Highlights of Southern Malawi
Malawi Hiking + Walking Tours
A safari & multi-adventure tour in southern Malawi
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length12 days
- Prices from$4319 Rates
Overview
Looking for an African safari with an adventurous twist? Look no further! Malawi, also known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ - because of the friendly people - will lure you in with incredible diversity, shimmering lakes, iconic wildlife, and natural beauty.
Get the best of both worlds on safari in Big-5 reserves combined with thrilling outdoor activities on both land and in the water.
Your tour kicks off in Majete Wildlife Reserve. A haven for elephants, buffalos, hippos, and big cats, Majete is prime safari bush for guided game walks, drives, and boat safaris.
A stone’s throw away is Thyolo - your next stop. Picture rolling tea plantations with majestic Mount Mulanje in the distance. A great place to relax, Thyolo is perfect for hiking, birding, and mountain biking as well. Then, it’s time to get active on your multi-day hike of Mount Mulanje - known for breathtaking views and mountain waterfalls (the kind you can swim in!).
After more safari time in wild Liwonde, your tour ends on the shores of Lake Malawi - the jewel in the country's crown. Teeming with cichlid fish, the sparkling waters are best explored by snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving.
Highlights
- Guided hiking of Mount Mulanje
- Walking trails and mountain biking in Thyolo
- Big 5 animals in Liwonde and Majete
- Walking safari in Majete Wildlife Reserve
- Game drives and boat safaris
- Snorkeling and kayaking at Lake Malawi
- Incredible birdlife
- Tea plantations
- Hand-picked accommodation in prime areas
Looking for more multi-adventure tours?
Itinerary
Day 1: Blantyre to Majete
Day 2: Majete
Day 3: Majete to Thyolo
Day 4: Thyolo to Mulanje, Hiking: 4mi. (7km)
Day 5: Mulanje, Hiking, 9 mi. (14 km)
Day 6: Mulanje to Zomba, Hiking, 4 mi. (7 km)
Day 7: Zomba to Liwonde
Day 8: Liwonde
Day 9: Liwonde to Cape Maclear
Day 10: Cape Maclear
Day 11: Cape Maclear
Day 12: Cape Maclear to LilongweDay 1: Blantyre to Majete
Welcome to Malawi aka ‘The warm heart of Africa’! On arrival in Blantyre, your guide will meet you and transfer you to Majete Wildlife Reserve (approx. 2 hours). Malawi’s first Big 5 game park, Majete is a stunning wilderness area flourishing with over 12,000 African mammals including elephants, black rhinoceros, and lions, and more than 300 species of birds. Previously ravished by poaching, this reserve is a symbol of what can happen when conservation and tourism come together, resulting in a thriving natural area that boasts fantastic game viewing. Overlooking the Shire River, your lodge is the perfect setting to unwind before your afternoon game activity. A choice of guided safari activities includes 4WD game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris. (B, L, D)Category A: Mkulumadzi. The lodge offers eight superb chalets, each with spacious living quarters and a private viewing deck. There is also a swimming pool at the main lodge area.
Included activities: One guided safari in the late afternoon
Category B: Thawale Tented Lodge. Offering six double- and twin-tented chalets, all en-suite and each with its own private veranda overlooking the waterhole.
Included activities: One guided safari in the afternoon. Extra activities are available (extra cost).Day 2: Majete Wildlife Reserve
Get your wildlife fix on your choice of game activities today. Your guides will explore the reserve in search of wildlife such as the elusive leopard, a herd of buffalo, or endemic birds in the area. Whatever your interests may be, your guides will do their best to show you the best. A boat safari (in season) will get you up close to crocodiles, birds, and hippos from the advantage of the water. You can also spend time relaxing back at the lodge overlooking the river, where game frequently comes to visit. A choice of guided safari activities includes 4WD game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris. (B, L, D)Category A: Mkulumadzi
Included activities: Two guided safaris per day in the morning and late afternoon
Category B: Thawale Tented Lodge
Included activities: One guided safari per full day. Extra activities are available (extra cost).Day 3: Majete to Thyolo
Say goodbye to the African bush for a short while as you make your way to the tea plantations of Thyolo (pronounced “Cho’lo”) in the Shire Highlands of southern Malawi. With its rolling green plains of tea estates, Thyolo borders Mount Mulanje in the east and is the epitome of tranquility. Take the opportunity to learn about tea on a tea tasting tour of Satemwa Tea Estate or take a guided bird tour on one of the many walking or bike trails in the area. Tea is Malawi’s second-largest export. Some of its historical tea and coffee estates date back as far as the early 1900s. (B, L, D)Category A: Huntingdon House. A charming colonial house with a wrap-around verandah situated on Satemwa Tea Estate with five individually decorated suites.
