Our shorter tour of Malawi still gives a great insight into this fascinating country and can be combined with time in South Africa should you wish. It takes you to some of the country's most famous and beautiful attractions, including Lake Malawi, the largest freshwater lake in the world.

As the best kept secret in Africa, Malawi is a country of unbridled beauty, majestic landscapes and stunning wildlife. From its undulating mountains, high plateaus, vast tracks of forests, grasslands and plantations to its expansive lake, Malawi holds its own unique diversity.

Traditionally a relatively forgotten travel destination, Malawi is now emerging in terms of travel and tourism. Remaining largely undiscovered and a hidden gem untouched by mass tourism, it offers a true Garden of Eden feel, a sensation that you are looking back to how explorers saw it centuries ago, see Africa as it used to be.

This is a private tour (minimum 2). It can depart on any day you wish (subject to availability).

Please let us know your preferred dates and we will forward a full tailored itinerary with confirmed quotation to you by e-mail and/or post.

Day 1
Depart the UK.

Day 2
Arrive in Lilongwe and travel to Ntchisi Forest Reserve, an hour from the capital. Enjoy an evening sundowner drink on arrival high on the Reserve. Overnight at the Ntchisi Forest Lodge.

Ntchisi Forest Reserve covers approx. 75 km2 and is surrounded on all sides by rolling hills covered by subsistence farming and dotted with traditional villages. It is an untouched paradise, entirely undiscovered by mass tourism. Bird life is prolific and this is an excellent destination for the professional or amateur bird watcher due to the variety of habitats. Some mammals, butterflies, and strange and unknown plants and orchids are also plentiful.

Day 3
Spend the day hiking in Malawi’s only rainforest and visit hilltop communities, experiencing first hand Africa’s unique cultural way of life. Overnight at the Ntchisi Forest Lodge.

Day 4
Travel to Liwonde National Park for a two day safari on the banks of the Shire River. Overnight at Mvuu Lodge.

Liwonde is perhaps Malawi's most popular, as well one of the smallest game parks at only 580 sq km. Providing stunning game viewing attracted through the large River Shire flowing along its western border, Liwonde is home to large numbers of elephants as well as countless hippos and crocodiles. Lions, leopards and more recently, the black rhino are all evident as well as a healthy antelope population, including kudu, sable, impala, bushbuck, duiker and oribi.

Day 5
Spend the day on morning and afternoon game drives and River Safaris along the banks of the Shire River. Overnight at Mvuu Lodge.

Day 6
Drive to the shores of Lake Malawi for two nights on the beaches and clear blue waters of the lake. Stay at the Norman Carr Cottage.

The world's first freshwater National Park and a World Heritage Site, Lake Malawi National Park offers crystal clear warm waters and sandy beaches against a stunning backdrop of high mountains. Designated to protect the diversity of tropical fish, some not found anywhere else on earth, the Park encompasses the popular Cape Maclear as well as the Lake and its Islands stretching 100 metres offshore. The Nankhumba Peninsula, the centrepiece of a miniature archipelago of twelve islands, offers spectacular scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities while on land the park is home to an extraordinary concentration of species of bird, plant and animal including baboons, antelope and hyrax as well as fish eagles, cormorants and hammerkops.

Day 7
Spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming, snorkelling and cruising along the shores of the lake by boat. Stay at the Norman Carr Cottage.

Day 8
Return to Lilongwe, spending the afternoon at Kumbali Cultural village, immersing yourself in local cultures and traditions, before a final dinner at the lodge. Overnight at the Kumbali Country Lodge.

Day 9
Transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight.

Day 10
Arrive UK.