10 Day Best Safari in Malawi with Top Attractions
This 10-day itinerary covers the best safari in Malawi with top wildlife and lake attractions. It includes Nyika, Nkhotakota, Liwonde, Majete, and Lake Malawi. Designed for travelers who want variety, comfort, and efficient planning..
Planning the best safari in Malawi means choosing a route that offers variety, comfort, and strong wildlife experiences without long travel days or complicated logistics. This 10-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want to see the country’s top attractions from highland plains to Big Five reserves and the calm waters of Lake Malawi. It begins in Lilongwe and heads north to Nyika National Park, where cooler temperatures and open landscapes provide a different kind of safari. From there, it moves to the forested wilderness of Nkhotakota, known for elephants and walking safaris, offering a quieter, more personal wildlife experience.
The second half of the itinerary focuses on Malawi’s southern highlights. After time at Lake Malawi for water activities and rest, the route continues to Liwonde National Park for rhino tracking and night drives. The final stop is Majete Wildlife Reserve, where all Big Five species can be seen in a well-managed, low-traffic setting. This structure makes the best safari in Malawi suitable for couples, solo travelers, or families who want a well-paced mix of wildlife, nature, and local culture. With good roads, reliable lodges, and a clear flow from north to south, this plan delivers strong value and a complete safari experience
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Lilongwe and Proceed to Nyika National Park
Day 2: Experience Highland Adventure with Game Drives and Walking Safari
Day 3: Transfer to the Wilderness of Nkhotakota for Evening Walk
Day 4: Proceed with Rustic Wilderness and Elephants
Day 5: Continue to Lake Malawi with Sunset Cruise
Day 6: Experiences the Lake Malawi Adventures
Day 7: Transfer to Liwonde National Park for Night Game Drive
Day 8: Rhino Tracking and Game Drives
Day 9: Transfer for Big Five in Majete Wildlife Park
Day 10: Final Game Drive and Departure
Price Includes:
- Park fees for Wildlife Reserves and Lake Malawi National Park
- All activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport per 4WD custom safari vehicle
- Bottled water in the safari vehicle throughout the journey
- Full board accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary (lodges and lakeside resorts)
- Service of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and accommodation
- All mentioned activities except for the optional ones
- Game drives in Majete Wildlife Reserve
- Boat transfers and water activities at Lake Malawi
- Zomba Plateau scenic stop and viewing
Price Excludes:
- Malawi Visa fees
- International and internal flights
- Personal needs such as gratuities, beverages, souvenirs, etc.
- Visa processing fees
- Air ticket costs
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry fees at accommodations
- Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
- Life insurance coverage
- Other drinks apart from water
- Scuba diving equipment and certification courses
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal snorkeling equipment
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Lilongwe and Proceed to Nyika National Park
Start the best safari in Malawi with arrival in Lilongwe, followed by a transfer to Nyika National Park in the north. The drive takes most of the day, so early arrival is recommended. Nyika offers a cooler climate and open landscapes, ideal for travelers who prefer less heat and more space. Lodges here are well-prepared for late arrivals, with warm meals and comfortable rooms. This first day of the best safari in Malawi focuses on reaching the highlands and settling in before activities begin. Staff provide a briefing on the park’s layout and wildlife, helping you prepare for the next day’s adventure
- Day2Experience Highland Adventure with Game Drives and Walking Safari
Nyika National Park offers a unique highland experience during the best safari in Malawi. Morning game drives cover open grasslands where zebra, eland, and reedbuck are common. Afternoon walking safaris allow guests to explore trails with guides who explain animal behavior and plant life. The terrain is gentle, making walks suitable for most fitness levels. This part of the best safari in Malawi is ideal for travelers who enjoy varied activities and cooler temperatures. The park’s altitude reduces insect presence, and the open views make wildlife easier to spot. Meals are served at the lodge, and evenings are quiet and restful
- Day3Transfer to the Wilderness of Nkhotakota for Evening Walk