Included activities: Unguided walking and hiking trails, birding, mountain biking, tea tasting. Guides on request (extra cost).
Category B: Game Haven. This family-owned lodge has a variety of 25 rooms with a communal dining area, bar, and lounge.
Included activities: Access to Lake Bvumbwe, guided game walks, one guided game drive per stay, unguided mountain biking and birding.Day 4: Thyolo to Mulanje, Hiking: 4 mi. (7km)
From Thyolo you will have had majestic views of Mount Mulanje. Now it is time to get up close and personal with this magnificent mountain on your two-night hiking trip. You will meet up with your hiking guide at 08h00 hrs. After a detailed briefing and equipment check, you will start climbing the fairly shaded trail that follows the Likhubula valley to the top of Chambe plateau via Chapaluka path. Hiking time is roughly 4 hours. You will arrive at your overnight hut in the early afternoon. Lunch will be served en-route. (B, L, D)Category A: Mount Mulanje hiking (Chambe) hut: A very basic hiking hut that can accommodate up to 16 people in two large rooms (one with cooking fireplace) and an outdoor covered veranda. Drinking water is piped to a nearby tap and there are two pit latrine toilets.
Included activities: Guided hiking
Category B: Mount Mulanje hiking (Chambe) hut
Included activities: Guided hikingDay 5: Mulanje Mountain, Hiking, 9 mi. (14 km)
After an early breakfast in the morning, you will proceed via an undulating trail to Luchenya hut, with lunch en-route. Depending on your fitness level you might reach Sapitwa - the highest peak of the mountain - today. Dubbed the ‘Island in the Sky’ it has an imposing rock face, exposed on misty days when Mount Mulanje’s base is shrouded in a haze, creating the effect of a floating island. Your exhilarating hike today will take you past mountain streams, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness, with a chance of spotting small mammals and birds along the way. (B, L, D)Category A: Mount Mulanje hiking (Chambe) hut
Included activities: Guided hiking
Category B: Mount Mulanje hiking (Chambe) hut
Included activities: Guided hikingDay 6: Mulanje to Zomba, Hiking, 4 mi. (7 km)
You will descend to the pickup point at Tinyade via Likulezi path to Likhubula House, where your debriefing will be done. You will then transfer to Zomba for a night. With stunning views and a tropical feel - created by the gardens and wild vegetation - you will have time to relax and unwind after your two days of hiking. The perfect place to rejuvenate. The city of Zomba formerly served as the colonial capital of the country. It is known for its Colonial architecture and its location on the southern slopes of the scenic Zomba Plateau. Zomba is great for bird watching and forest walks. (B, L, D)Category A: Sunbird Ku Chawe Resort. Malawi’s premier mountain resort overlooking the Zomba Plateau providing ensuite rooms, a bar, a restaurant, and Wi-Fi.
Category B: Zomba Forest Lodge. A cosy, intimate guest house with 4 ensuite rooms nestled in 20 acres of beautiful mixed woodland and secret gardens.Day 7: Zomba to Liwonde
Your tour gets even more exciting today as you make your way to Liwonde National Park. Situated on the southern tip of Lake Malombe in southern Malawi, it is arguably the most popular game park for spotting the big 5. Malawi’s main river, the Shire, forms its western boundary and is the reserve’s lifeblood. With plentiful wildlife including hippos, kudu, elephants, crocodiles, and even black rhino, the park had become one of Malawi's premier wildlife-viewing destinations. The birding is excellent and a favorite sighting among birdwatchers is the Pel’s fishing owl. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of activities on offer including excellent wildlife viewing, canoeing and boating safaris, and overnight stays at well-positioned safari camps. (B, L, D)Category A: Kuthengo. Modern safari tents located on the banks of the Shire River, which are all en-suite, each with a bathtub and an outdoor shower.
Included activities: Two daily game activities (boat safari/game drive)
Category B: Mvuu Camp. The camp, comprising 14 units with a thatched dining and lounge area.
Included activities: Two daily game activities (boat safari/game drive)Day 8: Liwonde
Spend a full day exploring Liwonde National Park for African game and birds on morning and afternoon game activities. A boat safari on the Shire River provides the perfect vantage point to view and of course photograph hippo and crocodile and water birds such as fish eagles, weavers, and kingfishers. You will also stop for sundowners on your afternoon game activity to take in one of Liwonde’s spectacular sunsets. Your lodge will welcome you back with deliciously prepared meals and ice-cold drinks. (B, L, D)Category A: Kuthengo
Included activities: Two daily game activities (boat safari/game drive)
Category B: Mvuu Camp
Included activities: Two daily game activities (boat safari/game drive)Day 9: Liwonde to Cape Maclear
After your final round of game viewing in Liwonde, you say goodbye and head for Lake Malawi for some downtime on the shores of Cape Maclear. Located on the southern shore of the Lake, with its golden sand, Cape Maclear’s relaxed atmosphere is the perfect spot for fantastic water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, and even scuba diving. Home to Lake Malawi National Park, Cape Maclear is the first freshwater national park in the world. There are some enjoyable hiking trails around the national park you can do either with a local guide or by yourself. The hikes aren’t particularly challenging but be sure to take plenty of water. (B, L, D)Category A: Pumulani. Situated on the south end of Lake Malawi, the lodge has ten villas, a pool, bar, and restaurant.
Included activities: Non-motorised water sports eg. Snorkeling, kayaking
Category B: Mumbo Island Camp. Located in Lake Malawi National Park, the camp comprises five units perched on rocks high above the water each with bucket showers, ‘eco-loos’, and a wooden deck. There is a dining area, bar, and watersport gazebo.
Included activities: Non-motorised water sports eg. Snorkeling, kayakingDay 10: Cape Maclear
You can decide what you would like to do today. If you feel like relaxing back at camp, suntan on the shores of Lake Malawi, or head out on a water activity - the choice is yours.The protected waters of Lake Malawi National Park bring kayaking within reach of anyone, irrespective of fitness or experience. The two-person kayaks are large and stable, and the guides (available on request) are local residents with an intimate knowledge of the area. Guests with a sense of adventure have the option of kayaking out to Mumbo Island from reception on the beach at Cape Maclear. Lake Malawi supports over two thousand species of freshwater fish – a greater variety than any other lake on Earth. Snorkeling through the island's calm, warm, and crystal-clear waters, where the colorful Cichlid fish, coupled with the massive granite boulders that make up much of the underwater terrain, make for a truly remarkable and unusual snorkeling experience. The island’s only mammals - the Spotted-necked Otter - are remarkably tame and sometimes join guests for a swim or snorkel! All equipment is provided. Motorized sports are also available at an extra cost like skiing and tube rides. (B, L, D)
Category A: Pumulani
Included activities: Hiking and non-motorized water sports eg. Snorkeling, kayaking
Category B: Mumbo Island Camp
Included activities: Hiking and non-motorized water sports eg. Snorkeling, kayakingDay 11: Cape Maclear
Again, you will decide how you want to spend your day. In addition to snorkeling and kayaking as described above, you may want to try out scuba diving. Experience an underwater world of giant granite boulders and hundreds of multi-colored freshwater tropical fish! Lake Malawi is a great place to Scuba dive, ideally suited to beginners or those who prefer relaxed diving with no dangers. Mumbo is a PADI registered resort, offering beginner, advanced, and specialty courses, as well as gear hire and casual dives. At additional cost (includes equipment hire).Five different nature trails weave their way through the massive granite boulders that constitute the island. The island is heavily wooded, hosting baobab trees (Adansonia digitata) and several species of Ficus, Sterculia, Khaya, Albizia, and Brachystegia. A map is provided in every tent and extras are available at the bar. There are no poisonous snakes or dangerous animals on Mumbo, so you can walk anywhere with confidence and are rewarded with magnificent views. Our guide will take a guided walk every morning at 9:30 on request. (B, L, D)
Category A: Pumulani
Included activities: Non-motorized water sports eg. Snorkeling, kayaking
Category B: Mumbo Island Camp
Included activities: Non-motorized water sports eg. Snorkeling, kayakingDay 12: Cape Maclear to Lilongwe
Your tour ends after breakfast with a drop-off at Lilongwe International Airport for your onward travel arrangements.Looking for a different flavor? Check out all our featured bike trips, specials, and news or look at our full list of bike tours in Europe.
