Lilongwe to Luwawa Forest – Malawi
Welcome to Malawi, known as the Warm Heart of Africa!
Setting off from Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, we travel north towards Luwawa Forest, on the M1 route.
Luwawa Forest is the largest forest plantation in Malawi, located in the Viphya Mountains at around 5500 feet (1700 metres) above sea level. Due to the altitude this area is malaria free and enjoys a pleasant climate. The forest is one of northern Malawi's most scenic and peaceful places. The Luwawa plantations are mostly pine trees, with some endemic trees and open areas, attracting a variety of birds.
In the afternoon we take a walk in this pretty forest.
Our lodge at Luwawa runs the Luwawa School Project, which assists a local school by working with volunteers and other school children.
- Main Destination:
- South Viphya Forest Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Luwawa Forest Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Nyika National Park - Malawi
Today we make our way to Nyika National Park. We enter Nyika Park and take a two hour drive through the game reserve.
Malawi’s oldest and largest national park, Nyika covers an area of about 3200 km² (1250 mile²) on the Nyika Plateau.
The protected area consists of endless rolling hills and open valleys, covered in pine forests, heather and montane grasslands scattered with wild flowers. Its rich flora draws diverse wild animals and an abundance of birdlife, with over 400 bird species.
On Day 3 we explore the untamed wilderness area on morning and afternoon game drives and bush walks.
Nyika National Park is home to zebras, elephants, lions, buffalo and a variety of antelope species, such as bushbuck, eland, reedbuck and roan antelopes. The game park is also said to host one of central Africa's highest densities of leopards, along with jackals, bushpig, warthogs, klipspringers and hyenas.
- Main Destination:
- Nyika National Park
- Accommodation:
- Chelinda Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Livingstonia – Malawi
On day four of this Northern Malawi Lodge Safari we travel to Livingstonia, founded by Scottish Missionaries and named for the famous explorer David Livingstone.
Livingstonia is a historical highlight as the final mission station on the Livingstonia Mission in Central Africa, established in 1894. The town offers lovely views of Lake Malawi and serves as an ideal base for walks to the waterfalls in this area.
In the afternoon we have the option of embarking on a nature walk to a waterfall in the area. Our overnight stay is in chalets on a mushroom farm, set on the edge of an escarpment.
- Main Destination:
- Livingstonia (Town)
- Accommodation:
- The Mushroom Farm
- Meals & Drinks:
Chintheche – Malawi
This morning we enjoy breakfast at our lodge near Livingstonia, then we continue to scenic Chintheche on the shores of Lake Malawi.
Chintheche lies just south of Nkhata Bay and boasts some of the best beaches along the shores of this vast freshwater lake. The southernmost lake in the East African Rift Valley, Lake Malawi has clear, warm waters and enjoys a tropical climate, making it a great place for water sports and relaxing on the sandy beaches. At the secluded Makuzi Bay there are a variety of optional activities to choose from, including snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving and horse riding.
As we explore the beauty of Malawi, renowned for its warm and friendly people, we also discover its rich cultures.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Malawi
- Accommodation:
- Makuzi Beach Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Lilongwe – Malawi
On the final day of our Budget Malawi Safari we return to Lilongwe driving via the scenic shores of Lake Malawi.
We arrive back in Lilongwe in the early afternoon, bringing this unique and affordable Malawi Lodge Safari to a close.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Warm Heart of Africa in the future!
- Main Destination:
- Lilongwe (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks: