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17-Day Malawi's South Central and North

Offered by: USD Safari Tours

4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)

Journey Snapshot

🗺 Malawi ⏱ 17 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof

Majete Wildlife Reserve

Overview Day by Day Rates Inclusions Getting There Offered By

Enjoy 17 days in Malawi, visiting the south, central, and north. You will start with game drives at Majete and Liwonde, see the hills of Thyolo, relax at Salima, meet wildlife at Nkhotakota and Nkhatabay, explore Nyika Plateau, enjoy Luwawa, and finish in Lilongwe before leaving.

Route

Start	Majete Wildlife Reserve (Day 1)
Day 2	Majete Wildlife Reserve Safari Experience
Day 3	Thyolo Tea Estate Experience
Day 4	Journey to Liwonde National Park
Day 5	Exploring Liwonde National Park
Day 6	Transfer to Salima Lake Malawi experience
Day 7	Relaxing at Joma Adventure Lodge, Salima
Day 8	Exploring Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
Day 9	More of Nkhotakota Wilderness
Day 10	Transfer to Nkhata Bay
Day 11	Relaxation at Nkhata Bay
Day 12	Journey to Nyika
Day 13	Game Drive Adventure on Nyika Plateau
Day 14	Explore More of Nyika Plateau
Day 15	Transfer from Nyika Plateau to Luwawa Forest
Day 16	Activities at Luwawa Forest Lodge
Day 17	Transfer from Luwawa Forest Lodge to Lilongwe
End	Majete Wildlife Reserve

Tour Features

Day 1 :Arrival and Majete Day 2 :Majete Wildlife Reserve Safari Experience Day 3 :Thyolo Tea Estate Experience Day 4 :Journey to Liwonde National Park Day 5 :Exploring Liwonde National Park Day 6 :Transfer to Salima Lake Malawi experience Day 7 :Relaxing at Joma Adventure Lodge, Salima Day 8 :Exploring Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve Day 9 :More of Nkhotakota Wilderness Day 10 :Transfer to Nkhata Bay Day 11 :Relaxation at Nkhata Bay Day 12 :Journey to Nyika Day 13 :Game Drive Adventure on Nyika Plateau Day 14 :Explore More of Nyika Plateau Day 15 :Transfer from Nyika Plateau to Luwawa Forest Day 16 :Activities at Luwawa Forest Lodge Day 17 :Transfer from Luwawa Forest Lodge to Lilongwe

Activities & Transportation

Route: Majete Wildlife Reserve
Duration: 17 days
Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day

Accommodation

Meals

1

Mkulumadzi Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Majete WR

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

2

Mkulumadzi Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Majete WR

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

3

Huntingdon House Luxury guest house located in Thyolo District

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

4

Mvuu Camp Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde NP

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

5

Mvuu Camp Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde NP

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

6

Joma Adventure Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Salima (Town)

All meals included and Drinking water

7

Joma Adventure Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Salima (Town)

All meals included and Drinking water

8

Rafiki Safari Camp Mid-range lodge bordering Nkhotakota WR without fences

All meals included and Drinking water

9

Rafiki Safari Camp Mid-range lodge bordering Nkhotakota WR without fences

All meals included and Drinking water

10

Makuzi Beach Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Chintheche (Town & Beach)

All meals included and Drinking water

11

Makuzi Beach Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Chintheche (Town & Beach)

All meals included and Drinking water

12

Chelinda Camp Luxury lodge located inside Nyika NP

All meals included and Drinking water

13

Chelinda Camp Luxury lodge located inside Nyika NP

All meals included and Drinking water

14

Chelinda Camp Luxury lodge located inside Nyika NP

All meals included and Drinking water

15

Luwawa Forest Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside South Viphya FR

All meals included and Drinking water

16

Luwawa Forest Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside South Viphya FR

All meals included and Drinking water

17

No accommodation

All meals included and Drinking water

Day by Day

Day 1 Arrival and Majete

⏱Morning 🏨Mkulumadzi Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Majete WR 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Welcome to Malawi! Upon arrival at Chileka International Airport, you will be warmly received by your tour guide, who will accompany you throughout your journey. You will then transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve and check in at Mkulumadzi Lodge. You'll enjoy some refreshments and a delicious lunch, followed by time to relax after your journey. Later in the evening, you will head out for your first exciting game drive. You'll return to the lodge and have a good dinner and a good rest to prepare for the next adventure.