Leave Nyika after breakfast and drive to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, located near Lake Malawi. This area offers a different feel during the best safari in Malawi, with dense woodland and river valleys. After check-in, join an evening walk with guides who focus on tracking signs and listening for wildlife. Nkhotakota is known for its elephants and birdlife, and walks are designed to be informative and safe. This day of the best safari in Malawi introduces a more rustic setting, ideal for travelers who want to see untouched wilderness. Lodges here are simple but comfortable, with good meals and attentive staff
- Day4Proceed with Rustic Wilderness and Elephants
Spend the day exploring Nkhotakota’s forested terrain, a key stop on the best safari in Malawi for elephant sightings. Morning drives follow river routes where herds often gather, while afternoon walks offer quiet observation points. The reserve is less developed than other parks, which means fewer vehicles and more privacy. This part of the best safari in Malawi suits travelers who prefer quiet settings and natural rhythms. Guides are trained to manage elephant viewing safely, and lodges provide flexible schedules to match wildlife movement. Meals are served with local ingredients, and evenings are spent around the fire or in private rooms
- Day5Continue to Lake Malawi with Sunset Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to Lake Malawi for a change of pace in the best safari in Malawi. The lake offers clear water, sandy beaches, and relaxed lodges. Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow. This part of the best safari in Malawi provides rest after several days of wildlife tracking. The cruise includes drinks and light snacks, with views of the lake and shoreline villages. Lodges offer fresh fish and local dishes, and rooms are designed for comfort. This day is ideal for travelers who want to balance safari with water-based relaxation
- Day6Experiences the Lake Malawi Adventures
Spend the day enjoying Lake Malawi’s activities, a refreshing break in the best safari in Malawi. Options include kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or swimming. The lake is safe and calm, and most lodges provide equipment and guides. This part of the best safari in Malawi suits travelers who want flexibility and rest. Meals are served at the lodge, and afternoons are free for reading, sunbathing, or short walks. The lake’s clear water and quiet beaches make it easy to relax before returning to wildlife parks. Staff can arrange optional village visits or boat trips depending on interest and time
- Day7Transfer to Liwonde National Park for Night Game Drive
Leave Lake Malawi and drive to Liwonde National Park, arriving in time for a night game drive. This park is a key stop on the best safari in Malawi for river-based wildlife and predator sightings. Night drives focus on nocturnal animals like civets, genets, and hyenas. Guides use spotlights and radios to locate animals, improving viewing chances. This part of the best safari in Malawi adds variety and depth, especially for travelers interested in different species. Lodges are located near the park entrance and offer early dinners to accommodate the drive schedule. Rooms are comfortable, and staff are experienced in safari logistics
- Day8Rhino Tracking and Game Drives
Start the day with rhino tracking on foot, followed by a game drive in Liwonde. This park is known for its black rhino population, and tracking is done with armed rangers for safety. The best safari in Malawi includes this activity for travelers who want close wildlife experiences. Game drives cover riverbanks and woodlands where elephants, antelope, and birds are common. This part of the best safari in Malawi is well-organized, with guides trained in conservation and guest safety. Lodges provide meals and rest areas between activities, and evenings are quiet with optional talks or fireside chats
- Day9Transfer for Big Five in Majete Wildlife Park
After breakfast, transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve, one of the few places in the best safari in Malawi where all Big Five species are present. The drive takes about 3.5 hours, with a short break en route. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and prepare for an afternoon game drive. Majete’s wildlife includes lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos, all reintroduced through strong conservation efforts. This part of the best safari in Malawi offers reliable sightings and well-maintained roads. Lodges are comfortable and located near key viewing areas, making it easy to plan drives and walks
- Day10Final Game Drive and Departure
End the best safari in Malawi with a final morning game drive in Majete, focused on tracking remaining species or revisiting favorite spots. Guides tailor the drive based on guest interest and recent sightings. After the drive, return to the lodge for breakfast and prepare for transfer to Lilongwe. The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic. This last day of the best safari in Malawi ties together wildlife, comfort, and travel logistics. Lodges assist with packing and timing, ensuring a smooth departure. For travelers who want a complete and well-paced safari, this itinerary delivers strong value