Day 1: Arrive Blantyre; transfer to Liwonde National Park
You will be met on arrival into Blantyre and transferred to Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park (approx. 2.5 hours’ drive), where you stay three nights (full-board including game-viewing activities).
Kuthengo Camp
Located along the Shire River, Kuthengo Camp offers only four tented rooms. Each tent is spacious, with a large double bed positioned so as to make the most of the view from the front of the tent, and en suite facilities including an outdoor shower. The tents all open onto a wooden deck with wicker chairs, from where you can enjoy a view of the river.The camp is eco-friendly, with most of its energy solar-derived. Tents have a smart eco-friendly air-conditioning system that cools only within the mosquito net, rather than the whole room.
In the main area there is a communal dining tent, boma for evening sundowners, and a cosy bar with comfortable sofas – the perfect place to relax after a day on safari!
Day 2-3: Liwonde National Park
The next two days are free for you to explore Liwonde National Park on a mixture of walking, driven and water-based safari activities.
Liwonde is Malawi’s most popular and wildlife-rich safari park. The park has been part of an important relocation conservation project with predators – including hyena, cheetah and lion – being gradually reintroduced into the region over the past decade. Wildlife thrives here, and in addition to the newly introduced predators, are large quantities of plains game including waterbuck, bushbuck, impala, greater kudu, sable antelope and zebra. There are also healthy populations of elephant and hippo, which are often seen around the river’s edge, as well as a rich birdlife, including African fish eagle, weavers, bee-eaters, and Pel’s fishing owl, to name but a few highlights.
During your stay at Kuthengo Camp you will have two safari activities per day, which may include game drives in an open-top vehicle; walking safaris in the company of an experienced ranger; and seasonal boat safaris along the Shire River to see pods of hippos and crocodiles basking in the water, while colourful bee-eaters and kingfisher flit between the reeds.
Day 4-7: Lake Malawi
Depart Liwonde and transfer two hours to Makokola Retreat, located on the southern shores of Lake Malawi.
The next four days are free for you to do as much or as little as you wish! Makokola offers a number of activities, including snorkelling and kayaking in the lake to see the Malawian cichlids; guided visits to Cape Maclear or Mua Mission; or you can just choose to relax and take advantage of the lodge facilities, which include a spa and golf course.
Makokola Retreat
Makokola Retreat is an upmarket beach resort situated on the southern shore of Lake Malawi, within the boundaries of the national park. It enjoys access to one of the longest and loveliest beaches on the lake shore.Guests at Makokola are housed in spacious bandas, with thick wooden beams and thatched roofs. The interiors are generously furnished with Malawian crafts and vibrant fabrics, adding a touch of local colour.
You will be staying in a Lake Villa, situated right on the lakeside with wonderful views from its private verandah. Each of the Lake Villas incorporates a comfortable seating area with tea and coffee-making facilities, a spacious double bedroom with wide windows so as to allow in lots of light, and an en-suite bathroom with separate shower and bath.
Day 8: Depart Malawi
This morning you will be transferred to Makokola’s airstrip for your short flight back to Lilongwe Airport, where you connect with your onward flight.
Liwonde and Lake Malawi (Beach and Safari)
Combine bush and beach on this 7-night overview of Malawi.
Liwonde and Lake Malawi (Beach and Safari)
This 8-day itinerary is an ideal combination of safari and beach, comprising 3 nights in a traditional bush camp in Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s premier wilderness regions, followed by 4 nights’ relaxation on the shores of Lake Malawi.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
Price is per person and based on two travellers in shared double/twin accommodation and travel in low season (Nov-May, excluding Christmas). For family rates, please see itinerary PDF (via "download itinerary" button).
Pricing
8 days from £2240pp
Namibia Safari
Dear Clare, Belated but nevertheless heartfelt thanks for your part in organising a truly outstanding holiday.