Diversity Malawi Country of the Lakes

Arrive in Blantyre airport and transfer to your lodge in Town- After settling in, meet the team and a tour briefing, followed by dinner – Overnight Lodge on Dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Leslie lodge is a beautiful, homely lodge run by Ray and Lynne Finch who have lived in Blantyre for 37 years. The lodge is situated in the quiet suburb of Mount Pleasant, a short distance from the town centre and is an ideal base for time spent in and around Blantyre.

After breakfast depart South and drive to Majete Park – it’s a 3 – 4 hr drive so arrival is before lunch. Afternoon local walk along the river or at leisure on the banks of the river – optional boat cruise or fishing. Overnight Lodge on Dinner Bed and Breakfast basis. Ngona Lodge offers comfortable en suite chalets, situated on the banks of the Shire River, just outside Majete reserve. A panorama swimming pool, BBQ facilities nice restaurant and a campsite complete the lodge.

Full days drive in the park – the drive is done in our own vehicle and we take our own mid morning snack and lunch to enjoy in the park. Return to the lodge mid afternoon with time to relax at the pool. Overnight Lodge inclusive all meals

Depart back through Blantyre to Thyolo and Game Haven Lodge. Lunch at the historical Mandala house and arrival at the lodge early afternoon. Game Haven is a serene, beautiful game park and lodge. 20 rustic, ensuite rooms, set in tranquil grounds overlooking the park. The relaxing sound of the cascading waterfall at the swimming pool with fishing and braaiing on the scenic lawns of Lake Bvumbwe. As the sun sets, enjoy a drink in the Victorian styled bar followed by exceptional international cuisine at our Ambrosia restaurant.

After breakfast, drive to a nearby tea estate for a tour of the tea plantation, followed by lunch in a local restaurant. Return to the lodge mid-afternoon. Overnight Lodge on Dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Depart and head Northwards with a stop at the post office museum before continuing to the old capital Zomba. A brief tour of the town, then head up the escarpment to the comfortable Ku Chawe Inn for your overnight. Arrival is early afternoon, with time for a guided walk into the hills. Kuchawe Inn is located atop Zomba Mountain. All 33 Rooms are en suite, air-conditioned, have digital satellite television, international direct dialling, 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.

Early breakfast then continues to Liwonde town, where you will do a boat safari into Liwonde Park. Game viewing by boat is rewarding and peaceful. Lunch at the boat drop off point, then continue towards Cape Maclear – arrival is late afternoon. Overnight Lodge on Dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Chembe Eagles Nest 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.

Day to explore and enjoy the lake – optional boat cruise, snorkelling, scuba diving, village visit etc.

Day at leisure with a host of optional extras – Afternoon sunset cruise is included to finish your time in this beautiful area.

Depart and it’s a 3 hr drive to Mua Mission – the cultural epicentre of Malawi. Arrival just before lunch and we have a cultural program planned – this includes a tour and visit of the museum, a tour of the craft workshop then a 2 / 3 hr cultural dance. Overnight in the chalets at Mua Mission on Dinner, Bed and Breakfast basis. Ku Ngoni Chalets are ideal for culture interested guests. Situated on the hillside overlooking the stream in lush gardens, each chalet is en suite, has a small veranda 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.

Drive up the escarpment, with a stop in Dedza pottery for a light refreshment, before continuing to Dzalanyama Forest. Arrival will be mid-afternoon – overnight Lodge on Dinner, bed and breakfast basis. 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 and self catering is allowed. Mountain bikes and well laid out walking and hiking trails are available for guests.

Today is a community visit day ! – We visit the community that live just outside the reserve – you have the opportunity to walk through the village, meet the locals, learn how to pound maize, we will eat some local food, drink some local brew’s and get a glimpse of what life as a rural Malawian is like. The Malawian people are known for their friendliness and this will certainly reaffirm this view – the visit is non staged and as authentic as living in the country is. Return to the house in the evening for sundowners followed by dinner. Overnight Forestry house and chalets on all meals included basis

Depart the park and it’s a 3 hr drive to Viphya plateau and our next overnight – arrive before lunch with the afternoon on a walk into the forest. Luwawa Forest Lodge is an international guesthouse and outdoor adventure centre and overlooks a large, well-stocked lake. Luwawa has en suite rooms, sleeping 4 people and a cosy lounge / restaurant. Lots of outdoor activities are available on site.

Breakfast then continue through Mzuzu with good photo stops en route then descend the escarpment to the Lake – Nkhata bay is a lively lakeshore hub with options to visit local restaurants and bars as well as going out on boats and experiencing a selection of water activities. Njaya Lodge is Nkhata Bay’s first “Responsible travel” retreat, opening it’s doors for business in 1994. All of the chalets overlook Chikale beach – an enchanting sandy cove shaded by Mango and Wild Fig trees. Excellent snorkelling opportunities to see underwater life.

Day to explore this lively lakeshore town – optional boat cruises, village visits etc. Lunch and dinner at own cost in a restaurant of your choosing.

From Nkhata bay, follow the lake south for 3 hrs to Nkhotakota park. Arrive just after lunch and the afternoon walk from the lodge to the river offers the chance to see elephants and the other animals that the park has. Rafiki is located adjacent to the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve and the Bua River, the lodge has 6 thatched Luxury Safari tents for its guest rooms and thatched public areas.

It’s a leisurely departure, following the road south to Lilongwe. Arrive mid afternoon and overnight hotel on Bed and Breakfast basis and a celebratory dinner at a restaurant in town. Mafumu Lodge has 30, en suite executive, double bed rooms, all larger in size than the normal hotel standard. All the rooms are air conditioned have digital satellite TV, Wireless Internet, Mini Fridges, Microwave, Coffee/ Tea making facilities, USB sockets, electronic safe and international direct dialling facilities.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey and the end of your tour.