Day 2 Majete Wildlife Reserve Safari Experience

⏱Morning 🏨Mkulumadzi Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Majete WR 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

You'll wake up early and get ready for an exciting morning game drive in Majete Wildlife Reserve. As the sun rises, you will explore the beautiful park and have the chance to see Malawi's famous Big Five - elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos - along with many antelopes, zebras, and birds. After the drive, you will return to the lodge for a warm breakfast and some time to relax by the river or pool. You can enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature, read a book, or simply rest after your adventure. Lunch will be served in the afternoon, followed by some free time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Later, you will head out again for an evening game drive when many animals become active before sunset. You'll enjoy the golden light and cool breeze as you explore more parts of the reserve. You will return to the lodge for a tasty dinner, share stories of the day, and relax under the clear African night sky.

Day 3 Thyolo Tea Estate Experience

⏱Morning 🏨Huntingdon House Luxury guest house located in Thyolo District 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After breakfast, you will leave Majete and travel to Thyolo, a beautiful district known for its green hills and tea estates. The drive takes you through scenic countryside with villages and farms along the way. On arrival, you will check in at your lodge, surrounded by tea fields and mountain views. You will enjoy a warm welcome drink and settle in. Later, take a guided walk through the tea estate to learn how Malawi's famous tea is grown, picked, and processed. You will also have the chance to taste freshly made tea while enjoying the calm and cool air of Thyolo. Lunch will be served at the lodge, followed by time to relax or take photos of the beautiful landscapes. In the evening, you may take a short walk to watch the sunset over the hills. You will enjoy dinner at the lodge and spend a quiet night surrounded by nature.

Day 4 Journey 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 leave Thyolo and drive to Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi's most famous wildlife areas. The journey will take you through beautiful countryside and small villages, giving you a chance to see local life along the way. When you arrive, you will check in at your lodge, which is set close to the Shire River. You will enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a delicious lunch while taking in the peaceful view of the river. In the afternoon, you can relax or take a short nature walk near the lodge to stretch your legs after the journey. Later in the day, you will go on a sunset boat safari on the Shire River, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and many birds as the sun sets over the water. After this wonderful experience, you will return to the lodge for dinner and enjoy a calm evening by the fire before resting for the night.

Day 5 Exploring Liwonde National Park

⏱Morning 🏨Mvuu Camp Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde NP 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

You'll start your day early with a morning game drive in Liwonde National Park. As the sun rises, the park comes alive with the sounds of birds and animals. You may spot elephants, hippos, antelopes, buffaloes, and maybe even lions or leopards moving through the bush. After the drive, you will return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some time to relax. You can sit by the river, watch animals come to drink, or enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings. Lunch will be served at the lodge, followed by a short rest. In the afternoon, you can join a guided walking safari or another boat safari along the Shire River, offering a closer look at wildlife and beautiful scenery. As evening falls, you will return to the lodge for a delicious dinner, share your experiences with fellow travelers, and enjoy your last night in Liwonde under the bright African stars.

Day 6 Transfer to Salima Lake Malawi experience

⏱Morning 🏨Joma Adventure Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Salima (Town) 🍽All meals included and Drinking water

After breakfast, you will leave Liwonde and travel to Salima, a beautiful town on the shores of Lake Malawi. The drive takes you through rolling hills and small local villages, giving you a lovely view of Malawi's countryside. When you arrive, you will check in at your lakeside lodge and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink. Take some time to relax after the journey, have lunch, and enjoy the peaceful view of the lake. In the afternoon, you can take a walk along the sandy beach or swim in the clear, warm waters of Lake Malawi. The lake is known as the "Lake of Stars," and you'll see why as the sun begins to set, reflecting golden colors on the water. In the evening, you'll enjoy a nice dinner by the lakeside and spend a quiet night listening to the gentle sound of the waves.

