5 Day Best of Majete and Liwonde Malawi Safari Parks
This 5-day itinerary covers two of the most rewarding Malawi safari parks, Majete and Liwonde. It includes game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris, and rhino tracking. The route is practical, wildlife-focused, and ideal for travelers with limited time.
Visit the best Malawi safari parks on a compact 5-day itinerary that focuses on Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park two of the country’s most productive and well-managed wildlife areas. This plan is ideal for travelers who want strong game viewing, varied activities, and minimal transit time. Majete offers reliable Big Five sightings, including black rhinos, elephants, and lions, with both land and river-based safaris available. Its conservation success makes it a smart first stop. The reserve’s infrastructure is solid, guides are well-trained, and the wildlife is steadily increasing. Game drives and boat safaris are timed to maximize viewing while keeping the pace comfortable.
Liwonde National Park adds variety with river safaris, walking safaris, and night drives. It’s one of the few places in Malawi where you can track rhinos on foot and explore after dark. The park is known for its elephant herds, birdlife, and healthy populations of antelope and predators. The Shire River runs through the park, offering a different perspective from the vehicle-based drives. Lodges in both parks are well-placed for easy access to activities, and the route between them is straightforward. This itinerary is designed for travelers who want a practical, wildlife-focused experience in Malawi safari parks without long drives or complicated logistics
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival Blantyre, Transfer to Majete for First Game Drive
Day 2: Full Day Experience Majete and Boat Safari
Day 3: Proceed to Liwonde and Evening Boat Safari
Day 4: Rhino Tracking Walking Safari and Night Game Drive
Day 5: Walking Safari and Departure
Price Includes:
- Park fees for national parks
- 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 Blantyre, Transfer to Majete for First Game Drive
Arrive at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre and transfer by road to Majete Wildlife Reserve, one of the most reliable Malawi safari parks for Big Five sightings. The drive takes about two hours, mostly on tarmac, making it manageable even after a long flight. After settling in and having lunch, head out for the first afternoon game drive. Expect to see elephants, antelope, and possibly lions as they move through open areas. The guides know the terrain well and focus on areas with recent wildlife activity. Vehicles are open-sided for better viewing, and the roads are in good condition. Majete is known for its conservation success, making it a strong starting point for exploring Malawi safari parks with minimal travel stress and maximum wildlife exposure
- Day2Full Day Experience Majete and Boat Safari
Start early with a morning game drive while temperatures are cooler and animals are active. Majete is one of the few Malawi safari parks where black rhinos are regularly tracked, and mornings offer better chances. After breakfast, relax at the lodge or take a short guided walk. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Shire River. The boat is stable and shaded, suitable for all ages. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species along the riverbanks. Guides explain animal behavior and point out wildlife without rushing. This mix of land and water activities gives a broader view of Majete’s ecosystem. It’s one of the reasons Majete stands out among Malawi safari parks for variety and accessibility
- Day3Proceed to Liwonde and Evening Boat Safari
After breakfast, check out and drive northeast to Liwonde National Park, another standout among Malawi safari parks. The drive takes about four hours, passing through villages and farmland. Arrive in time for lunch and a short rest before heading out for an evening boat safari on the Shire River. This section of the river is narrower, with more tree cover and better chances to see elephants drinking at the banks. The boat moves slowly, allowing for quiet viewing and photography. Hippos and crocodiles are common, and birdlife is abundant. The light at this time is soft, ideal for photos. Liwonde’s river-based safaris offer a different experience from Majete, making it a valuable addition to any tour of Malawi safari parks
- Day4Rhino Tracking Walking Safari and Night Game Drive
Start early with a walking safari focused on tracking black rhinos. This is done with armed scouts and expert trackers who follow fresh signs. The walk is slow-paced and safe, with clear instructions given before starting. Even without a sighting, the walk offers insight into animal behavior and park management. After lunch and rest, head out for a night game drive. Spotlights are used to find nocturnal animals like civets, genets, bush babies, and possibly hyenas or leopards. The drive lasts about two hours and covers areas not visited during the day. Liwonde is one of the few Malawi safari parks offering both walking and night drives, giving visitors a chance to see wildlife from different angles and times
- Day5Walking Safari and Departure
Begin the day with a short walking safari focused on birds, tracks, and smaller mammals. It’s a relaxed walk suitable for all fitness levels and a good way to end the trip with quiet observation. Guides explain how to read signs in the bush and identify calls. After breakfast, check out and transfer back to Blantyre for departure. The drive takes about four hours, so flights should be booked for late afternoon or evening. This final day allows for a calm exit without rushing, and the morning walk adds value for those interested in details often missed during drives. Among Malawi safari parks, Liwonde offers strong guiding and flexible activities, making it a smart place to finish a short but well-planned itinerary