7 Day Best of Malawi Safari Tours with In-Depth Wilderness and Culture Tour
This 7-day itinerary combines two top Malawi safari tours with cultural and lakeside experiences. It includes Majete and Liwonde for wildlife, Zomba Plateau and Chongoni for history, and Nkhata Bay for rest. Each day is planned to offer variety, reduce stress, and keep logistics clear.
Are you Planning Malawi safari tours that goes beyond game drives and gives you a deeper look into Malawi’s nature and culture? This 7-day itinerary is built for travelers who want more than just wildlife sightings. It combines two of the most reliable Malawi safari tours Majete and Liwonde with cultural stops at Zomba Plateau and Chongoni Rock Art. You’ll track the Big Five, walk through forests, and explore ancient art sites, all while staying in lodges that offer comfort and practical support. Each day is planned to reduce stress, with clear logistics and flexible activities that suit different travel styles.
After days in the bush, the itinerary shifts to Lake Malawi’s Nkhata Bay for water activities and rest. This adds balance to your Malawi safari tours, giving you time to recharge before departure. You’ll swim, snorkel, and enjoy a dhow cruise, with staff available to help with gear and timing. The final day includes quiet time at the lake and a transfer to Lilongwe. This tour is designed for travelers who want variety without confusion wildlife, culture, and lakeside rest all in one plan. By choosing well-managed parks and clear routes, it offers real value and a full experience of what Malawi safari tours can deliver
Tour highlights
Arrival and Transfer to Majete for Evening Game Drive
Day 2: Track the Big Five, Bush Walks and Boat Safari
Day 3: Experience Zomba Plateau
Day 4: Visit Chongoni Rock Art and Continue to Liwonde for Night Game Drive
Day 5: Early Game Drive and River-Focused Safari on a Boat
Day 6: Proceed to Nkhata Bay for Water Activities and Dhow Cruise
Day 7: Relaxation and Transfer to Lilongwe for Departure
Price Includes:
- Park fees to all national parks
- All activities as mentioned in the itinerary (shared game drives)
- Ground transport per 4WD custom safari vehicle
- Bottled water in the safari vehicle throughout the journey
- Full board accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Service of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and accommodation
- All mentioned activities except for the optional ones
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Government taxes and levies
Price Excludes:
- Malawi Visa fees
- International and internal flights
- Personal needs such as gratuities, beverages, souvenirs, etc.
- Visa processing fees
- Air ticket costs
- Optional activities (motorized water sports, scuba diving, island trips, fishing expeditions)
- Laundry fees
- Tips for guides, drivers, lodge staff, and local service providers
- Life insurance coverage
- Other drinks apart from water
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal equipment and gear
- Telephone and internet charges
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival and Transfer to Majete for Evening Game Drive
Arrive in Malawi and head straight to Majete Wildlife Reserve for your first experience of Malawi safari tours. After checking in at the lodge, you’ll go on an evening game drive to spot animals when they’re most active. Majete is fenced and well-managed, making it one of the most reliable stops for Malawi safari tours. Expect to see elephants, antelope, and possibly lions as the sun sets. The lodge provides clean rooms, fresh meals, and staff who can help with gear or dietary needs. This first day is designed to ease you into the trip without rushing. You’ll get a feel for the terrain and how game drives work, with guides who focus on safety and practical wildlife tracking
- Day2Track the Big Five, Bush Walks and Boat Safari
Start early with a focused game drive aimed at tracking the Big Five. Majete is one of the few places in Malawi safari tours where you can see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards in one park. After breakfast, join a bush walk with armed guides who teach you how to read tracks and move safely. Later, take a boat safari along the Shire River to spot hippos and crocodiles. This mix of activities gives you a full day without repeating the same experience. Among Malawi safari tours, Majete stands out for its variety and strong conservation record. Lodges are equipped to handle dietary requests, charging needs, and laundry, making your stay more comfortable
- Day3Experience Zomba Plateau
Leave Majete and drive to Zomba Plateau, a highland area known for cooler temperatures and forested trails. After days in Malawi safari tours focused on wildlife, Zomba offers a change of pace with hiking, viewpoints, and cultural stops. You’ll visit local markets, walk through pine forests, and learn about the area’s colonial history. Lodges here are simple but clean, with staff ready to help with logistics. Zomba adds depth to Malawi safari tours by showing how nature and culture mix in different regions. The plateau is ideal for travelers who want to stretch their legs and see more than just animals. Meals are fresh, and guides are available for short hikes or town visits
- Day4Visit Chongoni Rock Art and Continue to Liwonde for Night Game Drive
Drive north to the Chongoni Rock Art Area, a UNESCO site with ancient paintings that show Malawi’s cultural depth. This stop adds historical value to Malawi safari tours, giving you insight into early communities and their traditions. After exploring the site, continue to Liwonde National Park and check into your lodge. In the evening, go on a night game drive to spot nocturnal animals like civets, genets, and bush babies. Liwonde is one of the top parks in Malawi safari tours, offering both river and land-based wildlife viewing. Lodges here are well-equipped, and guides focus on safety and practical tracking. The day blends culture and wildlife without overloading your schedule
- Day5Early Game Drive and River-Focused Safari on a Boat
Start the day with an early game drive in Liwonde, one of the most productive parks in Malawi safari tours. You’ll see elephants, antelope, and possibly predators before the heat sets in. After breakfast, switch to a boat safari along the Shire River, where hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife are easy to spot. This dual approach makes Liwonde a standout in Malawi safari tours, offering more chances to see animals in different settings. Lodges provide good meals, clean rooms, and help with gear or special requests. The pace is relaxed, and guides are trained to focus on real sightings, not just scripted routes. You’ll end the day with time to rest or review your photos
- Day6Proceed to Nkhata Bay for Water Activities and Dhow Cruise
Leave Liwonde and drive to Nkhata Bay on the shores of Lake Malawi. After days of Malawi safari tours in the bush, the lake offers a chance to relax and enjoy water-based activities. You can swim, snorkel, or take a dhow cruise in the afternoon. Lodges here are beachside and offer fresh fish, clean rooms, and easy access to the water. While not part of the core Malawi safari tours, Nkhata Bay adds variety and rest to your trip. Staff can help with gear rentals or arrange quiet boat rides. The area is safe, and the pace is slow, giving you time to recharge before departure
- Day7Relaxation and Transfer to Lilongwe for Departure
Spend your final morning relaxing at the lake swim, read, or enjoy a quiet breakfast. After several days of Malawi safari tours, this is a chance to slow down before heading home. Lodges offer help with packing, transport, and any last-minute needs. Later, transfer to Lilongwe for your flight or onward travel. The drive is long but manageable, with stops for snacks and fuel. This final day wraps up your Malawi safari tours with comfort and clarity. You’ll leave with a full experience that includes wildlife, culture, and lakeside rest all planned to reduce stress and maximize value