6-Day The Malawi Self Drive Tour

6-Day The Malawi Self Drive Tour

Offered by: USD Safari Tours
4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)
Journey Snapshot
🗺 Malawi ⏱ 6 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof
Lilongwe Liwonde National Park Lake Malawi Mount Mulanje Blantyre
The Malawi Self-Drive Tour is the ultimate way to explore the Warm Heart of Africa at your own pace. Designed for independent travelers seeking freedom, adventure, and authentic experiences, this tour allows you to discover Malawi's breathtaking landscapes, pristine lakeshores, abundant wildlife, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities behind the wheel of a Baseline Travel 4x4 vehicle.

Route

Start Lilongwe (Day 1)
Day 2 Liwonde National Park
Day 3 Lake Malawi
Day 4 Mount Mulanje
End Blantyre

Tour Features

Day 1:Arrival in Lilongwe ahead of Liwonde National Park Safari Experience Day 2:Arrival in Lilongwe ahead of Liwonde National Park Safari Experience Day 3:Liwonde National Park - Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi Day 4:Liwonde National Park - Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi Day 5:Cape Maclear - Mount Mulanje Day 6:Mount Mulanje - Blantyre Departure

Activities & Transportation

  • Route: Lilongwe, Liwonde National Park, Lake Malawi, Mount Mulanje, Blantyre
  • Duration: 6 days
  • Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
  • Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day
Accommodation
Meals
1
Mvuu Camp Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde National Park
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
2
Mvuu Camp Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde National Park
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
3
The Makokola Retreat Luxury resort located at Lake Malawi
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
4
The Makokola Retreat Luxury resort located at Lake Malawi
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
5
Kara O'Mula Resort Mid-range lodge located near Mt Mulanje
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
6
No accommodation
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day by Day

Day 1 Arrival in Lilongwe ahead of Liwonde National Park Safari Experience
Morning 🏨Mvuu Camp Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde National Park 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Upon arrival at Lilongwe International Airport, you will be met by a Baseline Travel representative for a vehicle handover and tour briefing. After completing the formalities, you begin your journey south towards Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi's premier wildlife destinations. You arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and relaxation before embarking on an afternoon safari activity. You'll explore the park's rich wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, antelope species, and an abundance of birdlife.
Day 2 Arrival in Lilongwe ahead of Liwonde National Park Safari Experience
Morning 🏨Mvuu Camp Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde National Park 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2: You'll spend a full day exploring the wonders of Liwonde National Park.You begin with an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active. You will return to the lodge for breakfast and leisure time before enjoying another safari activity in the afternoon.
Day 3 Liwonde National Park - Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi
Morning 🏨The Makokola Retreat Luxury resort located at Lake Malawi 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, you continue your self-drive adventure to Cape Maclear, a picturesque lakeside destination located on the southern shores of the world-famous Lake Malawi and within the UNESCO-listed Lake Malawi National Park. The journey takes you through scenic rural landscapes dotted with traditional villages, towering baobab trees, and breathtaking views of the lake. Upon arrival, you'll settle into your accommodation and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this charming fishing village. Spend the afternoon unwinding on the sandy beaches, exploring the local community, or simply taking in the stunning views across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi. As the day draws to a close, you enjoy a spectacular sunset over the lake, creating the perfect end to another memorable day in Malawi
Day 4 Liwonde National Park - Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi
Morning 🏨The Makokola Retreat Luxury resort located at Lake Malawi 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
On day 4, you'll spend the day exploring the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi with snorkeling, kayaking, island excursions, swimming, beach relaxation, and an optional sunset cruise on the lake.
Day 5 Cape Maclear - Mount Mulanje
Morning 🏨Kara O'Mula Resort Mid-range lodge located near Mt Mulanje 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
On this day, from the lake to the mountain, you'll journey south through Malawi's breathtaking tea-growing highlands to the majestic Mount Mulanje, the country's highest peak and one of its most iconic natural landmarks. The scenic drive takes you past rolling tea estates, picturesque landscapes, and charming rural communities. Upon arrival, you will enjoy the fresh mountain air and spectacular views before exploring the mountain's foothills, visiting scenic viewpoints, and taking a guided nature walk to discover the area's unique flora, fauna, and natural beauty.
Day 6 Mount Mulanje - Blantyre Departure
Morning 🏨No accommodation 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
You will enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the magnificent Mount Mulanje before setting off on a scenic drive to Blantyre, Malawi's vibrant commercial capital. Depending on your schedule, you will take time to explore the city's cultural landmarks, local markets, and unique atmosphere before proceeding to Chileka International Airport to return your vehicle and connect with your onward journey. As your self-drive adventure comes to an end, you reflect on the unforgettable wildlife, landscapes, lakeshores, and warm hospitality experienced along the way, memories that will stay with you long after you leave the Warm Heart of Africa, courtesy of Baseline Travel.

Rates

From: $2,650 pp (USD)
Final quote depends on date, travelers and lodge level.

No upcoming group dates found in database (group_climbs).

Inclusions

Included
  • Rental vehicle
  • Park fees(For non-residents)
  • All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
  • All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinking water(On all days)

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

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

Getting There

Start: Lilongwe

End: Blantyre

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