10-Day Malawi Family Road Trip

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Malawi

Touch down in Malawi, where you'll be warmly greeted by your Baseline Travel guide – the friendly face who will ensure your family adventure starts smoothly. Settle into your private vehicle for a scenic transfer south to the stunning shores of Lake Malawi. Your home for the next three nights is the beautiful Cape Maclear Makokola Retreat. Unpack, breathe in the fresh lake air, and feel your holiday pace instantly slow down.

On your second day, after a leisurely breakfast, embrace the simplicity of lake life. Let the kids lead the way – the crystal-clear, calm waters are perfect for safe swimming and splashing. Build sandcastles on the golden beach, relax with a book under a whispering palm tree, or take a refreshing dip in the pool.

By the third day, adventure calls! Climb aboard a traditional wooden boat for a family sailing trip. Glide across the bay, keeping an eye out for majestic fish eagles – your guide will tempt them with a call for a spectacular, close-up view.

Main Destination:

Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi)

Accommodation:

The Makokola Retreat

• Luxury resort located at Lake Malawi

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Journey to the Wild

After a final lakeside breakfast, we bid a fond farewell to the tranquil waters of Cape Maclear. Your Baseline Travel guide will meet you for the scenic journey inland, a road trip that transforms the landscape from sandy shores to the anticipation of the African bush. Arrive at the iconic Kutchire Lodge, your gateway to Liwonde National Park.

During day 5, awake to the call of the wild! An early morning game drive reveals Liwonde's treasures as the sun rises: impalas grazing, majestic elephants roaming the plains, and with luck, a sighting of the rare black rhino. Return to the lodge for a hearty brunch and some downtime. As the afternoon heat softens, embark on a unique boat safari along the Shire River. Glide past basking hippos and enormous crocodiles, getting an unparalleled, water-level perspective of park life.

Main Destination:

Liwonde National Park

Best Time To Visit July to October (Dry bush; animals are easy to find)

High Season July to October (The park is busy; rates are higher)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Liwonde NP

ElephantAbundant

HippoAbundant

Black RhinoOccasional

LionOccasional

CheetahOccasional

ZebraOccasional

Show more

BuffaloOccasional

HyenaOccasional

LeopardVery Rare

Wild DogRare

GiraffeNone

White RhinoNone

WildebeestNone

Accommodation:

Kutchire Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

From River Plains to A Forest Sanctuary

Enjoy one last spectacular sunrise over the Shire River before departing after breakfast. We trade the flat plains of Liwonde for a scenic drive into the highlands, winding our way up to the cool, lush expanse of the Zomba Plateau.

On your day 7, the day is yours to explore this beautiful "island in the sky." For the adventurous family, a guided walk leads you to the stunning Williams Waterfall, where you can feel the mist on your face. Explore the network of peaceful trails, perhaps on foot or on a fun family horse-riding trek. Be sure to visit Emperor Viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama over the Shire Valley below—a vista that stretches all the way to Lake Malawi on a clear day, beautifully connecting the dots of your Malawian journey.

Main Destination:

Zomba Plateau

Accommodation:

Zomba Forest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Zomba Plateau

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ascend to an African Skyland

An early start rewards us with an epic journey north. We'll traverse changing landscapes, with scenic stops along the way, ascending to the vast, rolling highlands of Nyika National Park. We'll settle into the unique Chilinda Lodge in the afternoon, ready to explore this breathtaking wilderness.

For day 9, we embark on a A Highlands Adventure immerse yourselves in the unique beauty of Nyika. Spend the day exploring its vast plains. Options include a thrilling 4x4 game drive to spot zebra and roan antelope, a guided walk through wildflower-dotted grasslands, or a mountain bike adventure. The serene, otherworldly landscape is like nowhere else in Africa.

Main Destination:

Nyika National Park

Best Time To Visit November to May (More animals and pleasant temperatures)

High Season July to October (Never busy, but high-season rates apply)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Nyika NP

ZebraCommon

ElephantOccasional

LeopardOccasional

HyenaOccasional

LionRare

White RhinoNone

Show more

GiraffeNone

Black RhinoNone

CheetahNone

BuffaloNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Chelinda Camp

• Luxury lodge located inside Nyika NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Farewell to the Highlands

After a final breakfast in the crisp mountain air, we begin our scenic return journey to Blantyre, filled with unforgettable memories of Malawi's diverse wonders.

Main Destination:

Blantyre (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.