Map
Accommodation
Category A: Luxury accommodations, except in Mulanje which is a basic mountain hut.
Category B: Comfortable mid-range accommodations, except in Mulanje which is a basic mountain hut.
You will require your own sleeping bag for night 4, 5, and 6 (Mulanje hiking hut).
Please keep in mind that you will not have access to wifi.Inclusions
What’s Included
- All transfers
- Accommodation for 11 nights in the selected category
- All meals as per itinerary
- Scheduled return boat transfer from Cape Maclear to Mumbo Island (Cat B)
- Local beers, wines, & soft drinks at Pumulani, Mkulumadzi, Huntingdon House, & Kuthengo (Cat. A)
- Fresh spring filtered water on Mulanje hike
- English speaking guide
- All activities as per itinerary
- 16-speed basic entry-level mountain bike (activity in Thyolo)
- Administrative porters & hiking guide in Mulanje
What’s Not Included
- Travel to start/finish
- Meals not mentioned
- Drinks not mentioned
- Detours
- Malawian visa (USD 75)
- Any items of personal nature
- Extra activities (not mentioned)
- Gratuities
- Private porters to carry personal items
- Sleeping bags (please bring your own) & tents (if you not want to sleep in the mountain huts - tents are available to rent) on Mulanje Mountain
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2024
Category A (Luxury):
Low season: Match 1 up to and including May 21, 2024
Mid season: May 22 up to and including June 30, and October 2024
High season: July 1 up to and including September 30, 2024Category B (Mid-range):
Low season: April 1 up to and including June 30, 2024
High season: July 1 up to and including November 30, 2024Category A Low season $ 7658 £ 3936 $ 7,051 € 4700 Ft 1876159 kr 698038 ₪ 19372 ¥ 767139 Mex$ 100130 NZ$ 8475 kr 55430 zł 20199 S$ 6724 kr 53456 CHF 4425 $ 5,042 Single supplement $ 152 £ 78 $ 140 € 93 Ft 37211 kr 13844 ₪ 384 ¥ 15215 Mex$ 1986 NZ$ 168 kr 1099 zł 401 S$ 133 kr 1060 CHF 88 $ 100 Midseason $ 7978 £ 4101 $ 7,346 € 4897 Ft 1954674 kr 727249 ₪ 20183 ¥ 799243 Mex$ 104320 NZ$ 8830 kr 57749 zł 21044 S$ 7005 kr 55693 CHF 4610 $ 5,253 Single supplement $ 152 £ 78 $ 140 € 93 Ft 37211 kr 13844 ₪ 384 ¥ 15215 Mex$ 1986 NZ$ 168 kr 1099 zł 401 S$ 133 kr 1060 CHF 88 $ 100 High season $ 9049 £ 4651 $ 8,332 € 5554 Ft 2217009 kr 824853 ₪ 22892 ¥ 906509 Mex$ 118320 NZ$ 10015 kr 65500 zł 23868 S$ 7945 kr 63167 CHF 5229 $ 5,958 Single supplement $ 152 £ 78 $ 140 € 93 Ft 37211 kr 13844 ₪ 384 ¥ 15215 Mex$ 1986 NZ$ 168 kr 1099 zł 401 S$ 133 kr 1060 CHF 88 $ 100 Category B Low season $ 6560 £ 3372 $ 6,040 € 4026 Ft 1607127 kr 597942 ₪ 16595 ¥ 657135 Mex$ 85771 NZ$ 7260 kr 47481 zł 17302 S$ 5760 kr 45791 CHF 3791 $ 4,319 Single supplement $ 472 £ 243 $ 435 € 290 Ft 115725 kr 43056 ₪ 1195 ¥ 47319 Mex$ 6176 NZ$ 523 kr 3419 zł 1246 S$ 415 kr 3297 CHF 273 $ 311 High season $ 6746 £ 3468 $ 6,212 € 4141 Ft 1652896 kr 614971 ₪ 17067 ¥ 675850 Mex$ 88214 NZ$ 7467 kr 48833 zł 17795 S$ 5924 kr 47095 CHF 3899 $ 4,442 Single supplement $ 472 £ 243 $ 435 € 290 Ft 115725 kr 43056 ₪ 1195 ¥ 47319 Mex$ 6176 NZ$ 523 kr 3419 zł 1246 S$ 415 kr 3297 CHF 273 $ 311 Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
You will require a good level of fitness and endurance for your hiking on Mount Mulanje. The trail is slow going but challenging, with sections that require rock hopping and climbing/scrambling up rock faces to reach Sapitwa Peak. You will also need to pack extra warm clothes for Mulanje, such as a hat, gloves, and long hiking pants as the temperatures can drop considerably at high altitudes, especially during the cooler months (May-September). Very early starts can be expected to reach the summit by the break of dawn. You will be staying in a basic hiking hut with no wifi, fans, or signal. Very experienced guides and porters will accompany the group throughout the duration of the tour.
