and fishing, while a hammock on your private viewing deck in the perfect retreat for those wanting to unwind and relax with a good book. 

Day 7:

Depart from Cape Maclear after breakfast for Club Makokola. Accommodation is in a superior room for 1 night on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Day 8:

Depart by charter flight to Lilongwe to connect with Air Malawi flight to Mzuzu. On arrival in Mzuzu guests board a charter flight to Chelinda. Accommodation for 3 nights is at Chelinda Lodge on a full board basis including all meals and game activities, as well as park fees and drinks.

Chelinda Lodge was officially opened in late August 2000 – under the management of the Nyika Safari Company. This exclusive lodge is located in the heart of Malawi’s largest National Park and offers accommodation for a maximum of 16 guests in 8 luxurious log cabins with uninterrupted views of the Nyika Plateau.  Each room has a large fireplace, spacious en-suite bathroom and a loft reading room! Managed by David and Robyn Foot , the Nyika Safari Company has built a reputation for excellent service, professional guiding and a warm atmosphere, which combine to offer guests Malawi’s finest wildlife experience.

Day 11:

Today guests drive to Vwasa Game Reserve. Accommodation is for 2 nights at Kazuni on a full board basis including all meals and game activities, as well as park fees and drinks

Beautifully sited under Miombo and Acacia trees this exclusive camp offers a personalized safari experience in one of Malawi’s most remote wilderness areas. Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve is home to Malawi’s second largest elephant population, buffalo, hippo and a multitude of antelope and fantastic birding. Kazuni accommodates a maximum of 8 guests in reed and thatch chalets with en-suite bathrooms and is managed by The Nyika Safari Company in conjunction with Chelinda Lodge. This is an ideal camp to combine stays at the Nyika Plateau or northern lakeshore.

Day 13 & 14:

Depart by road to Mzuzu to connect with a charter flight to Likoma island. Accommodation is for 2 nights on a full board basis and includes all meals and non motorized water sports. Scuba diving is available for guest’s own account.

Likoma Island is one of the most isolated and beautiful destinations in Malawi and the larger of two islands in the northern region of the lake. Kaya Mawa provides secluded luxury in traditional surroundings, and is seen as the ultimate destination for discerning travelers. It is perhaps also one of the last undiscovered islands of Africa.

The lodge consists of seven exclusive stone and thatch cottages hewn out of the granite headland, the eighth room is the honeymoon suite located on its own private small island. Each hide away boasts a giant four poster bed, a private terrace with water access, a sunken stone tub for bathing and en-suite loo with a view! The main building consists of a bar, dinning room, sun deck and fresh water swimming pool. The lodge is owner run and has an exceptionally relaxed feel in keeping with its locally derived name ‘maybe tomorrow.’

Day 15:

Today, guests fly back to Mzuzu then on to Lilongwe with Air Malawi to connect with their international flight or onward arrangements. 

Includes:        

• All accommodation and meals as above

• Ulendo charter flights and road transfers

• National park entry fees

• All game activities at Mvuu Lodge, Chelinda and Kazuni

• Non-motorised watersports at Club Makokola, Kayak Africa and Likoma

• Government taxes, domestic departure taxes and emergency evacuation cover

Excludes:       

• Lunches at Club Makokola

• Excursions not stated above

• International airport departure taxes

• Immigration visa fees (if required)

• Bar, laundry, scuba diving

• Gratuities, personal travel insurance and any item of a personal nature

Notes:            

• Guests are strictly restricted to 12kg of luggage per passenger for charter flights (soft duffle bags only)     

• Ulendo Safaris reserve the right to transfer guests by commercial flight or road if necessary

• Guests must be reasonably fit to visit Kayak Africa’s Camps. The terrain on the islands is fairly rugged and may not be suitable for guests with any disabilities.

• Itinerary is based on a minimum of 2 guests traveling together. Guests traveling alone will be quoted separately.

Children:        

No children under the age of 12 are accepted at Mvuu Lodge. (Though Mvuu Camp can be used as an alternative)