Journey through southern Malawi

Between safaris, magical mountains and crystal-clear waters

In the vast mosaic of the African continent lies a small country, immensely rich in landscapes and experiences: Malawi. Southern Malawi in particular is home to nature reserves where wildlife has returned to thrive after years of poaching, a mountain considered magical by local communities, the clear waters of the continent’s largest freshwater lake, and towns that tell the story of the country. A journey through southern Malawi, between safari, nature and culture, is something surprising.

11 days in southern Malawi

The journey begins in Blantyre, Malawi’s oldest city, which since 2025 has been home to our second operational base, right next to the Italian Consulate. From here, we will head to Majete Wildlife Reserve. Until the early 2000s, this area had been decimated by poaching; today, thanks to collaboration between local communities, the Government of Malawi and African Parks, it is one of the continent’s most successful animal repopulation projects, with more than 2,500 animals reintroduced over twenty years. Day and night game drives will give you the chance to encounter the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos — as well as cheetahs, African wild dogs, zebras, sable antelope, eland and many other species.

We will then continue towards the Mount Mulanje massif, at the foot of which stands our main base. Since 2025, Mount Mulanje has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site: at 3,002 metres, it is the highest peak in central Africa and harbours incredible biodiversity, with over 500 endemic plant species, including the Mulanje cedar, a symbol of Malawi. For local communities, it has always been a magical mountain, the subject of many legends. A short trek to the Mbiya Pools will let you discover this richness up close, while a walk through the tea plantations — introduced to the area as far back as the late nineteenth century — will be an opportunity to meet local workers. Either way, you can choose from all the activities we offer guests at our lodge & camp and, if you wish, you’ll have the chance to learn first-hand about the social responsibility projects we carry out.

Once we bid farewell to Mulanje, we will head to the beaches of Lake Malawi, in the Monkey Bay area. With crystal-clear waters reaching depths of up to 800 metres, the lake has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, and is home to the richest and most varied freshwater ecosystem on the planet: over 1,000 species of tropical fish, many from the cichlid family. Here you can enjoy relaxed, evocative moments among fishing villages where locals still paddle out in canoes, and a few hours of snorkelling in the clear waters.

From the lake’s shores, we will make our way to Liwonde National Park, which stretches along the Shire River. Here too, the work of African Parks, begun in 2005, has enabled the reintroduction of lions, cheetahs and the black rhino, protected as an endangered species. A boat safari along the Shire is probably the most exciting experience you can have within the park: you may see elephants swimming just metres from the boat, as well as hippos, crocodiles and monkey families along the banks. Liwonde is also an Important Bird Area (IBA), a true paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Before returning to Blantyre in time for the flight home, the itinerary stops in Zomba, Malawi’s first capital during the colonial era, amid British-style architecture and the colourful market of local producers.

Throughout the 11-day journey, you will stay in lodges and camps chosen for their connection to the land: from the heart of the Majete bush to the Mulanje forest, all the way to the shores of Lake Malawi and the Shire River. To suit your wishes, we can enhance the itinerary with a number of extensions — for example, towards the Indian Ocean beaches of Mozambico.

Travel details

Best time to travel

This itinerary operates throughout the year. The dry season runs from April/May to November, which is the hottest month, while the wet season runs from December to March/April, when you can see the parks in full splendour, amid newborn animals and birds in the height of their breeding season. We recommend both seasons, as each has its own particular charm.

Duration

11 full days, excluding international flights. Extensions are available.

Price

From €4,650 per person, based on 4 participants. Prices may vary depending on the number of travellers. Reduced rates are available for children.

Attractions

Tailor your Africa journey

You can add extra stops to one of our itineraries or ask us to create a completely tailor-made journey. We will be delighted to help you plan your ideal trip.

