Magical Malawi (6 nights) - Safari in Liwonde National Park and water sports including diving/snorkeling at Lake Malawi showing the highlights of Malawi in this affordable 7 day package.
Known as the “warm heart of Africa”, Malawi is not to be missed. The country’s large quantities of water, in the form of its great lakes and numerous rivers, makes the country a wildlife haven. Explore the best of both worlds with this fantastic six night package.
Liwonde National Park is Malawi’s premier wildlife haven. Within the Park, on a spectacular setting on the banks of the Shire River lies Mvuu Camp. It is the perfect base from which to explore its magnificent scenery, animal and bird life. Game drives, river cruises and bush walks allow a great enjoyment of the region while broadening your opportunity of seeing as many different wildlife species as possible.
From Mvuu, head up to Chintheche Inn located on the western shore of Lake Malawi and known for its white sands, warm clear waters and age-old fishing villages. The area boasts some of the finest beaches on the lakeshore with remnant patches of lowland tropical forest. You will also be able to enjoy the spectacular snorkelling or diving that Lake Malawi provides. The abundance and diversity of its aquatic life holds a greater array of freshwater fish species than any other lake on Earth.
1-Jan-12 to 14-Jun-12 & 16-Nov-12 to 31-Dec-12: US$ 2,645
15-Jun-12 to 15-Nov-12: US$ 2,765
Rates may fluctuate if there are any specials running so please do check with us and let us know when you are looking at traveling so we can find you the best price.
3 nights Mvuu Camp
On the banks of the Shire River, a wealth of hippo, crocodiles and an array of bird life.
Superb river cruises, bush walks, game drives (morning and afternoon), Rhino Sanctuary visit to see black rhino and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest.
Visit to Nanthomba School (must be pre-arranged and involves a voluntary donation by guests to school).
3 nights Chintheche Inn
Situated on the western shore of Lake Malawi, where some 2 000 species of fish are found as well as exciting birding.
Swimming, snorkelling, mountain bike trails, hiking, guided walks, and free access to all nonmotorised water sports.
Other activities: visits to local fishing villages and the nearby Bandawe Mission
Suggested extensions:
Chelinda Camp, Nyika Plateau.
Enquire now about availability for this 7 day Magical Malawi (Liwonde, Lake Malawi) or for your customized Malawi itinerary package.
Magical Malawi begins with your road transfer from Lilongwe Airport to Mvuu Camp in Liwonde National Park. Please ensure that you arrive at Lilongwe Airport no later than 13h00, after which you will take a 4.5 hour scenic drive in an air-conditioned vehicle through the Malawian countryside.
Depending on the time of year, there are two route options. The first descends to the edge of Lake Malawi at Salima and then proceeds south to Balaka, along the floor of the Great African Rift with the impressive western flanks of the valley off to the west. The second route heads due south through the city of Lilongwe and along the dramatic western edge of the Rift before slowly descending to the valley floor. For 70 kilometres this road forms a boundary with Mozambique. The final few kilometres of each drive are along a rural road past many smallholdings and fields, illustrating the proximity between the protected area of Liwonde and the community. Ecotourism in Malawi is vital as a job and income provider to these rural communities, something that becomes clear along our journey.
Day 1 – Mvuu Camp
Mvuu Camp is situated on the banks of the Shire River, in Liwonde National Park. All manner of fauna are drawn to the river: large pods of hippo and crocodile abound and the dry months bring large herds of elephant, sable antelope and waterbuck to its banks. The camp is a mix of spacious stone and canvas chalets and specially designed family tents, totalling 12 units. An impressive thatched dining and lounge area offers a magnificent river vista framed by two large baobab trees and the camp also has a large swimming pool.
A custom-built education and conference centre with facilities for up to 40 delegates or smaller corporate and team building functions is available. Black rhino, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sable and buffalo can be seen in a custom built Rhino Sanctuary. Nearly 400 bird species including many ‘specials’, such as Böhm’s Bee-eater, African Skimmer and Pel’s Fishing-owl. Activities include game drives, river safaris on the Shire River, nature walks and non-stop birding. Trips to nearby villages and Nanthomba School are also popular and enable visitors to truly discover the warm heart of Malawi.
