6 Day Best Safari Malawi National Parks Tour
This 6-day safari Malawi national parks tour combines wildlife, lake activities, and cultural experiences. You explore Liwonde’s game drives, rhino tracking, and river safaris before relaxing at Lake Malawi. The trip closes with snorkeling, kayaking, and a cultural visit, offering a balanced view of Malawi’s diversity.
Visit the best safari Malawi national parks and discover a destination that combines wildlife, lakes, and culture in one trip. Malawi offers travelers a chance to see animals in protected reserves like Liwonde, where elephants, hippos, and rhinos thrive along the Shire River. Unlike larger countries, Malawi’s parks are compact, making it easier to enjoy game drives, river safaris, and bush walks without long transfers. Safari Malawi national parks are designed to give visitors both land and water experiences, ensuring you see animals from different perspectives. With professional guides and well-managed lodges, the focus is on safety, comfort, and learning, making the trip suitable for first-time visitors as well as seasoned travelers.
Safari Malawi national parks also include Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its clear waters and colorful fish species. Here, travelers can relax after days of wildlife viewing, with activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and sunset dhow cruises. The lake experience adds variety, balancing adventure with rest. Cultural visits to nearby villages provide insight into local traditions, showing how communities live alongside nature. Safari Malawi national parks highlight the country’s diversity, offering travelers a practical and rewarding itinerary that blends wildlife, water, and culture
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Lilongwe and Transfer to Liwonde National Park
Day 2: Game Drives and River Safari
Day 3: Rhino Tracking and Bush Walk
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Malawi National Park for Relaxation and Sunset Dhow
Day 5: Snorkeling and Kayaking
Day 6: Cultural Visit 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
- 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 in Lilongwe and Transfer to Liwonde National Park
On arrival in Lilongwe, you will be met and transferred directly to Liwonde National Park, one of the most popular safari Malawi national parks. The drive gives you a first impression of Malawi’s countryside before settling into your lodge near the Shire River. After check-in, you can rest and prepare for the afternoon game drive where elephants, antelopes, and hippos are often seen. The river setting makes Liwonde unique, and the evening is perfect for relaxing after travel. Safari Malawi national parks are known for combining wildlife with natural water systems, so this first day sets the tone for a balanced experience of animals and landscapes. Dinner is served at the lodge, and you can enjoy the calm sounds of the bush before resting for the next day
- Day2Game Drives and River Safari
Your second day in Liwonde focuses on exploring the park through morning and afternoon game drives. Safari Malawi national parks provide excellent opportunities to see lions, crocodiles, and large herds of elephants, and Liwonde is no exception. The open vehicles allow clear views, and guides share practical knowledge about animal behavior and park conservation. Later, a river safari along the Shire River offers a different perspective, with hippos and birdlife often close to the boat. Safari Malawi national parks combine land and water experiences, which helps travelers enjoy varied wildlife sightings without rushing. Meals are served at the lodge, and evenings are relaxed, giving you time to reflect on the day’s sightings while preparing for the next adventure
- Day3Rhino Tracking and Bush Walk
Day three is dedicated to rhino tracking, a highlight of safari Malawi national parks. Liwonde has a protected sanctuary where black rhinos are carefully monitored, and guided walks allow you to learn about their conservation. This activity is safe and informative, with rangers ensuring visitors understand both the challenges and successes of protecting these rare animals. Later, a bush walk introduces you to smaller details often missed during drives, such as tracks, plants, and bird calls. Safari Malawi national parks emphasize both large and small wildlife, giving travelers a complete picture of the ecosystem. The day ends with dinner at the lodge, where you can discuss the importance of conservation and how tourism supports these efforts
- Day4Transfer to Lake Malawi National Park for Relaxation and Sunset Dhow
After breakfast, you transfer to Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another highlight among safari Malawi national parks. The drive takes you from wildlife areas to the lakeshore, offering a change of pace. On arrival, you check into a lakeside lodge where relaxation is the focus. The afternoon is free for swimming or resting before enjoying a traditional dhow cruise at sunset. Safari Malawi national parks are not only about animals but also about natural water systems, and Lake Malawi offers a peaceful contrast to the bush. The dhow ride provides calm views of the lake as the sun sets, and dinner is served at the lodge with fresh local fish often on the menu
- Day5Snorkeling and Kayaking
Day five is centered on water activities at Lake Malawi National Park. Safari Malawi national parks include this lake because of its rich aquatic life, with over 1,000 species of colorful fish found here. Snorkeling allows you to see them up close, while kayaking gives you freedom to explore the shoreline at your own pace. Safety equipment is provided, and guides are available to assist beginners. Safari Malawi national parks combine wildlife with relaxation, and this day ensures travelers enjoy both. Meals are served at the lodge, and evenings can be spent by the water, enjoying the calm atmosphere. This balance of activity and rest makes the lake experience valuable for those who want more than just land-based safaris
- Day6Cultural Visit and Departure
On the final day, you take part in a cultural visit to a nearby village before departure. Safari Malawi national parks often include community experiences to help travelers understand local traditions and daily life. You may see crafts, dances, or farming practices, and guides explain how tourism supports these communities. This visit adds depth to your trip, showing the human side of Malawi alongside its wildlife and lakes. Safari Malawi national parks benefit from strong community involvement, and this day highlights that connection. After the visit, you return to Lilongwe for your onward flight. The itinerary closes with a balance of wildlife, water, and culture, giving travelers practical value and a clear sense of Malawi’s diversity