Travel Area

Included activities

Optional activities

Walking safari

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Foto di un gruppo di persone che fanno un safari a piedi, attività che puoi fare se viaggi con Africa Wild Truck

Cultural tour

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Foto di un gruppo di persone che fanno un tour culturale, attività che puoi fare se viaggi con Africa Wild Truck

Spa experience

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Foto di una persona alla spa, attività che puoi fare se viaggi con Africa Wild Truck

Tea tasting

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Foto di una degustazione di tè a Mulanje, attività che puoi fare se viaggi con Africa Wild Truck

Snorkeling

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Hiking

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Additional information

Things to know

Entry requirements

To enter Malawi, you will need a passport with at least two blank pages and a minimum of six months’ validity remaining. Visa requirements vary according to nationality and may change over time. We recommend consulting official travel advice before departure.

Food and drinks

Local cuisine

Malawi’s culinary specialities include fresh fish from Lake Malawi. Chambo (tilapia) is considered the lake’s signature dish. Trout can also be found in the streams of the Zomba, Mulanje and Nyika highlands. Nsima, made from white maize, is commonly served with vegetables and occasionally with meat or fish. Malawi is also known for its excellent local beers and its growing reputation for gin production.

Hygiene and safety

The accommodation and restaurants we select maintain high standards of hygiene. For additional peace of mind, we recommend:

Drinking water and beverages only from sealed containers or those supplied by your lodge.
Using bottled or lodge-supplied water when brushing your teeth.
Avoiding ice in drinks.
Avoiding uncooked vegetables and seafood.

Currency and payments

Currency: Malawi Kwacha

Electronic payments and cash withdrawal facilities may be limited in remote and rural areas. For further information, please consult our travel preparation guide.

Health information

Vaccination requirements vary according to nationality and country of origin. For up-to-date health information and malaria prevention advice, we recommend consulting official travel health resources before departure.

What to bring

Luggage

We recommend travelling light and limiting luggage to approximately 16–18 kg. Soft bags are strongly preferred over hard-shell or semi-rigid suitcases.

Clothing

Comfortable, breathable clothing is recommended, with lightweight garments for daytime temperatures and layers for cooler evenings or higher elevations. Comfortable walking shoes, ideally hiking shoes, are recommended, together with sandals for relaxing at your accommodation.

Essential equipment

We recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle and binoculars. Remember to carry all travel documents required for entry into Malawi, as well as a photocopy of your passport.

Medication

Pharmacies are generally only available in larger towns, so we recommend bringing a small supply of any medication you may require.

A detailed packing list, including clothing, equipment and medical recommendations, is available in our travel preparation guide.

If you’re hiking Mount Mulanje, you’ll particularly need:

Comfortable hiking boots
Technical sandals
Quick-drying flip-flops for the shower
Windproof jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Fleece/warm sweatshirt and other warm clothing
Long cotton/linen trousers
Long-sleeved cotton/linen shirts
Cotton T-shirts
Swimwear
Underwear
Flat money belt (worn under clothing) for your passport
Wool hat and wide-brimmed hat
Sun cream
Sleeping bag rated to 5°C
Quick-dry towel
Binoculars
Head torch
Penknife/water bottle
Camera/video camera, spare batteries and, if you have one, a portable solar panel for recharging
Photocopy of your passport and 2 passport photos
Energy bars
Telescopic trekking poles
Personal sleeping mat

Price information

Price includes

Italian-speaking assistance throughout the trip
All transfers as per the itinerary, to and from the airport, including road tolls
All safaris, park entrance fees and excursions as per the itinerary (5 safaris at Majete Wildlife Reserve, 4 safaris in Liwonde National Park, a day trek in Mount Mulanje Forest Reserve, a tour of Mulanje village and a walk through the tea plantations)
All accommodation as per the itinerary — contact us for the full accommodation list
Meals, full board where indicated
1% Community Levy
Taxes

Price excludes

International flights
Entry visa for Malawi
Travel insurance (cancellation, baggage, mandatory medical cover)
Extra and recommended activities
Drinks
Tips
Personal expenses
Everything not expressly stated under “Price Includes”

Pricing information

Park fees and local levies may be subject to change without notice.

Please note that this itinerary is intended as a starting point and can be fully tailored to your preferences.

The final price will therefore be recalculated at the time of booking, taking into account any modifications to the itinerary, alternative accommodation choices and any supplier price updates.