9 Days Private luxury Malawi safari holiday

9 Days Private luxury Malawi safari holiday

Malawi offers a unique wildlife experience a little off the beaten track. Home to a number of national parks, an array of birdlife, and astonishing diversity of fish, a luxury wildlife and safari holiday in Malawi feels a little like stumbling upon a well-kept secret. But we’re more than happy to share it with you.

Lake Malawi is popular for its golden sand beaches, but its crystal-clear waters are of global importance thanks to the diversity of fish. Over 1,000 species are recorded here and the evolution of cichlid fish has led to the region’s UNESCO-listed status.

Safari highlights

• Lilongwe city
• Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
• Likoma island Lake Malawi

Detailed safari itinerary

Day 1-Arrival in Lilongwe city Malawi

Today you will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your first lodge which is 30 minutes drive.

The super-stylish Latitude 13, originally built as a private house, it’s now a sleek design hotel and totally different from anything else on offer in Lilongwe – or Malawi for that matter! From the cutting edge design to the monochrome interiors and the fabulous facilities (including the bistro-style restaurant, funky bar, and outdoor pool), no detail has been overlooked.

Lilongwe is sprawling, a little chaotic and seemingly never-ending, Malawi’s capital city Lilongwe has a dynamic atmosphere that’s a far cry from the laid-back vibe pervading the rest of the country. But then, that’s what a capital city is all about! It’s a city of two halves – the Old Town and the New Town. Dotted around both halves are restaurants of the hidden gem variety, beautiful green oases, and a couple of elegant boutique hotels, which make a visit wonderfully worthwhile.

Day 2-4: Drive to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

The reserve is 30km west of Lake Malawi. It is the oldest and least-developed reserve in Malawi and also the largest, at 700 square miles (1800 square km). Rugged terrain is crossed by a number of rivers and our guests traverse miombo woodland, tall grassland, and lush areas of pristine rainforest.

Bird viewing is exceptional, with over 280 species identified and Birdlife International has rated it an ‘area of special interest’.

Elephants, antelope, and monkeys are viewed often and lions, leopards, and buffalo are also known to inhabit the reserve. Managed by African Parks, the wildlife viewing is improving for the re-introduction of species and is also becoming more accustomed to the non-threatening, human observers.

Activities include game drives, walks, and canoe expeditions on the Bua River, but the emphasis remains on observing and enjoying, rather than chasing big games.

With no other lodges around for miles, Tongole Wilderness Lodge occupies a sensational place in the Miombo woodland of the 1,800 square km Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Based on eco principles of conservation and respect for the environment and community guests can expect to be enthralled by the wilderness of the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, the oldest and least-developed protected area from the Great Rift Valley in the west to Lake Malawi in the east. The setting along the Bau River is a view from every aspect of a lodge that blends effortlessly into its natural surrounds of rock, wood, and forest.

Day 5-8: Transfer to Likoma island Lake Malawi

After a memorable experience in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, you will be transferred to Likoma Island on Lake Malawi, the lodge is tucked away on a cotton-candy beach overlooking the lake, and life just gets better and better. One of those fabulous lodges that have the effortlessly-relaxed, beach-chic style down to a T, Kaya is truly a slice of heaven. Think immaculately decorated rooms built into the granite rocks, chilled-out water activities, and gourmet food, all mixed with incredible views and even better cocktails. In the local Nyanja language, Kaya Mawa actually means ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ – and relaxation is most certainly the order of the day here as you enjoy light activities like Bird watching, walking on the white sandy beaches, Island tours, Snorkeling, and Diving.

Day 9: Departure

After an incredible holiday in Malawi, you will be transferred to Lilongwe for your onward journey

Safari includes

• Transfers
• Accommodation
• park entrance fees
• Activities in Lake Malawi s described on your final itinerary
• Enroute meals and drinking water
• Government taxes
• English speaking guide
• Game drives in 4×4 safari vehicle

Safari excludes

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Malawi Tourist Visa
• Tips for hotels and guides
• Extras like Alcoholic drinks

When to book this safari itinerary

We recommend booking 6 months to 1 year in advance since most of Malawi’s accommodation facilities are small with 6-8 rooms mostly.

Best time to visit Malawi for a safari

The best time to visit Malawi is during the dry season between May and October. It’s a cooler time of year, with bright sunshine, lush green landscapes, and fresh evenings.