Malawi, magnificent South

WHAT WE WILL SEE

Malawi: A Journey Through the Magnificent South

For those eager to explore less touristy and untouched areas, with incredible biodiversity, the southern Malawi offers a chance to bathe in nature and with its people, providing unique and unusual photographic opportunities.

A unique destination, Majete Wildlife Reserve in the Shire Valley, a success story of repopulation: all Big Five are present. Lions, leopards, black rhinos, elephants, and buffalo, along with black antelopes, zebras, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, and eland. We will enter the heart of the park by jeep, even at night, for safaris in search of predators. Following the Shire Valley, new landscapes and forests await in Liwonde National Park, perhaps the most famous park in Malawi, where one cannot be disappointed by the boat safari: it is truly unmissable. Elephants swimming just meters from the boat, hippos grunting, crocodiles, impalas drinking, and families of monkeys engaged in their daily grooming: the avifauna is truly spectacular, including the black rhino protected within the Sanctuary.

At the foot of the Mount Mulanje National Forest Reserve, listed for UNESCO World Heritage status, lies the highest mountain in Southern Africa, boasting a forest of 650 km² and numerous unique species of animals and plants. The mountain is considered magical by Malawians due to the wealth of legends and stories that populate the collective imagination. Beneath Mount Mulanje, we will see gentle hills covered in the immaculate green blanket of tea: walking among the vast spaces of the plantations, we may meet tea workers in the numerous estates or while hiking on the mountain. Additionally, on the shores of the third-largest lake in Africa, in the Monkey Bay region, adjacent to Lake Malawi National Park—compared in biodiversity to the Galapagos—lies one of the largest water reserves in the world, with clear waters and white sandy beaches that rival our Italian coasts. It is estimated that the endemic fish populating its waters, the cichlids, are around 1000 species. In Zomba, Malawi’s first capital, a visit to its colorful market awaits. This circuit is far from mass tourism, amidst the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes; the Malawian people are hospitable and incredibly friendly. The kilometers of pristine golden sandy beaches, which have nothing to envy from the Italian coasts, will provide the backdrop for encounters with fishermen and lakeside villages.

DURATION: 11 Days. Options for extensions to the shores of Lake Malawi or in Mulanje, at the foot of the magical mountain.

THE JOURNEY: Malawi, Journey Through the Magnificent South

STAFF

Our staff is composed of professional guides with proven experience who work alongside us year-round. A few words about us:  WHO WE ARE 

 

TRANSPORTATION:

All distances will be covered with one or more Toyota or Land Rover or similar 4×4 off-road vehicles. Additionally, 12/220 V power to charge batteries,  first aid kit.

 

ACCOMMODATION

Three nights in lodges in the Majete Wildlife Reserve, immersed in the park’s wild nature. In Mulanje, accommodation reserved exclusively for us in an old colonial house, the base for AfricaWildTruck, located in a historic garden within the tea plantations. The following nights will be in lodges (Makokola Retreat). In Liwonde National Park, overnight at the incredible Mvuu Camp, a lodge overlooking the river where elephants come to drink. In Zomba, we will stay at Kefi Hotel. Accommodations in lodges/chalets/hotels are generally in double rooms unless stated otherwise. These establishments have been carefully selected based on ideas of conservation and sustainability, favoring locations in close contact with nature. For a list of lodges/camps, please write to us!

 

THE SEASON:

Temperatures vary widely depending on the season, altitude, and latitude. Here is an indicative table of average temperatures in various seasons. The hottest month is November, while the coolest months are June/July. The dry season runs from April/May to November. The wet season is from December to March/April, during which the parks showcase their stunning greenery; some mammal offspring are born during this period, and many birds go through their mating season, changing plumage and courting females. We recommend both seasons, as each has its unique charm. Contact us for more information about the current season; not every year is the same!

THE ROADS:

We will travel approximately 1900 km, of which at least 200 km will be on unpaved roads to enter the parks or during the journey; the remaining kilometers will be on paved roads.

GUIDE TO SAFARIS:

Numerous game drives, an English term describing 4×4 excursions aimed at animal watching, will occur both during the day and night with jeeps. No preparation is needed other than the willingness to rise early and the patience required for animal watching. Note that safaris will take place during the cooler hours of the day (dawn and dusk), when animals are more easily spotted. Being self-guided, we can decide to stay at a scene for as long as possible, always following park rules. Safaris will be conducted on open jeeps equipped for the safari.

The boat safari on the Shire River in Liwonde National Park is an exciting experience at the heart of Africa. This boat safari is truly a must-do. In addition to us, there will be another professional guide accompanying us throughout the safari for a better experience in close contact with nature. This experience is particularly interesting for the close-up perspectives available from the boat; observing animals during their daily routines along the riverbanks is indeed a privilege for photography enthusiasts!

Photography During Safaris: You are always allowed to bring your photography equipment. The guides will primarily try to position the vehicle in the best possible conditions, where safety permits. Within the park, the jeeps do NOT communicate with each other via radio to avoid crowding around an animal, thus maintaining its tranquility.

