MALAWI ADVENTURE
Experience a different side of Africa
Fully-Customizable Sample Itinerary
THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA
Malawi is legendary for its friendly faces and welcome spirit also captures you with its geographic diversity. Perfect intrepid travellers seeking to travel to an off-the-beaten-track destination, this Malawi Adventure is a 12-day itinerary showcasing some of this unique country’s highlights. Lake Malawi, formed by the Great Rift Valley, takes up a fifth of the country, with its shimmering water and colourful fish. Although small in size, Malawi is mighty in opportunities for outdoor adventurers, cultural explorers, culinary experiences, and so much more!
Find the perfect combination of pristine beaches and African bush: relax on the stunning shores of Lake Malawi, and later explore African bush, where you can experience the Big 5 on safari without the crowds.
Explore beyond the shores of Lake Malawi, and enjoy many of the water activities the lake provides, including scuba diving, snorkelling, boating, fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and more. The calm waters of the lake are incredibly diverse, boasting more species of fish than any other lake in the world – over 1000 different species. There are also 650 species of birds that call Malawi home, making it a bird watcher’s paradise.
Interested in a Malawi custom tour? Contact Us for more information about this Malawi Adventure itinerary or we would be happy to create something just for you.
Day 1: ARRIVAL LILONGWE, MALAWI
Resting on the banks of the Lilongwe River, the sprawling, bustling city of Lilongwe serves as the capital of Malawi. It is the largest city in Malawi and is the economic and transport hub of the country. It features thriving markets, lush green spaces, and rich cultural heritage. While the city has all of the twentieth-century urban developments, it retains the appearance of a traditional African settlement. The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, in the heart of Lilongwe, provides a sanctuary for local wildlife seeking refuge. Other sights worth seeing include the Kumbali Cultural Centre, offering the opportunity to view traditional Malawian dancing and drumming; as well as the nearby Chongoni Rock Art Area featuring over 127 sites displaying ancient rock art. You will spend the first night of your tour here.
On arrival at Lilongwe International Airport you will be met by a Malawian Style guide holding a signboard with your name who will welcome and transfer you to Kumbali Country Lodge. Kumbali Country Lodge is a private lodge situated on a 650-hectare forest reserve and dairy farm in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Overnight: Kumbali Country Lodge (or similar)
Meals: dinner
Day 2: LILONGWE TO ZOMBA
In the morning today you will be transferred to Malawi’s historical and old capital city Zomba. You will be staying at Zomba Forest Lodge situated right on the foot of Zomba Plateau. You will spend the next two nights of your tour here.
Zomba Forest Lodge is a small colonial cottage nestled on the escarpment of Zomba Mountain, just within the Forest Reserve. It lies in 20 acres of mixed woodland, home to samango and vervet monkeys, a number of antelope and a host of birds, butterflies and flowers.
Overnight: Zomba Forest Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: ZOMBA
Spend your day enjoying the various activities offered by the lodge.
Situated in southern Malawi, the city of Zomba formerly served as the colonial capital of the country. It is known for its Colonial architecture and its location on the southern slopes of the scenic Zomba Plateau. It serves as an excellent base for visitors to explore the surrounding area. The rugged wilderness of lush forests, glistening lakes, and cascading waterfalls lends itself to a variety of adventurous outdoor activities including, hiking, fishing, horse riding birdwatching, mountain biking and rock climbing. Visitors can explore the city’s botanical gardens and golf course, or venture further afield to the beautiful Zomba Nature Reserve.
Overnight: Zomba Forest Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: ZOMBA TO LIWONDE NATIONAL PARK
It’s now time to head for the bush. Today you will be transferred to Mvuu Camp situated right within Liwonde National Park along the mighty Shire River. You will spend three nights of your tour here.
Mvuu Camp overlooks a broad stretch of the Shire River (pronounced Shiree) in Liwonde National Park. The camp is a clever mix of stone and canvas chalets and specially-designed family tents, which total 14 units. An impressive thatched dining and lounge area is situated between two enormous baobabs, and dinners are sometimes held under the stars in a specially constructed boma.
Overnight: Mvuu Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: LINWONDE NP
Liwonde National Park is situated at the southern tip of Lake Malombe in southern Malawi. Although Liwonde is one of Malawi’s smaller parks, it is arguably the most popular of all the game parks in the country. Malawi’s main river, the Shire, forms its western boundary and is the reserve’s lifeblood.
