Located at the southern end of Africa’s Rift Valley, Malawi is a small, landlocked country, rich in history and culture. Known as the “warm heart of Africa” Malawi’s people offer generous hospitality to visitors, most coming to enjoy Lake Malawi. This huge fresh water lake stretches over 300 miles along the eastern border with Tanzania and Mozambique and it covers over 20% of Malawi. Pairing a few relaxing days on Lake Malawi after a safari in Zambia makes a perfect itinerary.
The crown jewel of Malawi – Lake Malawi was named “the Lake of Stars” by David Livingstone for the light of the night sky reflected on the water. Enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and water skiing in one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. There are picturesque fishing villages dotting the shoreline.
Located in Lake Malawi, this island is a little piece of paradise. Home to picturesque beaches and St. Peter’s Cathedral, built in 1903 of carved soapstone and stained-glass windows. After touring the island all day – enjoy secluded beaches and coves, perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. Many consider the snorkeling off the beaches of Likoma Island to be some of the best in Malawi. You can access the island via boat or chartered aircraft from the mainland.
Malawi itineraries will always feature a stay at one of the properties on the beautiful Lake Malawi. This is a great finish to a safari in Zambia or Malawi for those seeking low-key relaxation in a place that doesn’t see many tourists.
Begin your adventure at Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. Walk in the footsteps of the famous adventurer David Livingstone, as you witness the largest curtain of water on the planet. Continue on to the South Luangwa Valley, where experienced guides will introduce you to the thrills of walking safaris, as well as day and night game drives. You will spend your final days in Malawi, known as "the warm heart of Africa" where you'll find yourself on a beautiful island in the middle of Lake Malawi. Kaya Mawa means "maybe tomorrow" and that's just how you'll feel about leaving!
Sample Itinerary for Malawi & Zambia
13 Days/12 Nights
Day 1: Livingstone, Zambia
Arrive at Livingstone International Airport where you will be met by your driver and transferred to one of the many lodges just upstream from Victoria Falls.
3 Nights in Livingstone
Day 2
Tour the mighty Victoria Falls or go for a morning boat cruise on the Zambezi. Visit the Livingstone markets, fly over the Falls in a helicopter, go white water rafting or maybe canoeing. There are many activities to choose from.
Day 3: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
You can cross the border and view Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side today. An afternoon elephant back safari is always a good fun.
Days 4 & 5: South Luangwa National Park
This morning you will fly from Livingstone to Mfuwe were you will be met and transferred to one of the safari camps in this area. An early start gives you the full day to explore this game-rich area. The South Luangwa National Park is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The concentration of game along the Luangwa River and its associated ox-bow lagoons is legendary.
6 Nights at various safari lodges and bush camps in the South Luangwa area
Days 6 - 9
Norman Carr pioneered the walking safari here in the 1950s, and you will have an opportunity to experience this activity with your specially trained guides while you are here. Today you will move into a more remote area to your first bush camp where you will experience your first proper walking safari. Game viewing activities from bush camps are mostly on foot although game drives and night drives are always an option.
Day 10: Likoma Island, Malawi
Today you will fly from Mfuwe to Lilongwe and onto Likoma Island in the midst of the crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi. Kaya Mawa (meaning “maybe tomorrow”) is situated at the southern tip surrounded by mango trees and ancient baobabs. There are five rooms dotted around a rocky knoll, two family houses on the beach, two double houses at the end of the beach and a honeymoon suite on its own island. Each room has its own deck, views to die for and direct access to the lake.
3 Nights at Kaya Mawa
Days 11 & 12
You have two full day to enjoy the splendor of this luxurious and peaceful beach resort. There are plenty of activities to be enjoyed both on and under the water. Lake Malawi is Africa’s third largest lake and is home to a wide variety of aquatic life. The clear waters around Likoma island are excellent for diving and snorkeling. The Island itself has plenty of treats in store and you are free to explore on foot, by bicycle or on quad bikes. A visit to St Peter’s Cathedral is highly recommended.
Day 13
The flight from Likoma Island will take you to Lilongwe from where you will connect to your onward flight.
Private Departures:
- This itinerary can be custom tailored for groups of four to twelve guests.
Seasonal Activities:
- Many activities in this itinerary are available at select times of the year when water levels permit.
We work with a select few safari camps and Lake Malawi beach retreats in Malawi. This is still an undiscovered gem of a country and these properties are a few of our favorites.
Lake Malawi is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Africa. Staying at properties on the lake can be relaxing or an opportunity to enjoy the many water activities on offer.
Pumulani is situated high on a hill on the southern end of “the Lake of Stars” within Lake Malawi National Park. Each of the ten villas has a large bedroom opening onto a private deck with splendid views. There is two-bedroom family villa and a secluded Honeymoon villa. The main dining area, the bar and the swimming pool on the upper terrace offer views down over the lake. The private beach is perfect for relaxing or scuba diving, snorkeling and sunset sails.
You can see Mozambique from this tiny island in Lake Malawi. There is an airport and the town of Likoma which has the third largest cathedral in Central Africa. Walk the main road and visit the locals or relax on the sandy beach of the one property on the island.
This award-winning, owner-operated property was designed in partnership with the artisan textile workshop on site. The result is an assortment of chic rooms and cottages that adapt to the lakeshore, and an ongoing connection to the island community that provides job training, education and wonderful guest experiences. Kaya Mawa is a perfect finish to a Zambia or Malawi safari where you can relax or engage in a wide variety of water sports, hiking around the island and visiting Likoma town. The four bedroom Ndomo House is for exclusive use and comes fully staffed with cook, housekeeper, ground staff and nanny if needed.
Majete Wildlife Reserve is one of the outstanding success stories of African conservation. Located in the southern part of the country, it is Malawi’s only park where you can see the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino). Wildlife including endangered species were reintroduced after extensive poaching in the 1990s and today this wilderness area is a model of sustainable development and biodiversity.
Mkulumadzi enjoys an idyllic location at the confluence of two rivers shaded by giant leadwood trees. It is the perfect combination of splendid isolation and first-class facilities. The lodge has eight chalets; two are family units, each with spacious living quarters and private viewing deck. Everything has been crafted from local materials. There is a swimming pool to enjoy after game drives, walking safaris and river cruises.
When to go to Malawi
Rains generally begin in late November and last through March. April through mid-August is warm and dry with temperatures rising in September and October.
Passport & Visa for Malawi
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your return from Malawi. Travelers must make sure that their passport contains at least one blank page for visa and immigration stamps. A tourist visa is required for U.S. citizens and can be obtained in advance using the Malawi e-Visa online portal.
A single-entry visa costs $75 and is valid for three months.
For further information: U. S. State Department - Malawi & Embassy of the Republic of Malawi
Traveling with Children
All children under the age of 18 traveling to or departing from Malawi are required to carry an original or certified copy of their birth certificate along with their passport. Additional requirements are necessary in the event of a child travelling:
- With one parent
- With someone who is not their parent i.e. family member or friend
- With their adopted parents
- As an unaccompanied minor
Medical Information for Malawi
Before traveling to Africa, please consult with your physician. No mandatory vaccinations are required to visit Malawi. There is no risk of yellow fever in Malawi. An International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required only for travelers arriving in Malawi from countries where yellow fever is present. You will need a malaria prophylaxis.
For further information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Malawi