Airport Info
Your tour starts from Blantyre. Fly into Chileke International Airport (BLZ).
Your tour ends in Lilongwe. Fly out of Lilongwe International Airport (LLW).Local Travel
Pick up/drop off transfers are included in the price.
Climate
Malawi is a year-round destination, although the rainy season from December-February should be avoided for the hiking portion in Mount Mulanje. Malawi has a sub-tropical climate, which is relatively dry and strongly seasonal. The warm-wet season stretches from November to April, during which 95% of the annual precipitation takes place, especially during December through February. A hot, dry season lasts from September to October with average temperatures varying between 25 and 37 degrees Celsius. Temperatures can drop when climbing to higher altitudes, in particular on Mount Mulanje.
Recommended
Malaria
Malawi is situated in a malaria-risk area and prophylaxis is highly recommended. We advise you to schedule an appointment with your doctor in order to decide which kind of medicine will suit you best and to start the treatment before your trip. To avoid mosquito bites, it is recommended to wear repellent, long sleeves, and long pants during the evenings as well as sleeping under the mosquito net (most lodges are equipped with one) and using your fan.
Bilharzia
If you want to swim in Lake Malawi, be aware that there is a risk of contracting bilharzia. The risk is lower around lodge areas but we recommend you take the appropriate medication following your stay by the lake. Praziquantel is the most effective medication. It is sold in every pharmacy in Malawi, and is very cheap.
Hiking
For the hiking portion up Mount Mulanje, you will need to pack accordingly. We recommend that you bring a lightweight backpack that can carry your essentials and your sleeping bag. Must-pack accessories include a good pair of hiking boots, sunhat, sunscreen, raincoat, water bottle, head torch (with extra batteries), toiletries, sleeping bag (for night 4, 5 and 6), and insect repellant. It can get very cold near the top of the mountain regardless of the season (but in particular during the cooler months from May-Sep), so a good beanie, gloves, jacket, and scarf are recommended. Although not compulsory, a walking stick is nice to have.
Sleeping bags
It is recommended that you bring your own sleeping bag. An entry-level sleeping bag can be purchased on arrival in Blantyre if required (subject to availability and stores being open).Remarks
This itinerary can be tailormade to suit your requirements. Please ask!
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements, and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
Since October 2015 Malawi requires travelers to buy a visa in order to stay in the country and state the number of days they are planning on staying. This visa is valid for 30 days and you can extend it up to 60 days more for a total of 90 days maximum. It will cost you approximately USD10 to extend your visa for an additional 30 days and USD13 for 60 days.
2 options of visa depending on the kind of trip you are planning:- Single-entry visa: US$75 if issued within Malawi and US$100 if issued abroad. With a single-entry visa, the traveler is granted permission to enter Malawi, the visa is canceled as soon as the visitor leaves the country. If you are planning to visit only Malawi, this is the best option for you.
- Multiple entry visa: US$150 if issued within Malawi and US$220 if issued abroad. A multiple entry visa allows the traveler to make multiple entries into Malawi within the validity of the visa. If you are planning to leave Malawi and come back during your trip, for example to Zambia, this option might interest you.
Entries into Malawi can be made at any land border or airport. You can request your visa from any foreign Malawian office. You will also be able to request your visa at your arrival in the country. If you choose this option and in order to avoid any inconvenience at the port of entry, we recommend you fill out the visa application form in advance. As some clients have experienced trouble entering the country without requesting the visa in advance, we recommend you to carry proof of your flight back and any document that could support your visa request.
Don’t forget to bring US dollars (in cash) with you to pay for your visa.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.Extra Stay
Extra nights can be arranged in any of the destinations. Price on request.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Malawian Style.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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