6 Day Best Malawi Safari Tours of Big Five and Shire Boat Safari
This itinerary highlights 6 day of the best Malawi safari tours, combining Big Five sightings with Shire River boat safaris. It features game drives, walking safaris, rhino tracking, and lakeside relaxation across Majete, Liwonde, and Lake Malawi. Each day offers meaningful wildlife encounters and cultural depth, ideal for travelers seeking variety and immersion.
Experience the best of Malawi safari tours with this expertly crafted itinerary that combines Big Five experience, Shire River boat safaris, and lakeside serenity. From the moment you arrive, each day is designed to immerse you in Malawi’s most iconic wildlife reserves Majete and Liwonde where elephants, lions, rhinos, and hippos roam freely. You’ll enjoy early morning game drives, track rhinos on foot, and glide past crocodiles and birdlife on tranquil river safaris. These Malawi safari tours offer more than just sightings; they deliver intimate, guided experiences that connect you to the land, its conservation efforts, and the rhythms of the wild.
Beyond the bush, this tour transitions to the calm shores of Lake Malawi, where relaxation and cultural immersion await. Whether snorkeling among vibrant cichlids or engaging with local artisans in Blantyre, each moment adds depth to your adventure. These Malawi safari tours are ideal for travelers seeking variety combining action-packed wildlife viewing with meaningful cultural touchpoints and lakeside leisure. With seamless logistics and expert guidance, this itinerary ensures that every experience is purposeful, memorable, and rooted in the heart of Malawi’s natural and cultural heritage. Prepare for six days of unforgettable encounters and authentic moments across one of Africa’s most underrated safari destinations
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival, Transfer to Majete for Museum Visit and Evening Boat Safari
Day 2: Proceed with Early Game Drives and Rhino Tracking on Foot
Day 3: Transfer to Liwonde for Boat Safari and Night Game Drive
Day 4: Walking Safari Experience and Continue to Lake Malawi for Relaxation
Day 5: Full Day Lake Malawi Experience and Proceed to Blantyre
Day 6: Experience a Cultural Touch 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 Majete for Museum Visit and Evening Boat Safari
Your trip through the 6 best Malawi safari tours begins with a warm welcome upon arrival, followed by a scenic transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve. After settling in, delve into Malawi’s conservation legacy with a guided visit to the Majete Heritage Museum, where stories of wildlife revival come alive. As the sun dips, embark on your first Shire River boat safari an unforgettable introduction to Malawi safari tours. Glide past pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on the banks, and elephants quenching their thirst at the water’s edge. The golden light of dusk paints the landscape as fish eagles call overhead. This tranquil yet thrilling experience sets the tone for the days ahead, blending cultural insight with immersive wildlife encounters in one of Malawi’s most successful conservation areas
- Day2Proceed with Early Game Drives and Rhino Tracking on Foot
Rise early for a sunrise game drive through Majete’s rugged terrain, where lions, leopards, and buffalo roam freely. This is one of the few Malawi safari tours where you can witness the Big Five in a single reserve. After breakfast, gear up for a rare and exhilarating experience rhino tracking on foot. Accompanied by expert rangers, you’ll follow fresh spoor through the bush, learning about rhino behavior and conservation efforts firsthand. This intimate encounter is a highlight of many Malawi safari tours, offering a deeper connection to the land and its endangered species. The day ends with a relaxed evening at your lodge, where stories of the day’s sightings are shared under the stars, and the sounds of the wild lull you into restful anticipation of the next adventure
- Day3Transfer to Liwonde for Boat Safari and Night Game Drive
Today, your Malawi safari tours continue with a scenic drive to Liwonde National Park, a lush haven along the Shire River. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge before heading out on a tranquil boat safari. Drift past herds of elephants, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife, all set against a backdrop of baobab-dotted floodplains. As dusk falls, prepare for a night game drive an exclusive feature of premium Malawi safari tours. Under the cover of darkness, spot elusive nocturnal creatures like civets, genets, and bush babies, while lions and hyenas begin their nightly patrols. The thrill of the unknown heightens every moment, offering a fresh perspective on the park’s dynamic ecosystem. Return to camp with a sense of awe, having experienced the bush in both daylight and moonlight
- Day4Walking Safari Experience and Continue to Lake Malawi for Relaxation
Begin your day with a guided walking safari through Liwonde’s miombo woodlands and riverine forests. This immersive activity, a signature of authentic Malawi safari tours, allows you to track wildlife on foot, observe medicinal plants, and learn about the park’s delicate ecosystems. Feel the pulse of the wild as you follow animal trails and listen to the bush come alive. After lunch, journey northward to the shores of Lake Malawi, where golden beaches and turquoise waters await. This transition from bush to beach is a hallmark of well-rounded Malawi safari tours, offering both adventure and serenity. Arrive in time to unwind with a lakeside sundowner, letting the rhythm of lapping waves and distant fish eagles ease you into a slower, more reflective pace
- Day5Full Day Lake Malawi Experience and Proceed to Blantyre
Spend the day immersed in the beauty of Lake Malawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect complement to inland Malawi safari tours. Begin with a morning swim or kayak across the crystal-clear waters, followed by snorkeling among colorful cichlid fish in the rocky shallows. Enjoy a beachside lunch and perhaps a visit to a local fishing village to witness traditional lake life. This lakeside interlude adds a refreshing contrast to the wildlife focus of most Malawi safari tours. In the afternoon, depart for Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial capital, arriving in time to relax at your hotel. The journey offers scenic views of the Shire Highlands, rounding out a day that blends aquatic adventure with cultural immersion and sets the stage for a meaningful farewell
- Day6Experience a Cultural Touch and Departure
On your final day, delve into Malawi’s rich cultural heritage with a guided tour of Blantyre’s historical landmarks and vibrant markets. Visit the Mandala House, Malawi’s oldest building, and explore local crafts at artisan stalls an enriching finale to your Malawi safari tours. Engage with local artists, sample traditional snacks, and absorb the rhythms of daily life in this bustling city. This cultural immersion adds depth to your trip, reminding you that Malawi safari tours are not just about wildlife, but also about the people and stories that shape this warm-hearted nation. After a heartfelt farewell, transfer to the airport for your departure, carrying with you unforgettable memories of big game encounters, river safaris, and lakeside serenity