8 Day Best Wilderness Safaris Malawi Experience
This 8-day wilderness safaris Malawi experience combines wildlife, culture, and lake relaxation. From Majete’s Big Five to Liwonde’s river safaris, each day offers variety and depth. Lake Malawi adds aquatic adventure and community connections, rounding off a balanced safari itinerary.
Planning to experience wilderness safaris Malawi begins with understanding the country’s unique mix of wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. Unlike larger safari destinations, Malawi offers a more intimate and less crowded experience, making it ideal for travelers who value authenticity. Majete Wildlife Reserve is the starting point for many itineraries, known for its successful reintroduction of the Big Five and its strong conservation story. Wilderness safaris Malawi here provide game drives, bush walks, and rhino tracking, all designed to connect visitors with the land and its animals. The reserve’s commitment to protecting species while involving local communities ensures that every safari contributes to long-term sustainability.
From Majete, travelers often continue to Liwonde National Park, famous for its river safaris along the Shire River, where hippos, crocodiles, and elephants thrive. Wilderness safaris Malawi also extend to Lake Malawi, offering a change of pace with aquatic adventures, village tours, and relaxation on sandy shores. This combination of bush and lake experiences creates a balanced itinerary that appeals to both wildlife lovers and those seeking cultural interaction. Planning wilderness safaris Malawi means preparing for variety game drives, walking safaris, community visits, and lake activities all woven together to deliver a complete and rewarding safari adventure
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Lilongwe, transfer to the Wilderness of Majete for wild touch
Day 2: Experience the The Big Five Comeback on game drives and bush walks
Day 3: Rhino Tracking and Transfer to Liwonde National Park
Day 4: Proceed early game drive, River safari and night game drive
Day 5: Walking Safari and Community tour
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Malawi for relaxation and sunset dhow
Day 7: Experience Aquatic Wilderness and village tour
Day 8: Final adventure and departure
Price Includes:
- Park fees to 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 (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 the Wilderness of Majete for wild touch
Your adventure begins with arrival in Lilongwe, followed by a transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve, the only Big Five park in Malawi. Wilderness safaris Malawi start here with a chance to settle into the reserve’s natural surroundings and prepare for the days ahead. Majete is known for its conservation success, making it an ideal introduction to Malawi’s wildlife. After check-in, you can relax at your lodge or enjoy a short orientation drive to get a feel of the reserve. Wilderness safaris Malawi on this first day focus on easing travelers into the rhythm of the bush while offering a taste of the wild atmosphere that defines Majete
- Day2Experience the The Big Five Comeback on game drives and bush walks
This day is dedicated to exploring Majete’s remarkable Big Five comeback story. Wilderness safaris Malawi here highlight lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos, all reintroduced through conservation efforts. Morning game drives allow you to see large herds and predators, while bush walks with guides provide a closer look at tracks, plants, and smaller animals. Wilderness safaris Malawi emphasize safety and education, ensuring travelers understand the importance of conservation while enjoying wildlife sightings. The combination of vehicle drives and walking safaris makes this day rewarding, offering both excitement and deeper knowledge of the reserve’s ecosystem
- Day3Rhino Tracking and Transfer to Liwonde National Park
Start the day with rhino tracking, guided by rangers who share insights into the species’ behavior and conservation challenges. Wilderness safaris Malawi make this activity special by allowing visitors to contribute to monitoring efforts while observing rhinos in their natural habitat. After the tracking experience, transfer to Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s most famous reserves. Wilderness safaris Malawi in Liwonde are known for river-based activities and diverse wildlife, making it a perfect continuation of your safari. Arrival at your lodge gives time to relax and prepare for the next day’s activities, with the Shire River setting the stage for aquatic adventures
- Day4Proceed early game drive, River safari and night game drive
Begin with an early morning game drive in Liwonde, where elephants, antelope, and predators are often active. Wilderness safaris Malawi here are unique because they combine land and water experiences. A river safari along the Shire River offers close views of hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife, while guides explain the importance of the river ecosystem. Wilderness safaris Malawi also include night drives, giving travelers the chance to see nocturnal species such as hyenas, civets, and bush babies. This mix of activities ensures a full day of wildlife viewing, with each safari type offering a different perspective on the park’s biodiversity
- Day5Walking Safari and Community tour
Walking safaris in Liwonde provide a ground-level view of the wilderness, guided by experts who teach tracking skills and plant identification. Wilderness safaris Malawi emphasize safety and respect for nature, making walking tours both educational and rewarding. Later, a community tour introduces travelers to local villages, where cultural exchanges highlight daily life, traditions, and conservation partnerships. Wilderness safaris Malawi value these experiences because they connect wildlife protection with community involvement. Visitors gain a deeper appreciation of how local people contribute to preserving the parks, making this day a balance of wildlife adventure and cultural understanding
- Day6Transfer to Lake Malawi for relaxation and sunset dhow
After days in the bush, transfer to Lake Malawi for a change of pace. Wilderness safaris Malawi often include time at the lake to balance wildlife with relaxation. The freshwater lake offers sandy beaches, clear waters, and opportunities to unwind. Wilderness safaris Malawi also feature traditional dhow cruises at sunset, where travelers enjoy calm waters and views of fishing villages along the shore. This day is designed to provide rest while still connecting with Malawi’s natural beauty, making it a perfect midpoint in the itinerary
- Day7Experience Aquatic Wilderness and village tour
Lake Malawi is not only for relaxation but also for aquatic exploration. Wilderness safaris Malawi here include snorkeling or boat trips to see colorful fish species unique to the lake. Travelers also visit nearby villages to learn about fishing traditions and local crafts. Wilderness safaris Malawi highlight the importance of the lake as both a wildlife habitat and a livelihood source for communities. This day blends aquatic adventure with cultural learning, ensuring travelers appreciate the diversity of Malawi’s wilderness beyond the savannah
- DayFinal adventure and departure
On the last day, enjoy a short activity such as a morning swim, birdwatching, or a relaxed walk along the lake shore. Wilderness safaris Malawi ensure travelers end their trip with a meaningful final experience, whether connecting with nature or reflecting on the week’s highlights. Wilderness safaris Malawi then arrange transfers back to Lilongwe for departure, with guides assisting to make the process smooth. This final day is about closing the safari with balance rest, reflection, and preparation for onward travel while carrying memories of Malawi’s wilderness and culture