7 Day Best Malawi Safari Holidays, Big Five and Lake Holiday
This 7-day Malawi safari holidays covers Big Five wildlife with lakeside relaxation. It includes Liwonde and Majete parks, plus Lake Malawi’s beach and water activities. Ideal for travelers seeking variety, comfort, and efficient planning.
Planning Malawi safari holidays offers a rare chance to combine Big Five wildlife viewing with lakeside relaxation, all within a compact and easy-to-navigate country. This 7-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want variety without the stress of long transfers or complicated logistics. From the moment you land in Lilongwe, you’re on a direct path to Liwonde National Park, where river safaris and rhino tracking set the tone for a wildlife-focused adventure. The journey continues to Majete Wildlife Reserve, one of Malawi’s top conservation success stories, where guided bush walks and game drives provide reliable sightings of lions, elephants, and more.
After the safari portion, the itinerary shifts to Lake Malawi, offering a calm and refreshing contrast. Here, you’ll enjoy beach time, sunset dhow cruises, and water activities like kayaking and snorkeling. The final day includes a cultural visit before returning to Lilongwe for departure. This structure makes the trip ideal for couples, solo travelers, or families who want a well-paced mix of wildlife, nature, and local culture. With smooth roads, quality lodges, and a focus on practical value, this 7-day plan delivers one of the most balanced and rewarding Malawi safari holidays available
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Lilongwe, Transfer to Liwonde National Park for Sundowner
Day 2: Proceed with River Safari and Rhino Tracking on Foot
Day 3: Continue to Majete Wildlife Park for Evening Game Drive
Day 4: Experience the Big Five with Guided Bush Walks
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Malawi for Beach and Sunset Dhow
Day 6: Proceed with Water Adventures and Relaxation
Day 7: Cultural Visit and Return to Lilongwe for Departure
Price Includes:
- Park fees for Wildlife Reserves and Lake Malawi 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 (Thawale Lodge, Huntingdon House, Mumbo Island, Chembe Eagles Nest, Mitengo House)
- Service of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and accommodation
- Boat transfers to and from Mumbo Island
- Tea plantation tour and tasting at Satemwa Estate
- Fish eagle feeding experience
- Sundown cruise on Lake Malawi
- Chongoni Rock Art Site entrance and guided tour
- Game drives and bush walks in Majete Wildlife Reserve
- Snorkeling equipment at Mumbo Island
- All mentioned activities except for the optional ones
Price Excludes:
- Malawi Visa fees (available on arrival)
- 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 and services
- Tips for guides, drivers, lodge staff, and boat crew
- Life insurance coverage
- Other drinks apart from water (alcoholic and soft drinks)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal snorkeling or diving equipment
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- Phone calls and internet usage
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Lilongwe, Transfer to Liwonde National Park for Sundowner
Begin your Malawi safari holidays with arrival in Lilongwe, where a driver meets you for a direct transfer to Liwonde National Park. The drive takes about 4 hours on paved roads, offering a smooth start. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy a relaxed sundowner overlooking the Shire River. This first evening sets the tone for Malawi safari holidays focused on wildlife and comfort. The park’s calm atmosphere and riverside views help you unwind after travel, while staff prepare you for the next day’s activities. Early dinner and rest are recommended to be ready for the river safari and rhino tracking
- Day2Proceed with River Safari and Rhino Tracking on Foot
Malawi safari holidays in Liwonde offer a rare mix of water and land-based wildlife viewing. Start with a morning river safari along the Shire River, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife from a motorized boat. After lunch, join a guided rhino tracking walk led by park rangers. This experience is safe and well-managed, giving you a chance to observe black rhinos in their natural habitat. Malawi safari holidays in this park are known for combining comfort with conservation, and today’s activities highlight that balance. Return to the lodge for dinner and share sightings with fellow guests
- Day3Continue to Majete Wildlife Park for Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve, a key stop on Malawi safari holidays for Big Five sightings. The drive takes about 3.5 hours, with a short break en route. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and prepare for an evening game drive. Majete is home to lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos, all reintroduced through strong conservation efforts. Malawi safari holidays in Majete offer reliable game viewing with fewer crowds. The evening drive is timed for cooler temperatures and better chances of spotting predators. Guides use radio communication to track wildlife, improving your chances of seeing key species
- Day4Experience the Big Five with Guided Bush Walks
Start the day with a guided bush walk, a highlight of Malawi safari holidays in Majete. These walks are led by trained rangers and focus on tracking animals, reading signs, and understanding the ecosystem. You may spot elephants, antelope, and birds while learning about plants and animal behavior. Malawi safari holidays benefit from Majete’s quiet environment, allowing for focused wildlife experiences without distractions. After the walk, enjoy brunch at the lodge and relax before an optional afternoon drive or visit to the reserve’s conservation center. This day offers depth and variety, ideal for travelers who want more than just vehicle-based safaris
- Day5Transfer to Lake Malawi for Beach and Sunset Dhow
Leave Majete after breakfast and drive to Lake Malawi, arriving in the afternoon. This shift from safari to lake is a key feature of Malawi safari holidays, offering contrast and relaxation. Check into a lakeside lodge and enjoy the beach before boarding a traditional dhow for a sunset cruise. The calm waters and golden light make this a peaceful way to end the day. Malawi safari holidays that include Lake Malawi give travelers a chance to rest, swim, and enjoy local hospitality. Dinner is served at the lodge, often featuring fresh fish and regional dishes
- Day6Proceed with Water Adventures and Relaxation
Spend the day enjoying Lake Malawi’s water activities, a refreshing break in your Malawi safari holidays. Options include kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the beach. The lake is clear and safe for swimming, and many lodges offer gear and guides. Malawi safari holidays that include lake time help balance the intensity of wildlife tracking with rest and leisure. Lunch is served at the lodge, and afternoons are free for reading, sunbathing, or short walks. This day is ideal for couples, families, or solo travelers who want flexibility and comfort before returning to the city
- Day7Cultural Visit and Return to Lilongwe for Departure
Wrap up your Malawi safari holidays with a morning cultural visit to a nearby village or craft market. These visits are respectful and informative, offering insight into daily life and local traditions. After the visit, begin the drive back to Lilongwe, arriving in time for your departure flight. The return trip takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic. Malawi safari holidays that end with cultural interaction add meaning and context to the wildlife and lake experiences. This final day ties together nature, people, and travel logistics in a way that feels complete and well-paced