5 Day Best Safaris in Malawi with Big Five Experience
The best safaris in Malawi offer a mix of walking, biking, horse riding, and game drives. Travelers experience Big Five tracking, river safaris, and rhino conservation across key reserves. Each day balances wildlife viewing with meaningful conservation-focused activities and flexible options.
Unveil the wonder of best safaris in Malawi and step into a country that is steadily rising as one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. Malawi may be smaller than its neighbors, but it offers diverse safari experiences across reserves and national parks that are rich in both wildlife and conservation success stories. From the Big Five in Majete Wildlife Reserve to rhino tracking in Liwonde National Park, travelers find opportunities to see rare species while supporting community-driven conservation. The best safaris in Malawi are not only about game drives; they also include walking tours, bike rides, horse riding, and boat safaris along the Shire River, giving visitors multiple ways to connect with nature.
The best safaris in Malawi also highlight the country’s unique approach to sustainable tourism and cultural integration. Lodges and camps are designed to provide comfort while maintaining eco-friendly practices, ensuring that tourism benefits both wildlife and local communities. Visitors can enjoy close wildlife viewing while learning about conservation efforts that protect endangered species such as the black rhino. Malawi’s safaris are flexible, catering to different budgets and travel styles, and they emphasize meaningful experiences over mass tourism. By combining adventure, conservation, and cultural respect, Malawi offers safari-goers a chance to enjoy authentic wildlife encounters while contributing to the protection of Africa’s natural heritage
Tour highlights
Day 1 Arrival, transfer to Kuti Wildlife Reserve for walking safari and bike tour
Day 2 Early horse riding and transfer to Majete for night game drive
Day 3 Proceed with Big Five tracking on game drives and boat safari
Day 4 Continue to Liwonde for rhino tracking on foot and boat safari
Day 5 Early walking safari or game drive 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, transfer to Kuti Wildlife Reserve for walking safari and bike tour
On arrival, you will be transferred to Kuti Wildlife Reserve, a perfect introduction to the best safaris in Malawi. The reserve is known for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. A guided walking safari allows you to explore the bush on foot, learning about animal tracks and vegetation, while a bike tour adds variety and lets you cover more ground. This combination gives travelers a chance to enjoy wildlife in a safe and interactive way. The best safaris in Malawi often begin with such activities, offering a balance of adventure and comfort. Kuti’s accessibility and smaller size make it ideal for easing into safari life before heading to larger reserves
- Day2Early horse riding and transfer to Majete for night game drive
The second day of the best safaris in Malawi starts with early horse riding, a unique way to view wildlife from a different perspective. Horses allow you to move quietly across the plains, often getting closer to animals without disturbing them. After this, you transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi’s only Big Five destination. In the evening, a night game drive introduces you to nocturnal species such as hyenas, civets, and possibly leopards. The best safaris in Malawi include night drives because they reveal a side of the bush that daytime activities cannot. Majete’s conservation success story makes it a highlight, offering travelers both wildlife diversity and the chance to support ongoing protection efforts
- Day3Proceed with Big Five tracking on game drives and boat safari
Day three of the best safaris in Malawi focuses on Big Five tracking in Majete, with morning and afternoon game drives. Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos are all present, making this reserve a rewarding destination. Guides use their expertise to maximize sightings, while the varied terrain ensures diverse experiences. Later, a boat safari along the Shire River adds another dimension, with hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife seen from the water. The best safaris in Malawi combine land and water activities, giving travelers a fuller picture of the ecosystem. This mix of game drives and river exploration ensures that visitors enjoy both predator action and peaceful moments observing wildlife in natural habitats
- Day4Continue to Liwonde for rhino tracking on foot and boat safari
On day four, the best safaris in Malawi continue with a transfer to Liwonde National Park, known for its strong rhino conservation program. Here, guided rhino tracking on foot provides an exciting opportunity to learn about these endangered animals while supporting conservation efforts. Walking with trained rangers ensures safety and adds educational value. Later, a boat safari on the Shire River offers sightings of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. The best safaris in Malawi highlight Liwonde because of its balance between conservation and visitor experience. Its mix of walking and river activities allows travelers to enjoy close wildlife interactions while appreciating the importance of protecting rare species like the black rhino
- Day5Early walking safari or game drive and departure
The final day of the best safaris in Malawi begins with an early walking safari or game drive, depending on preference. Walking safaris provide a slower, more detailed look at the bush, while game drives cover more ground and increase chances of spotting larger animals. Either option ensures a rewarding conclusion before departure. The best safaris in Malawi emphasize flexibility, allowing travelers to choose activities that suit their interests and energy levels. This last experience ensures that visitors leave with meaningful wildlife memories and a deeper appreciation for Malawi’s conservation efforts. After the activity, you will be transferred for departure, marking the end of a well-rounded safari itinerary