Nestling in the Great Rift Valley is a relatively undiscovered jewel of southern Africa. An ever-changing landscape takes you from the shores of magnificent lakes, through grasslands and woodland, to lofty mountain tops. See magnificent sunsets and stunning wildlife, experience local tradition and receive the warmest welcome in Africa. Malawi is waiting for your visit.

• Travelling - 1 to 2
  

  Fly to Lilongwe, arriving on day 2. Your Tour Guide and local Specialist Guide will be on hand throughout the tour. Travel east to Salima on the shores of Lake Malawi. Overnight Lake Malawi.

• Sunset Sundowners - 1 to 2
  

  End the day with a sundowner cruise to one of the lake’s islands. Sip a Malawi gin and tonic, known locally as an MGT, or try a Kuche Kuche beer. As the sun sets over the lake listen to a local Specialist Guide and hear about the local wildlife. Crocodiles and hippo inhabit the waters as do more than 500 species of fresh water fish. The silence of the evening is often shattered with the shrill cry of a fish eagle and as darkness falls the ‘Lake of Stars’ glimmers with the reflection from the night sky. Overnight Lake Malawi.

• A Day By The Lake - 3
  

  a day at leisure to discover the clear waters and shoreline of the lake, the third largest in Africa. Watch local fishermen and look out for the Ilala ferry, a once luxurious steamer which now plies the waters providing vital supplies to the villages that dot the shores. Tiny islands and enchanting hideaways are just waiting to be discovered and the opportunities for watersports are endless. The beach by your hotel is a great spot to relax and soak up the lakeside atmosphere. Try ‘chambo and chips’ and chat with the friendly locals who will soon confirm that Malawi truly is the ‘warm heart of Africa’. Ask your local specialist guide and tour guide for their recommendations for the day. Overnight lake Malawi.

• Wildlife Of Liwonde - 4
  

  the shire river twists through Liwonde national park. The lush vegetation and vast flood plains are a magnet for a great variety of species. Relax at the lodge and admire the endless river views out to the magnificent backdrop of the rift valley. Late afternoon/early evening is the perfect time to spot wildlife when the heat of the day has gone and animals come out into the open to search for food. Join an included game drive and look out for elephants and impala. The population of sable antelope is at its greatest in this part of Africa. A protected area in the centre of the park provides a safe haven for black rhino, buffalo and zebra, all of which are gradually being reintroduced (please note that some lodges in Liwonde share an en-suite bathroom between two bedrooms). Overnight Liwonde.

• A River Safari - 5
  

  Leave the land for the water and join an early morning river safari. Drift past fringed palms and baobab trees. This is the playground of a plethora of water birds; herons, terns and waders swoop across the shores. A splash of colour may just be a kingfisher, keep your fingers crossed and your camera ready. The largest elephant population of Malawi lives in the reserve so look out for protective mothers and their offspring. Crocodiles bask on the banks, a splash can be heard as they spot their next prey. Pods of hippo wallow and snort, their shiny wet heads and distinctive ears just visible above the water line, and Waterbuck Graze close to the riverbank.

• Return To The Reserve - 5
  

  Drive back into the reserve once more. Look out for the shyer nocturnal species that come out after dusk. Ask your SafarI guide to point out giant eagle-owl and square-tailed nightjar. As darkness descends the sights and sounds around you change as the landscape moves from day to night. Overnight Liwonde.

• Trails And Wildbirds - 6
  

  There is no better way of experiencing the reserve than on foot. Discover more of the wildlife with an experienced guide. Follow tracks and trails and learn more about the biodiversity and ecology of the area. Liwonde is a birders paradise; red-necked falcon, spur-winged Lapwing and Arnotts chat are just a handful of the many winged species that patrol the skies.

• Morning In The Village - 6
  

  Cross the shire river and spend the morning at the Njobvu cultural village for a glimpse of daily life. Malawians typically live with their extended families in huts that are grouped together in villages. A spirit of co-operation prevails as family members share resources and the workload. Meet the village headman, consult the traditional doctor and browse in the shop. Chat with the locals, visit a typical home and watch timeless skills being practiced as baskets are woven and grain is pounded. A performance of MalawI song and dance will have your hips swaying.

• A Walk On The Plateau - 6
  

  Journey south to the Zomba plateau. A guided afternoon walking tour is the perfect introduction to this delightful area. The plateau is covered in verdant forests of cypress trees, Mexican pines and splendid Mulanje cedars. Colourful butterflies are bountiful and flutter over the delicate wild flowers and ferns that carpet the ground. Crystal clear pools and waterfalls glisten temptingly in the heat of the afternoon sun. At the queen’s viewpoint look out over the vast Phalombe plains. On a clear day you can see Mozambique in the distance. Overnight Zomba.

• Local Adventures - 7
  

  Discover more of the plateau on an included morning walking tour. Listen for the croaking call of the green lourie and look out for a flash of colour from its vivid red underwings as it takes flight. Baboons are often sighted along the path and bushbuck may also come into view as you follow your tour guide. The rest of the day is free to enjoy a range of optional activities. Join a horseback safari, take a jeep ride across the plateau, or hire a mountain bike.

• Colourful Markets - 7
  

  you may wish to explore Zomba town at your leisure, this former capital has a slightly faded but still charming colonial feel. A visit to the colourful market offers wonderful photographic opportunities. Mingle with the locals as they stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables and maybe sample ‘bunny chow’, a deep fried roll stuffed with curried meat and potatoes. Your local specialist guide will be on hand to give their recommendations. Overnight Zomba.

• Local Community Projects - 8
  

  Visit a rural community and learn about the work of the United Nations millenium villages project in Malawi. Spend the morning with a community guide who will highlight the goals of various projects and their progress to date. Visit a primary school, health clinic and water project and see the positive impact on farming and agriculture. After lunch in the village travel to Blantyre. This is the commercial hub of MalawI but the city still retains a bustling atmosphere with lively street stalls and open air markets. Continue to the capital. Overnight Lilongwe.

• Travelling - 9 to 10
  

  Return to the UK, arriving on Day 10.

Accommodation

• Sunbird Livingstonia Hotel, Lake Malawi (3-Star) - 2 Nights
• Mvuu Camp, Liwonde (3-Star) - 2 Nights
• Zomba Ku Chawe Inn, Zomba Plateau (3-Star) - 2 Nights
• Sunbird Capital Hotel, Lilongwe (3-Star) - 1 Night

• Flights are scheduled services of
• Flights depart at 12:00 am and return at 6:25 am

Includes

Not Included