3 Day Budget Safari Malawi to Top 3 Safari Parks
This 3-day budget safari Malawi covers Majete, Liwonde, and Lake Manyara with game drives and boat safaris. It’s designed for travelers with limited time and cost concerns. Expect practical logistics, wildlife access, and comfortable stays without overspending.
Plan this 3-day budget safari Malawi to visit three of the country’s top wildlife destinations without overspending. It’s built for travelers who want to see the Big Five, enjoy a boat safari, and relax by the lakeall in a short, well-organized trip. Starting in Majete Wildlife Reserve, you’ll get access to lions, elephants, rhinos, and more in a park known for strong conservation and affordable lodges. Day two takes you to Liwonde National Park, where boat safaris on the Shire River offer close views of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants, followed by a land-based game drive.
On the final day, you’ll visit Lake Manyara for a peaceful lakeside experience before heading back for departure. The itinerary keeps driving times manageable and includes guided activities, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups. Budget safari Malawi options like this help you get the most out of your time and money, with reliable transport, good accommodation, and strong wildlife access. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to experience Malawi’s nature without the high cost or long travel days
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival, Transfer to Majete for Big Five
Day 2: Proceed to Liwonde for Boat Safari and Game Drive
Day 3: Experience Lake Manyara and Departure
Price Includes:
- Park fees for wildlife reserves
- 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 or camps)
- Service of an English-speaking professional driver-guide
- Driver allowances and accommodation
- All mentioned activities except for optional ones
- Boat safari on Shire River
- Game drives in both national parks
- Government taxes and park conservation fees
Price Excludes:
- Malawi Visa fees
- International and internal flights
- Personal needs such as gratuities, beverages, souvenirs, etc.
- Visa processing and application fees
- Air ticket costs (international and domestic)
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry fees and services
- Tips for guides, drivers, lodge staff, and boat crew
- Life insurance coverage
- Other drinks apart from bottled water
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival, Transfer to Majete for Big Five
Your budget safari Malawi starts with arrival in Blantyre, where you're picked up and transferred to Majete Wildlife Reserve. This is Malawi’s only Big Five park, and it’s well-managed with good chances of seeing elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on paved roads, making it easy to reach even on a short trip. Majete suits budget safari Malawi travelers because it offers affordable lodges and guided game drives without compromising wildlife sightings. Spend the afternoon on a game drive, then relax at a comfortable lodge with meals included. Park fees are reasonable, and the guides are knowledgeable, making this a smart first stop for those who want value and wildlife in one place.
- Day2Proceed to Liwonde for Boat Safari and Game Drive
After breakfast, your budget safari Malawi continues with a transfer to Liwonde National Park, roughly 3.5 hours away. This park is known for its river-based wildlife, and the boat safari on the Shire River is a highlight expect to see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the banks. Budget safari Malawi travelers appreciate Liwonde for its mix of water and land activities, plus affordable lodges that still offer great views and service. In the afternoon, go on a game drive through mopane woodlands where you may spot sable antelope and bushbuck. The park is well-run, and the wildlife is active year-round. Staying overnight near the park allows you to enjoy both safari styles without rushing
- Day3Experience Lake Manyara and Departure
On the final day of your budget safari Malawi, head toward Lake Manyara for a relaxed lakeside experience before departure. Though Lake Manyara is more commonly associated with Tanzania, Malawi’s southern lakeshore offers similar views and birdlife, especially near Mangochi or Cape Maclear. This stop adds variety to your budget safari Malawi by combining wildlife with water-based relaxation. Enjoy a short walk, local lunch, or optional boat ride depending on your timing. It’s a good way to wind down after two active safari days. From here, you’ll be transferred back to Blantyre or Lilongwe for your flight. This itinerary balances cost, comfort, and wildlife access, making it ideal for travelers who want to see Malawi’s best parks in just three days