Therefore, being in the right place at the right time is crucial to see what you desire; we prefer that a natural sanctuary like Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park retain the spirit of adventure that distinguishes them.

Important to Know: In the parks or within the camps, a mandatory liability waiver will be required to access them due to the unique nature of these places.

Extensions:

  • Beaches of Lake Malawi, adventure or relaxation
  • On the Indian Ocean, a marvelous sea
  • Hidden Ntchisi Forest
  • Mulanje Forest, at the base of AfricaWildTruck
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DAY 1: BLANTYRE CHILEKA AIRPORT - MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE, Malawi.
Arrive in Blantyre around 1:00 PM with Ethiopian Airlines. The country is welcoming and warm: its people have a hospitable heart that we've never felt in any other country in Africa. Away from tourism, despite the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes, its hospitable and incredibly friendly people, and the kilometers of pristine golden sandy beaches, Malawi remains a country yet to be discovered by mass tourism, making it even more fascinating. After meeting at the airport, we will immediately transfer to Majete Wildlife Reserve to jump straight into the park and the safaris. Overnight in a lodge located in the park, overlooking a waterhole where we often sight elephants and nyala. Full board included.

DAY 2: MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE.
Introduction to the park. Morning day safari with the possibility of spotting buffalo, elephants, nyala, and lions. Return to camp for lunch. In the afternoon, night safari and return to camp for dinner. The lodge has a surprising location in the heart of the park. Timid antelopes, baboons, or, if lucky, elusive leopards are often seen. Full board included.

DAY 3: MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE.
The rich diversity of habitats will be immediately evident during our third safari and the afternoon drive. The banks of the Shire River are an ideal environment for hippos and crocodiles, while marula woodlands provide the perfect habitat for elephants. Among the animals that can be spotted in the reserve are lions, leopards, genets, spotted eagle owls, nightjars… and all the Big Five. The African Parks conservation project, founded by Nelson Mandela, operates in several African countries. Overnight in the lodge. Full board included.

DAY 4: MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE - MULANJE FOREST RESERVE.
Another morning safari to increase our chances of sightings. We will cross the Shire River and ascend to 800m after the city of Blantyre to reach the Mulanje massif and the spectacle of tea plantations. The hills stretch endlessly, and the bright green is only interrupted by the red of the winding paths that traverse the plantation. Overnight in an old colonial house, surrounded by tea plantations. Full board included.

DAY 5: MULANJE MOUNTAIN FOREST RESERVE.
Walk through the vast spaces of the plantations. We may meet tea workers patiently picking young leaves from the tops of the plants, leaf by leaf, filling the huge baskets they carry on their shoulders. The first tea plantations in Africa were introduced in this area of Malawi in the late 1800s. We will enter the magical Mulanje forest and dedicate this day to a short trek to Likhubula waterfall, nestled amidst the greenery, among endemic chameleons and unique plants such as the famous Mulanje cedar, a protected species. Legends and stories are part of Malawian culture, describing Mulanje Mountain as “the island in the sky”; for this reason, the site has been proposed for UNESCO World Heritage status. We will hear some legends from those who have always lived under this mountain, which spans 650 km² and, at 3002 meters, is the highest peak in Southern Africa. Among the activities, we can visit the Mulanje market to discover Malawian daily life and visit the communities living around our base. Overnight in the old colonial house as the previous night. Full board included.

DAY 6: MULANJE - LAKE MALAWI.
From Mulanje, we will travel to Mangochi and Lake Malawi, heading to a bay where we will enjoy an afternoon of relaxation among fishing eagles and the fishing villages that challenge the waters of the third-largest lake in Africa, one of the largest water reserves in the world; it is estimated that around 1000 species of endemic cichlids populate its waters. Overnight at the magnificent Club Makokola. Bed and breakfast included.

DAY 7: LAKE MALAWI, MONKEY BAY AREA.
There are many fishing villages, and in the morning it's easy to spot fishermen returning from a night of fishing in their canoes. Lake Malawi in this area is adjacent to Lake Malawi National Park: a true sea that supports all the villages located along its shores. From here, we can organize a boat trip to Boadzulu Island, a national park in Lake Malawi where we can fully enjoy the lake's wonders and transparency. Women dry the fish and prepare stalls for sale. We will spend the day on Lake Malawi, exploring villages and engaging in activities to learn about the area. Overnight at the magnificent Club Makokola. Bed and breakfast included.

DAY 8: LAKE MALAWI - LIWONDE NATIONAL PARK.
After breakfast, we will reach the banks of the Shire River where we will enter Liwonde National Park and organize the famous boat safari to better observe and photograph the park's wildlife: numerous elephants and crocodiles! The boats are motorized, and we will be accompanied by a guide who will maneuver the boat, along with a naturalist guide. The opportunities for spotting wildlife are unique, and often the elephants swim right in front of us as they cross the river in search of food. In the afternoon, we will have a second boat safari to increase our chances of sightings. Overnight in the heart of the park, at one of the most beautiful lodges/camps in Malawi, overlooking the Shire River. Full board included.

