9-Day Malawi Wildlife, Lake and Culture

>> Upon arrival at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Check in at Quest Lodge, where you can relax and unwind after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short orientation drive through Lilongwe to get a first glimpse of the city or simply enjoy a quiet evening at the lodge. Dinner and overnight stay at Quest Lodge.

• Time: Morning
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Quest Lilongwe Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Lilongwe (City)

>> After breakfast, depart Lilongwe for a scenic drive east to Salima, arriving at the stunning shores of Lake Malawi. Check in at your lakeside lodge and enjoy lunch with panoramic lake views. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the golden beaches, swimming, or exploring the shoreline. In the late afternoon, embark a boat ride on the lake, followed by a sundowner on the water—enjoying drinks as the sun sets over the horizon. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

• Time: Morning
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Joma Adventure Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Salima (Town)

>> After breakfast, depart Salima and enjoy a scenic drive south toward Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s premier wildlife destinations. Upon arrival, check in at Kuthengo and settle in with a relaxing lunch while taking in the views of the surrounding savannah and riverine landscapes. In the afternoon, embark your first game drive, venturing into the park’s diverse habitats to spot wildlife such as elephants, hippos, buffalo, antelope, and a variety of bird species. Your guide will share insights into the park’s ecosystem and the behavior of its inhabitants, providing an enriching introduction to Malawi’s wildlife. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on your first encounters with the park’s incredible fauna.

• Time: Morning
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Kuthengo Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP

>> Start your day early with a morning game drive, when the park’s wildlife is most active. Go through the open savannah and riverine areas, spotting elephants, antelope, buffalo, zebras, and perhaps even elusive predators. Your guide will provide insights into animal behavior and the park’s ecosystem. After the drive, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some relaxation.

In the late morning or early afternoon, embark on a river safari along the Shire River, home to hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife including kingfishers, fish eagles, and herons. Glide along the calm waters while observing animals coming to drink at the riverbanks and capture stunning photos of the wildlife against the backdrop of the lush riverine forest. Return to the lodge for some downtime or optional activities, such as a short nature walk, before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

• Time: Morning
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Kuthengo Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP

>> After an early breakfast, set off on a morning game drive to explore deeper into Liwonde’s wilderness. The cool hours of dawn are perfect for spotting wildlife, as predators are often returning from their hunts and herbivores are more active.

Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation before heading out again in the afternoon, preparing to visit a nearby local village. Here, you’ll engage with community members, experience authentic Malawian hospitality, and learn about daily life, traditions, and crafts. This cultural exchange provides a meaningful connection to the people who live alongside the park.

As the day winds down, enjoy a sundowner in the bush or along the Shire River, watching the sun set over the horizon as the park transitions into night. Conclude with dinner back at the lodge and overnight stay, reflecting on a day that combined thrilling wildlife encounters with rich cultural immersion.

• Time: Morning
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Kuthengo Camp Luxury tented camp located inside Liwonde NP

>> After breakfast, depart Liwonde and travel south to the historic city of Zomba, once the colonial capital of Malawi. On arrival, check in at Kefi Hotel & Coffee, a stylish boutique property known for its comfort, warm hospitality, and excellent cuisine. After lunch, explore the city’s highlights, including the colonial-era architecture, bustling local markets, and the historic Zomba Cathedral. In the late afternoon, take a gentle walk through the city or relax at Kefi with a freshly brewed coffee. Dinner and overnight stay at Kefi Hotel & Coffee.

• Time: Morning
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Kefi Hotel Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Zomba Plateau

>> Enjoy breakfast before heading out for a day on the scenic Zomba Plateau, famous for its cool climate, waterfalls, and panoramic views stretching as far as Lake Chilwa and Mount Mulanje on clear days. Go on a guided hike or drive to viewpoints such as Queen’s View and Emperor’s View, and visit the serene Chingwe’s Hole, steeped in local legend. A picnic lunch on the plateau makes for a relaxing midday break. In the afternoon, return to the hotel for rest or optional cultural activities in town. Conclude the day with dinner and overnight at Kefi Hotel & Coffee.

• Time: Morning
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Kefi Hotel Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Zomba Plateau

>> After breakfast, depart Zomba and drive to Blantyre, Malawi’s bustling commercial hub. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short city orientation tour, passing by key landmarks such as St. Michael and All Angels Church or the Mandala House, the oldest European building in Malawi. Later, transfer to Chileka International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your memorable 9-day journey through Malawi’s culture, wildlife, and lake adventures.

• Time: Morning
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)