Malawi Safari to Sand

Day 1 : Blantyre > Majete Wildlife Reserve

Arrive at Chileka International Airport where you are met and privately transferred to Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi’s only Big Five reserve and one of Africa’s great conservation success stories. Managed by African Parks, Majete has been transformed into a thriving wilderness of riverine forest, granite hills, and open plains, now home to elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo.

Your home for the next three nights is Mkulumadzi, set within a 7,000-hectare private concession at the confluence of two rivers beneath ancient leadwood trees. With just eight spacious chalets, each with expansive decks overlooking the bush, the lodge offers seclusion and understated luxury in a pristine setting.

Days 2 & 3 : Majete Wildlife Reserve

At Majete Wildlife Reserve, discover the thrill of intimate, uncrowded wildlife encounters. Join expertly guided game drives and walking safaris to track rhinos on foot, watch elephant herds along the Shire River, and admire the extraordinary birdlife. Every safari reveals the drama of Africa’s wilderness, with skilled guides ensuring each moment—from predator sightings to tranquil river views—is unforgettable, offering a true taste of this pristine sanctuary.

Day 4 : Majete > Liwonde National Park

Travel north to Liwonde National Park, a scenic and wildlife-rich reserve stretching along the Shire River. Renowned for its high concentration of elephant, hippo, and crocodile, Liwonde also offers superb sightings of sable antelope and prolific birdlife within its lush floodplains and mopane woodland.

You will spend four nights at Kuthengo Camp, an intimate property positioned on a wide open plain overlooking the river. With only four luxury safari tents nestled among fever trees and baobabs, the camp offers an authentic yet refined bush experience with uninterrupted views across the landscape.

Days 5–7 : Liwonde National Park

Game drives reveal diverse habitats and exceptional predator sightings, while guided walking safaris provide a deeper connection to the smaller details of the African bush. A particular highlight here is boating along the Shire River — drifting quietly past pods of hippo, basking crocodiles and herds of elephant coming down to drink. The combination of land and water-based safari experiences makes Liwonde one of Malawi’s most rewarding wildlife destinations.

Day 8 : Liwonde > Likoma Island, Lake Malawi

A scenic light aircraft flight takes you to Likoma Island, a remote and idyllic retreat set within the turquoise waters of Lake Malawi. This vast freshwater lake, often described as Africa’s inland sea, is famed for its crystal-clear waters, golden beaches, and extraordinary biodiversity.

For the next four nights, stay at Kaya Mawa, a boutique lodge set on a secluded crescent of white sand. Meaning “maybe tomorrow” in the local Chichewa language, the lodge embodies relaxed barefoot luxury. Built by local artisans and operating on renewable energy, it blends sustainability with contemporary design. The eleven individually styled houses and rooms are seamlessly integrated into the rocks and shoreline, many featuring private decks and plunge pools with direct lake access.

Days 9–11 : Likoma Island

Days are as active or as relaxed as you wish. You can choose to go snorkel among vividly coloured cichlid fish, kayak across calm waters, sail traditional dhows, or simply unwind beside the lake. Explore the island by bicycle or on foot, visit local communities, or indulge in a lakeside spa treatment. Likoma offers a striking contrast to your safari experience — a serene and exclusive Indian Ocean-style escape in the heart of Africa.

Day 12 : Likoma Island > Lilongwe

Today transfer to Likoma Airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Lilongwe, where your arrangements conclude.