DAY 9: LIWONDE NATIONAL PARK.
Early morning wake-up for a 4x4 safari to optimize our chances of spotting and photographing the park's wildlife: numerous elephants and crocodiles, as well as lions, cheetahs, and black rhinos. Return to camp for lunch. In the afternoon, we will be on the motorboat, accompanied by a naturalist guide who will answer our questions. The sighting opportunities are unique, and often the elephants swim right in front of us to cross the river in search of food. Activities can be modified on-site depending on sightings and preferences. Overnight at the magnificent Mvuu Camp. Full board included.

DAY 10: LIWONDE - ZOMBA.
After the safari, to enhance our chances of sightings, we will move to Zomba where, in the afternoon, we will visit the colorful market of Malawi's first capital. Overnight at Kefi, bed and breakfast included.

DAY 11: ZOMBA - CHILEKA AIRPORT, BLANTYRE.
Return to Blantyre passing through the fertile plateaus of the Rift Valley; transfer to the airport for the international return flight.

NOTE: Current schedules are estimates based on flight plans provided by airlines. In case of changes, this itinerary may be adjusted. [Contact us for the list of lodges]

If you need further assistance or have any additional questions, feel free to ask!

ATTENDANCE FEE BASED 2 = 4,407 euro

included VAT, Tourism Levy 1%, Community levy 1%,  taxes

Based 10 partecipants = 3,195 Euro /  8 partecipants = 3, 240 Euro per person

Based 6 partecipants = 3,420Euro per person / Based 4 = 3, 780 Euro per person

PARTECIPANTS: MINIMUM 2, MAX 10

DISCOUNTS
The following discounts are available:

  • Family discounts: for youth and children under 12 years old.
  • €100 discount for travelers who have previously participated in at least one trip with AFRICA WILD TRUCK.
  • Group discounts.
  • Discounts are subject to change and are not cumulative.

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES

  • All transfers as per the itinerary, to and from the airport.
  • Road tolls.
  • All safaris, park entrance fees, and excursions as per the itinerary (5 safaris in Majete Wildlife Reserve, 4 safaris in Liwonde National Park, day trekking in Mulanje Forest Reserve).
  • All accommodations as per the itinerary.
  • Meals provided on a full-board basis where indicated.
  • Taxes: VAT (16.5%), TOURISM LEVY (1%), and government taxes (30%).
  • 1% community levy.
  • Assistance in Italian throughout the trip.

NOTE: Park fees/LCCF/levies are subject to change without notice. The exact price for this package will be recalculated at the time of booking, taking into account the choice of accommodations and any rate updates.

THE PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • International flights.
  • Visa for entry to Malawi.
  • Travel insurance policy (Europassistance/Globy or similar) covering cancellation, medical, and baggage.
  • Extra and recommended activities.
  • Dinner in Zomba and lunch and dinner at Lake Malawi (approximately €15 per meal).
  • Single supplement = €660.
  • Beverages.
  • Tips.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Anything not expressly indicated in "The package includes".

Contact info@africawildtruck.com to book or to ask informations.

 

HEALTH

No obligation to vaccination. We recommend these vaccines:

  • tetanus
  • typhoid fever
  • hepatitis A and B

Concerning malaria, disease transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito, its prevention is accomplished, first of all, with a mechanic prevention i.e. avoiding getting stung, following these rules:

  • sleeping under mosquito tents
  • using insecticide to get rid of possible mosquitos
  • after sunset, when mosquitos are more active, avoiding leaving parts of the body uncovered, wearing light-coloured long trousers and long-sleeve shirts, because dark colours attract mosquitos and spraying parts of the body uncovered with Autan Extreme

For the use of any possible antimalarial drugs we suggest that you consult your Public Health Service; health norms change very rapidly.

TRAVEL MEDICAL KIT

We suggest that you take with you a small supply of these medicines:

  • analgesics/fever reducers: acetylsalicylic acid and nimesulide
  • antibiotics like ciproxin or amoxicillin or clavulanic acid
  • antimalarials: anyway carry with you 2 packs of Lariam for emergency cases
  • antidiarrheals: loperamide or kaolin in case of symptoms (to use only if really necessary!)
  • rehydration salts: in case of fluid leaks
  • against car or air sickness: a pack of pills or chewing-gums
  • antihistamines: in case of allergic reactions
  • scissors, tweezers and thermometer
  • suntan cream
  • insecticides (like Autan Extreme)

Required documents and Visa

It is necessary to have a passport valid for at least 6 months after departure date with at least two free pages; for the entry in Malawi the Visa is obtainable under 50 Usd payment for most nationalities. Write us for more informations

CLOTHING

  • comfortable trekking - walking shoes
  • technical sandals
  • easy to dry slippers for the shower
  • windbreaker
  • k-way
  • sweatshirt/pile
  • cotton/linen long trousers
  • cotton/linen long sleeve shirts
  • cotton T-shirts
  • bathing suit
  • panty
  • belly pack for passport
  • sunglasses
  • cap

OTHER

  • towel
  • binoculars
  • head torch-light
  • water bottle
  • camera/videocamera/spare batteries!!
  • passport photocopy and 2 passport photos
  • any other mountain trekking that you might need

 

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