10-Day Malawi Culture and Wildlife

10-Day Malawi Culture and Wildlife

Offered by: USD Safari Tours
4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)
Journey Snapshot
🗺 Malawi ⏱ 10 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof
Lilongwe Lake Malawi Liwonde National Park
You'll explore beautiful Malawi's rich culture and wildlife in this immersive tour. The journey begins in Lilongwe with local market visits and a village cultural exchange at Chingalire Cultural Village. You will experience the UNESCO-listed Gule Wamkulu dance. Discover Lake Malawi's cichlid fish, visit a fishing village at Cape Macclear and then head to Liwonde National Park for some Game Drive and beautiful sceneries. You will explore the first capital city of Malawi, Zomba, and its landscape.

Route

Start Lilongwe (Day 1)
Day 2 Lake Malawi
End Liwonde National Park

Tour Features

Day 1:Arrival in Lilongwe Day 2Explore Chingalire Cultural Village Day 3:Exploring Lilongwe Down Town Day 4:Off to Lake Malawi Day 5:More of Lake Malawi Day 6:Off to Liwonde National Park Day 7:Early Morning Game Drive in Liwonde National Park Day 8:Depart to Zomba Plateau Day 9:More of Zomba Plateau Day 10:Depart through Chileka Internation Airport in Blantyre

Activities & Transportation

  • Route: Lilongwe, Lake Malawi, Liwonde National Park
  • Duration: 10 days
  • Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
  • Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day
Accommodation
Meals
1
Kumbali Country Lodge Luxury lodge located in Lilongwe (City)
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
2
Kumbali Country Lodge Luxury lodge located in Lilongwe (City)
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
3
Kumbali Country Lodge Luxury lodge located in Lilongwe (City)
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
4
Chembe Eagles Nest Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi)
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
5
Chembe Eagles Nest Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi)
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
6
Mvuu Camp Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde NP
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
7
Mvuu Camp Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde NP
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
8
Kefi Hotel Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Zomba Plateau
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
9
Kefi Hotel Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Zomba Plateau
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
10
No accommodation
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day by Day

Day 1 Arrival in Lilongwe
Morning 🏨Kumbali Country Lodge Luxury lodge located in Lilongwe (City) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
You'll arrive in Lilongwe and settle at Kumbali Lodge on a peaceful farm estate. You'll explore the city by visiting the vibrant Old Town market, where local crafts and fresh produce abound. You'll stop by Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary for a walk in the wilderness and learn about wildlife conservation. You'll visit the Kumbali Cultural Village for an authentic Malawian cultural experience. You will end the day with a farm-to-table meal at the lodge, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Day 2 Explore Chingalire Cultural Village
Morning 🏨Kumbali Country Lodge Luxury lodge located in Lilongwe (City) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, you'll head to Chingalire Cultural Village, located near Lilongwe, for an authentic Malawian cultural experience. Founded by renowned local musician and activist Ben Mankhamba, the village showcases traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Visitors can engage with the community, learn about local customs, participate in cooking and craft-making, and witness the vibrant Gule Wamkulu masked dance. A visit to Chingalire is a unique opportunity to connect with Malawi's heritage while supporting sustainable community development.
Day 3 Exploring Lilongwe Down Town
Morning 🏨Kumbali Country Lodge Luxury lodge located in Lilongwe (City) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Last day in Lilongwe to explore the lively Old Town Market for local produce, crafts, and textiles. You'll visit the Lilongwe Craft Market for traditional carvings and souvenirs. You'll learn about conservation at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, a sanctuary for rescued animals. You will get a city tour to see the Parliament Building and key landmarks such as the Kamuzu Banda mausoleum and World War 1 memorial tower where you can get to hear stories of the fallen fighters who fought in the world wars. If you are strong enough, you will climb the tower to have a view of Lilongwe city from above.
Day 4 Off to Lake Malawi
Morning 🏨Chembe Eagles Nest Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, you will head to Lake Malawi at Cape Maclear where among other things you will snorkel in Lake Malawi's crystal-clear waters, home to colorful cichlid fish. You'll take a boat tour to a nearby island for birdwatching and scenic views. You will enjoy kayaking along the tranquil shores or hiking the surrounding hills for stunning lake vistas.
Day 5 More of Lake Malawi
Morning 🏨Chembe Eagles Nest Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi) 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
This will be your second day at Cape Maclear. You'll unwind by Lake Malawi's serene shores. You'll swim in its warm, clear waters or simply relax on the sandy beaches with stunning lake views. You'll engage with locals by visiting fishing villages, learning about their daily lives, and experiencing traditional culture. You will chat with artisans selling handmade crafts. Cape Maclear offers the perfect mix of relaxation and cultural connection in a laid-back, friendly environment, ideal for unwinding and rejuvenating.
Day 6 Off to Liwonde National Park
Morning 🏨Mvuu Camp Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde NP 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, you'll head to Liwonde National Park. Liwonde National Park, located in southern Malawi along the Shire River, is one of the country's most famous wildlife reserves. Established in 1973, it covers diverse landscapes including riverine swamps, savannahs, and woodlands. Liwonde is home to elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelope, and a growing population of lions and cheetahs due to successful conservation efforts. Birdwatching is also popular, with over 400 species. The park's rich biodiversity and serene setting make it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Day 7 Early Morning Game Drive in Liwonde National Park
Morning 🏨Mvuu Camp Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde NP 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
In Liwonde National Park, you will enjoy thrilling game drives to spot elephants, hippos, and predators like lions and cheetahs. You will explore the Shire River on a boat safari for unique wildlife views, including crocodiles and a variety of bird species. You will Participate in guided walking safaris for a closer look at the park's flora and fauna. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting over 400 species. Additionally, you will have the chance to visit the park's conservation projects to learn about ongoing efforts to protect and preserve its wildlife.
Day 8 Depart to Zomba Plateau
Morning 🏨Kefi Hotel Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Zomba Plateau 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, you will start for Zomba. In Zomba, you'll explore the scenic Zomba Plateau with its lush forests, waterfalls, and panoramic views. You will enjoy hiking along the plateau's trails and spotting wildlife like baboons and various bird species. You'll visit the local market to experience vibrant Malawian culture and shop for unique crafts.
Day 9 More of Zomba Plateau
Morning 🏨Kefi Hotel Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Zomba Plateau 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
On the last day of the tour, you'll explore the Zomba market which is one of the most unique with a local touch. You'll engage and interact with the local community to exchange culture and some aspects of Malawian culture. You will take the afternoon for yourself while waiting for a delicious farewell dinner at Kefi Hotel.
Day 10 Depart through Chileka Internation Airport in Blantyre
Morning 🏨No accommodation 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast in Zomba, you will head out to Blantyre at Chileka International Airport where you will catch your return flight while taking beautiful memories of Malawi and its beautiful and diverse culture.

Rates

From: $3,850 pp (USD)
Final quote depends on date, travelers and lodge level.

No upcoming group dates found in database (group_climbs).

Inclusions

Included
  • Park fees(For non-residents)
  • All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation
  • (Unless listed as upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)

Exclusions

Not included
  • International flights(From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Drinks

Note: Some items may vary depending on season and lodge level.

Getting There

Start: Lilongwe

End: Liwonde National Park

We can arrange airport pick-up and drop-off. Ask in your quote request.

Offered By

USD Safari Tours
USD Safari Tours
4.9/5 • 1600 reviews