Inspiration Itinerary

Warm Heart

Malawi's safari, sand and smiles

Africa's Warm Heart

Malawi is a landlocked country, running down the end of the Great Rift Valley. Dominated by Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, the surrounding country is exceptionally beautiful with dramatic scenery that includes rocky outcrops, high mountains, plateaus, and views across what is considered to be Africa’s most beautiful lake.

This example itinerary first takes in Majete National Park which is made up of mature miombo woodlands and granite topped hills which teem with wildlife. As the only official Big 5 Game Park in Malawi it is a real conservation success story, now home to impressive populations of iconic African species. From here you will travel to Liwonde National Park where the Shire River’s beautiful floodplains attract great herds of elephants and boating safaris offer a fabulously serene game viewing experience. Finally, spend a couple of days on the shores of Lake Malawi where clear blue waters and sandy beaches provide the perfect destination for some well-earned R&R.

Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” and as people, the Malawians live up to this name – they are extremely friendly and welcoming. As you travel through the populated regions between national parks there are many market scenes, roadside stalls and cottage industries to comfortably wander and enjoy.

This itinerary takes in the very best of Malawi with its impressive wildlife conservation efforts, beautiful beaches, and wonderfully warm welcome.

9 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

DAYS 1-3 | MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE | 3 NIGHTS

On arrival, drive approximately 2.5 hours through colourful local scenes of villages, agriculture, and bush to Majete Wildlife Reserve – Malawi’s only Big 5 Reserve. Stay at the luxurious Mkulumadzi Lodge, located on the confluence of the Shire and Mkulumadzi River. Activities include game-drives, boating safaris, bush walks, hiking Majete Hill, black rhino tracking, cultural tours, birding trips on the Shire River and game-viewing from a hide.

DAYS 4-5 | LIWONDE NATIONAL PARK | 2 NIGHTS

Transfer to Liwonde National Park and Kuthengo Camp by road. The park offers scenic game viewing, beautiful riverine surroundings and varied bird watching. A great deal of the terrain is Shire River floodplains, much loved by the park’s healthy population of elephants. They are best viewed during a boat safari.

DAYS 6-8 | LAKE MALAWI | 3 NIGHTS

Drive north (around 2.5 hours) to reach the Nankumba Peninsula of Lake Malawi. This is recognised as one of the most beautiful shores of the Lake and borders Lake Malawi National Park. The remote beach setting is ideal for those who simply want to soak up the sun and swim in the clear blue waters of the lake while those seeking activity will enjoy snorkelling, fishing, sailing, and kayaking. Wander a couple of kilometres around the water to visit small lakeside communities who are relaxed and welcoming. Sunset dhow cruises and stargazing by telescope are a fabulous way to end the day.

DAY 9 | END OF SAFARI

Transfer by road to the airport to continue with your onward arrangements or begin your journey home.

ACCOMMODATION

A handpicked selection

Mkulumadzi – Majete Wildlife Reserve

Accessed by a swinging rope bridge, Mkulumadzi boasts a wild location on the banks of the Shire River in Majete Wildlife reserve. Game drives regularly produce sightings of black rhino, leopard, lion and elephant. Largely undiscovered by tourists, every trip into the bush feels like an adventure. Read More

Kuthengo Camp – Liwonde National Park

Kuthengo Camp overlooks a floodplain of the Shire River, in a remote area of the unspoiled Liwonde National Park frequented by large herds of elephants. With just four widely spaced tents it so private and quiet that it’s likely you won’t see another soul and it will feel as though you have the whole park to yourself. Read More

Pumulani – southern shores of Lake Malawi

Pumulani is situated at the south end of Lake Malawi, set high above the lake with magnificent views. The beauty of this lake is indescribable. The sparkling turquoise and deep blue colours shimmering over the water, the clear blue skies and the panoramic vistas truly make you feel like you are in paradise. Read More

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NEED TO KNOW

9 days

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only.

All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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