9 Day Best Safaris in Malawi with Beach Experience
This 9-day itinerary blends the best safaris in Malawi with beach and cultural experiences across Majete, Liwonde, Mumbo Island, and Pulumani. It’s ideal for travelers who want reliable wildlife viewing, water activities, and local interaction in one well-paced trip. Each day is planned to balance movement and rest, making the best safaris in Malawi easy to enjoy and manage.
The best safaris in Malawi offer more than just wildlife they combine nature, culture, and relaxation in one well-paced itinerary. This 9-day trip starts with Majete Wildlife Reserve, where you’ll explore a protected area known for Big Five sightings and safe walking safaris. From there, you move to Liwonde National Park, famous for its river-based wildlife and growing populations of elephants and black rhinos. Game drives and boat safaris are timed to maximize viewing and comfort. The best safaris in Malawi are not rushed; they’re designed to give you time to enjoy each location without long travel days or complicated logistics.
After the safari portion, the trip shifts to Lake Malawi for a beach experience on Mumbo Island. Here, you’ll enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and quiet evenings in eco-friendly chalets. The itinerary then moves to Pulumani for cultural interaction and guided hikes, ending with a sunset dhow cruise. The best safaris in Malawi work well for travelers who want variety wildlife, water activities, and local life all in one trip. Each day is planned to balance movement and rest, with reliable guides and smooth transitions. Whether you’re focused on wildlife, beach time, or cultural insight, this itinerary gives you a full view of what Malawi has to offer
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Malawi and Transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve
Day 2: Proceed with Game Drives for Big Five and Walking Safaris
Day 3: Continue to Liwonde National Park for Sunset Boat Safari
Day 4: Game Drives and Walking Safaris
Day 5: Proceed to Mumbo Island
Day 6: Experience the Adventures at Mumbo Island
Day 7: Transfer to Pulumani for Cultural Tour
Day 8: Walking Safaris and Hikes with Sunset Dhow
Day 9: Morning Relaxation and Departure
Price Includes:
- 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 Malawi and Transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve
Start your best safaris in Malawi with arrival in Lilongwe or Blantyre, followed by a direct transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve. The drive gives you a clear view of Malawi’s countryside and helps you settle into the rhythm of the trip. Once at Majete, check in to your lodge and take time to rest or enjoy the surroundings. This reserve is well-managed and fenced, offering reliable wildlife sightings and safe conditions. Beginning your best safaris in Malawi here ensures a smooth start with comfortable accommodation and staff ready to guide you through the next day’s activities
- Day2Proceed with Game Drives for Big Five and Walking Safaris
Day two of your best safaris in Malawi focuses on wildlife viewing through morning and afternoon game drives. Majete is home to elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos, and guides adjust routes based on recent sightings. After lunch, join a walking safari to explore tracks, plants, and smaller animals. This mix of activities adds variety and suits travelers who want both comfort and movement. The guides are trained to keep you safe and informed throughout. You’ll return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and rest, continuing your best safaris in Malawi with strong wildlife experiences
- Day3Continue to Liwonde National Park for Sunset Boat Safari
After breakfast, your best safaris in Malawi continue with a transfer to Liwonde National Park. The drive takes you through small towns and farmlands, offering a look at daily life. Once at your lodge, settle in and prepare for a sunset boat safari on the Shire River. This relaxed activity allows you to see hippos, crocodiles, and birds from the water. The timing is ideal for cooler temperatures and better light. This new setting adds contrast to your best safaris in Malawi, shifting from land-based viewing to river wildlife. Dinner is served at the lodge, and staff brief you on the next day
- Day4Game Drives and Walking Safaris
Start the day with a morning game drive through Liwonde’s woodlands and open areas. The park is known for elephants, antelope, and black rhinos, and guides tailor the route based on recent sightings. After lunch, take part in a walking safari to explore the park’s smaller details. This combination gives you a full picture of the area’s wildlife and terrain. The pace is manageable, and guides are attentive to safety and comfort. You’ll return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and rest. This day adds depth to your best safaris in Malawi and balances activity with downtime
- Day5Proceed to Mumbo Island
Leave Liwonde after breakfast and transfer to Cape Maclear for a boat ride to Mumbo Island. This part of your best safaris in Malawi shifts from wildlife to beach relaxation. Mumbo Island offers quiet, off-grid accommodation in eco-friendly chalets with views of Lake Malawi. Once you arrive, settle in and enjoy the calm surroundings. Staff will explain available activities and safety guidelines. Meals are served at the main deck, and the evening is free for rest or light exploration. This change of pace adds value to your best safaris in Malawi by combining land and water experiences
- Day6Experience the Adventures at Mumbo Island
Spend the day enjoying water activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming in Lake Malawi’s clear waters. Mumbo Island is known for its coral fish and calm conditions, making it ideal for low-impact adventure. You can also take short hikes around the island or relax in a hammock with a book. Equipment is provided, and staff are available to guide or assist. Meals are fresh and served with care, and the atmosphere is quiet and personal. This day adds variety to your best safaris in Malawi and gives you a break from the wildlife schedule while still offering things to do
- Day7Transfer to Pulumani for Cultural Tour
After breakfast, return to the mainland and transfer to Pulumani, a lakeside village known for its cultural experiences. The drive is short and manageable, and you’ll arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon, join a guided village tour to learn about local customs, fishing practices, and daily routines. This adds a human element to your best safaris in Malawi and gives you a better understanding of life around Lake Malawi. The tour is respectful and informative, and you’ll have time to ask questions or interact with residents. Dinner is served at your lodge, and the evening is free to relax
- Day8Walking Safaris and Hikes with Sunset Dhow
Start the day with a guided walk or hike in the hills around Pulumani. The terrain is gentle, and the views of the lake are wide and open. Guides explain local plants, wildlife, and history as you go. After lunch, rest before heading out on a sunset dhow cruise. The dhow is a traditional wooden boat, and the cruise is timed to catch the evening light. It’s a quiet, slow-paced activity that lets you reflect on the trip and enjoy the lake’s calm. This day adds a peaceful close to your best safaris in Malawi and blends nature with culture
- Day9Morning Relaxation and Departure
Spend your final morning relaxing at the lodge or taking a short walk along the lake. Breakfast is served early, and staff assist with packing and transfers. Depending on your flight time, you may have a chance for a last swim or coffee on the deck. The transfer back to Lilongwe or Blantyre is arranged to match your schedule. This day is about closing the trip smoothly and without stress. The mix of wildlife, beach, and culture has given you a full view of the best safaris in Malawi, and the balance of activity and rest makes it easy to enjoy