5-Day Best Malawi Safari to Liwonde National Park
This 5-Day Best Malawi Safari to Liwonde National Park takes you through Malawi's premier wildlife sanctuary, Liwonde National Park, where the mighty Shire River creates a lifeline for incredible biodiversity. Your Malawi Safari adventure combines exceptional game viewing, boat safaris, and cultural experiences across five remarkable days. From Lilongwe's vibrant capital atmosphere to Liwonde's pristine wilderness and Blantyre's historical charm, this Malawi Safari offers the perfect introduction to one of Africa's most underrated destinations.
The Malawi Safari experience centers around Liwonde National Park, widely regarded as Malawi's finest wildlife reserve and home to the country's largest elephant population. This 548-square-kilometer sanctuary along the Shire River provides habitat for lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species. Your Malawi Safari includes both land-based game drives and unique boat safaris that offer intimate wildlife encounters from the water. The park's successful conservation efforts have made this Malawi Safari destination a model for wildlife protection, with recent reintroduction programs bringing cheetahs and black rhinos back to their ancestral homeland.
This comprehensive Malawi Safari concludes with exploration of Blantyre, Malawi's commercial capital and second-largest city, offering cultural insights and historical landmarks. The journey perfectly balances wildlife adventure with urban discovery, providing a well-rounded perspective of Malawi's natural beauty and vibrant culture. Your Malawi Safari promises intimate wildlife encounters in uncrowded parks, warm Malawian hospitality, and memories that will last a lifetime. Experience the magic of this Malawi Safari where authentic African wilderness meets genuine cultural connections in one of the continent's most welcoming nations.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival and pick up from Kamuzu International Airport, Lilongwe
Day 2: Transfer to Liwonde National Park for an afternoon boat safari
Day 3: Proceed to full-day game drives and wildlife viewing in Liwonde National Park
Day 4: Continue with morning game drive and transfer to Blantyre city tour
Day 5: Proceed to Chileka International Airport for departure
Price Includes:
- Park fees for Liwonde 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
- Service of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances
- All mentioned activities except for the optional ones
- Boat safari excursions on the Shire River
- Game drives with professional guides
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Price Excludes:
- Malawi Visa fees
- International and internal flights
- Personal needs such as gratuities, beverages, etc.
- Visa processing fees
- Air ticket costs
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry fees
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Life insurance coverage
- Other drinks apart from water
- Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Telephone calls and internet charges
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival and pick up from Kamuzu International Airport, Lilongwe
Your exceptional Malawi Safari begins with arrival and pick up from Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, the capital city and political heart of Malawi. Upon arrival, our professional English-speaking driver-guide will warmly welcome you with the legendary Malawian hospitality that makes every Malawi Safari experience truly special. The transfer from the airport to your comfortable Lilongwe hotel takes approximately 30 minutes covering 25 kilometers through the city's leafy suburbs and bustling commercial areas. This first day of your Malawi Safari allows time for rest, acclimatization, and a comprehensive briefing about the exciting wildlife adventures ahead, with optional afternoon exploration of Lilongwe's Old Town market and craft centers to immerse yourself in authentic Malawian culture.
- Day2Transfer to Liwonde National Park for an afternoon boat safari
Transfer to Liwonde National Park marks the beginning of the wilderness portion of your Malawi Safari, departing Lilongwe at 7:00 AM for this remarkable wildlife destination. The scenic 280-kilometer journey takes approximately 4.5 hours traveling south through rural Malawi's beautiful countryside, passing traditional villages, tobacco farms, and stunning mountain vistas. Upon arrival at Liwonde National Park, the jewel of your Malawi Safari experience, you'll enjoy lunch before embarking on an afternoon boat safari along the legendary Shire River. This unique water-based component of your Malawi Safari offers incredible opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants coming to drink, and spectacular birdlife including African fish eagles, with the golden afternoon light creating perfect photographic conditions for your Malawi Safari memories.
- Day3Proceed to full-day game drives and wildlife viewing in Liwonde National Park
Proceed to a full day of intensive game viewing in Liwonde National Park, the undisputed highlight of your Malawi Safari adventure in the country's premier wildlife sanctuary. Early morning and late afternoon game drives maximize wildlife sightings during the most active hours, with your Malawi Safari exploring diverse habitats from mopane woodlands to riverine forests teeming with life. Liwonde's 548 square kilometers support Malawi's largest elephant population (over 800 individuals), along with lions, leopards, buffalo, sable antelope, waterbuck, and the recently reintroduced black rhinos and cheetahs. This full day immersion in your Malawi Safari provides multiple game drives and another boat safari opportunity, allowing you to witness the park's incredible biodiversity from both land and water perspectives, solidifying Liwonde's reputation as the ultimate Malawi Safari destination.
- Day4Continue with morning game drive and transfer to Blantyre city tour
Continue with a final early morning game drive in Liwonde National Park before transitioning from the wilderness phase to the cultural exploration segment of your Malawi Safari. This last wildlife viewing opportunity during your Malawi Safari offers chances to spot species you may have missed, with early morning being prime time for predator activity and incredible birdwatching opportunities. After breakfast and checkout, the 120-kilometer journey to Blantyre takes approximately 2.5 hours through the scenic Shire Highlands, known for tea plantations and cooler mountain climate. Your Malawi Safari continues with afternoon exploration of Blantyre, Malawi's commercial capital founded by Scottish missionaries in 1876, visiting landmarks including the historic Mandala House (built 1882), St. Michael and All Angels Church, and bustling local markets that showcase authentic Malawian urban life and culture.
- Day5Proceed to Chileka International Airport for departure
Proceed to your final morning in Blantyre with optional city exploration before concluding your memorable Malawi Safari with transfer to Chileka International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, your Malawi Safari may include last-minute souvenir shopping at Blantyre's excellent craft markets featuring authentic Malawian woodcarvings, textiles, and artwork. The short 20-kilometer transfer from central Blantyre to Chileka International Airport takes just 25 minutes, providing ample time for relaxed check-in procedures. Your Malawi Safari concludes with fond farewells to your driver-guide and reflection on the incredible wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and warm hospitality that define every authentic Malawi Safari, carrying home memories of elephants along the Shire River, vibrant Malawian culture, and the genuine warmth of Africa's friendliest nation.