14-Day Malawi off the Beaten Track Safari

Itineraries

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  Day 1

  Welcome to Malawi

  You will be met on arrival into Kamazu International Airport in Lilongwe for your 30-minute private transfer to your hotel for the night, Heuglins Lodge. Set in a quiet, leafy ambassadorial suburb of Lilongwe and just a short drive into the capital city, Heuglins Lodge offers the warmest of welcome’s into Malawi. With its eclectic décor, gorgeous gardens and inviting swimming pool, it’s the perfect spot to rest and recoup after your international flight. Tuck into a delicious three-course dinner tonight, made fresh daily using local and seasonal ingredients, before retiring to your room to get some rest before you head into the wild.

    Destination

  Lilongwe (City)
  
   

    Accommodation

  Heuglin's Lodge
  

  Mid-range lodge located in or near Lilongwe

  If the hotel is unavailable, a similar hotel will be provided

  Meals

   -Dinner (Breakfast & Lunch not included)

   -Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
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  Day 2

  To Luwawa Forest

  You’ll say goodbye to bustling city life today to head deep into the forest. After breakfast at Heuglins, you will check out and be picked up for your private transfer to Luwawa Valley, taking approximately three hours. Starkly contrasting Lilongwe, Luwawa Valley’s evergreen forest and montane grassland supports populations of the majestic red duiker, along with yellow baboon, bush pig and the elusive leopard. Set 1700m above sea level in the Viphya Mountains overlooking Luwawa Dam, Luwawa Forest Lodge is a rustic but welcoming stay well-suited for adventurous travellers with its plethora of outdoor activities on offer. Stretch your legs after your transfer and breathe in the fresh air along one of the excellent hiking and mountain biking trails, keeping an eye out for rare and endemic bird species along the way. Luwawa Dam is well stocked with a variety of fish including wide-mouthed bream so a spot of fishing in the afternoon can be arranged.

    Destination

  South Viphya Forest Reserve
  
   

    Accommodation

  Luwawa Forest Lodge
  

  Mid-range lodge located just outside South Viphya FR

  If the hotel is unavailable, a similar hotel will be provided

  Meals

   -All meals included

   -Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
• 

  Day 3-6

  Nyika National Park

  Wake this morning for a hearty cooked breakfast with a cup of Malawian coffee before checking out for your private transfer to Nyika, taking approximately 4.5-hours. Ascend to 2000m in altitude to Nyika National Park, one of Malawi’s most remote and beautiful regions. Nyika is home to biodiverse wildlife including leopard, jackal, hyena, buffalo and large numbers of zebra and antelope. Aside from your fellow guests in the seven other European-style mountain chalets, you are unlikely to see another soul for the next four days. You have three days to revel in this magical Alpine wonderland. Wake to view the hazy sunrise over the undulating hills through the large windows in your chalet before heading out on your morning activity.

    Destination

  Nyika National Park
  
   

    Accommodation

  Chelinda Camp
  

  Mid-range hotel located just outside Tsingy De Bemaraha NP

  If the hotel is unavailable, a similar hotel will be provided

  Meals

   -All meals included

   -Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
• 

  Day 7-9

  Relax on the ‘Lake of Stars’

  Enjoy your morning activity and breakfast before checking out for your 4.5-hour private transfer to central Lake Malawi. Break the journey up with a pit-stop at the buzzing town of Nkhata Bay for lunch before arriving at Kachere Kastle. Kachere Kastle is a truly unique stay on the sandy shores of Lake Malawi and the perfect place to relax and restore after your exciting safari adventures. You have three nights at Kachere Kastle where you can do as little or as much as you please. With a large pool with a swim up bar and sun loungers, Kachere is the perfect spot to slow down and lose yourself in a book under the warmth of the sun. For those more adventurous, head out on a bike to visit the local neighbourhood or venture out on Lake Malawi on a kayak or boat at sunset. Whatever you choose to do, you cannot leave without snorkelling in one of the most biodiverse lakes on the planet.

    Destination

  Lake Malawi
  
   

    Accommodation

  Kachere Kastle
  

  Mid-range resort located in or near Lake Malawi

  If the hotel is unavailable, a similar hotel will be provided

  Meals

   -All meals included

   -Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
• 

  Day 10-12

  Bekopaka to Morondava

  After a leisurely morning and breakfast, you will check out and be met at reception for your private transfer to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, taking around 2.5-hours. Often described as Malawi’s ‘last true wilderness’, Nkhotakota’s inhospitable terrain, tumbling rivers and incredible birdlife deliver an awesome off-grid experience for adventurous travellers. Situated on the Bua River, you will stay at Nkhotakota’s most luxury lodge for three nights, Tongole Wilderness Lodge. Upon arrival, you will check into your open-plan suite with stunning vistas over the Bua River, a super king size bed and en suites with a plunge pool bath overlooking the river. You have two full days on safari in Nkhotakota where you can drift along the tranquil Bua River on an exciting canoe safari, walk the terrain too rugged for vehicles with your local guide and scout, or safari in a 4x4 where you will have a chance at spotting elephants, baboons, lion, leopard and an array of exotic birds.

    Destination

  Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
  
   

    Accommodation

  Tongole Wilderness Lodge
  

  Luxury lodge located inside Nkhotakota WR

  If the hotel is unavailable, a similar hotel will be provided

  Meals

   -All meals included

   -Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
• 

  Day 13

  Back to Lilongwe

  After your morning activity and breakfast, you will check out of Tongole to be picked up for your private transfer back to Lilongwe, taking around 3.5-hours. There’s no better way to celebrate the last night of your off-the-beaten-track Malawi holiday than to share your stories around the table at Heuglin’s Lodge with other guests over a delicious, home-cooked three-course dinner. Finish off the night with one or two last Malawian gin and tonics before getting an early night for your international flight home tomorrow.

    Destination

  Lilongwe (City)
  
   

    Accommodation

  Heuglin's Lodge
  

  Mid-range lodge located in or near Lilongwe

  If the hotel is unavailable, a similar hotel will be provided

  Meals

   -All meals included

   -Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
• 

  Day 14

  Departure

  This morning you will have breakfast before checking out and being picked up for your 30-minute private transfer to Kamazu International Airport for your international flight home.

    Destination

  Lilongwe (City)
  
   

    Accommodation

  Not Specified

  Meals

   -Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)

   -Drinking water (Other drinks not included)