13-Day Group Tour Lake Malawi Wildlife and Culture

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

Meet and Greet

On Day 1, you are warmly met and greeted at your point of entry before beginning the scenic drive to Dzalanyama Forest Lodge. The journey takes you through rural villages and rolling hills, offering your first glimpse of Malawi’s natural charm. Upon arrival at the lodge, you check in and settle into the peaceful forest surroundings. You may choose to relax on the veranda, enjoy the views, or take a gentle walk along one of the nearby trails to stretch your legs after the trip. As the afternoon cools, the group gathers for a detailed tour briefing, outlining the days ahead and answering any questions. The evening concludes with a delicious dinner, enjoyed in the calm and rustic atmosphere of the forest, marking a comfortable and welcoming start to your adventure.

Main Destination:

Lilongwe (City)

Accommodation:

Dzalanyama Forest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Dzalanyama FR

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Hike to the Water Fall (13 km)

Day at Dzalanyama begins early, with a guided 13 km hike starting at 5:00 am. The cool morning air and soft dawn light make this the perfect time to explore the forest as you follow the trail toward the waterfall. Accompanied by a professional birder, you learn to identify calls, spot forest species, and appreciate the rich birdlife for which Dzalanyama is renowned. This expertise adds depth to the experience, making the hike especially rewarding for both nature lovers and birding enthusiasts. You reach the waterfall around mid-morning, pausing to enjoy the peaceful scenery before returning to the lodge by 10:00 am. A well-earned brunch is served, giving you time to relax and refuel. The rest of the day is free for you to unwind—whether resting at the lodge, reading on the veranda, watching birds around the grounds, or simply enjoying the calm forest atmosphere.

Main Destination:

Lilongwe (City)

Accommodation:

Dzalanyama Forest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Dzalanyama FR

Meals & Drinks:

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

Lake Malawi Via Chingalire Cultural Village

On Day 3, you depart Dzalanyama Forest Lodge and journey toward the stunning waters of Lake Malawi, heading to Cape Maclear. Along the way, the group stops at Chingalire Cultural Village for an immersive cultural experience. Here, you meet local residents, observe traditional music and dance, and learn about daily village life and customs, gaining insight into Malawi’s rich cultural heritage. After the visit, the journey continues to Cape Maclear, where the scenic beauty of Lake Malawi begins to unfold. Upon arrival, you check in to your lakeside accommodation, relax, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The remainder of the day is free to unwind by the lake, swim, or simply take in the serene beach views, preparing for the adventures that await in this remarkable part of Malawi.

Main Destination:

Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi)

Accommodation:

Chembe Eagles Nest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Beach time

This day begins with a leisurely breakfast at your Cape Maclear lodge, feeling up for a day of lake adventures. The morning is spent enjoying the pristine beach, swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking in the clear waters of Lake Malawi. After a relaxing and active morning, lunch is served at the lodge before the afternoon activities commence. Explore local villages on guided walks, interacting with residents and learning about daily life and traditions. Later, a boat ride takes the group to Thumbi Island, a haven for snorkelling enthusiasts. Here, you can observe the vibrant cichlid fish, marvelling at the diversity and colours of this unique ecosystem. The day combines relaxation, water activities, and cultural encounters, offering a full experience of Lake Malawi’s natural and community treasures.

Main Destination:

Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi)

Accommodation:

Chembe Eagles Nest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Otter point

Continue to celebrate the beauty of Lake Malawi as you soak in the peaceful charm of Cape Maclear. After a relaxed lakeside breakfast, the morning is devoted to the water snorkeling among colorful cichlid fish, kayaking across the calm, crystal-clear surface, or simply enjoying beach time under the warm sun. Lunch is served at the lodge, followed by an afternoon village walk where you meet local residents and experience the rhythm of lakeside life. As you return to Cape Maclear, the golden sunset paints the water, marking your final night on the lake. You spend the evening relaxing by the shore, enjoying the gentle waves and reflecting on the magic of Lake Malawi before the journey continues."

Main Destination:

Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi)

Accommodation:

Chembe Eagles Nest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Liwonde National Park

After breakfast, the journey continues as you depart Cape Maclear and head toward Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s premier wildlife destinations. The drive offers changing scenery, from lakeside villages to open plains, building excitement as you approach the park. Upon arrival, you check in at Kutchire Lodge for a comfortable three-night stay surrounded by the sounds of the bush. After settling into your chalet, there’s little time to waste—your first activity awaits. You head out for a relaxing boat safari on the Shire River, one of Liwonde’s signature experiences. As you glide along the water, you will encounter hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a wide array of birdlife, all set against the park’s beautiful river landscape. The peaceful ride provides a perfect introduction to the days of wildlife viewing ahead. After returning to the lodge, enjoy a warm dinner and a calm evening as the sounds of nature fill the night.

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
• Drinks not included

More of Liwonde Park

Our full day in Liwonde National Park begins early with a morning game drive, the best time to witness wildlife as the bush comes alive with activity. Departing at first light, you explore the park’s diverse habitats in search of elephants, antelope, hippos, and a variety of bird species, with chances of spotting predators as they move before the heat sets in. After returning to Kutchire Lodge, a hearty breakfast is served, followed by time to rest, relax, or enjoy the lodge’s peaceful surroundings. Lunch is offered in the early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to recharge before heading out again for the afternoon game drive. As the temperatures cool, animals become active once more, creating excellent viewing opportunities and memorable photo moments. The day concludes with a delicious dinner at the lodge, where you can share stories from your wildlife encounters and soak in the sounds of the African night.