Upon arrival at Mvuu camp, there will be a welcome drink and camp orientation. Your guide will discuss with you the activities available to ensure you enjoy and experience everything the area has to offer. Should the arrival time into camp be after 1600 the camp will arrange for a night drive after dinner.
15h30/16h00 – Afternoon tea in the main area
16h00/16h30 – Depart on your afternoon activity
19h30/20h00 – Dinner
Day 2 and 3 – Mvuu Camp
Standard daily itinerary on non-transfer days:
05h00/06h00 – Wake up followed by tea, coffee, rusks
06h00/07h30 – Morning activity
07h00/08h30 – Breakfast
08h30/11h00 – Late morning activity
12h30/13h30 – Lunch
13h30/15h30 – Siesta or relax in the camp surrounds
15h30/16h00 – Afternoon tea in the main area
16h00/16h30 – Depart on your afternoon activity
19h30/20h00 – Dinner
Day 4 – Depart Mvuu Camp
05h00/06h00 – Wake up
05h30/06h30 – Light breakfast in the main area (Note: Breakfast/brunch times are dependent on departure time from camp)
06h00/07h00 – Depart Mvuu for Chintheche Inn (7.5 hrs)
The scenic drive will take you from the Shire River in the south up the lakeshore to the north, with a stop for lunch. The route travels along the valley floor and as it nears Chintheche, the final few kilometres are along what many agree is the most beautiful stretch of Africa’s most beautiful lake. There are many places of interest along the way, with the 7.5 hours allowing for a relaxed pace and a couple of stops depending on guest preferences. Possible stops en route are:
(1) Mua Mission: The Catholic Mission was built in 1906 and has Malawi’s finest cultural museum and a famous school of woodcarving.
(2) Chia Lagoon: This large lagoon in the centre of Malawi has a thriving smallholder fishing industry.
(3) Nkotakhota Town: Meaning “danger, danger” in the local Yao dialect this was a former slaving town on the Lake where David Livingstone visited and made a truce with the local chief in the 1860s.
Day 4 - Chintheche Inn
Chintheche Inn is located on the western shores of Lake Malawi, known for its white sands, warm clear waters and age-old fishing villages. The area boasts some of the finest beaches on the lakeshore with remnant patches of lowland tropical forest. The Inn has 10 comfortably furnished en-suite rooms and a two-bedroomed family cottage facing directly onto the Lake. All open out onto grass lawns sloping to the beach. There is a central dining area, but meals often take place under the stars or in a shady corner of the garden. There is also a large pool. In the beautiful gardens and its surrounds, numerous bird species are found and the nearby lowland forest harbours specials such as Grey-olive Greenbul and Gunnings Robin. Lake Malawi is famous for over 700 species of fish, many of which are colourful tropical fish of the cichlid family and a trip to a nearby rocky island showcases many of these.
The Inn is an ideal spot for those wanting a comfortable, tranquil base from which to explore the central lakeshore area. Activities include excellent swimming, snorkelling, mountain bike trails, hiking, kayaking, exciting birding and visits to local fishing villages and the nearby Bandawe Mission. All of these can be guided or unaccompanied. Activities available at an extra charge (payable locally) are: scuba diving, horse riding, vehicle visits to Nkhata Bay, Bandawe, Vizara Rubber Plantation and motorised watersports including waterskiing, tube riding and banana boat.
Upon arrival at Chintheche Inn, there will be a welcome drink and orientation. Your guide will discuss with you the activities available to ensure you enjoy everything the area has to offer. Many guests find that they want to spend more time simply relaxing so the proposed itinerary below is merely a suggestion.
15h30/16h00 – Afternoon tea in the main area
16h00/16h30 – Depart on your afternoon activity
19h30/20h00 – Dinner
Day 5 and 6 – Chintheche Inn
Standard daily itinerary on non-transfer days:
06h00/07h00 – Wake up
07h30/08h30 – Light breakfast in the main area
08h30/09h00 – Depart on your morning activity
12h30/13h30 – Lunch
Siesta time / enjoy leisure time in camp
15h30/16h00 – Afternoon tea in the main area
16h00/16h30 – Depart on your afternoon activity
19h30/20h00 – Dinner
Day 7 – Chintheche Inn
06h00/07h00 – Wake up
07h00/08h00 – Light breakfast in the main area (Note: Wake up and breakfast times depend on departure time from camp)
08h30/09h00 – Depart Chintheche Inn for your journey back to Lilongwe, approximately a 4-hour drive arriving in time for a relaxed check-in for your departure flight.
When & How:
Includes all meals, two camp activities per day and Park fees.
Nights in a camp can be extended.
Family rooms and reduced rates for children are available.
Includes all road transfers: Lilongwe to Mvuu Camp (4.5hrs); Mvuu to Chintheche Inn (7.5 hrs) including a stop for lunch; Chintheche Inn back to Lilongwe (4 hrs).
Self-drive option available.
Excludes all drinks and laundry services.
Dependent on availability / Terms and conditions apply
Book your 7 day Magical Malawi (Liwonde, Lake Malawi) now.
Depending on the time of year, there are two route options. The first descends to the edge of Lake Malawi at Salima and then proceeds south to Balaka, along the floor of the Great African Rift with the impressive western flanks of the valley off to the west. The second route heads due south through the city of Lilongwe and along the dramatic western edge of the Rift before slowly descending to the valley floor. For 70 kilometres this road forms a boundary with Mozambique. The final few kilometres of each drive are along a rural road past many smallholdings and fields, illustrating the proximity between the protected area of Liwonde and the community. Ecotourism in Malawi is vital as a job and income provider to these rural communities, something that becomes clear along our journey.
Day 1 – Mvuu Camp
Mvuu Camp is situated on the banks of the Shire River, in Liwonde National Park. All manner of fauna are drawn to the river: large pods of hippo and crocodile abound and the dry months bring large herds of elephant, sable antelope and waterbuck to its banks. The camp is a mix of spacious stone and canvas chalets and specially designed family tents, totalling 12 units. An impressive thatched dining and lounge area offers a magnificent river vista framed by two large baobab trees and the camp also has a large swimming pool.A custom-built education and conference centre with facilities for up to 40 delegates or smaller corporate and team building functions is available. Black rhino, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sable and buffalo can be seen in a custom built Rhino Sanctuary. Nearly 400 bird species including many ‘specials’, such as Böhm’s Bee-eater, African Skimmer and Pel’s Fishing-owl. Activities include game drives, river safaris on the Shire River, nature walks and non-stop birding. Trips to nearby villages and Nanthomba School are also popular and enable visitors to truly discover the warm heart of Malawi.
Upon arrival at Mvuu camp, there will be a welcome drink and camp orientation. Your guide will discuss with you the activities available to ensure you enjoy and experience everything the area has to offer. Should the arrival time into camp be after 1600 the camp will arrange for a night drive after dinner.
15h30/16h00 – Afternoon tea in the main area
16h00/16h30 – Depart on your afternoon activity
19h30/20h00 – Dinner
Day 2 and 3 – Mvuu Camp
Standard daily itinerary on non-transfer days:
05h00/06h00 – Wake up followed by tea, coffee, rusks
06h00/07h30 – Morning activity
07h00/08h30 – Breakfast
08h30/11h00 – Late morning activity
12h30/13h30 – Lunch
13h30/15h30 – Siesta or relax in the camp surrounds
15h30/16h00 – Afternoon tea in the main area
16h00/16h30 – Depart on your afternoon activity
19h30/20h00 – Dinner
Day 4 – Depart Mvuu Camp
05h00/06h00 – Wake up
05h30/06h30 – Light breakfast in the main area (Note: Breakfast/brunch times are dependent on departure time from camp)
06h00/07h00 – Depart Mvuu for Chintheche Inn (7.5 hrs)
The scenic drive will take you from the Shire River in the south up the lakeshore to the north, with a stop for lunch. The route travels along the valley floor and as it nears Chintheche, the final few kilometres are along what many agree is the most beautiful stretch of Africa’s most beautiful lake. There are many places of interest along the way, with the 7.5 hours allowing for a relaxed pace and a couple of stops depending on guest preferences. Possible stops en route are:
(1) Mua Mission: The Catholic Mission was built in 1906 and has Malawi’s finest cultural museum and a famous school of woodcarving.
