7 Day Best Malawi Tours and Safaris with Off Beaten Path Experience
This 7-day Malawi tours and safaris itinerary combines remote wildlife reserves, lake adventures, and cultural highlights. It includes gorilla-style camping, rhino tracking, and boat safaris. The trip ends with relaxation at Lake Malawi and a city tour in Blantyre.
Planning a Malawi safari tour requires more than just picking dates and destinations. This 7-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want to go beyond the usual routes and experience Malawi’s lesser-known wildlife reserves, cultural spots, and lake adventures. Starting with Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve, you’ll camp in a remote setting and explore rugged terrain through game drives and walking safaris. The itinerary then moves to Liwonde National Park, where boat safaris and rhino tracking offer close wildlife viewing in a well-managed environment. Each stop is chosen for its authenticity, privacy, and ability to deliver meaningful experiences without the crowds.
Malawi tours and safaris also include time to relax and recharge. After the bush, you’ll head to Lake Malawi for island hopping, water activities, and sunset dhow rides. The final days include a city tour of Blantyre and time for local shopping. This itinerary balances wildlife, nature, and culture in a way that’s practical and rewarding. It’s ideal for travelers who want real value, efficient logistics, and a mix of active and restful days. With proper planning especially for permits, gear, and health precautions Malawi tours and safaris can be smooth, safe, and full of memorable moments across diverse landscapes
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival, Transfer to Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve for Camping
Day 2: Enjoy Game Drives, Walking Safaris and Visit Mwabvi Gorge
Day 3: Transfer to Liwonde for Boat Safari and Animal Viewing
Day 4: Experience the Big Five and Rhino Tracking on Foot
Day 5: Final Game Drive and Proceed to Lake Malawi for Relaxation
Day 6: Island Hopping, Water Adventures and Sunset Dhow
Day 7: return to Blantyre, Final Shopping and Departure
Price Includes:
- Park fees to wildlife reserves
- 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 Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve for Camping
Your Malawi tours and safaris begin with arrival in Blantyre and a direct transfer to Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve, one of Malawi’s least visited but most rewarding conservation areas. This reserve offers raw wilderness, ideal for travelers who prefer quiet, remote settings. Camping here gives you a real feel of the bush, with basic facilities and close proximity to nature. Malawi tours and safaris in Mwabvi focus on privacy, making it a great first stop for those avoiding crowds. The reserve is managed by conservation groups and offers a chance to support local efforts. Settle into camp, meet your guide, and prepare for the next day’s activities with a briefing and early dinner under the stars
- Day2Enjoy Game Drives, Walking Safaris and Visit Mwabvi Gorge
Day two of your Malawi tours and safaris is packed with activity. Start with a morning game drive to spot antelope, baboons, and rare birds. Mwabvi’s terrain is rocky and dry, offering a different wildlife experience than larger parks. Later, take a walking safari with a local guide who knows the trails and animal behavior. These walks are safe and informative, giving you a closer look at tracks, plants, and animal signs. In the afternoon, visit Mwabvi Gorge, a dramatic natural feature with steep cliffs and great views. Malawi tours and safaris here are about raw nature and learning from local conservation efforts, not polished tourism
- Day3Transfer to Liwonde for Boat Safari and Animal Viewing
After breakfast, your Malawi tours and safaris continue with a transfer to Liwonde National Park. This park is known for its river-based wildlife viewing, and the boat safari on the Shire River is a highlight. You’ll see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds from a safe, comfortable boat. It’s a relaxing way to spot animals without the dust and bumps of a vehicle. Malawi tours and safaris in Liwonde combine water and land experiences, giving you a balanced view of the ecosystem. After the boat safari, settle into your lodge and enjoy the evening sounds of the bush. Guides are knowledgeable and help you understand animal behavior and park history
- Day4Experience the Big Five and Rhino Tracking on Foot
Liwonde is one of the few places in Malawi where you can track black rhinos on foot. Today’s Malawi tours and safaris focus on this rare experience, led by armed rangers and expert trackers. The walk is controlled and safe, with a strong focus on conservation education. You may also see elephants, buffalo, and antelope during the trek. Later, enjoy a traditional game drive to spot lions and leopards if lucky. Malawi tours and safaris in Liwonde offer a chance to see the Big Five in a compact, well-managed park. The day ends with a campfire dinner and stories from the guides about wildlife and park efforts
- Day5Final Game Drive and Proceed to Lake Malawi for Relaxation
Start your day with a final game drive in Liwonde, focusing on areas you haven’t explored yet. Your Malawi tours and safaris then shift from bush to beach as you transfer to Lake Malawi. The lake is calm, warm, and free of bilharzia in most areas, making it safe for swimming. Lodges along the shore offer comfort and great views. This part of Malawi tours and safaris is about rest and water-based fun. You’ll have time to relax, enjoy local fish dishes, and prepare for the next day’s lake activities. The contrast between wildlife and water makes this transition refreshing and well-timed
- Day6Island Hopping, Water Adventures and Sunset Dhow
Today’s Malawi tours and safaris focus on Lake Malawi’s water activities. Start with island hopping to nearby spots like Domwe or Mumbo Island, where you can snorkel, kayak, or hike. These islands are quiet and offer clear waters with colorful fish. Later, enjoy a sunset dhow cruise a traditional wooden boat operated by local fishermen. It’s peaceful and gives you a chance to reflect on your trip. Malawi tours and safaris at the lake are ideal for travelers who want soft adventure and downtime. Lodges provide gear and guides, and the pace is relaxed. This day balances activity with comfort, perfect before heading back to the city
- Day7Return to Blantyre, Final Shopping and Departure
Your last day of Malawi tours and safaris begins with a transfer to Blantyre. Depending on your flight time, you can enjoy a short city tour and visit local markets for crafts, fabrics, and handmade items. Blantyre is Malawi’s commercial hub, and it’s easy to find souvenirs that support local artisans. Malawi tours and safaris often end here, with access to international flights and good road connections. Use this time to organize your photos, say goodbye to your guide, and prepare for departure. The mix of wildlife, water, and culture makes this itinerary practical and rewarding for travelers who want something different