Main Destination:

Liwonde National Park

Accommodation:

Kutchire Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Liwonde Nationa park

Another exciting day in Liwonde begins before sunrise as you head out on an early morning game drive. The cool dawn hours offer outstanding wildlife viewing, with herds of elephants feeding, antelope grazing in the open, and birdlife filling the air with calls. After several hours exploring the park, you return to Kutchire Lodge for a well-deserved breakfast. The late morning is left free for you to unwind—rest in your room, enjoy the shade, or simply watch animals passing near the lodge. Lunch is served in the early afternoon, giving you time to relax before the day’s next adventure. As the afternoon cools, you set out again for another game drive, discovering new areas of the park and tracking animals as they emerge for the evening. Returning to the lodge at sunset, you enjoy a satisfying dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by the natural sounds of Liwonde.

Main Destination:

Liwonde National Park

Accommodation:

Kutchire Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Liwonde NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Zomba Platue Via Chilema Tree and Malape Hills

After breakfast, you depart Liwonde and begin the scenic drive toward the Zomba Plateau, with two fascinating stops along the way. Your first stop is the famous Chilema Tree, an extraordinary natural wonder where a single fig tree has spread into a sprawling network of trunks and roots, creating the appearance of an entire forest growing from one organism. The journey continues to the Malape Hills, a striking formation of layered rock ridges that create narrow, winding passages resembling a natural maze. These hills are known for their dramatic shapes and the beautiful views they offer.

After exploring these unique landmarks, you proceed to the top of the Zomba Plateau and check in at Sunbird Kuchawe Hotel. Surrounded by cool mountain air and lush forest, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat and stunning views over the valley below, marking a refreshing change from the lowland heat.

Main Destination:

Zomba Plateau

Accommodation:

Sunbird Ku Chawe

• Mid-range hotel located inside Zomba Plateau

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Hike to Williams Falls

Your day on the Zomba Plateau begins with a refreshing morning hike to Williams Falls, a beautiful cascade tucked within the lush forest. The trail offers cool air, birdsong, and scenic viewpoints as you walk through the mountain vegetation toward the falls, where the sound of rushing water echoes through the trees. After enjoying the peaceful setting, you return to Sunbird Kuchawe for a well-deserved brunch. The late morning and early afternoon are left free for relaxation—resting at the lodge, taking in the sweeping views, or simply enjoying the plateau’s cool, calming atmosphere. Later in the afternoon, you set out for a gentle walk around the plateau, exploring its quiet paths, panoramic lookouts, and unique plant life. As evening settles in, you return to the lodge for dinner, ending the day surrounded by the serene beauty of the Zomba highlands.

Main Destination:

Zomba Plateau

Accommodation:

Sunbird Ku Chawe

• Mid-range hotel located inside Zomba Plateau

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Mountain and Tea

After breakfast, you leave the cool heights of the Zomba Plateau and begin your journey toward Mulanje, home to Malawi’s iconic Mulanje Mountain. The drive takes you through fertile farmland and rolling tea estates, offering beautiful views along the way. Upon arrival, you check in at Kara O’Mula, a charming lodge nestled at the foot of the mountain with views of its dramatic peaks. After settling in, you head out for a tea tasting experience at one of Mulanje’s historic estates. Here, you learn about the region’s tea production, sample different varieties, and enjoy the fresh aroma of the surrounding plantations.

The experience offers both cultural insight and a relaxing introduction to Mulanje’s rich agricultural heritage. As evening approaches, you return to the lodge for dinner, unwinding in the peaceful mountain atmosphere as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

Main Destination:

Mount Mulanje

Accommodation:

Kara O'Mula Resort

• Mid-range lodge located near Mt Mulanje

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Hike to Likhubula Falls

Your final day begins with a refreshing hike to Khubula Falls, a beautiful spot hidden within the forests of Mulanje. The trail offers gentle terrain, shaded pathways, and scenic views of the mountain slopes as you make your way toward the falls. Upon reaching Khubula, you can enjoy the cool mist and peaceful surroundings, taking in the natural beauty that Mulanje is known for. After the hike, you return to Kara O’Mula for a well-earned brunch, giving you time to relax and reflect on the experiences of the past days.

The afternoon is left free for rest enjoying the gardens, admiring the mountain backdrop, or simply unwinding before the journey home. As evening sets in, you gather for a final dinner at the lodge, marking the end of your memorable 13-day tour filled with culture, wildlife, mountains, and the warm spirit of Malawi.

Main Destination:

Mount Mulanje

Accommodation:

Kara O'Mula Resort

• Mid-range lodge located near Mt Mulanje

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Departure

After breakfast, you prepare for your journey to Blantyre, marking the last leg of your adventure. The drive offers a final look at Malawi’s beautiful landscapes, passing through vibrant villages, green fields, and views of the Mulanje foothills as you descend toward the city.

Upon arrival in Blantyre, you are transferred to your point of exit—whether the airport, hotel, or onward connection—bringing your memorable 13-day tour to a close. Filled with experiences from mountains, wildlife, culture, and the lakeshore, you depart with lasting impressions of Malawi’s warmth and beauty.

Main Destination:

Chileka International Airport (Blantyre)

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.