Be driven around by an experienced guide who will take you to the most beautiful places in Malawi. From wildlife spotting to relaxing on the beach.

Private safari with guide/driver
15 Days (customizable)
You will start this adventure in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe. From there you will travel to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Malawi’s oldest game reserve. After a first encounter with Lake Malawi, you will travel on to the next game reserve, Majete Wildlife Reserve. Through the verdant Zomba Plateau, you will travel to the famous Liwonde National Park, where you are treated to an abundance of wildlife. Last stop is Cape Maclear where you can relax on the beach of Lake Malawi.
Relax and experience the safari of a lifetime as you are driven around by an experienced guide.
Take a game drive through Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve and look for elephants.
Go snorkelling among colourful cichlid fish or feel like Robinson Crusoe on a tropical island in Lake Malawi.
Experience Majete Wildlife Reserve, the only park where you can spot the Big Five.
Visit tropical forests and waterfalls on the Zomba Plateau.
Explore Malawi's most popular game reserve, Liwonde NP and go game spotting on the Shire River during a boat safari.
End your trip at the golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Cape Maclear.
Day 1
Lilongwe
Welcomed by your personal guide and driver.
Upon arrival at Lilongwe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your personal guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout the tour. He will take you to your accommodation in the capital.
Here you can get used to the climate after a long flight or relax by the pool.
Day 2-3
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
After a delicious breakfast, the journey is finally about to begin.
After a delicious breakfast, the journey is finally about to begin. Your guide is already waiting for you for a trip to Malawi’s largest and oldest wildlife reserve.
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is bisected by three major rivers that lead to Lake Malawi. It is a pristine park with a great diversity of animal species reintroduced here, including 500 elephants from the other Liwonde and Majete parks. Besides elephants, you can see hippos, buffalo, eland, impala, kudu, waterbuck, zebra and many bird species. And with a little luck, you will spot predators like leopards and hyenas, too.
Day 4-5
Senga Bay, Lake Malawi
Stay on the shores of Lake Malawi and wake up to a beautiful view of the lake.
Along the shores of Lake Malawi, the journey continues to Senga Bay. Here you will stay on the shores of Lake Malawi and wake up to a beautiful view of the lake. It is an excellent spot for snorkelling and discovering the underwater world with colourful cichlid fish, or you can set off in a kayak and enjoy a beautiful sunset.
For even more adventure, travel by boat transfer to Nankoma Island. This island is part of the Marelli Archipelago, an unspoilt paradise in Lake Malawi National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here you can enjoy wonderful snorkelling in clear waters rich in brightly coloured tropical fish known as cichlids.
Nankoma Island is also home to many bird species, including hornbills, kingfishers, paradise flycatchers and owls, as well as cormorants and ospreys that inhabit the lakeshore. Active travelers can paddle around the island in a kayak and enjoy a beautiful sunset or stretch their legs on a walk along the island’s shores with some baobab trees. Or unwind during a spa treatment.

Explore Malawi offers tailor-made safaris and self-drive tours to Malawi, the warm heart of Africa.
Below rates are in US Dollars (USD) including VAT and local taxes. Price per person on full board basis including private safari vehicle with guide and planned activities
Low Season from: $ 5.808,-
High Season from: $ 6.355,-
Meet & Greet with your personal driver and guide at the Airport.
All airport/hotel transfers.
All road transfer with a private driver.
Game activities and park entrance at: Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde NP
Local flights (if applicable).
Park fees are included unless mentioned differently.
Rooms at mid-range or luxury hotels, guesthouses or lodges, unless otherwise requested
Nearly all accommodations have a restaurant and offer facilities like a pool, bar, info desk, etc.
Accommodations are booked Full-Board basis.
In some accommodations local drinks are included.
It will be clearly indicated per accommodation what meals and drinks are included in your tour proposal.
International Flights (book separately with us).
Local premium and Imported drinks (unless indicated differently).
Meals indicated as not included.
Detours.
Single Supplements.
Any extra activities (unless indicated as included).
Any items of personal nature.
Travel and cancellation insurance.
Gratuities and tips.
Laundry.
Day 6
Blantyre
The economic and cultural capital of southern Malawi.
After breakfast, the guide will take you on a trip to Blantyre. This is the economic and cultural capital of southern Malawi, which is evident from the hustle and bustle on the streets.
The location of this city makes it an ideal base on your way to Majete Wildlife Reserve or Mulanje.
