10 day Best of Malawi Safaris with Top Malawi Highlights

 Start your Malawi safaris and explore the capital with a visit to Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Malawi’s only sanctuary for rescued animals. This stop introduces you to the country’s conservation efforts and gives you a relaxed start after your flight. The centre is located in a natural forest reserve, offering shaded walking trails and a chance to see animals like baboons, antelope, and rescued lions. It’s a practical way to ease into your Malawi safaris while learning about local wildlife protection. After the visit, settle into your lodge in Lilongwe and prepare for the next day’s transfer to the bush

Your Malawi safaris continue with a drive to Liwonde National Park, one of the country’s top wildlife destinations. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat safari on the Shire River, where elephants, hippos, and crocodiles are often seen along the banks. The sundowner experience on the water adds a peaceful close to the day, with drinks served as the sun sets over the river. This part of your Malawi safaris blends comfort with strong wildlife viewing, and the river setting offers a different perspective than traditional game drives. Overnight in a riverside lodge with easy access to the park

Start early with game drives in Liwonde, where your Malawi safaris focus on spotting lions, antelope, and birdlife. The park is known for its successful black rhino reintroduction, and guided rhino tracking adds a focused, educational element to your day. Guides use radio tracking and bush skills to locate these rare animals while sharing insights about their behavior and conservation. This hands-on experience makes your Malawi safaris more meaningful and gives you a chance to support ongoing protection efforts. Return to camp for lunch and enjoy a relaxed evening by the river or around the campfire

Leave Liwonde and head to Zomba Plateau, where your Malawi safaris shift to cooler highlands and forested trails. Visit Queen’s Viewpoint for wide views over the plains, then explore the trout-farm dams tucked into the forest. This area offers a break from wildlife drives and introduces you to Malawi’s varied landscapes. The plateau is known for its walking paths, waterfalls, and birdlife, making it a quiet but valuable stop on your Malawi safaris. Lodges here are often set in pine forests or near streams, offering a peaceful overnight stay with fresh air and cooler temperatures

Begin the day with a short waterfall walk on Zomba Plateau before continuing to Mount Mulanje, a granite massif known for its dramatic peaks. This transition in your Malawi safaris brings you closer to the country’s hiking culture and natural beauty. The drive offers views of tea estates and rural villages, giving you a sense of local life. Once at Mulanje, settle into a lodge at the base of the mountain and prepare for the next day’s hike. Including Mulanje in your Malawi safaris adds variety and gives active travelers a chance to explore Malawi’s highest point

Spend the day hiking Mount Mulanje, often called the “Island in the Sky” for its high plateaus and isolated peaks. This part of your Malawi safaris focuses on physical activity and natural beauty, with trails that pass through forests, streams, and open rock faces. Guides tailor the route to your fitness level, and you’ll stop at viewpoints and waterfalls along the way. The hike adds depth to your Malawi safaris by showing a different side of the country one that’s less about wildlife and more about terrain, climate, and personal challenge. Return to your lodge for a well-earned rest

After breakfast, drive to Cape Maclear on the southern shore of Lake Malawi, where your Malawi safaris shift to lakeside relaxation. This fishing village is known for its calm waters, beach lodges, and laid-back vibe. Spend the afternoon swimming, reading, or enjoying a cold drink by the lake. In the evening, watch the sun set over the water one of the most peaceful moments in your Malawi safaris. The transition from mountains to lake gives your itinerary balance and allows time to rest before the final days of exploration. Lodging is typically in beachside chalets or eco-lodges.

Lake Malawi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and today your Malawi safaris focus on its underwater life and shoreline trails. Go snorkeling to see colorful cichlid fish, take a kayak out to nearby islands, or join a guided walk to learn about the park’s ecology. This day adds a water-based element to your Malawi safaris and gives you a chance to enjoy both activity and downtime. The park is well-managed, with clear signage and local guides who know the area well. Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening by the lake

Leave Cape Maclear and drive back to Lilongwe, stopping at Dedza Pottery for a break and a look at local craftsmanship. This stop adds a cultural touch to your Malawi safaris and gives you a chance to buy handmade ceramics or enjoy a coffee at the on-site café. The drive is long but manageable, and the pottery stop breaks it up nicely. Arriving in Lilongwe, check into your lodge and prepare for departure. This final full day of your Malawi safaris ties together nature, culture, and travel comfort in a practical and well-paced way

Your Malawi safaris conclude with a transfer to the airport for your flight home. Depending on your schedule, you may have time for a short walk or a relaxed breakfast before departure. This final step in your Malawi safaris is handled by your tour operator, ensuring smooth logistics and timely arrival at the airport. It’s the close of a well-rounded itinerary that covered wildlife, hiking, lakeside rest, and cultural stops. With thoughtful pacing and varied experiences, your Malawi safaris leave you with a clear picture of the country’s highlights and a strong sense of value from start to finish