Day 7 Relaxing at Joma Adventure Lodge, Salima

⏱Morning 🏨Joma Adventure Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Salima (Town) 🍽All meals included and Drinking water

In the morning, you'll wake up to the sound of the lake and enjoy breakfast by the water. After breakfast, spend some time swimming, walking along the beach, or relaxing in the sun. You can also try fun water activities like boat rides, kayaking, or paddleboarding. After lunch, you can rest at the lodge or visit a nearby village to see how local people live and fish. In the evening, go for a sunset boat cruise and enjoy the beautiful view as the sun goes down over Lake Malawi. After the cruise, you'll come back to the lodge for dinner and relax by the fire while watching the stars.

Day 8 Exploring Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

⏱Morning 🏨Rafiki Safari Camp Mid-range lodge bordering Nkhotakota WR without fences 🍽All meals included and Drinking water

After breakfast at Joma Adventure Lodge, you will check out and drive north to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, one of Malawi's oldest and largest protected areas. On arrival, you will check in at Rafiki Camp and enjoy lunch while surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. In the afternoon, you will go for a guided walking safari along the Bua River, where you may see elephants, waterbucks, warthogs, and various bird species. The guide will explain the plants and animal tracks, giving you a close connection to the wild. Later in the day, you will enjoy some relaxation time at the camp or take part in an optional canoe safari on the river to watch the sunset over the water. Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by a calm evening under the stars, listening to the night sounds of the forest.

Day 9 More of Nkhotakota Wilderness

⏱Morning 🏨Rafiki Safari Camp Mid-range lodge bordering Nkhotakota WR without fences 🍽All meals included and Drinking water

You'll wake up early and enjoy a warm breakfast at your lodge. After breakfast, yoou will go for a guided morning walk through the forest, where you can see birds, butterflies, and maybe some elephants or antelopes. The guide will share stories about the reserve and local traditions. You will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation by the river or pool. In the afternoon, you'll take a boat safari on the Bua River, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species while enjoying the calm of nature. As the sun sets, you will enjoy a sundowner drink and take photos of the golden sky. Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by a relaxing evening under the stars, listening to the night sounds of Nkhotakota

Day 10 Transfer to Nkhata Bay

⏱Morning 🏨Makuzi Beach Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Chintheche (Town & Beach) 🍽All meals included and Drinking water

After breakfast, you will check out from your lodge in Nkhotakota and begin your transfer to Nkhata Bay, a scenic drive along Lake Malawi's shoreline. You will enjoy the beautiful views of fishing villages, hills, and the blue waters of the lake along the way. You will arrive in Nkhata Bay around midday and check in at your lodge. After lunch, you'll spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach, swimming, or exploring the local craft markets. You can also take a short boat ride to nearby islands or go snorkeling to see colorful fish. In the evening, you will enjoy a sunset by the lake, followed by a delicious dinner with fresh fish and local dishes. You will end the day with music or a quiet time under the stars by the lakeshore.

Day 11 Relaxation at Nkhata Bay

⏱Morning 🏨Makuzi Beach Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Chintheche (Town & Beach) 🍽All meals included and Drinking water

You'll start your morning with a tasty breakfast by the lake, enjoying the peaceful sounds of waves and birds. After breakfast, you can join an optional boat cruise to explore hidden beaches or visit local fishing villages along the lake. You will return for lunch at your lodge, then spend the afternoon kayaking, swimming, or relaxing on the sandy beach. If you like culture, you can visit a local community to learn about traditional crafts, music, and Malawian life. As the day ends, you will enjoy a beautiful sunset while sipping a cool drink. Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by a quiet evening by the bonfire or lakeside, sharing stories and enjoying the calm night breeze.