With plentiful wildlife including hippos, kudu, elephants, crocodiles and elephants, and even black rhino, the park had become one of Malawi’s premier wildlife-viewing destinations. The birding is excellent and a favourite sighting among birdwatchers is the Pel’s fishing owl. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of activities including excellent wildlife viewing, canoeing and boating safaris, and overnight stays at well-positioned safari camps.
Overnight: Mvuu Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: LIWONDE NP
Spend another day enjoying all the park has to offer.
Overnight: Mvuu Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: LIWANDE TO MUMBO ISLAND
Today we take you to Malawi’s crowning jewel Lake Malawi dubbed the Lake of Stars. You will be transferred to Kayak Africa Cottage in Cape Maclear where you will catch your 40 minute scheduled boat transfer to Mumbo Island Lodge right within Lake Malawi. You will spend the next two nights of your tour here.
Mumbo Island is a pristine and deserted tropical island floating on the expansive waters of the Lake Malawi National Park. With a maze of massive underwater boulders, innumerable species of colourful cichlid fish and calm, clear water, the National Park offers what many consider the best freshwater snorkeling and SCUBA diving in the world.
Overnight: Mumbo Island
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: MUMBO ISLAND
Mumbo Island is an ecotourist’s dream. Measuring just one square kilometre across, this remote islet is virtually uninhabited and covered with pristine miombo forests interspersed with ancient fig and baobab trees. It is surrounded by the calm, crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi, where you can swim and snorkel amidst schools of vividly coloured tropical fish. You may also encounter the island’s sole mammal inhabitant – playful and curious Spotted-necked Otters. The only resort on the island is built from sustainable natural materials that blend beautifully into the pristine surroundings.
Overnight: Mumbo Island
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: MUMBO TO NANKOMA ISLAND
Your lake experience continues! You will have a boat transfer back to the mainland at Kayak Africa Cottage where you will be met by your guide. He will then transfer you to Senga Bay boating station for your scheduled boat transfer to Blue Zebra Island Lodge located at Nankoma Island on Lake Malawi. You will spend the last three nights of your tour here.
Blue Zebra Island Lodge offers 9 exclusive tented en-suite chalets each overlooking the lake with some of the chalets boasting private lake access from where one can discover the dazzling array of fish in crystal clear waters. The chalets are set in an unspoiled environment and our guests are surrounded by nature and luxury. 5 Safari Tents are also available.
Overnight: Zebra Island Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: NANKOMA ISLAND
Nankoma Island is part of the Marelli Archipelago in southern Lake Malawi, where the waters are particularly rich in brightly coloured tropical fish known as cichlids. It is an amazing experience to swim or snorkel with them as they flash by in iridescent shades. There is also rich birdlife on the island, including hornbills, kingfishers, paradise flycatchers, and owls, as well as cormorants and fish eagles on the lake shores. You can go kayaking around the island, take a boat trip to neighbouring islands or go on a sundowner cruise.
Overnight: Zebra Island Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11: NANKOMA ISLAND
Chill out at the infinity pool, quite possibly the most popular ‘activity’, although this doesn’t require being active. With stunning views over Lake Malawi, what better way to spend an afternoon than splash about in the Infinity Pool with a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail for kids) or laze on the deck-chairs with that book you’ve been too busy to read!
Overnight: Zebra Island Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12: DEPARTURE
End of your tour! In the morning you will be transferred by boat to Senga Bay and get on your road transfer to Lilongwe International Airport for your flight back home.
OPTION TO EXTEND TO OTHER COUNTRIES IN AFRICA. CONTACT US FOR TRAVEL INSPIRATION
SAMPLE HOTELS
Lilongwe – Kumbali Country Lodge (or similar)
Zomba – Zomba Forest Lodge
Liwonde National Park – Myuu Camp
Mumbo Island – Mumbo Island
Nankoma Island – Zebra Island Lodge
*All accommodation is subject to change due to availability
Tour Exclusions
We are happy to help you extend your stay in Africa. Why not extend to South Africa, Botswana, or exotic Zanzibar?! Contact us for more information.
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Earth, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
PRICES: The cost of the trip is subject to change and will vary throughout seasons. Price is based on 2 people in twin/double accommodation and will change if number of travellers changes.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: Responsibility of the traveller.
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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