Day 7-8
Majete Wildlife Reserve
Experience the magic of African wilderness.
The journey from Blantyre to Majete Wildlife Reserve is a beautiful route on winding roads through the Michiru Mountains. At the highest point, you will have a magnificent view of the Shire River, which winds its way towards Majete Wilderness Reserve.
Experience the magic of African wilderness in this magnificent game reserve. The only park in Malawi where you can spot the iconic Big Five, while the Shire River is populated by large numbers of crocodiles and hippos. Take a game drive through the park or opt for a boat safari.
Majete Wildlife Reserve offers a unique combination of impressive wildlife, rich biodiversity and heartwarming conservation projects.
Day 9
Zomba Plateau
Lush forests, quiet lakes and sparkling waterfalls.
Via Blantyre, the journey continues to the Zomba Plateau. The town of Zomba used to serve as the country’s colonial capital. It is known for its colonial architecture and its beautiful location on the southern slopes of the scenic Zomba Plateau.
The rugged wilderness with lush forests, quiet lakes and sparkling waterfalls lends itself to a variety of outdoor adventure activities, such as hiking, bird watching and mountain biking. You can also explore the city’s botanical gardens.
Day 10-11
Liwonde National Park
Malawi’s premier safari destination.
Today is a short trip to Liwonde National Park, located at the tip of Lake Malombe. Although Liwonde is one of Malawi’s smaller parks, it is perhaps the most popular of all the country’s wildlife parks. Malawi’s main river, the Shire, forms the western boundary and is the lifeblood of this national park.
With an abundance of wildlife, including hippos, kudu, elephants, lions, crocodiles and even black rhinos, this park has become one of Malawi’s premier safari destinations. Hop in an open safari truck for a game drive through Liwonde NP or take a boat safari.
Day 12-13
Cape Maclear
Golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
You will leave the wildlife of Liwonde NP behind for a trip to Cape Maclear. This small seaside town is located on the southern shore of the lake at the tip of the Nankumba Peninsula in Lake Malawi National Park. Golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters make this coastal town a picturesque setting.
Cape Maclear is a true Robinson Crusoe paradise. Kayak to nearby Thumbi Island and spot the majestic osprey, enjoy at the beach and dream away at a picturesque African sunset or take a dip in the crystal clear waters. It’s all possible here.
It is also great fun to take a guided walk through the village. Visit the local souvenir market here for a fun reminder of this beautiful country.
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travel inspiration, and the latest tips
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Need help planning your private safari or self-drive trip to Malawi? Our experienced tour consultants in Europe and Africa can create a fully customized itinerary based on your wishes, preferences, and budget. We’re here to answer your questions and make your dream trip to Malawi come true.
Need help planning your private safari or self-drive trip to Malawi? Our experienced tour consultants in Europe and Africa can create a fully customized itinerary based on your wishes, preferences, and budget. We’re here to answer your questions and make your dream trip to Malawi come true.
Below is an overview of what is included in your booking with Explore Malawi.
Transport & Guiding:
Meet & Greet with your personal driver and guide at the Airport.
All airport/hotel transfers.
All road transfer with a private driver.
Game activities and park entrance at: Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde NP
Local flights (if applicable).
Park fees are included unless mentioned differently.
Accommodation & Activities:
Standard accommodation includes all rooms at mid-range or luxury hotels, guesthouses or lodges, unless otherwise requested.
Nearly all accommodations have a restaurant and offer facilities like a pool, bar, info desk, etc.
Meals & Drinks:
Accommodations are booked Full-Board basis.
In some accommodations local drinks are included.
It will be clearly indicated per accommodation what meals and drinks are included in your tour proposal.
Below is an overview of what is excluded from your booking with Explore Malawi.
What is not included:
International Flights (book separately with us).
Local premium and Imported drinks (unless indicated differently).
Meals indicated as not included.
Detours.
Single Supplements.
Any extra activities (unless indicated as included).
Any items of personal nature.
Travel and cancellation insurance.
Gratuities and tips.
Laundry.
This is just one example of our private guided safari itineraries to Malawi. Each itinerary we offer is fully customizable to suit your preferences. You can book this itinerary as is, or use it as inspiration to create your own personalized private guided safari adventure in Malawi. Below, you’ll find more sample itineraries we’ve crafted for inspiration. At Explore Malawi, we are committed to ensuring you experience the private guided safari of your dreams!
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Receive exclusive holiday deals, travel inspiration, and the latest tips for exploring Malawi. Straight to your inbox.