(2) Chia Lagoon: This large lagoon in the centre of Malawi has a thriving smallholder fishing industry.
(3) Nkotakhota Town: Meaning “danger, danger” in the local Yao dialect this was a former slaving town on the Lake where David Livingstone visited and made a truce with the local chief in the 1860s.
Day 4 - Chintheche Inn
Chintheche Inn is located on the western shores of Lake Malawi, known for its white sands, warm clear waters and age-old fishing villages. The area boasts some of the finest beaches on the lakeshore with remnant patches of lowland tropical forest. The Inn has 10 comfortably furnished en-suite rooms and a two-bedroomed family cottage facing directly onto the Lake. All open out onto grass lawns sloping to the beach. There is a central dining area, but meals often take place under the stars or in a shady corner of the garden. There is also a large pool. In the beautiful gardens and its surrounds, numerous bird species are found and the nearby lowland forest harbours specials such as Grey-olive Greenbul and Gunnings Robin. Lake Malawi is famous for over 700 species of fish, many of which are colourful tropical fish of the cichlid family and a trip to a nearby rocky island showcases many of these.The Inn is an ideal spot for those wanting a comfortable, tranquil base from which to explore the central lakeshore area. Activities include excellent swimming, snorkelling, mountain bike trails, hiking, kayaking, exciting birding and visits to local fishing villages and the nearby Bandawe Mission. All of these can be guided or unaccompanied. Activities available at an extra charge (payable locally) are: scuba diving, horse riding, vehicle visits to Nkhata Bay, Bandawe, Vizara Rubber Plantation and motorised watersports including waterskiing, tube riding and banana boat.
Upon arrival at Chintheche Inn, there will be a welcome drink and orientation. Your guide will discuss with you the activities available to ensure you enjoy everything the area has to offer. Many guests find that they want to spend more time simply relaxing so the proposed itinerary below is merely a suggestion.
15h30/16h00 – Afternoon tea in the main area
16h00/16h30 – Depart on your afternoon activity
19h30/20h00 – Dinner
Day 5 and 6 – Chintheche Inn
Standard daily itinerary on non-transfer days:
06h00/07h00 – Wake up
07h30/08h30 – Light breakfast in the main area
08h30/09h00 – Depart on your morning activity
12h30/13h30 – Lunch
Siesta time / enjoy leisure time in camp
15h30/16h00 – Afternoon tea in the main area
16h00/16h30 – Depart on your afternoon activity
19h30/20h00 – Dinner
Day 7 – Chintheche Inn
06h00/07h00 – Wake up
07h00/08h00 – Light breakfast in the main area (Note: Wake up and breakfast times depend on departure time from camp)
08h30/09h00 – Depart Chintheche Inn for your journey back to Lilongwe, approximately a 4-hour drive arriving in time for a relaxed check-in for your departure flight.
When & How:
Includes all meals, two camp activities per day and Park fees.
Nights in a camp can be extended.
Family rooms and reduced rates for children are available.
Includes all road transfers: Lilongwe to Mvuu Camp (4.5hrs); Mvuu to Chintheche Inn (7.5 hrs) including a stop for lunch; Chintheche Inn back to Lilongwe (4 hrs).
Self-drive option available.
Excludes all drinks and laundry services.
Dependent on availability / Terms and conditions apply
Book your 7 day Magical Malawi (Liwonde, Lake Malawi) now.
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