Day 12 Journey to Nyika

⏱Morning 🏨Chelinda Camp Luxury lodge located inside Nyika NP 🍽All meals included and Drinking water

After breakfast, you will check out from your lodge in Nkhata Bay and begin your scenic drive to Nyika Plateau, one of Malawi's most beautiful highland parks. The journey takes you through rolling hills, forests, and small villages, offering great views and photo stops along the way. You'll arrive at Nyika Plateau in the afternoon and check in at your lodge or camp. You'll enjoy a warm lunch and rest, then take a short evening drive or nature walk to experience the cool mountain air and maybe see zebras, antelopes, or elands grazing on the plains. As the sun sets, you will return to the lodge for dinner by the fireplace, followed by a cozy evening under the stars in the peaceful Nyika wilderness.

Day 13 Game Drive Adventure on Nyika Plateau

⏱Morning 🏨Chelinda Camp Luxury lodge located inside Nyika NP 🍽All meals included and Drinking water

You'll wake up early and enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee before heading out for your morning game drive across the wide, grassy plains of Nyika Plateau. The cool mountain air and open landscapes make it perfect for spotting zebras, roan antelopes, elands, reedbucks, and leopards if you are lucky. The park is also home to many beautiful birds and wildflowers. You will return to the lodge for breakfast and rest, followed by lunch while enjoying views of the rolling hills. In the afternoon, you will go for another game drive or guided walk, exploring more of Nyika's scenic valleys and waterfalls. In the evening, you will enjoy a sundowner on the plateau, watching the sky change colors as the sun sets. Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by a peaceful night in this quiet and magical highland park.

Day 14 Explore More of Nyika Plateau

⏱Morning 🏨Chelinda Camp Luxury lodge located inside Nyika NP 🍽All meals included and Drinking water

You'll start your morning with breakfast overlooking the misty hills. After breakfast, you will set off for a guided nature walk or horseback safari (if available) across the open grasslands. This is a great way to enjoy the peaceful beauty of Nyika and get close to animals like bushbucks, duikers, and zebras. You will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation by the fireplace or terrace. In the afternoon, you will visit one of the viewpoints or waterfalls, such as Chelinda Falls, where you can take photos and enjoy the cool breeze. Later, you will enjoy a quiet evening game drive to spot nocturnal animals as the sun sets. You will return to the lodge for dinner and a cozy night under the clear Nyika sky filled with stars.

Day 15 Transfer from Nyika Plateau to Luwawa Forest

⏱Morning 🏨Luwawa Forest Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside South Viphya FR 🍽All meals included and Drinking water

After breakfast, you will check out from your lodge at Nyika Plateau and begin your journey to Luwawa Forest Lodge. The drive will take you through beautiful rolling hills, pine forests, and small villages, giving you a chance to enjoy Malawi's natural scenery. You will stop along the way for lunch and short photo breaks. In the afternoon, you will arrive at Luwawa Forest Lodge, located in the Viphya Mountains. Upon arrival, you will check in and take some time to relax after the long journey. In the evening, you may choose to take a gentle walk around Luwawa Lake or enjoy the cool mountain air by the fireplace at the lodge.

Day 16 Activities at Luwawa Forest Lodge

⏱Morning 🏨Luwawa Forest Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside South Viphya FR 🍽All meals included and Drinking water

After breakfast, you will spend the day exploring the Luwawa Forest Reserve and enjoying outdoor activities around the area. You can take part in a guided forest walk or mountain bike ride through the pine plantations and local villages, learning about the area's nature and culture. Later, you may go canoeing or kayaking on Luwawa Lake, surrounded by beautiful forest scenery. This is also a good place for bird watching and photography. In the afternoon, you can relax at the lodge, enjoy the fresh mountain breeze, or visit the local craft shop. In the evening, dinner will be served at the lodge, and you can spend some quiet time by the fire.

Day 17 Transfer from Luwawa Forest Lodge to Lilongwe

⏱Morning 🏨No accommodation 🍽All meals included and Drinking water

After breakfast, you will check out from Luwawa Forest Lodge and begin your drive back to Lilongwe. The journey takes you through scenic mountain views and rural communities, offering one last look at Malawi's beautiful landscapes. You will stop along the way for refreshments and photos before arriving in Lilongwe in the afternoon. Depending on your schedule, you may do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in the city before your departure.