Malawi - 8-day Classic Highlights of Malawi - Tailored Driven

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Malawi – 8-day Classic Bush & Beach Experience – Private accommodated

8 days / 7 nights
Thyolo • Liwonde National Park • Lake Malawi

Country

Malawi

Duration

8 days

Highlights

Thyolo

Liwonde National Park

Lake Malawi

Rated 4.9/5

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Malawi – 8-day Classic Bush & Beach Experience – Private accommodated

From $4,740
Lake Malawi
Mvuu Lodge
Mvuu Lodge
Liwonde National Park
Thyolo
Liwonde National Park

Includes

Private 4x4 safari vehicle and fuel
Boat transfers
English-speaking driver guide
7 nights' accommodation on meal basis as mentioned
Laundry facilities at Huntingdon House
All activities mentioned
Park fees

Excludes

Flights
Meals and drinks not mentioned
Optional activities
Entry visa
Gratuities - we recommend US$ 10 per person/day per guide and for lodge staff
Travel insurance
Increase in government tax and park fees

Itinerary

Thyolo, Malawi

Located between Blantyre and Mount Mulanje in what is arguably the most beautiful region of Malawi, the town of Thyolo serves as the administrative capital of the Thyolo District. The area is best known for its historical tea and coffee estates, some of which date back as far as the early 1900s. With its tidy landscape of undulating hills and immaculately kept tea and coffee estates, the Thyolo area is a pleasure to explore whether by bike, vehicle, or on foot. Magnificent views of Mount Mulanje and the Shire River Valley in the distance are a highlight of the region, as are the excellent opportunities for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. Some of the estates also offer guided tours where one can explore the farm, learn how the plantations work, and enjoy tea or coffee tastings.
Thyolo
Thyolo
Thyolo
Thyolo
Thyolo
Thyolo
  • Huntingdon House

    Day 1 - 3

    Nestled amidst lush greenery on the Satemwa Tea Estate, Huntingdon House offers accommodation located in Thyolo, Malawi. The hotel features five luxury, individually decorated suites with private bathrooms. A bungalow is available as well. Guests can conveniently enjoy meals and afternoon tea on-site. Activities include tea tasting, mountain biking, coffee tours, hiking and birding.
    Huntingdon House
    Huntingdon House
    Huntingdon House

Day 1

Day Notes:

Arrive at Chileka International Airport and transfer through the scenic Shire Highlands to Huntingdon House, an elegant manor set among rolling tea estates. After check-in join your first shared afternoon activity (time permitting).

 

  • Meet & Greet

  • Transfer from Chileka International Airport [BLZ] to Huntingdon House

  • Check-in to Huntingdon House

  • Shared afternoon activity (time permitting)

Day 2

Day Notes:

Included activities from Huntingdon House:

  • Tea tasting & factory tour
  • Tea & coffee walk
  • Mountain biking
  • Bird walk

  • Shared morning and afternoon activities

Liwonde National Park, Malawi

Liwonde National Park is situated at the southern tip of Lake Malombe in southern Malawi. Although Liwonde is a smaller park, it is arguably the most popular of all the game parks in the country. Malawi’s main river, the Shire, forms its western boundary and is the reserve’s lifeblood. Boasting plenty of animals including hippos, kudu, elephants, crocodiles and elephants, and even black rhino, the park has become one of Malawi's premier wildlife-viewing destinations. The birding opportunities here are excellent and a favourite sighting among birdwatchers is the Pel’s fishing owl. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of activities including canoeing, sublime boating safaris, and excellently positioned camping spots. The area is also incredibly photogenic, with its lush Borassus palms, Impala lilies, and abundant wildflowers blooming after the rains.
Liwonde National Park
Liwonde National Park
Liwonde National Park
Liwonde National Park
Liwonde National Park
Liwonde National Park
+5
  • Mvuu Lodge

    Day 3 - 6

    Mvuu Lodge overlooks a tranquil lagoon just off the Shire River with the main lounge area set high above the water in an area of captivating variety and beauty. It has an extensive wildlife library and telescope to make the most of the exceptional bird and other life that moves around the river. Mvuu means “hippo” in Tonga and the name epitomises the large numbers of pods of these water-loving mammals that float in the river. In this lush and fertile area, an excellent diversity of animals can be seen.
    Mvuu Lodge
    Mvuu Lodge
    Mvuu Lodge
    Mvuu Lodge
    Mvuu Lodge
    Mvuu Lodge
    +2

Day 3

Day Notes:

Before leaving Huntingdon House, join in on your last shared morning activity before starting your journey from the cool highlands to the warmer Shire Valley, arriving at Mvuu Lodge on the banks of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park. After settling into Mvuu Lodge join in on your shared afternoon activity.

