Malawi: Culture, Community, and Conservation

Malawi

Combine experiences with wildlife and community

This well-balanced journey combines encounters with community and wildlife in equal measure. Take 9 days to explore the beautiful landscapes of Malawi.

In Zomba Ku Chawe, take village walks and visit with families. Liwonde National Park introduces you to the wildlife, based from an exceptional eco-lodge. Finally, relax at Norman Carr Cottage on the shores of chilled-out Lake Malawi.

Suggested Length: 9 days/8 nights
Starts from: $8,000 per person

"Our trip to South Africa, Malawi and Zambia was simply amazing. We really experienced what Africa is all about. For our girls, who are still relatively young, an experience like this can and likely is life changing. Overall the trip was everything we could have dreamed and doing this together as a family made it that much more special."

Sophie Beraznik and family
Malawi

Highlights

Venture the beautiful Zomba Plateau by foot or horseback, and engage with a small community project empowering the village at the base of the plateau.
Experience the wonders of Liwonde while staying at Mvuu Lodge, an exceptional eco-lodge offering walking safaris, game drives, and river boat safaris.
Marvel at the rich biodiversity of the Lower Zambezi Valley through bird watching, with various habitats to experience.
Take a relaxing sunset boat cruise on Lake Malawi, observing wildlife and savoring the sights and sounds of the lake.
Learn about the traditional Malawian way of life by visiting a local boatyard and seeing the craftsmanship behind traditional wooden boats.
Engage with the local community of Lake Malawi by spending a day with the village youth group and participating in various cultural activities.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - 2

HUNTINGDON HOUSE

Begin your Malawi adventure in the heart of the tea-growing region. Stay within a fair trade tea estate, walk in the rolling tea fields, enjoy sumptuous food and visit the tea factory for an ideal way to start your holiday. Your guide will accompany you to visit with a local community in the foothills of Mount Mulanje to discover more about some of the challenges facing residents in this region.

Overnight Huntingdon House

Day 3

ZOMBA KU CHAWE

Following in Dr. David Livingstone’s footsteps, your next stop is Zomba Plateau. With its fantastic views over Southern Malawi, Zomba is ideal for hiking of all fitness levels, and you can also opt to go horse riding. At the base of Zomba Plateau is a small community project run by a group of young people working to empower their village. You will spend the morning walking with them, joining a women’s banking group, visiting a traditional family household, and learning more about their efforts. Finish the morning with some traditional Yao dancing, which guests are encouraged to join in, Malawi style!

Overnight Zoma Ku Chawe

Day 4 - 5

MVUU LODGE

Head into Liwonde National Park for two nights spent in an exceptional eco-lodge inside the park, offering stunning views over the Shire River. You will be joined by an expert wildlife guide, and activities include walking safaris, 4 x 4 game drives, and river boat safaris. Wildlife at Liwonde includes elephants, hippos, crocodiles, rhino, and a wonderful array of antelope and bird life.

Overnight Mvuu Lodge

Day 6 - 8

Norman Carr Cottage

Meeting back up with your guide, the next stop is a small village close to the park, where you will be served a traditional Malawian lunch, take a village walk, and meet the village leaders. Arrive mid afternoon at the shores of Lake Malawi for your first sunset boat cruise.

Take the following days to relax at the lodge, or head out on a snorkeling trip to witness the beautifully colored cyclid fish. You can also choose to visit a local boatyard and see how traditional wooden boats are made, or meet the village youth group and spend the day learning more about life on the shores of Lake Malawi.

Your final night will be on Lake Malawi, and what better way to finish this spectacular literary, sipping a drink as the sun sets over the Lake of Stars.

Overnight Norman Carr Cottage