Discover Malawi with a self-drive journey through Malawi’s most beautiful game parks

ITINERARY ‘HIGHLIGHTS OF MALAWI’

This self drive safari takes you to the biggest highlights Malawi, while discovering the pristine nature of this amazing country.

You start this adventure in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe. From there you travel to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Malawi’s oldest game reserve. After a first encounter with Lake Malawi, you travel on to the next game reserve, Majete Wildlife Reserve. Through the verdant Zomba Plateau, you 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.

Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

Route Highlights of Malawi – Self-Drive tour

Welcomed by a driver who will take you to your accommodation.

After arriving at Lilongwe International Airport, you will be met by a driver who will take you to your accommodation. Here you can get used to the climate after a long flight or relax by the pool.

After a delicious breakfast, the journey is finally about to begin.

In the morning, a meet & greet is scheduled and you will collect your rental car. Afterwards you can do some shopping and then your trip really begins.

First stop is the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. This is the largest and oldest wildlife reserve in Malawi and 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.

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.

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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.

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. Explore the park in your own car and follow one of the many trails through the park. Or opt for a guided boat safari or game drive.

Majete Wildlife Reserve offers a unique combination of impressive wildlife, rich biodiversity and heartwarming conservation projects.

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.

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. In addition to driving wonderful routes through the park on your own, you can also go with a guide on a boat safari or game drive in an open safari truck.

Golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

Leave the wildlife of Liwonde NP behind and depart for 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.

Visit a souvenir market.

You will drive the final kilometers of this trip today. After a relaxing stay at Lake Malawi, you return to Lilongwe. Here you will return the car and then be transferred to your accommodation. If time permits, you can visit a souvenir market in the center of Lilongwe.

Time to say good bye to this beautiful adventure!

Today you will be transferred to the airport and fly back home with a suitcase full of great memories.