 

  • Shared morning activity (time permitting)

  • Check-out from Huntingdon House

  • Transfer from Huntingdon House to Mvuu Lodge

  • Check-in to Mvuu Lodge

  • Shared afternoon activity (time permitting)

Day 4 - 5

Day Notes:

Included activities from Mvuu Lodge:

  • One game drive per day
  • One boat safari per day

  • Shared morning and afternoon activities

Lake Malawi, Malawi

Lake Malawi is the crowning jewel of this beautiful country. It is one of the largest, longest and deepest freshwater lakes in the world. Numerous fishing villages are scattered along its length but there are still vast stretches of uninhabited golden beaches. Known as ‘The Lake of Stars’, the natural beauty of Lake Malawi draws travellers from around the globe. It has more species of fish than any other freshwater lake in the world, boasting over 600 species of fish in the Lake Malawi National Park alone. The 590 kilometre long and 85 kilometre wide Lake is the third-largest lake in Africa, occupying one-fifth of Malawi’s total area. With a depth of 700 metres, it is incredibly deep with its lowest point reaching more than 200 metres below sea level. Visitors can look forward to spotting a myriad of wildlife in and around the lake including, hippos, crocodiles, fish eagles, and over 1000 species of brightly-coloured endemic cichlid fish.
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi
+5
  • The Makokola Retreat

    Day 6 - 8

    Welcome to The Makokola Retreat. Brilliantly green gardens reveal spacious beach villas perched along the Southern lake shores. The retreat provides gracious service in an unmatched experience in Malawi. This showpiece property captures the essence of African design, culture and tradition.
    The Makokola Retreat
    The Makokola Retreat
    The Makokola Retreat
    The Makokola Retreat
    The Makokola Retreat
    The Makokola Retreat

Day 6

Day Notes:

Start your morning with a shared activity before travelling by road from Liwonde National Park to the shores of Lake Malawi, arriving at The Makokola Retreat, a beachfront resort set along the lake’s clear, tranquil waters. The rest of the day is at your own leisure.

 

  • Shared morning activity (time permitting)

  • Check-out from Mvuu Lodge

  • Transfer from Mvuu Lodge to The Makokola Retreat

  • Check-in to The Makokola Retreat

Day 7

Day Notes:

Included activities from The Makokola Retreat :

  • Snorkelling
  • Sailing
  • Kayaks

  • Day at leisure

Day 8

  • Check-out from The Makokola Retreat

  • Transfer from The Makokola Retreat to Lilongwe International Airport [LLW]

End of Itinerary

Destinations

Thyolo
Malawi
Day 1-2

Thyolo

Located between Blantyre and Mount Mulanje in what is arguably the most beautiful region of Malawi, the town of Thyolo serves as the administrative capital of the Thyolo District.
Liwonde National Park
Malawi
Day 3-4

Liwonde National Park

Liwonde National Park is situated at the southern tip of Lake Malombe in southern Malawi.
Lake Malawi
Malawi
Day 6-7

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is the crowning jewel of this beautiful country.

Accommodations

Huntingdon House
Thyolo
Day 1-3

Huntingdon House

Nestled amidst lush greenery on the Satemwa Tea Estate, Huntingdon House offers accommodation located in Thyolo, Malawi.
Mvuu Lodge
Liwonde National Park
Day 3-6

Mvuu Lodge

Mvuu Lodge overlooks a tranquil lagoon just off the Shire River with the main lounge area set high above the water in an area of captivating variety and beauty.
The Makokola Retreat
Lake Malawi
Day 6-8

The Makokola Retreat

Welcome to The Makokola Retreat.

1 January - 31 December 2026

  • Per person sharing: USD 4,740
  • Single traveller: USD 5,565

  • Supplement per person sharing for Blue Zebra Island: US$ 80

  • Supplement Single traveller for Blue Zebra Island: US$ 745

Malawi – 3-day Majete Safari at Thawale Lodge

Great experience. Everything went exactly as planned. Amazing service and a competitive price.
This is a special place. Amazing helpful staff, stunning location, great food.

Rob Butchart
Amazing Experience! Thank you!