Natural History of Malawi

Trip highlights

• Large numbers of elephants in Vwaza Marsh
• Excellent bird watching throughout
• Fascinating botany in the Viphya Highlands and the other parks
• Boating safaris on the Shire River in Liwonde
• Lake Malawi with it's friendly people and water sports
• Optional horse riding

Itinerary

1. Day 1  You will be met on arrival at Lilongwe airport by your private driver/guide for the four hour transfer to Luwawa Forest Lodge on the Viphya Plateau. You should arrive in time to go on a guided bird walk in the forest. 
2. Day 2  A three to four hour drive takes you to Kazuni Camp in the Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve for a two night stay. This reserve is known for its permanent water and open floodplains and attracts large numbers of elephant, buffalo and hippo. Predators include lion, leopard and hyena. While in Vwaza you can take part in game drives and guided bush walks. 
3. Day 3  A full day's game viewing in Vwaza. 
4. Day 4  Today you are transferred to Chintheche Inn on the northern shores of Lake Malawi (about a four hour drive). You have 3 nights here. There is a large range of activities available including swimming, sailing, wind surfing and canoeing on the lake.   
5. Day 5  Today you might opt to visit a local village and market and meet some of the local people. The Bandawe Mission is nearby and is a poignant reminder of the missionary days in this area.
6. Day 6  As well as the lake-based activities you might like to explore the are around the lake by bike or on horseback. Alternatively you may prefer to take it easy and relax by the swimming pool.
7. Day 7  A long drive is broken by a picnic lunch stop. Continuing the journey you will arrive at Mvuu Lodge in Liwondwe National Park. (Approx. seven hours driving time).
8. Day 8  Today you can explore Liwondwe National Park, where a wide range of animals including elephant, hippo, antelope, leopard and crocodiles can be seen. Game drives are a popular option, as are guided bush walks. This is also a great bird watching area.  
9. Day 9  Another full day in the national park. Today you may want to explore by boat, another excellent way to view the varied game and bird life. Alternatively, you can visit one of the local villages or simply relax by the swimming pool.
10. Day 10  Transfer from Mvuu Lodge to Lilongwe, about a four drive, to Heuglin's Lodge for a one night stay. This is a lovely big house set in attractive gardens. Relax here and maybe take a dip in the pool before enjoying a preprandial drink at the bar. 
11. Day 11  You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Price

2009: From £3665 per person based on 2 people travelling. The more travelling, the less the price - from £2750 for 4 people, £2455 for 6 people. All prices are for low season based on twin share accommodation. Single supplements will apply. These prices do not include international flights.

Call us for single supplement details

Duration and details

11 days/10 nights

Best times to go

Malawi is a year round destination but some activities are better at different times of the year. The heaviest rain falls generally between February and March and windy season on the lake tends to be around June / July. The lake is calmest and best for snorkelling and diving between November and March which is also the hottest time of year. May - July can be quite cool and very cold indeed in the highlands.

View Malawi climate chart

Included

All meals, private guide and vehicle (except in Liwondwe National Park), park fees, transfers between lodges, non-motorised watersports at Chintheche Inn.

Not included

Flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, motorised watersports and optional excursions at Chintheche Inn, laundry, tips.

Getting there

Lilongwe airport has daily connections with Nairobi and most days with Johannesburg and Lusaka.

View flight information

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